Katherine Brodsky and Michael Shermer discuss self-censorship, cancel culture, and the need for principled individuals to resist authoritarians. They explore the challenges faced by journalists and the impact of cancel culture on free speech. The chapter also delves into Jewish identity, the complexity of the Israel situation, genetics, money's influence on startup behavior, accountability culture, controversial bills, censorship, and the potential of new media platforms.
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Quick takeaways
Identity politics takes precedence over principles, hindering dialogue and understanding between diverse groups.
Cancel culture often goes beyond accountability, impeding progress, growth, and meaningful conversations.
Elevating words to violence justifies extreme punishment and suppresses differing opinions.
Fostering open dialogue, challenging false narratives, and promoting media literacy are essential to combat cancel culture.
Deep dives
Identity Politics and Politics
Identity politics often takes precedence over politics and principles. People are now viewed primarily through their political identity rather than as individuals with diverse beliefs and values. This leads to a tribalistic mindset and a lack of dialogue and understanding between different groups.
Cancel Culture and Accountability
While accountability is important, cancel culture often goes beyond holding people responsible for their words and actions. The punishment doesn't always fit the offense, and there is often no room for growth, change, or forgiveness. Canceling someone based on past mistakes or controversial statements can impede progress and meaningful conversations.
Extreme Consequences and Erasure
Cancel culture tends to seek extreme consequences, such as job loss or complete erasure from public life. This is often justified as a means of holding individuals accountable, but it can be disproportionate to the offense committed and can hinder productive discourse.
Words as Violence and Fear of Challenge
The notion that certain words or ideas are equivalent to violence is problematic. It stems from a fear of having one's beliefs and identities challenged. Elevating words to the level of violence allows for the justification of extreme punishment and the suppression of differing opinions.
The dopamine response to perceived punishment and revenge
The podcast episode explores the psychological and anthropological research showing the deep-rooted human desire for revenge when harmed, and how witnessing punishment of those who have harmed us triggers a dopamine response in the brain.
The impact of upbringing on resilience and sensitivity
The podcast discusses how differences in upbringing, such as the level of criticism and resilience taught in Eastern European Jewish families versus the supportive and complimentary parenting style in North America, can influence an individual's ability to handle criticism and develop a thick skin.
The power of words and the influence of social dynamics
The podcast delves into the potential of words to incite violence and examines the complex relationship between responsibility, free will, and susceptibility to manipulation. It also explores the impact of tribalism and the fear of social exclusion on individual choices and the importance of fostering open dialogue and diverse perspectives to facilitate meaningful change.
Importance of Speaking Out
The podcast episode discusses the importance of speaking out, particularly in the face of backlash and intimidation. The speaker shares their personal experience of facing harassment and attacks on social media after expressing a moderate viewpoint on a job board. This experience led them to realize the need for individuals to stand up against silencing tactics and promote open dialogue.
The Dangers of Pluralistic Ignorance
The podcast explores the concept of pluralistic ignorance, where people assume that the majority agrees with a certain viewpoint even if they don't. This can lead to the silencing of dissenting voices and the perpetuation of radical ideas. The speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking up and challenging false narratives, even if it may come with personal risks. They also discuss the need for media literacy and being critical consumers of information to combat the spread of misinformation.
As a society we are self-censoring at record rates. Say the wrong thing at the wrong moment to the wrong person and the consequences can be dire.
Think that everyone should be treated equally regardless of race? You’re a racist. Argue that people should be able to speak freely within the bounds of the law? You’re a fascist.
When the truth is no defense and nuance is seen as an attack, self-censorship is a rational choice. Yet, when we are too fearful to speak openly and honestly, we deprive ourselves of the ability to build genuine relationships, we yield all cultural and political power to those with opposing views, and we lose our ability to challenge ideas or change minds, even our own.
Katherine Brodsky argues that it’s time for principled individuals to hit the unmute button and resist the authoritarians among us who name, shame, and punish.
Shermer and Brodsky discuss: growing up Jewish in the Soviet Union and Israel • why liberals (or progressives) no longer defend free speech • cancel culture: data and anecdotes and whether it is an imagined moral panic • free speech law vs. free speech norms • solutions to cancel culture • identity politics • witch crazes and virtue signaling • hate speech and slippery slopes • how to stand up to cancel culture.
Katherine Brodsky is a journalist and author. She has contributed to publications such as Variety, the Washington Post, WIRED, The Guardian, and many others. Over the years she has interviewed a diverse range of intriguing personalities, including the Dalai Lama.
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