The Climate Change Activists Who Are Vandalizing Famous Paintings

Summary

In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the discussion revolves around the absurdity of climate activists using extreme measures such as gluing themselves to art pieces and the inefficacy of recycling. Joe highlights the irony of wealthy oil descendants funding such protests and suggests more productive ways to address environmental concerns, like organizing beach clean-ups. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of climate activism and the need for real solutions rather than symbolic gestures.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The script discusses the transcendent nature of music and the arts, highlighting the act of climate protesters gluing themselves to classic art pieces.
• 🧑‍🎨 It mentions an incident where a protester glued themselves to the painting 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', suggesting a need for stronger measures to protect artworks.
• 💸 The conversation touches on the irony of a Getty descendant possibly funding climate activists, reflecting the complexities of wealth and activism.
• 🔒 The script humorously suggests the actions of protesters are futile, likening them to the futile acts of seagulls and pelicans on the beach.
• 🚗 It criticizes the Porsche Museum incident, where protesters glued themselves to the floor, and the staff's non-confrontational response by turning off the lights and heat.
• 🌐 The dialogue reflects on the broader impact of social media and the 'TikTok generation', suggesting that the protesters' actions are a symptom of a larger societal issue.
• 🌳 The speaker advocates for more productive activism, like organizing beach clean-ups, rather than attention-seeking stunts.
• 🏛 The script highlights the institutionalization of climate activism, with policies being influenced by high-profile activists like Greta Thunberg.
• 🔋 It raises concerns about the environmental impact of technology, such as the sourcing of materials for phones and electric vehicle batteries.
• 🔄 The discussion delves into the inefficiency of recycling, revealing that only a small percentage of plastics are actually recycled despite efforts.
• 🔄 Lastly, the script concludes with a call for innovation in recycling and a recognition of the trade-offs involved in seeking environmental solutions.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the transcript?

The main topic of discussion is the actions of climate activists, particularly those who glue themselves to art pieces and the impact of such actions on society and the environment.

What did the climate protester do at the Porsche Museum?

The climate protester glued themselves to the floor of the Porsche Museum, leading to the staff turning off the heat and lights instead of calling the police.

What is the Joe Rogan Experience's opinion on the effectiveness of the climate activists' methods?

The Joe Rogan Experience suggests that the methods used by the climate activists are not productive and that they should consider doing something more constructive like cleaning up beaches.

What is the connection mentioned between the Getty family and climate activism?

The transcript mentions a rumor that one of the grandchildren of the Getty family, known for their oil fortune, is funding climate activists who target artworks and museums.

How does the transcript describe the girl with the Pearl Earring incident?

A climate protester glued their head to the frame of the painting 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', which is a classic art piece.

What is the view on the current state of recycling as discussed in the transcript?

The transcript suggests that recycling, particularly of plastics, is largely ineffective, with only about 5% of plastic actually being recycled.

What is the Pacific Garbage Patch project mentioned in the transcript?

The project involves scooping up waste from the Pacific Garbage Patch and converting it into plastic for items like eyeglasses frames, making it a financially viable recycling initiative.

What is the transcript's stance on the environmental impact of technology?

The transcript points out the irony of using technology, which may have been produced through environmentally harmful practices, to advocate for environmental issues.

What does the transcript suggest as a more meaningful action for climate activists?

The transcript suggests organizing international beach clean-up days and posting about the collected garbage on social media as a more meaningful action.

What is the transcript's view on the institutionalization of climate activism?

The transcript acknowledges that climate activism has been institutionalized, with policies being written in Europe partly due to the influence of activists like Greta Thunberg.

What is the mention of Thomas Sowell's quote in the context of the transcript?

The quote by Thomas Sowell about there being no solutions, only trade-offs, is used to suggest that evaluating the environmental impact of actions should consider the associated trade-offs.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Art and Climate Activism Controversy

This paragraph discusses the recent incidents of climate activists using art as a platform for protest, such as gluing themselves to famous paintings like 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'. It touches on the irony of one of the Getty grandchildren potentially funding these activities, as well as the broader conversation about the effectiveness and attention-seeking nature of such protests. The speaker suggests more productive ways to address climate issues, like organizing beach clean-ups, and criticizes the institutionalization of these protests, hinting at their influence on policy.

05:03

🚗 Environmental Impact of Technology and Recycling

The second paragraph delves into the environmental impact of technology, particularly focusing on the sourcing of materials like cobalt for electronic devices and electric vehicle batteries, which are often linked to unethical labor practices. It also addresses the issue of technological waste and the need for innovation in recycling. The discussion highlights the low percentage of plastics that are actually recycled and the challenges of making recycling financially viable. The speaker shares personal steps taken to reduce environmental impact, such as using a water filter instead of plastic bottles, and reflects on the concept of trade-offs in seeking environmental solutions.

Keywords

💡Transcendent

In the context of the video, 'transcendent' refers to something that goes beyond ordinary limits and surpasses human experience, particularly in relation to art and music. The speaker expresses a profound admiration for music, suggesting that it reaches a level of spiritual or emotional depth that other forms of art do not.

💡Climate Protesters

Climate protesters in the video are depicted as individuals who engage in extreme acts, such as gluing themselves to art pieces, to draw attention to environmental issues. The discussion highlights the irony and controversy surrounding their methods and funding, particularly from wealthy families like the Gettys who made their fortunes from oil.

💡Girl with a Pearl Earring

This is a famous painting by Johannes Vermeer, which was the target of a climate protester who glued his head to it. The incident is used to illustrate the lengths to which activists are willing to go to make a statement and the public's mixed reactions to such actions.

💡Cobalt Mining

Cobalt mining is mentioned as a significant and horrific issue, involving child labor and poor working conditions. It is used in the context of discussing the ethical implications of modern technology, as cobalt is a critical component in electronics and electric vehicle batteries.

💡Plastic Recycling

The video discusses the inefficiencies and failures of plastic recycling, with only a small percentage of plastic actually being recycled. This conversation highlights broader environmental challenges and the complexities of sustainable practices.

💡TikTok Generation

The 'TikTok Generation' is referenced to describe young people who use social media platforms like TikTok to gain attention, often with minimal effort. This term is used to critique modern activism and the perceived superficiality of actions taken by young climate protesters.

💡Pronouns

Pronouns are discussed in the context of an interview with climate protesters who use non-traditional pronouns like 'she/he/they'. This part of the conversation addresses the complexities and confusions surrounding gender identity and the usage of multiple pronouns.

💡Institutionalized Activism

This term refers to how certain activist movements and ideas become embedded in formal policies and corporate practices. The video discusses how climate activism has influenced real-life regulations and institutional decisions, moving beyond just grassroots efforts.

💡Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are mentioned in the discussion about sustainable practices and environmental trade-offs. The speaker reflects on the irony that, while EVs reduce emissions, their production and the sourcing of materials like cobalt have significant ethical and environmental impacts.

💡Trade-offs

The concept of trade-offs is introduced as a realistic approach to evaluating environmental and ethical issues. The video suggests that all solutions come with their own set of compromises, and understanding these trade-offs is crucial for making informed decisions about sustainability and activism.

Highlights

Discussion on the transcendent nature of music and its place among all the arts.

Commentary on the recent act of gluing oneself to classic art pieces as a form of protest.

Humor about the irony of climate protesters being funded by a descendant of the Getty oil family.

Anecdote about a protester gluing their head to the painting 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'.

Suggestion to take more productive environmental actions like beach clean-ups.

Critique of the attention-seeking behavior of climate activists and its impact on policy.

Reflection on the institutionalization of climate activism and its influence on corporate and policy decisions.

Concerns about the environmental impact of electronic waste and the need for innovation in recycling.

Discussion on the ethical dilemma of using products made by exploitation while advocating for justice.

The reality of recycling rates being much lower than commonly believed.

Project converting plastic from the Pacific Garbage Patch into usable materials.

Personal changes made to reduce environmental impact, such as using a water filter and steel cups.

The complexity of environmental issues, illustrated by the trade-offs in using electric cars and their battery production.

The concept that there are no perfect solutions, only trade-offs, in addressing environmental challenges.

Anecdotal evidence of seagulls' aggressive behavior and their impact on the beach environment.

The predatory nature of pelicans and their role in the coastal ecosystem.

Transcripts

The Joe Rogan Experience I think music

is so Transcendent it is it's my of all

the Arts I love all of the Arts and F

all of these kids who are gluing

themselves to freaking classic art

pieces yeah well the Gloom that sells

the wall and throwing soup on the

plastic someone glued themselves to the

actual painting the other day the girl

with the Pearl Earring yeah

where was this

um where where is that painting I just

was reading about it on the way they

should start hacking arms off that would

stop that I was like get bow all of them

just put a tourniquet around their

forearm uh climate protester glues his

head to girl with a pearl earrings

that's right okay oh my God I mean he

glued his head to the painter and I'm

not sure if this is true so maybe fact

check me on this Jamie but I also heard

that somebody who's funding all of these

is one of the grandchildren of the

Gettys which makes it even more

hilarious if this is true well who knows

what how much funding is involved and

crazy glue that's an oil family

yeah but I'm saying it's crazy no I know

but how much funding isn't it but

they're they're climate activists all

these people so it's just a it's a Getty

oil Fortune air has helped fund climate

activists who have targeted artworks and

museums hell it's hilarious to me you

are rich because

of oil

she looks like the person had fun that

she looks angry

maybe she's angry to be born to like

into some biohazard tattoo on her left

arm oh Christ it does say biohazard oh

my God

there's just something you see what they

did at the Porsche Museum where they

were like mad that they didn't get

Buckets to poop in no they glued

themselves to the floor so unfortunate

people just shut the lights off and left

the place [ __ ] off

I thought one of the guys was mad maybe

this was another place they couldn't go

to the bathroom yeah they wanted

somewhere to go to the bathroom look at

that glue themselves to Porsche Museum

but need to go potty staff simply left

turning off heat and lights rather than

calling the police good for you good for

you Porsha it's so [ __ ] dumb it's

like we we keep starting the

conversation like the conversation's

already happening we shouldn't even be

giving them attention honestly no it's

it's a symbol of this Tick-Tock

generation yeah it's a symptom of all

this nonsense that you're seeing

constantly online these people they're

trying to get attention with the least

amount of work possible yeah I might go

clean up a beach yeah yeah do something

productive if you care about the climate

I'm always screaming about this like get

a bunch of organize an international

clean up the beach day take pictures of

all the garbage that you collect yeah

all over the world post tick tocks about

it I could I can be an activist let me

add but do something yeah it would be it

would be really it would be moving to

see how much garbage is on the beach the

girls who threw the soup at the Van Gogh

they went on Patrick Bet David's podcast

and uh he he's a brilliant guy and he

asked them uh may I ask what your

pronouns are

and she said her pronouns are she he

they I I don't understand you don't have

to that's perfect it's perfect that's

nonsense I don't understand you're

you're she he and you're they so you're

plural you're masculine and you're

feminine you're you're basically a god

I

I don't get it though

20 years

old just want attention and they're so

happy they're getting attention because

they think they're fixing the World by

gluing themselves to the wall I would

agree except it's all been

institutionalized like people have to

put this in their corporate you know

emails that they're sending to you they

have to that like there's policy being

written in Europe about energy because

of Greta there's the it's not like oh

look at these crazy kids and they're

crazy ideas and it's somehow being

captured by their capturing institutions

well it's the the thing du jour right

it's the thing that people yeah it's the

thing that people are told they have to

concentrate on now

but there's still there's still policies

and stuff that are yes so it's still

having real life ramifications it's not

like we're like oh those crazy kids it

is having real love but but it also

there's over Corrections and then

there's balances right like there's a

guy that I want to talk to that is uh

covering Cobalt Mining and Cobalt mining

is horrific I know it is horrific and it

is in all of our Electronics it's like

one of the things that I've been saying

about all these people that are tweeting

about injustices on the world they're

doing it on a phone that was made by

slaves yeah like if you go down as far

as you can go to find like what's like

what's the source of the stuff that is

in the phone that makes it work it's

it's sourced by slavery all these

electric vehicle batteries too yeah I

mean what are we gonna do with all of

and all the technological waste what do

we we just like take computers and what

do you do their own computer well what

do you do with all there's a lot there's

a lot to do like I would imagine that

this is an opportunity for someone to

innovate and come up with a way to

recycle that stuff and use it in a way

but then I was reading about recycling

the other day I went down a rabbit hole

the other day because I was talking I

was uh reading about

um birds that are swallowing like bottle

caps and stuff like that okay it's a

giant issue yeah so then I went on a

rabbit hole of seagulls and what [ __ ]

seagulls are yeah and seagulls

swallowing rabbits and swallowing other

birds and so I seagulls are monsters no

they are they're [ __ ] monsters a

seagull on the beach out east swept down

and took my cousin's sandwich out of her

hand while she was eating it this is a

true story that's little they'll eat

your kid if your kid was small enough

they'd swallow your kid I mean they're

little opportunist monsters yeah you

know the worst is pelicans pelicans

swallow seagulls they swoop down they

take a whole seagull they look like

dinosaurs they are dinosaurs they are

whenever you're on the beach and you see

them flying by they look like

pterodactyls like little ones yeah

they're spooky animal also but they were

also also awesome so then I went down

this Rabbit Hole of recycling and did

you know that like it's it's somewhere

in the neighborhood at five percent of

plastic gets recycled even though you

say recycled yeah like you put it in

recyclable bin how much actually gets

recycled very very little of it one of

the first articles I ever read in the

New York Times magazine back when it was

good I was in high school and there was

a whole article about how recycling is

basically [ __ ] yeah it's basically

[ __ ] it's I mean it could work but

it doesn't work it could work if you

could get all the plastic and there was

some sort of a like financially feasible

way to gather it all up and process it

and reuse it it can be done right I mean

um there's that project that they're

doing with the Pacific Garbage Patch

where they're scooping up all that stuff

and they're converting it into plastic

that they use for items like you can buy

like eyeglasses that were made the

plastic frames and everything were made

with the Recycled called plastic so

you're crazy which is cool that they're

doing that and then they're actually

there's like a way to make it

financially viable but overall most of

the plastic single-use plastic like

bottles water bottles and stuff like

that it's not being recycled yeah we

stopped using water bottles here we we

just we have the water filter now and we

have these steel cups and I'm

contributing man I mean well I drove an

electric car I mean you know and that's

not providing you know it's not putting

out bad emissions but it's also it's

like where's the batteries coming from I

always think of Thomas Saul and his like

famous quote there are there aren't

Solutions there are trade-offs and if

you start evaluating everything from

that perspective you can I feel like get

to more helpful Solutions when you know

that you're evaluating the trade-offs