#767 - Josh Szeps - Is It Time For Gay Pride To Go Away?
Apr 6, 2024
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In a thought-provoking conversation, journalist and host Josh Szeps dives into the complexities surrounding Gay Pride in Australia. He critiques societal norms and examines the interplay of identity politics within LGBTQIA+ events. Szeps also addresses the challenges of discussing controversial topics, from the backlash in media to the cyclical nature of social media discourse. With a sharp focus on maintaining integrity in conversations, he advocates for open dialogue amidst today's polarized landscape.
Debate on police involvement in gay pride events reflects institutional fragility and victimization narratives.
Online discourse lacks genuine debate due to the prevalence of sarcasm and ridicule.
Australian societal dynamics prioritize horizontal trust and conformity stemming from historical cultural values.
Identity politics and snarkiness contribute to a divisive online culture hindering meaningful dialogue.
Reflection on universalism versus identitarianism highlights the shift towards categorizing people based on in-group dynamics.
Deep dives
Shift in Public Perception of Police Participation in Gay Pride Events
There has been a shift in the public perception of police participation in gay pride events, illustrated by recent events in Sydney. Over the past quarter of a century, gay and lesbian police officers have had a float in the Mardi Gras as a way of affirming LGBTQIA+ rights. However, the recent uninviting of the police from holding their float due to a tragic domestic violence incident involving a police officer has sparked a debate about the institutional fragility and victimization narrative prevalent in mainstream gay and lesbian activism.
Sardonic and Passive-Aggressive Discourse Online
The online discourse, characterized by sardonic and passive-aggressive interactions, lacks earnestness and genuine debate, especially on platforms like Twitter. Disagreement is often masked in sarcasm and ridicule, creating an environment where meaningful conversations and disagreements are rare. This trend of dismissive and snarky responses erodes the possibility of constructive dialogue and open-mindedness.
Horizontal Trust and Conformity in Australian Society
Australian society exhibits elements of horizontal trust and conformity, where there is a strong sense of orderliness and adherence to rules. This stems from the country's historical background and cultural values of trust in peers rather than vertical trust in authority. This societal dynamic influences behavior and attitudes, contributing to a compliance-driven culture with an inclination towards following rules and maintaining order.
Influence of Snarkiness and Identity Politics in Online Interactions
The pervasive influence of snarkiness and identity politics in online interactions creates a divisive and polarized environment where disagreements are handled with sarcasm and ridicule. The rising trend of dismissing viewpoints based on identity rather than engaging in substantive discussions adds to the toxicity of online discourse. This culture of snark and identity-driven responses impedes meaningful dialogue and hampers the exploration of diverse perspectives.
Erosion of Earnestness and Constructive Disagreement Online
Online platforms, like Twitter, witness a loss of earnestness and constructive disagreement, where interactions are dominated by sardonic and passive-aggressive responses. Instead of fostering genuine debates and exchange of ideas, the online environment often devolves into snarky exchanges and dismissive attitudes towards differing viewpoints. This erosion of earnest dialogue limits the exploration of diverse perspectives and impedes productive conversations.
Reflections on Universalism and Identitarianism
The podcast episode delves into a reflection on universalism and identitarianism, contrasting the ethos of universal equality from the 1960s and 1970s with the current trend towards identitarianism and tribalism. The speaker questions the shift from embracing universal ideals of equality for all to the current trend of categorizing people based on in-group or out-group dynamics. The discussion highlights a desire to reclaim universalism, optimism, and power while moving away from divisive identitarianism.
Challenges of Reclaiming Universalism
The episode discusses challenges faced in advocating for universalism in today's society. It highlights the speaker's experience of receiving backlash when advocating for embracing powerfulness over powerlessness and inclusivity over divisiveness. The conversation showcases the tensions between different ideological perspectives, emphasizing the importance of embracing differing viewpoints and promoting open dialogue.
Impact of Cancel Culture and Ideological Polarization
The podcast explores the concept of cancel culture, discussing how it has been used by both the right and the left in different contexts. It delves into historical instances of cancel culture, such as McCarthyism, and draws parallels to contemporary societal challenges. The dialogue reveals the dangers of ideological polarization and the need for nuanced, respectful discourse in addressing complex issues.
Navigating Technology and Conscious Living
The episode delves into the impact of technology, particularly smartphones and social media, on human behavior and consciousness. It highlights the addictive nature of technology and the challenges it poses to living authentically. The conversation underscores the importance of balancing technology use with conscious living, urging listeners to resist the pressure to constantly curate their lives for social media.
Hope for the Future
The podcast episode concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing optimism for the future despite the current challenges. It encourages listeners to embrace resilience, adaptability, and wisdom in navigating societal complexities. The discussion calls for a balanced approach to addressing issues such as climate change, AI influence, and ideological polarization, advocating for introspection, critical thinking, and genuine human connection as key components for progress.
Josh Szeps is a journalist and the host of "Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps".
What are the things you can't criticise? What about Gay Pride in Australia? What if you're a gay man? What about criticising the cringe of the anti-woke Right? Everyone is getting the heat today, including Josh's ex-employer the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Expect to learn what the difference is between getting cancelled by the left and right, why we feel the need to forensically pick through public figures' lives, why so many people believe the world is ruined, the problem with the anti-anti woke, what JK Rowling has been up to, what happened to the indigenous Australian people apology trend and much more...
