Podcast Summary
Kennedy's upbringing and influence: Exploring Kennedy's upbringing in the Kennedy dynasty raises questions about whether he had a chance to escape negative influences, and understanding a villain's backstory can create empathy.
The Behind the Bastards podcast, hosted by Cody and Robert, explores the complexities and dark sides of influential figures, such as Bobby Kennedy Jr. In their discussion about Kennedy, they reflect on his upbringing in the Kennedy dynasty and question whether he ever had a chance to escape the negative influences surrounding him. They also mention the possibility of releasing video content to show their reactions and expressions during the podcast. While they acknowledge Kennedy's past actions, they express sympathy towards him, drawing parallels to how understanding a villain's backstory can create empathy. The conversation also touches on various topics, including the potential for editing audio and video, the Kennedy family's impact on their children, and the idea of "creepy scientists" designing a ruling dynasty. Overall, the podcast offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of influential figures and their backgrounds.
Kennedy family coping mechanisms: The Kennedy family's experience after Robert F. Kennedy's assassination was marked by public attention, disarray, and unconventional coping mechanisms such as pranks and dangerous behaviors.
The Kennedy family's experience after Robert F. Kennedy's assassination was markedly different from when John F. Kennedy was killed. The traumatic event was compounded by the public attention, leaving the family in a state of disarray. Bobby and his siblings, particularly RFK Junior, Bobby Junior, and David, struggled to cope and acted out in various ways. Ethel Kennedy's reaction, characterized by anger towards her sons, further added to their distress. Despite Teddy Kennedy's efforts to act as a family patriarch, the loss of two patriarchs within a short period left the family feeling fragmented. These challenging circumstances led to unconventional coping mechanisms, such as Bobby junior's pranks, and even dangerous behaviors, like poisoning the family's milk.
Kennedy family challenges: The Kennedy family, particularly Ted Kennedy and Ethel, faced significant challenges in raising their children after RFK's assassination, leading to inconsistent guidance, behavioral problems, and substance use for RFK Junior.
The Kennedy family, specifically Ted Kennedy, faced significant challenges in raising their children after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Ted, who was young and still grieving, tried to be a father figure but was not mature enough for the task. Ethel, RFK Junior's mother, struggled to cope with her loss and the behavior of her children, leading her to physically discipline them on a chartered boat ride. This incident, and Ethel's increasing frustration, led the children to spend much of their childhood away from the family compound, often at boarding schools like Millbrook, where they were exposed to drugs and other challenges. The lack of consistent adult guidance and the unique circumstances of their upbringing contributed to the behavioral problems and substance use that marked RFK Junior's adolescence and beyond.
Lynn Billings' influence on RFK Jr.: Lynn Billings, a close friend of JFK and later RFK, had a complex relationship with RFK Jr. that involved both guidance and enabling harmful behaviors after JFK's assassination.
The relationship between Lynn Billings, a close friend of JFK and later RFK, and RFK Jr., was complex and influenced by Billings' deep attachment to JFK. Billings, who was gay and in love with JFK, became a significant influence on RFK Jr.'s life after JFK's assassination. Despite his questionable behavior, such as enabling RFK Jr.'s drug use, Billings provided some guidance and support to RFK Jr. during a difficult time. However, Billings' actions and influence have been subject to controversy, with some alleging that he groomed RFK Jr. to be like JFK and others accusing him of enabling harmful behaviors. The Kennedy family's legacy and the trauma they experienced contributed to a chaotic and unconventional upbringing for RFK Jr. and his brothers.
Kennedy family curse: The Kennedy family's pursuit of power led to a series of tragic events and scandals, effectively ending their political dynasty and leaving a lasting sense of family curse
The Kennedy family, particularly Ted Kennedy, experienced a series of tragic events and scandals that shattered their political aspirations and perpetuated a sense of family curse. After RFK's assassination, Ted, who was seen as a potential presidential contender, was involved in the Chappaquiddick incident, where he abandoned his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, who drowned. This incident effectively ended Ted's presidential ambitions and marked a turning point for the Kennedy family. Despite Ted's influential political career and technical skills, the family's vision of Camelot and the promise of a political dynasty were shattered. The Kennedy curse, which had previously been a half-joke, became a deep-seated feeling of destiny for the upcoming generation. Joe Kennedy, whose ambition had started it all, seemed to regret his decisions towards the end of his life. The Kennedy family's story is a reminder of the high price of power and the unforeseen consequences of personal choices.
Kennedy children's upbringing: The Kennedy children's upbringing was marked by a lack of adult supervision due to their parents' constant obligations, leading to their access to drugs and unusual coping mechanisms like pranks, and the constant presence of danger and scandal.
That the Kennedy children grew up in an environment where the adults had little control over their lives due to their constant involvement in social, political, and business obligations. This lack of supervision led to the children having access to drugs and engaging in pranks as a way to cope with the constant shadow of death and scandal surrounding their family. Bobby Kennedy, in particular, was known for his odd behavior, including his obsession with hawks and dead animals. The story of RFK Jr.'s brain worm, which came to light during his divorce proceedings, adds to the belief that the Kennedy children's experiences were marked by unusual circumstances. The gallows humor that pervaded their lives, as seen in their pranks, can be seen as a healthy way for them to process the trauma and adversity they faced. However, the lack of adult supervision and the constant presence of danger and scandal in their lives created a unique and challenging upbringing for the Kennedy children.
Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s childhood memories vs reality: Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s portrayal of his childhood experiences, such as falconry, may not accurately represent reality as recalled by his childhood friend. His behavior, including hunting rats in a pit filled with dead animals and drug use, contributed to a dark and edgy persona.
Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s childhood at Millbrook, as depicted in his book, may not be the complete truth. While he described his falconry experience as a noble pursuit, a childhood friend, Beauregard, recalled it as a dark and disturbing hobby. Bobby reportedly hunted rats in a pit filled with dead cow and sheep carcasses, which Beauregard found repulsive. Bobby's behavior was a way to shock and freak out preppier kids, according to Beauregard. Additionally, Bobby's drug use, including heroin, began in his late teens and contributed to his dark and edgy persona. Despite the controversies, Bobby's defiant attitude towards authority, including the police, was evident even at a young age.
Privilege and Rebellion in Kennedy's Life: Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s privileged background allowed him to make reckless decisions, but also provided opportunities for education and self-discovery, despite his notable reputation and drug use during his time at Harvard.
Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s privileged upbringing led him to make reckless decisions, including shoving a hawk in a cop's face during an arrest, and running away from home to live as a homeless person. Despite his troubled past, he managed to attend Harvard, but his time there was marked by drug use and a notable reputation as a non-racist. Bobby's experiences highlight the challenges and freedoms that come with great wealth and the complexities of growing up Kennedy. Despite his questionable actions, Bobby's story is a fascinating exploration of privilege, rebellion, and self-discovery.