Michael Knowles on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Entitlement and Victimhood, and the Woke Drift in Schools | Ep. 75

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

In this book, Abigail Shrier delves into the phenomenon of rapid-onset gender dysphoria among adolescent girls. She discusses how this condition, once rare and typically found in males, has suddenly become more prevalent among female teenagers. Shrier attributes this rise to social contagion, influenced by internet communities, school assemblies, and 'gender-affirming' educators and therapists. The book critiques medical interventions such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries, highlighting the risks and long-term consequences. Shrier also interviews girls, their parents, counselors, doctors, and 'detransitioners' to provide a comprehensive view of the issue and offers advice for parents on how to protect their daughters from this trend.

In 'Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds,' Michael Knowles argues that political correctness has undermined traditional values and free speech in American society. He contends that the concept of political correctness has its roots in Marxist and Maoist ideologies and has been used to control language and thought. Knowles criticizes both the Left for its assault on liberty and virtue and the Right for its ineffectiveness in countering these trends. He advocates for a moral and political vision that upholds traditional standards and challenges the prevailing woke culture. The book explores historical and philosophical contexts, including the role of censorship and the distortion of language, to make a case for a more robust defense of free speech and traditional values.