Quillette Podcast
‘The Politics of the Academy Have Been Defeated’
Feb 1, 2025
William Deresiewicz, a Yale English professor turned author, discusses the growing disconnect between academia and the real world. He shares insights on how political ideologies in academic institutions are shifting post-2024 election, particularly as voters in traditional liberal cities seek moderate alternatives. Deresiewicz highlights the cultural versus economic concerns influencing electoral choices and addresses the misunderstandings surrounding Latino perspectives in elite circles, revealing crucial dynamics shaping public sentiment.
15:45
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Quick takeaways
- The growing backlash against radical progressive ideas highlights a significant political shift among voters who feel ignored by elite academia.
- Cultural issues, particularly surrounding transgender rights, have overshadowed economic concerns, leading many voters to feel alienated from the Democratic Party.
Deep dives
Radical Progressive Ideas and Public Sentiment
The podcast discusses the backlash against radical progressive ideas, particularly in the context of the 2024 election. These ideas, prevalent in academia, include abolishing the police and open borders for undocumented immigrants. William Duresowitz argues that the increasing distance between campus ideologies and the broader public sentiment has fueled a significant political response, illustrating this through examples like recent election outcomes in traditionally liberal cities such as Portland and Seattle. Voters have opted for alternative candidates who reject the most extreme progressive agendas, signaling a growing dissatisfaction with these prevailing ideologies.
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