Lex Fridman Podcast

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#285 – Glenn Loury: Race, Racism, Identity Politics, and Cancel Culture

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May 14, 2022

Guest

Glenn Loury

Glenn Loury, a Brown University professor and social critic, dives into the complexities of race, racism, and identity politics. He examines how historical contexts shape contemporary discussions on equality, drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. Loury critiques the concept of free speech in academic settings, while emphasizing the importance of honest dialogue around sensitive topics. He reflects on personal identity shaped by race and geography, advocating for collaboration across racial lines as a means to foster understanding and societal progress.

03:38:37

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ANECDOTE

King's Dream in Context

Glenn Loury contextualizes King's "I Have a Dream" speech, given 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
He highlights the journey of enslaved people towards citizenship and equality within the American republic.

insights

INSIGHT

Human Nature and Slavery

Studying slavery reveals humanity's capacity for both great evil and remarkable resilience.
People can overlook unethical practices, yet also maintain dignity under oppression.

insights

INSIGHT

Equality vs. Equity

Judging people by character, not skin color, doesn't guarantee equal outcomes.
Different group norms and cultures will naturally lead to varied social achievements.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring Flavors and Sponsorship Highlights

02:25 • 2min

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The Beauty of Design and the Power of Dreams

04:41 • 4min

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The Legacy of Equality: From Emancipation to Civil Rights

08:23 • 22min

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The Complexities of Equality

30:45 • 23min

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Understanding Differential Equations and Mathematical Abstraction

53:51 • 2min

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Economic Behavior and Models

55:37 • 8min

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Navigating Identity and Heritage

01:03:18 • 34min

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Rethinking Race and Rebellion in America

01:36:50 • 3min

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Navigating the N-Word and Racism

01:39:57 • 21min

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The Spiral of Silence and Free Speech

02:00:57 • 12min

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Universities Under Pressure: The Fight for Free Inquiry

02:12:31 • 10min

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Rethinking Intelligence: Beyond IQ

02:22:44 • 7min

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Navigating the Intersection of Science, Politics, and Society

02:29:33 • 29min

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Race, Politics, and Identity: Examining Legacy

02:58:41 • 23min

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Reflections on Mortality and Legacy

03:22:05 • 13min

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The Essence of Connection and Legacy in Life

In 'The Swerve', Stephen Greenblatt explores the impact of Poggio Bracciolini's discovery of Lucretius' 'De Rerum Natura' in 1417. This ancient Roman poem, which posits a universe governed by natural laws rather than divine intervention, had a profound influence on the Renaissance and beyond, shaping the thought of figures like Galileo, Darwin, and Einstein. Greenblatt's book is both a biography of Bracciolini and an intellectual history of how this text helped shape modernity.

The Three-Body Problem

None

Cixin Liu

Cixin Liu's 'The Three-Body Problem' is a critically acclaimed science fiction novel that blends hard science with compelling storytelling. The story follows a group of scientists who make contact with an alien civilization, leading to unforeseen consequences for humanity. Liu's intricate world-building and exploration of complex scientific and philosophical themes have earned him widespread recognition. The novel is known for its ambitious scope and its exploration of the potential challenges and dangers of encountering extraterrestrial life. It's a thought-provoking work that has captivated readers worldwide.

Dick Gregory's autobiography, 'Nigger: An Autobiography', is a candid and impactful memoir that delves into his life from a hardscrabble childhood in St. Louis to his pioneering days as a comedian and civil rights activist. The book has become a classic in discussions about race relations and civil rights, offering a moving story of overcoming racism and poverty. It was originally published in 1964 and has sold over a million copies.

Slavery and social death

A Comparative Study

Orlando Patterson

In 'Slavery and Social Death,' Orlando Patterson conducts a comprehensive comparative study of slavery across various historical and geographical contexts, including ancient, premodern, and modern societies. He argues that slavery is not merely an economic system but a complex institution characterized by violent domination, natal alienation, and social debasement. Patterson rejects the traditional view of slavery as a relation of property, instead emphasizing the sociological, symbolic, and ideological factors that underpin the master-slave relationship. The book is praised for its interdisciplinary approach, using qualitative and quantitative methods to highlight the universal structures and cross-cultural variations in slave systems.

As I Lay Dying

William Faulkner

As I Lay Dying, written by William Faulkner and published in 1930, is a Modernist and Southern Gothic novel. The story revolves around the Bundren family's nine-day journey to bury their wife and mother, Addie, in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi, as per her dying wish. The novel is narrated by fifteen distinct characters, each providing their unique perspective on the events. The family faces numerous challenges, including flooded rivers, lost mules, and personal struggles such as Cash's broken leg and Dewey Dell's unwanted pregnancy. The novel explores themes of family, mortality, religion, and the nature of existence, showcasing Faulkner's pioneering use of stream-of-consciousness narration and fragmented narrative structure.

The Spiral of Silence

Public Opinion – Our Social Skin

Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann

In 'The Spiral of Silence', Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann examines how individuals adjust their behavior based on perceived public opinion, often leading to the suppression of minority viewpoints due to fear of social isolation. The book provides insights into social behavior, media influence, and group dynamics, highlighting the role of public opinion as a form of social control.

Glenn Loury is a professor of economics and social sciences at Brown University, and a prominent podcaster and social critic who speaks and writes about race, inequality, and social policy. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Glenn’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlennLoury
Glenn’s Substack: https://glennloury.substack.com
Glenn’s YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/GlennLouryShow
The Anatomy of Racial Inequality (book): https://amzn.to/3N7jmz0
Race, Incarceration, and American Values (book): https://amzn.to/398ywpk

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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:12) – Martin Luther King Jr.
(16:00) – History of slavery
(30:39) – Equality of outcome
(47:02) – Math and economics
(1:03:17) – Racial groups
(1:16:33) – Black patriotism
(1:26:26) – MLK and Malcolm X
(1:40:07) – Joe Rogan controversy
(1:59:23) – Accusation of racism
(2:07:08) – Elon Musk and Twitter
(2:12:41) – Universities
(2:21:19) – Cognitive inequality
(2:33:45) – Politics
(2:53:10) – Ketanji Brown Jackson
(2:59:14) – Thomas Sowell
(3:04:28) – Barack Obama
(3:23:06) – Mortality
(3:35:20) – Meaning of life

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