Toby Young on Different Matters - Free speech and redemption from cancel culture
Jun 21, 2024
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Toby Young, a British social commentator and founder of the Free Speech Union, shares insights from his chaotic years in Manhattan and experiences working for Vanity Fair. He reflects on themes from his book, including redemption and personal growth, while discussing the evolving landscape of free speech. The conversation touches on cultural differences between the US and UK, the decline of journalism, and the role of the Free Speech Union in combating censorship. Toby also offers a humorous take on dating dynamics in New York and shares thoughts on the UK's political climate.
Toby Young shares his chaotic experiences in New York, illustrating struggles with personal challenges and a redemptive marriage to Caroline.
He contrasts American meritocratic views of success with British self-deprecation, highlighting cultural differences influencing social perceptions and humor.
Young critiques the current decline in free speech and the role of the Free Speech Union, advocating for open dialogue against societal pressures.
Deep dives
Toby Young's Personal Journey
Toby Young shares insights from his book detailing his tumultuous years in New York City, where he worked for Vanity Fair. He reflects on his personal challenges, including struggles with alcohol and a tumultuous romantic life, ultimately crediting his wife Caroline with being a stabilizing force in his journey. Young uses a self-deprecating style to illustrate moments of failure, humorously acknowledging how his persistence eventually won Caroline over despite previous mishaps. He points out that while he paints an unflattering picture of himself, it contrasts with how Caroline saw his potential and charm.
Cultural Differences: Americans vs. Brits
Young discusses his observations of the cultural discrepancies between Americans and Brits, specifically regarding self-perception and success. He suggests that Americans often view success through a lens of meritocracy, while British people tend to downplay their achievements through a more self-deprecating attitude. He argues that this self-deprecation can serve as a form of social signaling, indicating a sense of security in one’s social standing. This cultural nuance impacts how each group perceives others and even their own sense of humor.
The Evolution of Media and Journalism
Young recounts his experience launching The Modern Review and how it aimed to elevate discussions around popular culture in the British media. He claims that the magazine changed attitudes toward cultural critique, moving away from snobbery and condescension. However, the shift towards valuing popular culture soon led to The Modern Review's decline as it was quickly adopted by larger media outlets. This change, he argues, contributed to the state of contemporary journalism, which often favors income over integrity, leading to diminished trust among the public.
The Challenges of Free Speech
Young highlights the current state of free speech, noting a general decline in the confidence of individuals to express contentious opinions due to societal pressures. He emphasizes the emergence of the Free Speech Union, which he founded, advocating for the rights of individuals to speak freely without fear of repercussions. He remarks on the 'mob mentality' instigated by social media, which often punishes those who dissent from the dominant ideological narratives. His perspective underscores the importance of fostering open dialogue to counteract the increasing censorship and limitations imposed by a vocal minority.
Political Disappointment and Future Prospects
Young reflects on the failures of the Conservative government in the UK and the reasons behind the party's impending electoral defeat. He expresses disappointment with leadership that has not effectively addressed long-standing issues such as healthcare and fiscal responsibility, describing their policies as timid and reactionary. According to Young, the lack of bold action has led to disillusionment among voters, making room for potential shifts in political power. With the advent of a new era of free speech advocacy and a counter-revolution in public opinion, he remains hopeful for change moving forward.
Toby Young is a British social commentator and the founder and director of the Free Speech Union in the United Kingdom, an associate editor of The Spectator, and a former associate editor at Quillette.
Toby recently visited New Zealand on invitation from the NZ Free Speech Union. In this Episode we talk about his book, How to lose friends and alienate people, his magnificently chaotic years in Manhattan, working for Vanity Fair, his redemption, his marriage, his brief period of abstinence from alcohol. We also briefly talk about the problems facing the United Kingdom before the upcoming elections.