Trust isn’t just personal. It’s structural. And the media, God bless it, hasn’t helped.

It’s easier to build an audience when the lines are sharp. When “they” are always wrong and “we” are always right. That’s how you grow a flock. Not by telling the full truth, but by spotlighting the half that flatters your side.

But the real truth? Most of us aren’t that cleanly divided. Even the reddest red or bluest blue has shades of purple. We just don’t say it out loud because the tribe might turn on us.

And that silence adds up. It erodes trust. Not just in institutions, but in each other. You start to wonder if the person across the table is being honest or just playing a role.

The worst part is, we’ve gotten used to it. As if mistrust is the price of being informed.

But what happens when nobody believes anyone, even the ones telling the story?

So here’s my question:

Is the media reflecting the trust gap, or making it wider?

Let me know in the comments and check out more at jamesbrowntv.substack.com.

On that note, I’m James Brown, and as always, be well.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says bans from the sport should end at death. That means Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson could be in the Hall of Fame. And I think they should be. Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa too.

Their absence creates a false version of history.

Rose bet on games. Jackson was part of the Black Sox scandal. Bonds, McGwire and Sosa used performance-enhancing drugs. No doubt. But they also hit milestones that shaped the sport. They filled stadiums. They made headlines. And in the case of Bonds and McGwire, they helped save baseball after the 1994 strike.

Subscribe now

None of these men are perfect. But they were giants. And their stories are inseparable from the game itself.

Leaving them out is like vacating titles in college sports. It lets institutions pretend something we all witnessed didn’t happen.

Jordan Peterson says, "Tell the truth, or at least don't lie." That is the standard we should hold the Hall to.

Put their flaws on the plaque. Add context. But don't erase the story.

What do you think? Should the Hall of Fame reflect what really happened?

Let me know in the comments and check out more at jamesbrowntv.substack.com.

On that note, I’m James Brown, and as always, be well.

The salient point of the discussion revolves around the profound impact that the film "Road to Perdition" has had on the speaker, James Brown, who articulates a deep-seated obsession with its thematic complexity and emotional resonance. He posits that this cinematic work transcends mere entertainment, offering a poignant exploration of the human condition, particularly in its unflinching portrayal of moral ambiguity and the absence of redemptive narratives. Brown reflects on how the film's somber atmosphere, characterized by its melancholic silences and the weight of its character-driven story, has profoundly influenced his understanding of personal identity and familial relationships. The speaker emphasizes a critical introspection regarding the nature of one's life journey, suggesting that rather than striving for lofty aspirations, individuals might find significance in enduring and surviving the narratives they inhabit. Ultimately, the episode invites listeners to consider the films that have left an indelible mark on their own lives, fostering a dialogue on the intersection of cinema and personal reflection.

The discourse presented therein delves profoundly into the cinematic experience elicited by the film "Road to Perdition," as articulated by the speaker, who identifies with the film's intricate narrative and emotional depth. The speaker recounts a personal journey, underscoring how this particular film resonated with them on an existential level, transcending mere entertainment to evoke contemplation about redemption, familial bonds, and the weight of one's choices. Central to this exploration is the speaker's intense obsession with the film during their collegiate years, leading them to engage with it as if it were a sacred text rather than a mere cinematic offering. This perspective invokes a critical examination of the film's thematic material, notably its portrayal of a morally complex protagonist, played by Tom Hanks, who navigates the treacherous waters of paternal duty amid a life steeped in violence and regret.

Furthermore, the speaker reflects on the poignant irony inherent in the film’s narrative; it addresses the stark reality that the pursuit of redemption is not always attainable. The speaker articulates a profound insight into the philosophical underpinnings of the narrative, suggesting that the essence of one's existence may not lie in the grandiose aspirations often espoused by societal norms, but rather in the struggle for survival within the confines of one's predetermined narrative. This nuanced understanding of the film's core message elevates the conversation beyond superficial interpretations, inviting listeners to engage with the film as a mirror reflecting their own life choices and familial connections.

Ultimately, the speaker leaves the audience with a contemplative query regarding their own cinematic experiences that have similarly impacted their lives. This introspective invitation serves as a catalyst for further discussion, encouraging viewers to reflect on the deeper implications of their personal narratives and the films that have shaped their understanding of existence, morality, and the intricate tapestry of human relationships.

Takeaways:

• The film 'Road to Perdition' transcends mere entertainment, offering profound meditations on familial bonds and moral ambiguity.
• James Brown articulates a compelling argument regarding the significance of films that resonate on a deeply personal level.
• The cinematic experience of 'Road to Perdition' is marked by its somber tones, serving as a commentary on the nature of redemption and existential survival.
• Brown's reflections suggest that true narratives often lie not in grand aspirations but in the struggle to navigate one's own reality, invoking a sense of shared humanity.
• In his discourse, he emphasizes the weight of personal connection to film, positing...