Quillette Narrated

Criminal-justice reformers like to say that it is better to be ‘smart on crime’ than ‘tough on crime.’ But sometimes being tough is the smart choice. By ⁠Andrew Bushnell⁠

Easy Rider is an important movie—much more important than a simple measure of its quality would suggest—which is probably why the American Film Institute, among others, continues to rate it so highly.

⁠Jukka Savolainen⁠ 's article "The Murder of Iryna Zarutska — Why did this particular crime cut through the daily background noise of American violence?" on Quillette explores the reasons behind the heightened attention the murder of Iryna Zarutska received in conservative circles and the muted response from mainstream media. Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian refugee, was killed in Charlotte, North Carolina, in a crime caught on CCTV, sparking outrage primarily among conservatives. The article posits that this response is due to three interrelated concerns: media bias, urban disorder, and the victim's characteristics. It argues that mainstream media often report crimes through a racial lens that can distort public perception, amplifying cases where victims are from minority communities while neglecting others. The murder was seen as emblematic of urban disorder in the post-George Floyd era, highlighting issues of leniency and the decline in policing standards. Zarutska's story resonated because she was perceived as an innocent, industrious immigrant whose murder by a repeat offender epitomized a failure of the judicial and social system. The article contrasts media and societal responses to different victim profiles based on ideological lines, highlighting differences in moral priorities between conservatives and progressives. It suggests that the coverage of Zarutska's murder exposes broader cultural divides, with conservatives emphasizing fairness and justice, while progressives focus more on care and liberation, often for marginalized groups.

The discussion highlights Laurence Krauss's admiration for Darwin, favoring him over Einstein. Darwin's blend of sharp observation and theoretical insight is celebrated, particularly in his literary masterpiece, The Voyage of the Beagle. Krauss shares Darwin's vivid experiences in the Brazilian rainforest and his moral outrage against slavery. The exploration of the Galapagos Islands reveals Darwin's geological observations and the enigma of island species. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the beauty of Darwin's writing and the foundational ideas of evolutionary theory.

The list of violent criminals who imagine they were ‘born in the wrong body’ is growing. By Forest Romm, Kevin Waldman

The situation of South African “whites” is worse than Donald Trump's critics are willing to acknowledge.

2022 marked the bicentennial of the pseudonym’s transformation from literary dabbler into one of the greatest novelists of the modern age.

The ideological capture of college writing programs has ushered in an age of didactic, anodyne, and tedious books. By ⁠Adam Szetela⁠

Healthcare for menopause and perimenopause is the single most patient-betraying area of medicine—but it has plenty of company. By Amy Alkon.

The discussion delves into Greta Thunberg’s rapid rise to fame and how her iconic 2019 UN speech catapulted her into the global spotlight. As she transitions into adulthood, her appeal faces scrutiny and shifting public perception. The podcast explores her background, mental health struggles, and the origins of her activism, culminating in her critiques of political greenwashing. It debates the effectiveness of her slogans, the complexities of climate policy, and the risks of absolutist tactics in activism, culminating in a nuanced look at her evolving role.