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The Michael Shermer Show
An Outsider’s Perspective on American Culture Wars
Jul 5, 2023
02:13:26
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Quick takeaways
- Identity politics leads to moral absolutism and stifles free expression.
- Cancel culture affects both left and right-wing movements, hindering open dialogue.
- Political projects should be based on liberalism and value individual freedoms.
- Identity politics narrows focus and disregards other perspectives, hindering progress and solidarity.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have limited impact and may reinforce stereotypes.
Deep dives
The Shift from Liberalism to Wokeism
The podcast episode explores the shift from liberalism to wokeism and the dangers of identity politics. The speaker discusses how identity politics has led to a retreat from liberalism and the importance of universalism in promoting solidarity and understanding. Rather than fostering open debate and discussion, wokeism promotes moral absolutism and stifles free expression. The speaker highlights the need to balance social justice concerns with a commitment to liberalism and individual freedoms.
The Impact of Cancel Culture
The podcast episode addresses the impact of cancel culture and how it affects individuals even if they are not officially canceled. While cancel culture is often associated with right-wing movements, the speaker emphasizes that it is not solely a right-wing problem. The left has also been affected by cancel culture and infighting. The fear of being canceled can lead to self-censorship and a chilling effect on open dialogue and debate, ultimately hindering progressive movements. The speaker argues for the importance of being able to talk to and engage with those who hold different viewpoints.
Challenges of Identity Politics and Moral Absolutism
The podcast episode delves into the challenges of identity politics and moral absolutism. The speaker highlights the dangers of the commodification of identity and the tendency to sacralize one's own identity. This sacralization leads to a moral panic which stifles open discussion and debate. The speaker argues that political projects should be based on political liberalism that values individual freedoms and the pursuit of universal freedoms. The shift towards moral absolutism within identity politics hinders progress and solidarity by foreclosing debate and shutting down dissenting perspectives.
The Importance of Liberalism in Political Philosophy
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of liberalism in political philosophy. While there may be disagreements on economic liberalism, political liberalism is seen as crucial. Political liberalism encompasses individual freedoms, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of conscience. The speaker argues that any political project should be grounded in liberalism and maintain a commitment to freedom and open discussion. The speaker also notes the need for liberalism to balance social justice concerns and to engage in debate rather than dogma.
The Limitations of Identity Politics
The podcast discusses the limitations and challenges of identity politics. It explores how identity politics can often lead to a narrow focus on one's own identity, disregarding others and promoting a narcissistic approach. The speaker gives examples of black individuals facing criticism within the progressive movement due to their conservative views, highlighting the complex intersection of identity and politics. The podcast raises questions about the effectiveness of identity politics and its impact on societal divisions.
The Failure of DEI Programs
The podcast delves into the shortcomings of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. It explains that short-term interventions like anti-bias training have limited impact and may even reinforce stereotypes. The podcast highlights how these programs can lead to complacency, diminishing individuals' awareness of their own biases. Additionally, it explores research indicating negative reactions to efforts of control and the ineffectiveness of DEI programs in achieving their intended goals.
The Need for a Balanced Approach
The podcast emphasizes the importance of addressing economic inequality, political participation, and marginalized groups' rights, alongside discussions about culture and identity. It suggests focusing on issues such as economic redistribution, gerrymandering, and voter suppression in order to create a more just society. The podcast acknowledges the significance of trans rights and marginalized groups' rights, but also highlights some concerns raised by women who fear the loss of their hard-earned gains in feminism due to trans activism.
The Importance of Addressing Gender Inequality
Gender inequality is a complex issue that continues to impact societies today. While there are different perspectives on the extent of this problem, it is crucial to acknowledge that structural inequality still exists, particularly in terms of economic opportunities. Even in an ideal situation where there is equality of opportunity, it is essential to focus on substantive changes rather than superficial gestures. Boutique feminism, such as casting choices in movies or TV shows, may provide a temporary illusion of progress, but true change requires addressing the underlying systemic issues.
The Impact of Generational Differences and Technology
Generational differences have a profound influence on our understanding of the world. The emergence of Generation Z, born into a world of internet and smartphones, has drastically altered cultural norms and perspectives. This generation's experience differs significantly from previous ones, impacting their outlook on life and shaping their values. Moreover, the rise of technology and social media has led to concerns about its effects on mental health, particularly among teenagers. However, the causes behind the increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and other struggles among young people are multifaceted, making it difficult to attribute these issues solely to screen time and technology.
Right now, someone, somewhere is being cancelled. Off-the-cuff tweets or “harmless” office banter have the potential to wreck lives. The Left condemns the Right, and the bigotry of the old elites. The Right complains about brain-dead political correctness, and the erosion of liberal values. In reality, both sides are colluding in a reactionary, exclusionary politics that is as self-defeating as it is divisive. Can the Left escape this extremism and stay true to the progressive ideals it once professed?
In this provocative conversation based on his new book, Umut Özkirimli reveals the similarities between right-wing populism and radical identity politics, and sets out an alternative vision.
Shermer and Özkirimli discuss: identity politics, cancel culture • woke, TERF, anti-fragility, anti-racism • diversity, equity, and inclusion • Ibram X. Kendi, Robin DiAngelo • Loretta Ross, rape, retributive vs. restorative justice • Woman’s March • leftism, progressivism, democratic socialism, liberalism, classical liberalism, libertarianism, conservatism, populism, nationalism, white nationalism, authoritarianism, tyranny • moral panics • MAGA, Trump • victimhood • safetyism • trigger warnings, safe spaces, microaggressions • What Went Wrong?
Umut Özkirimli is a senior research fellow at IBEI (Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals), a professor at Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, and a senior research associate at CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs). His writings appear in the Guardian, openDemocracy, Times Higher Education, Huffington Post, among others. Find him on Twitter at @UOzkirimli and umutozkirimli.com.
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