The Problematic Gaze is a podcast with a difference that focuses on a specific piece of pop culture from yesteryear.
Created by social historian, Dr Lee Arnott, and TV director and scriptwriter, Dave Moor, in each episode they look at the shows through a modern perspective and ask if they are problematic. Could they be made today, and if not, why not?
From ’Til Death Do Us Part to Love Actually, Fawlty Towers to Grease, in each episode Dr Lee and Our Dave look at what was happening in popular culture and society at the time these shows were released.
The pair use their knowledge and humour to give insights into some of the most popular shows and films of their time.
Often irreverent and sometimes a little bit naughty, these best friends and gays of a certain age, help listeners navigate a modern world that can be increasingly willing to cancel the past.
Does liking ‘Til Death Us Do Part make you racist? When did we stop making fat jokes? Does enjoying Carry On films make you sexist? Does anyone still have a speedboat in their back garden? Can you get a nicotine high from watching Bridget Jones?
Out and proud, Dr Lee and Dave present a humorous take on life as LGBTQ+ men of a glorious age and present a mix of academic social commentary and unflinching life lessons.
Dr Lee Arnott was awarded his Contemporary History PhD in 2022 having examined the experience of LGBT soldiers in the British Army since 1960. This project, which also examined modern gender relations, was part-sponsored by the Imperial War Museum and he has presented papers and appeared on panels discussing the recent history of LGBT in the British Army.
He has co-authored a chapter on the impact of the world wars on modern sexualities, for Cambridge University Press. He is currently researching and writing a social history of Britain since the 1960s through the lens of a very familiar British TV show.
Dave Moor has been a UK television writer and director for the last ten years. He’s worked extensively on continuing multi-camera drama in the UK, including EastEnders and Coronation Street. Prior to this he worked as an Assistant Director on many UK and US films and dramas.
You can find The Problematic Gaze wherever you get your podcasts.
