Best Of: Fighting for free press in Russia / ‘Fear and Fury’ - Fresh Air Recap

Podcast: Fresh Air

Published: 2026-02-07

Duration: 47 minutes

Guests: Julia Lochdev, Heather Ann Thompson

Summary

This episode examines the struggle for press freedom in Russia through Julia Loktev's documentary and revisits the racial tensions of 1980s America with Heather Ann Thompson's book on the Bernie Goetz subway shooting.

What Happened

Julia Loktev's documentary, 'My Undesirable Friends - Part 1: Last Air in Moscow,' offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of independent Russian journalists during the tumultuous period surrounding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Labeled as 'foreign agents' by the Kremlin, these journalists face immense challenges, including government-mandated disclaimers on their work and the requirement to declare all expenses. Loktev, who emigrated from Russia to the United States at nine, captures the interconnectedness of Russian and Western societies before the invasion and the subsequent withdrawal of Western brands from Russia. Filming primarily with an iPhone, the documentary conveys a raw and authentic perspective on the fight for press freedom and the risks involved in reporting under an authoritarian regime.

The film focuses on young journalists, predominantly women in their 20s and 30s, who have since gone into exile. Through their stories, Loktev highlights the importance of community and dark humor as coping mechanisms in resisting authoritarianism. Before the crackdown, Russia's media landscape allowed for open reporting on corruption and social issues, a stark contrast to the oppressive environment that followed.

Heather Ann Thompson's book, 'Fear and Fury,' revisits the 1984 New York City subway shooting by Bernhard Goetz, which highlighted racial tensions in America. Goetz, a white man, shot four Black teenagers, becoming a controversial figure viewed by some as a hero. Thompson examines how fear, fueled by high crime rates and economic despair in areas like the South Bronx, influenced public perception and policy during the Reagan administration.

The Goetz case serves as a lens to explore broader themes of race and violence in the 1980s, drawing parallels to modern incidents like the shooting of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman. Thompson argues that race was a critical factor in the public response to both the Goetz case and similar contemporary events.

Bernhard Goetz's actions were partly shaped by his upbringing as the youngest child of a strict father and his experiences in a New York City perceived as dangerous. The Reagan era saw the dismantling of funding for public services, exacerbating economic despair in neighborhoods like the South Bronx, which the teenagers involved in the shooting called home.

The episode delves into the societal impacts of fear and how it can shape narratives and justify actions. Goetz's confession, stating he would have shot the teenagers again if he had more bullets, underscores the complexity of his mindset and the public's polarized reaction to his actions, with some sending him fan letters and donations.

Key Insights