Making Sense with Sam Harris #250 — Broken Conversations
May 21, 2021
Jesse Singal, a journalist and author of "The Quick Fix," dives into complex and controversial issues with Sam Harris. They tackle the fragmentation of media and the decline of traditional journalism, exploring how these changes affect societal discourse. Singal shares his experiences with cancel culture and discusses the nuanced debates around transgender youth and activism. They highlight the importance of intellectual humility in today’s polarized climate and examine the implications of corporate speech on free expression.
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Jesse Singal's Trans Youth Article Controversy
- Jesse Singal's 2018 Atlantic article on trans youth sparked controversy, focusing on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.
- Critics misconstrued his piece, claiming it was transphobic, despite its nuanced approach.
The State of Transgender Discourse
- The discussion around transgender issues lacks dispassionate, honest, and compassionate dialogue.
- This often leads to unproductive activism and resistance, hindering progress and understanding.
Examples of Extreme Polarization
- Sarah Silverman labeled Caitlyn Jenner a transphobe, highlighting the extreme polarization of the debate.
- CNN claimed no consensus exists on assigning sex at birth, further muddying the waters.
