Conversations with Peter Boghossian The War Against the Past with Frank Furedi
Aug 16, 2024
Frank Furedi, an insightful author and public intellectual, discusses his latest work, The War Against the Past. He delves into the politicization of identity and the concept of 'decivilization,' challenging long-held societal values. The conversation includes his ideological shift from the far left to conservatism, the nuances of rationality in identity politics, and the radicalization of youth influenced by cultural dynamics. Furedi emphasizes the importance of dialogue and humor as tools for understanding amid today's chaotic societal discourse.
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Sex Assigned at Birth
- Peter Boghossian recounts a conversation with a young girl who said doctors "assign" a baby's sex at birth.
- This illustrates how pervasive gender ideology has become in education, even among young children.
Politicization of Identity
- Frank Furedi discusses the rise of identity politics, noting that the term "identity" wasn't widely used until the mid-20th century.
- He links this rise to the decline of traditional ideologies and the increasing depoliticization of public life.
Inflated Identity
- The concept of identity has become inflated, giving moral weight to certain characteristics.
- This makes it difficult to revise beliefs and fosters division by creating an "us vs. them" mentality.