America This Week, April 19, 2024: "To Build a Surveillance State."
Apr 19, 2024
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Investigative journalist Brandy Zadrozny and tech executive Katherine Maher discuss online disinformation, digital rights, and the 'right to knowledge'. The podcast delves into the fallout from a senior editor's resignation at NPR, the creation of satirical persona Titanium McGrath, and the evolving governance in the digital age.
NPR prioritized institutional integrity over addressing critiques, showcasing a lack of openness to criticism.
Katherine Maher advocates for communal wisdom model, shifting towards authoritative consensus and curated information.
Deep dives
Discussion on NPR's Handling of Criticism
NPR faced criticism for its response to senior editor Yuri Berliner's resignation, with accusations of defending the institution over addressing his critiques. The organization closed ranks, portraying him as a traitor and diverting attention from the issues Berliner raised. By prioritizing institutional integrity over self-reflection, NPR displayed a lack of openness to criticism and a resistance to change.
Katherine Maher's Online Persona and Wikipedia Model
Katherine Maher's online presence and comments, akin to a parody character like Titanium McGrath, drew attention to her divisive views and Twitter controversies. Maher, with a background at Wikipedia, advocated for a communal wisdom model, shifting away from individual truths. Her evolving stance on freedom of speech and governance in online platforms reflects a move towards curated information and authoritative consensus.
Maher's Relativist Views and Discourse on Truth
Maher's discourse on truth exemplifies a relativist approach where merging beliefs with facts is prioritized over absolute truths. This perspective implies a preference for authoritative voices and consensus-based truths. The concept of multiple truths for different individuals, while promoting inclusivity, leads to a potential dilution of information quality as the pursuit of a unified truth is downplayed.
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.racket.news
What does the "Right to Knowledge" mean, and why is it so dangerous? Walter and Matt ponder the less funny side of the Katherine Maher story. Plus, "To Build a Fire," by Jack London
www.racket.news
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