Knowledge Fight #887: Jon Ronson Returns
Jan 10, 2024
Author and podcaster Jon Ronson discusses his show Things Fell Apart, explores the mysterious deaths of 32 black sex workers in Miami, controversies surrounding excited delirium as a cause of death, narcissism's effects on behavior, disillusionment towards the medical establishment, belief in conspiracy theories and racist stereotypes, the dangers of over-medicalization, and the trustworthiness of the medical establishment and scientist Judy Bikovitz's claims about COVID-19.
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Friday Night Lights
- Jon Ronson enjoys Friday Night Lights but advises skipping season two.
- Season two features a murder, which deviates from the show's charm.
Excited Delirium Diagnosis
- Dr. Wetli attributed the deaths of 32 Black sex workers in Miami to "excited delirium."
- This diagnosis blamed the combination of cocaine and sex, despite a lack of physical evidence.
Racist Application of Excited Delirium
- The "excited delirium" diagnosis was applied to deaths in police custody, disproportionately affecting Black men.
- This suggests a racist element, as the diagnosis was used to justify police brutality.