Peep Show: A Realistic Depiction of Everyday Evil

2025-07-21
Peep Show: A Realistic Depiction of Everyday Evil

The British TV series Peep Show, running from 2003 to 2015, offers a unique perspective on evil through its protagonists, Mark and Jez. They are not villains, but rather reflections of the self-loathing, cowardice, and escapism residing within each of us. The show's first-person perspective and inner monologues immerse the viewer in their experiences, revealing the motivations behind their actions and how their insecurities translate into self-destructive and harmful behaviors. The 'banality of evil' depicted isn't driven by malice, but rather by weakness, evasion, and selfishness – a truly terrifying combination.

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Tunisia: From Roman Ruins to Post-Arab Spring Chaos

2025-05-30
Tunisia: From Roman Ruins to Post-Arab Spring Chaos

The author spent almost three weeks exploring Tunisia, from bustling cities to remote deserts, experiencing its stunning landscapes and historical sites. However, it was Tunisia's turbulent politics that captivated him most: a country that transitioned from a fledgling democracy to a quasi-dictatorship, with President Kais Saied's rise seemingly accidental. The article details Tunisia's complex history from independence to Saied's rule, including Bourguiba's secular reforms and authoritarianism, Ben Ali's economic development and dictatorship, and the post-Arab Spring political turmoil culminating in Saied's power grab. Saied's unique governing style, marked by economic policies that led to inflation and shortages, has fueled public discontent. The article offers a nuanced perspective, rich in detail, painting a portrait of a contradictory yet captivating Tunisia.

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How 168 Spanish Soldiers Conquered a Million-Strong Inca Empire

2025-03-29
How 168 Spanish Soldiers Conquered a Million-Strong Inca Empire

This article recounts the incredible story of 168 Spanish soldiers conquering the Inca Empire, a civilization boasting millions of inhabitants. The author delves into Pizarro's conquest, examining his background, Spanish military technology (cavalry, iron weaponry, firearms), tactical superiority, and fortuitous circumstances like the Inca civil war and smallpox epidemic. A comparison with Cortes's conquest of the Aztecs is drawn, highlighting leadership, diplomacy, and brutality. Ultimately, the article argues that the Spanish success stemmed not only from technological and tactical advantages but also from the exceptional decision-making and strategic acumen of Pizarro and other conquistadors.

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