Bari Weiss, a journalist and author known for her roles at the New York Times and other major outlets, discusses her departure from mainstream media and the pressures that led to her resignation. She critiques systemic racism narratives and the evolution of journalism under social media's influence. The conversation dives into the nuances of identity politics, the challenges of presenting diverse viewpoints, and the fight for free speech in today's polarized climate. Weiss also shares insights on the future of independent journalism and the importance of integrity.
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Quick takeaways
Bari Weiss's career illustrates the challenges within traditional media environments where free expression is often under threat from ideological conformity.
Her resignation from the New York Times was a response to an increasingly hostile atmosphere towards dissenting opinions, culminating from controversial editorial decisions.
Weiss emphasizes the importance of judgment in journalism, arguing that critical evaluation of perspectives leads to richer discourse and higher quality content.
Following her departure, Weiss aims to create a new media ecosystem on Substack that promotes liberal values and diverse voices without fear of censorship.
She advocates for independent journalists to courageously confront societal injustices and contribute to public discourse amidst the pressures exerted by social media platforms.
Deep dives
Barry Weiss's Career Journey
Barry Weiss, a notable journalist and author, has an extensive career that spans various prominent publications, including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. She initially joined the New York Times during a period of reflection following Donald Trump's election, aiming to contribute a diversity of thought by representing perspectives outside the paper's usual liberal bias. However, her experiences revealed a growing intolerance for differing viewpoints within the institution, leading to her resignation. Weiss’s journey reflects the struggle many face within traditional media environments where free expression is challenged.
The Resignation from the New York Times
Weiss's resignation from the New York Times was driven by an environment increasingly hostile to dissenting opinions and external pressures on editorial content. Following the controversial publication of an op-ed by Senator Tom Cotton, Weiss witnessed significant backlash and a shift towards ideological conformity within the organization. This change was marked by a lack of support for her colleague who was publicly criticized for the op-ed, highlighting the institution's response to controversy. Ultimately, Weiss felt compelled to leave as she could no longer perform her job effectively under these restrictive conditions.
Exploration of Critical Social Issues
During her conversation with Jordan Peterson, Weiss engaged in discussing critical social issues like systemic racism and its implications in contemporary discourse. She expressed concerns about how the term 'systemic racism' is often weaponized to advance political agendas, sometimes overshadowing substantial discussions around race and equality. Weiss also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between genuine discrimination and the prevailing narratives that may distort complex societal issues. This nuanced examination underscores the challenges faced in fostering honest, productive conversations around sensitive topics.
The Role of Judgment in Journalism
Weiss emphasized the necessity of judgment in journalism as an essential element to cultivate talent and discern quality content, contrasting it with the trend toward a non-judgmental, overly inclusive environment. She argued that evaluating different perspectives critically leads to richer and more informed discourse, enabling writers to grow and refine their craft. By valuing judgment, Weiss believes organizations can encourage high standards and foster intellectual diversity, essential for combating mediocrity in journalism. This insight speaks to the broader dilemma of balancing rigorous standards against the pressures of ideological uniformity.
Building a New Media Ecosystem
Following her departure from the New York Times, Weiss expressed a desire to create a new media ecosystem that upholds the values of liberalism and free expression. She aims to construct a platform where diverse voices can be elevated, and meaningful discussions can thrive without fear of censorship. Weiss's vision for a trustworthy media environment emphasizes the importance of critical engagement with various viewpoints, fostering an open exchange of ideas. By leveraging her experience and audience on Substack, she is laying the groundwork for a new approach to journalism that aligns with these ideals.
The Responsibility of Independent Voices
Weiss articulated the responsibility of independent journalists to speak truthfully and to resist the prevailing orthodoxy that seeks to silence dissent. She believes that the time has come for individuals to step into the arena, confront injustices, and advocate for their beliefs. This call to action reflects a broader movement among various independent thinkers to reclaim the narrative from institutions that appear increasingly ideologically driven. Weiss encourages writers and communicators to put their beliefs into the public sphere, suggesting that courage in expressing one's views can catalyze significant societal change.
Navigating Social Media Dynamics
The role of social media in shaping public discourse is a significant theme in Weiss's observations about contemporary journalism. She noted that platforms like Twitter can exert considerable pressure on media narratives, often pushing journalists to avoid controversial topics for fear of backlash. This dynamic can create an environment where only certain viewpoints are validated, limiting the range of discussions in mainstream media. Weiss is mindful of balancing her content to avoid falling into the trap of simply catering to an audience's inclinations, which can stifle genuine exploration of ideas.
The Importance of Mentorship
Weiss underscored the critical role of mentorship in journalistic development, advocating for an environment where experienced journalists can guide newcomers. She shared insights from her own experiences with influential mentors who helped her refine her skills and navigate complex topics effectively. This supportive relationship is essential for cultivating future talent and ensuring a healthy exchange of ideas within media ecosystems. Weiss emphasizes that fostering growth in young writers is key to sustaining a vibrant and diverse landscape in journalism.
The Future of Liberalism and Institutions
Weiss's current focus is on the future of liberalism and the vitality of institutions in society. She strives for a cultural renaissance that prioritizes intellectual courage, integrity, and the open exchange of ideas. Her reflections on the current climate highlight the pressing need for those who value liberal principles to unite and counteract the forces that threaten these ideals. Weiss's mission encapsulates her belief in the enduring power of liberalism to flourish through informed discourse and collaborative efforts among independent thinkers.
The Evolution of Journalism in the 21st Century
Weiss concluded by reflecting on the evolution of journalism in the 21st century, noting the increasing fragmentation of media and the rise of independent voices. She aims to cultivate a community that appreciates multi-faceted perspectives while nurturing a robust dialogue about pressing societal issues. The challenge remains to build platforms that transcend polarization and allow for a substantive exchange of ideas. Weiss is optimistic that through collective effort, new structures can emerge that honor journalistic integrity and freedom of expression.
On this Season 4 Episode 29 of the Jordan Peterson Podcast, Jordan Peterson is joined by Bari Weiss. Bari Weiss is a journalist and author. She has worked as an opinion writer and editor at the New York Times, before that she was an OP editor and book reviewer at the Wallstreet Journal, and a senior editor at tablet magazine. Bari now writes for herself on SubStack.
Jordan and Bari Weiss discussed her career, the circumstances surrounding her resignation from the New York Times, the aftermath of her famous resignation letter which criticized the New York Times, Twitter and social media, the phrase “Systemic Racism”, the work she is doing now, and much more.
Find more Bari Weiss on her substack Common Sense with Bari Weiss https://bariweiss.substack.com/, on Twitter @bariweiss, and read her notorious resignation letter at https://www.bariweiss.com/resignation-letter
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