Journalist and author Frank Bruni talks about the blame culture towards Jews post 10/07, the debate on college campuses, and the shocking discourse following the massacre. He discusses how some universities handle the issue better than others, drawing insights from his experience at the Times and as a professor at a top American university.
Understanding the ideological tracks of universities is vital for navigating campus illiberalism and promoting diverse perspectives.
Social media's influence on student activism underscores the importance of critical thinking amidst echo chambers.
Deep dives
Understanding the Illiberalism on College Campuses
Identifying the ideological tracks of different universities through their course offerings is crucial in understanding the illiberalism present on some campuses. By examining the educational environment and the prevailing ideologies, one can differentiate schools that promote diverse perspectives from those following a singular ideological path. The importance of selecting a college environment that fosters intellectual challenge while ensuring students feel secure and welcome is emphasized amid the current campus landscape.
The Impact of Social Media on Student Activism and Expression
The influence of social media on student activism is highlighted, underscoring how platforms drive individuals to seek validation for their viewpoints, especially in response to social issues. Students often feel compelled to express opinions to align with their peers, leading to a filtering of information that reaffirms their initial stance. This phenomenon, reflecting a broader societal shift, emphasizes the need for critical engagement and independent thinking amid the digital age's echo chambers.
Navigating the Oppression Olympics in Advocacy
The concept of the Oppression Olympics is discussed as a toxic trend in public discourse where marginalized groups compete to assert their victimization and moral authority. The inclination to align with perceived oppressed groups based on power differentials overlooks nuanced historical contexts and fosters divisive judgments. Through instances like responses to the Israel-Palestine conflict, the dangers of reducing complex issues to simplified hierarchies in advocacy are highlighted, urging a more nuanced and holistic approach to social justice conversations.
Reevaluating College Selection Criteria Amid Ideological Trends
In reassessing advice on college selection, considerations shift towards discerning the ideological climates of institutions in light of prevalent trends. Emphasizing the importance of feeling secure and welcomed on campus, prospective students are advised to explore universities that prioritize intellectual diversity and provide a conducive learning environment. The need to balance academic challenge with a sense of belonging and inclusivity becomes paramount in navigating the evolving landscape of college experiences.
Frank Bruni is a long time journalist, including more than 25 years with the New York Times. He is the author of four New York Times bestsellers. He is now also a full professor at Duke University, teaching at the school of public policy, while he continues to write his popular weekly newsletter and additional essays for the Times.
Two of Frank’s recent books are relevant to what we are watching play out right now on America’s college campuses. Eight years ago, he published “Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania” -- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-you-go-is-not-who-youll-be-frank-bruni/1119921235?ean=9781455532681&aug=1
And Frank’s most recent book, which was just published last week, is called “The Age of Grievance” -- https://tinyurl.com/3yj4c92s
In our conversation and in his new book, Frank addresses the fact that Jews are being blamed for objecting to the 10/07 massacre of Jews. How did this happen? It didn’t come out of nowhere? How is it the college campuses have become the focus of this debate over here?
"The Age of Grievance" addresses the shocking upside down debate that erupted over here following 10/07, which we discuss in our conversation. We also try to understand how some universities are getting it right and others are getting it so wrong. Frank is uniquely positioned to have insights – from his perspective at the Times, on the front lines as a professor at a top American university, and as a bestselling author of a new book about grievance.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode