The Playboy Interview — Hunter S. Thompson

Author: Hunter S. Thompson (interview) Published: 1974 (Playboy); our copy: 2012 edition Full text: Playboy-Interview.epub

Overview

Thompson’s Playboy interview is one of his most direct statements on American power, Nixon, the drug war, and the role of journalism. Less allegory than Fear and Loathing; Thompson speaks plainly about what he’s seen.

Government-Antagonistic Themes

Thompson on Nixon

• Direct assessment — Nixon as symptom and cause; the “bad karma” of the administration
• Watergate — Thompson’s take on the scandal as it unfolded or in retrospect

Drug War and Hypocrisy

• Enforcement — Who gets busted, who doesn’t; class and race in the war on drugs
• Thompson’s own use — Interview context; journalist as subject of the same laws he critiques

Journalism and Power

• Access — Why he rejected the White House beat; gonzo as alternative
• “Objective” journalism — Complicity with power; asking the wrong questions

American Society and Authority

• Cops, politicians, corporations — Thompson’s views on who runs things and how
• Vegas, California — Places as symptoms of systemic rot

Specific quotes and themes to be added after reading.

Cross-References

• Main index
• Fear and Loathing — Vegas, Nixon
• Great Shark Hunt — Campaign Trail, Watergate

Keywords: #Playboy #Interview #Hunter #Thompson