The Minefield

Since the start of November, the Australian government has made two significant announcements aimed at preventing the harms that social media platforms are causing to the mental health of adolescents — but are these measures enough?

Josh Bornstein, an employment and labor relations lawyer and author of "Working for the Brand," dives into the fraught intersection of corporate power and employee free speech. He discusses the chilling effect of corporate policies on political expression, especially in industries like journalism. The conversation critically explores how large corporations, driven by public pressure, often compromise ethical commitments, raising questions about accountability and the alarming erosion of worker rights in today’s digital landscape.

Sarah Percy, an Associate Professor from the University of Queensland, provides keen insights into Donald Trump's political resurgence. She discusses how Trump is reshaping the political narrative, including his ability to unify diverse voter bases. The conversation reveals growing skepticism towards democratic institutions and explores economic concerns overshadowing democratic values. Percy also highlights the implications of recent shifts in public sentiment and the evolving perceptions of democracy itself amid Trump's enduring influence.

Stan Grant, an award-winning writer and distinguished professor, joins Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens to unravel the complexities of 'evil' in today's society. They discuss how personal backgrounds shape our interpretations of evil and its implications for public discourse. The conversation delves into cultural perspectives, the potential harm of labeling actions or individuals as evil, and philosophical insights from thinkers like Hannah Arendt. Grant emphasizes the balance of divine attributes and human conduct, questioning the relevance of evil in contemporary moral discussions.

Talia Morag, a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Australian Catholic University, dives into the ethical conundrum of revenge in politics. She explores the historical allure of payback and its seemingly satisfying nature, while also addressing its perpetual cycle of harm. Morag delves into philosophical viewpoints from ancient Greece about the futility of vengeance and the importance of justice over retribution. The discussion highlights how local engagement and understanding can provide viable alternatives to the temptations of revenge in modern political discourse.

In this discussion, Jordan Giao, Director of Responsible Technology at Per Capita, explores the alarming impact of disinformation on democracy, especially as elections loom. He highlights the emotional toll misinformation takes on individuals, such as meteorologists during natural disasters. Giao delves into the challenges of rebuilding trust in institutions amidst a swirl of political mendacity and social media influence. The conversation also touches on Taiwan's innovative democratic practices, which empower direct citizen engagement, offering a contrasting perspective to the prevailing issues in Western democracies.

Benjamin Moffat, an Associate Professor in Politics at Australian Catholic University and an expert in populism, unpacks the multifaceted nature of populism. He critiques how the term has been weaponized post-Trump and Brexit, revealing its historical roots among left-wing movements. Moffat discusses the manipulation of populist sentiments by elites, the oversimplification of complex debates, and the emotional engagement that populism fosters. He highlights the disconnect between everyday experiences and elite perceptions, stressing the need for diverse perspectives in governance.

The policy of negative gearing — which gives the owners of investment properties an unlimited ability to deduct losses from their overall taxable income — has come to symbolise the disparity between the different ways Australians see home ownership: for some, it is a means of wealth creation; for others, it represents the ever-receding promise of shelter, stability, security.It is unsurprising, then, that the policy would evoke such strong feelings whenever it re-enters public debate.Will changes to negative gearing solve Australia’s housing affordability crisis? No. But inquiring into why it elicits such powerful emotions can help us think more clearly about the moral dimensions of our relationship to housing and home ownership.

In this engaging discussion, Simon Tedeschi, an acclaimed concert pianist and award-winning writer, delves into the haunting war poetry of Wilfred Owen. The conversation reveals how Owen’s works like 'Strange Meeting' starkly contrast glorified war narratives, urging profound reflection on sacrifice and loss. Tedeschi highlights the emotional power of poetry in connecting with our shared humanity amidst chaos. The episode culminates in a heartfelt performance, emphasizing art's critical role in understanding and healing in today's turbulent world.

With the US presidential election on the horizon, to say nothing of a number of Australian elections, our airwaves, news sites and social media feeds are filled with political rhetoric.Many of us have come to accept political rhetoric — with its obfuscations, generalisations, exaggerations and outright evasions — as the price of doing business with democratic politics.Is there a meaningful difference anymore between political rhetoric and propaganda? What disciplines and constraints must political rhetoric adopt in order to keep itself free of the propagandistic temptation?