The Growing Culture War with Konstantin Kisin - WBD701

Konstantin Kisin is a Russian-British satirist, podcaster, author
and political commentator. In this interview, we discuss
politics, freedom of expression, and the influence of American
discourse on the UK. We also talk about the importance of
rational and reasonable discussions, the challenges of
self-censorship and the connection between economic issues and
"wokeism".


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Cancel culture, the practice of publicly shaming or boycotting
individuals or organizations deemed to have said or done
something objectionable is a phenomenon that has gained
prominence in recent years. The exact beginnings of cancel
culture are hard to pinpoint, as public backlash and boycotts
have occurred throughout history. However, the rise of social
media platforms in the late 2000s and early 2010s significantly
amplified cancel culture's influence.


The problem is the impact cancel culture has in shaping societal
discourse and accountability. Supporters view it as a way to hold
people responsible for their actions, promote social justice, and
challenge systemic issues. They argue that cancelling figures or
entities who promote harmful ideas helps to create a more
inclusive and equitable society. It can also serve as a form of
empowerment for marginalized groups.


And yet, cancel culture has faced strong and growing criticism in
recent years for its significant negative impacts. The practice
often lacks nuance or fairness, leading to disproportionate
consequences for minor offences or misunderstandings without due
process. Further, it fosters a culture of fear and
self-censorship, as individuals may be afraid to express
unpopular opinions or engage in critical discussions for fear of
being cancelled.


Perhaps the most minacious consequence is that cancel culture can
lead to further polarization in society as people retreat into
echo chambers and become more resistant to differing viewpoints.
The effect is to critically hinder open dialogue and mutual
understanding. Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue,
people are being prevented the opportunity to engage in rational
and reasonable debate. If we want to remain free we must be
prepared to be offended.


Show notes:
https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-growing-culture-war


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