Confessions of a Black Conservative (Robert Wright & Glenn Loury)
Jun 14, 2024
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Robert Wright welcomes Glenn Loury, a Black Conservative, to discuss his unvarnished memoir, childhood sins, hypocrisy, and double life at Harvard. They explore Glenn's journey to becoming a public intellectual, battling drug addiction, and the balance between expertise in economics and African American studies.
Glenn Lowry's background reveals a contrast between public image and personal struggles.
Lowry's descent into drug addiction highlights psychological impact post-recovery.
The podcast explores the complexities of writing a memoir with emphasis on authenticity.
Deep dives
Introduction and Biography Reflection
The podcast episode delves into Glenn Lowry's background, introducing him as an economist at Brown University and author of the book, 'Late Admissions, Confessions of a Black Conservative.' Lowry's narrative contrasts his public persona as a tenured Harvard professor with his hidden struggles involving addiction and risky behaviors. The discussion spans his familial dynamics, upbringing in contrasting environments, and the dichotomy between his conventional scholarly life and illicit activities.
Transition to Public Intellectualism
Lowry's journey leads him to the Kennedy School of Government after withdrawing from a significant government role due to scandal. At the Kennedy School, he embraces a new intellectual identity, authored critical pieces for the New Republic, and solidified his status as a black conservative figure. The transition underscores his significant shift towards political and public engagement, offering a fresh perspective on societal and racial issues.
Struggle with Addiction and Self-Reflection
The narrative presents Lowry's descent into drug addiction, specifically transitioning from cocaine to crack cocaine during a period of despair and shame. Tackling a devastating period marked by destructive behaviors, the episode delves into the psychological impact and the absence of immediate self-loathing, hinting at introspective revelations emerging post-addiction recovery and therapy.
Self-Referential Narrative Exploration
In a reflective tone, Lowry discusses the intricate layers of writing a memoir, emphasizing self-reference and narrative integrity. The podcast delves into the exploration of truth-telling and self-awareness within the memoir genre, addressing personal motives and internal struggles with authenticity and self-acceptance. The discussion unfolds a multi-dimensional narrative paralleling book writing, self-analysis, and the complexities of personal storytelling.
Closing Remarks and Overtime Preview
The episode concludes with reflections on the memoir's genre, engaging in a self-referential dialogue that probes deeper into the complexities of personal storytelling. Lowry's narration intertwines various levels of introspection and narrative transparency, hinting at upcoming discussions in the overtime segment. The podcast encourages further exploration of Lowry's experiences, shedding light on the intricate layers of his life story and the motivations driving his memoir.
Glenn’s very unvarnished memoir, Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative ... Glenn’s unusual urban upbringing ... Is Glenn’s sermon for black men hypocritical? ... Glenn’s double life at Harvard ... How it all came crashing down ... Is Glenn’s book *too* honest? ... Heading to Overtime ...
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