The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 241. How Anti-Racism Is Hurting Black America | John McWhorter
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Apr 4, 2022 
In this engaging discussion, John McWhorter, an associate professor at Columbia University and author on linguistics and race, dives into how language shapes perception and worldview. He examines the complexities of race in America, addressing the pitfalls of virtue signaling and 'wokeism.' McWhorter also critiques the religious fervor surrounding contemporary anti-racism and its impact on rational discourse. Additionally, he explores the intersection of music and language, illustrating the profound connections between art and human experience.
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Linguistics Overview
- Linguistics analyzes language scientifically, focusing on change, acquisition, and social aspects.
- It's not about translation, but how language functions as a system.
Language Acquisition
- Children learn language through immersion and complex interactions, not rote memorization.
- A biological predisposition for language acquisition likely exists, though the specifics are debated.
Language Acquisition and Down Syndrome
- Even individuals with Down syndrome often acquire language remarkably well.
- This highlights the deep embedding of language within human cognition.
