Conversations with Peter Boghossian

Omar Sayfo, an expert on migration in Europe, dives into the nuances of migration discourse. He critiques oversimplified narratives around crime and cultural identity among migrants, particularly focusing on the complexities faced by youth in North Africa and Turkey. The discussion includes tensions between Jewish and Muslim communities and the evolving political landscape surrounding immigration. Sayfo advocates for ideal policies and emphasizes the importance of language in integration while exploring community-building efforts that bridge cultural divides.

In this engaging conversation, Sona Eyambe, a Texas native and popular YouTuber based in Taiwan, shares his insights on cultural and political differences between Taiwan and the U.S. He marvels at Taiwan's pride in its unique identity, especially amidst threats from China. Topics include the challenges of online activism against the Chinese Communist Party, the vibrant community spirit in Taiwan, and striking contrasts in waste management practices. Sona also highlights the complexities of Taiwanese identity and resilience in navigating geopolitical tensions.

Peter Boghossian and John Papola (Dad Saves America) discuss Trump, the Department of Education, current events, and more!  Watch this episode on YouTube.

In my discussion with the popular Taiwanese figure Lōa Ēng Hôa, we explored various aspects of Taiwan. A key theme for Lōa is the importance of retaining the Taiwanese language, which he sees as vital in the face of Mandarin's dominance. (He views Mandarin as "the language of colonizers.") Lōa emphasizes that language is of ultimate importance and believes that the best way to wage war is through words. We also discussed whether Taiwanese people consider themselves part of China or culturally Chinese, and how this perception impacts traditional Taiwanese culture. During my time in Taiwan, I observed the cleanliness and civility of society, especially in contrast to some leftwing cities in America, like Portland, Oregon and Los Angelos, California. Lōa posed an intriguing question: Is this civility a result of being "well-behaved," or is it a reflection of tyranny? Watch this episode on YouTube.

Jesús discusses the concept of the 'epidemic of cowardice' affecting the Western world and how it empowers tyrants. The conversation shifts to Taiwan's geopolitical significance, especially regarding microchips and potential military threats from China. He emphasizes the importance of standing up for individual rights amidst fear and silence. The nuances of Taiwan's political landscape and its cultural identity are explored, along with insights on immigration and societal challenges, all while critiquing the rising global power of China.

Jake Klein, author of "Redefining Racism: How Racism Became Power + Prejudice," engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about the evolution of racism definitions. He challenges traditional views and discusses how the concept of 'power plus prejudice' has reshaped societal perceptions. The conversation touches on the complexities of worldview adjustments and the dynamics of culture wars, highlighting the decline of woke culture. Klein also explores the intersection of governance, belief, and capitalism amidst rising diversity, offering insights into how these changes affect social cohesion.

While in New Zealand, I had the opportunity to interview Kendall Clements, a professor of biology at the University of Auckland. His name may sound familiar because, in 2021, Clements was the lead author of a controversial letter titled "In Defence of Science," published in The New Zealand Listener. The letter (commonly referred to as the “Listener Letter”) was a direct response to a proposed curriculum that sought to promote the discussion and analysis of how science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views, including its role in the “colonization” of Māori peoples and the “suppression” of Māori knowledge.  The curriculum also proposed that science itself, as a Western European invention, could be viewed as a tool of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous groups. We discussed this and more. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Elizabeth Rata, a sociologist of education from the University of Auckland and director of KERU, dives into the critical issues reshaping education. She critiques the shift from merit to equity in schools, advocating for a balanced curriculum. Rata emphasizes the significance of literature and language, while addressing concerns over curriculum decolonization. The conversation further explores the crisis in American education, the need for critical thinking, and the power dynamics shaping modern academic discourse. Rata argues for a return to foundational knowledge in education.

In this engaging conversation, Audrey Unverferth, a Visiting Fellow at Hungary’s MCC, brings her expertise on Soviet totalitarianism to the forefront. She draws alarming parallels between Soviet history and modern trends in the West, particularly emphasizing the rise of totalitarian tendencies in education and the chilling effects of cancel culture on free speech. Unverferth discusses the importance of fostering open dialogue and diverse viewpoints, while warning against the complacency that can lead to authoritarianism in any political ideology.

In this conversation with Wang Kai Chun (Steven), a foreign policy advisor at the Legislative Yuan R.O.C. in Taiwan, we discussed Taiwan-U.S. relations, military preparedness, foreign policy, and the implications of a potential Trump presidency for Taiwan. Watch this episode on YouTube.