

Baratunde Thurston On Social Media Perils, Institutional Distrust & Why Empathy Is The Solution To Our Political Divide
33 snips Aug 7, 2023
Baratunde Thurston, an Emmy-nominated writer, comedian, and cultural critic, dives into the perils of social media and its impact on democracy. He discusses the erosion of trust in institutions and the importance of diverse representation in media. Thurston emphasizes empathy as a solution to political divides and explores the intersection of personal identity and systemic challenges. The conversation highlights the need for grassroots activism and the role of outdoor experiences in bridging divides, all while calling for deeper, authentic connections in a digital age.
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Media's Role
- Media reflects who we are and what we're capable of, but it's giving us a narrow reflection.
- Technology amplifies both good and bad voices, with no inherent morality.
Past vs. Present Media
- While seemingly safer, past media muted many voices.
- Current media profits from conflict, not good for democracy.
Loving America
- Baratunde shares a story about his deceased mother, realizing she wasn't perfect but loves her more now.
- He connects this to loving America, saying we must know its flaws to truly love it.