

“Activism Has No Place in Journalism” - Claire Lehmann
Aug 23, 2020
Claire Lehmann, the founding editor of Quillette, dives into the evolving landscape of journalism, emphasizing the detrimental impact of activism on reporting. She discusses how identity politics and cultural responses to the pandemic have shifted societal norms across Australia, the U.S., and the U.K. The conversation also explores the profound changes brought by social media, likening its influence to that of the printing press. Lehmann advocates for a return to objectivity in media, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in journalism and the value of underappreciated professions.
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Accelerated Trends
- The pandemic accelerated pre-existing cultural and economic trends.
- Increased internet use intensified culture wars, contrary to initial expectations.
Australian Solidarity
- Initial pandemic solidarity in Australia was high, with compliance to lockdowns and mask-wearing.
- The pandemic exacerbated existing tensions and fractures within countries.
Importing Culture Wars
- Importing US culture war issues is a concerning trend due to America's global influence.
- However, some issues don't take root because other countries have already addressed them.