Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying discuss the FCC's plan for equity in broadband access, the spread of viral information online, the rise of anti-Semitism, the normalization of controversial topics, the decay of the social contract, and the jumping from diagnosis to diagnosis by young people.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast episode discusses the implications of the censorship industrial complex and the potential threats to freedom of information in the digital age.
There is a rise of surgical totalitarianism, which involves covert tactics to control narratives and normalize anti-Semitism.
The increasing desire for diagnosis and identity in society highlights the importance of questioning societal norms and embracing individuality for personal growth.
The impact of environmental factors on personal development and the need for a holistic approach to navigate the complexities of the modern world are explored in the podcast episode.
Deep dives
The Censorship Industrial Complex: A Closer Look at Renee DiResta's Presentation
Michael Shellenberger examines a 2021 video presentation by Renee DiResta on the Stanford Internet Observatory's activities. DiResta has been a vocal proponent of censorship, particularly during the pandemic. Shellenberger translates and analyzes her presentation, shedding light on the censorship industrial complex and its implications.
The Election Integrity Partnership
One segment of DiResta's presentation focuses on the Election Integrity Partnership, which was established in September 2020. The partnership involves stakeholders from government, civil society, platforms, and media. This raises concerns about the potential for undue influence and censorship in the electoral process.
Connections to the CIA
Renee DiResta has connections to the CIA, which may have implications for her role in advocating for censorship and influencing information flow. These connections highlight the complex interactions between government, academia, and private entities in shaping the digital landscape.
Implications for Freedom of Information
The insights provided by Michael Shellenberger's analysis underscore the potential threats to freedom of information and the rise of the censorship industrial complex. It calls for a careful examination of the balance between preventing misinformation and preserving open discourse in our digital age.
Surgical Totalitarianism and the Normalization of Anti-Semitism
The podcast episode discusses the concept of surgical totalitarianism, which involves selectively using totalitarian tactics to control narratives and silence dissenting voices. The speaker emphasizes that this form of control is not overt and is meant to go unnoticed by most people. The episode also highlights the normalization of anti-Semitism in society, pointing out that anti-Semitism is a symptom of a deeper societal crisis. The episode explores the connection between economic contraction and the rise of anti-Semitism, suggesting that the economic downturn may lead to the scapegoating of certain groups, including Jews. The speaker also discusses the importance of societal norms and the need to challenge harmful ideologies that harm individuals and undermine social cohesion.
The Search for Diagnosis and Identity
The episode delves into the increasing desire for diagnosis and identity in society. It addresses the inclination to search for labels and explanations for personal experiences and struggles. The speaker explores the impact of societal norms on individual identities and the importance of questioning and reevaluating these norms. The episode highlights the complexity of human development and the need for a nuanced understanding of individual experiences, emphasizing that diagnosis alone cannot provide a complete understanding or resolution. It also touches upon the challenges in accurately diagnosing conditions such as autism and the connection between autism, transgender identity, and the search for meaning. The speaker encourages individuals to embrace their individuality and strive for personal growth rather than solely relying on prescribed labels or identities.
The Influence of Environmental Factors on Personal Development
The podcast episode discusses the impact of environmental factors on personal development and the challenges faced in a rapidly changing world. It emphasizes the importance of stable developmental environments that align with ancestral patterns, providing a framework for healthy growth and identity formation. The episode explores the effects of societal changes, such as screen time and limited social interactions, on individual well-being. It encourages a deeper understanding of how these factors may contribute to confusion and the search for identity in individuals. The speaker highlights the need to prioritize a holistic approach to personal growth and development in order to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
The Role of Consent and Social Norms
The episode explores the concepts of consent and social norms in various contexts. It touches upon the importance of understanding and respecting personal boundaries and the role norms play in shaping individuals' behavior. The speaker discusses how consent is dependent on an individual's ability to freely and willingly engage in activities without feeling pressured or coerced. The episode also addresses the challenges of navigating gray areas in societal norms, such as dress codes and behavioral expectations. It emphasizes the need for open dialogue and critical thinking in order to address and reassess societal norms for the betterment of individuals and communities.
In this 199th in a series of live discussions with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying (both PhDs in Biology), we discuss the state of the world through an evolutionary lens.
In this episode we discuss the FCC’s plan to expand the scope of their reach to…everything, in the name of equity (of broadband access). We compare this move to that of the WHO, and also to what happened at Evergreen, and to pretty much all “equity” maneuvers ever. We discuss the spread of viral information on-line, and how Renée DiResta would like to stop it. In light of Bari Weiss’s speech, we discuss why anti-Semitism is on the rise. And we discuss the normalization of things like anti-Semitism and autogynephilia, how the social contract is decaying, and why young people are jumping from diagnosis to diagnosis, and why it seems like a mistake.
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Mentioned in this episode:
How to comment on FCC Proceedings: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-comment
A Most Useful Emergency: https://hollymathnerd.substack.com/p/a-most-useful-emergency
Commissioner Carr’s statement on FCC plans (11-6-23): https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-398244A1.pdf
Before the FCC, Ex Parte Comments of the NTIA (10-6-23): https://www.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/publications/ntia-digital-discrimination-ex-parte-comment.pdf
FCC Fact Sheet: Preventing Digital Discrimination (10-25-23): https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-397997A1.pdf
Michael Shellenberger on Renée DiResta: https://twitter.com/shellenberger/status/1723493811119067611
Bari Weiss’s speech: You are the last line of defense: https://www.thefp.com/p/you-are-the-last-line-of-defense
The Public Fetish: https://naturalselections.bio/p/the-public-fetish
