Twitch streamer and left-wing political commentator Hasan Piker received the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage from Trinity College’s University Philosophical Society (The Phil) today. In a packed GMB chamber, Piker was greeted by thunderous applause and cheers on his first trip to Ireland. He was introduced by Phil president Liam Corcoran, who noted the streamer’s background, achievements, and career “built by consistency and longevity”.
When questioned by Corcoran on why he chose streaming, Piker said that he wanted “to show that you could be progressive” in the gaming space. Starting a career when online commentary aligned more with the right wing, he noted that “the pendulum has swung back” to the far-right direction.
Piker remarked that left-wing media outlets serve an important role in often being the first time people are exposed to leftist ideas outside of a traditional academic space. He additionally argued that they give those looking for it an alternative to a “failing” liberal ideology around the world. Independent outlets, he later expressed, are able to expose realities not covered by mainstream media and offer a voice to those who are “often spoken over”.
When questioned about the parasocial relationships audiences can foster with streamers, Piker stated it is part of the reason “I yell at my audience with regular frequency”. While he tries to avoid parasocial relationships “to the best of my ability”, it is simply an “unfortunate byproduct of the process” of streaming for eight hours a day, he said, and would rather see people build community over positive values.
On the difficulty of providing a safe space while also persuading those on the fringe toward the left, Piker described it as a “tight rope”.
“We need to be a little bit more forgiving”, he remarked, and “take on emotional labour” by educating others.
“I always try to entertain people as charitably as I can”, he continued.
When a member of the audience asked Piker what it would take for an “armed resistance” in the United States, Piker joked, “you’re gonna get me in trouble”, but argued that Americans aren’t “struggling enough” to justify taking up arms.
On combating nihilism in the face of global politics, Piker emphasised the need to maintain hope.
“Celebrate small victories, no matter how small they may seem.”
Urging individuals to question“who will benefit the most from your silence?”, Piker stressed the necessity of awareness and discourse, particularly on the subject of Palestine, as well as building class solidarity across party lines.
When questioned about the toll of streaming and what a potential exit from the profession would look like, Piker simply stated, “I don’t foresee myself stopping any time soon”, and joked, “I’ll probably die on camera”. As long as someone is needed to speak out against inequities, “I’ll be there”, he said.
“I get a lot of emotional fulfilment.”
During his first trip to Ireland, Piker will be visiting Belfast to meet with members of the band Kneecap.
