#1241 - Sam Harris

At a Glance

• Racism and Excuses - “I mean take I mean the norm Mcdonald case it’s just utterly clear… Utterly clear like like I don’t think unless she’s got some white supremacist you know side gig that I’m not aware of…” The conversation emphasizes how racism can be excused or downplayed in society, even when it’s obvious.

• Double Standards - “What if Oprah said it? Yeah. What if Oprah’s saying, who cares?” The speaker highlights the double standard applied to famous people like Oprah versus others, showing how some individuals are given a pass for similar behavior.

• Context Matters - “They were using the n-word… And they’re black people and then they’re Ns” The conversation illustrates how context can influence how language is perceived and whether it’s considered acceptable or not.

• Accountability - “Louis, you’re the only white guy I know who…” Joe notes that Louis C.K. was held accountable for his actions, but others like Ricky Gervais were not, suggesting that accountability can be selective.

• Praise for Sam Harris - “I honestly didn’t even know what a podcast was when… I learned what a podcast was when I got invited to get interviewed on your podcast the first time” Joe praises Sam Harris for creating an innovative space and pushing boundaries in his podcast.

What to Do

• Be aware of your own biases and assumptions - The speaker highlights how people tend to be more understanding when it comes to things that are done by people they agree with, but harshly judge those who don’t fit their standards. This serves as a reminder to approach conversations with an open mind and consider different perspectives.

• Context is crucial in understanding behavior - The conversation emphasizes the importance of considering context when evaluating someone’s actions or words. This advice encourages us to look beyond surface-level appearances and try to understand the underlying motivations or circumstances that led to a particular action or statement.

• Don’t make assumptions based on skin color or background - The speaker points out how people are often treated differently depending on their race or background, even when they say similar things. This serves as a reminder not to make assumptions about someone based on their appearance or where they come from.

• Be willing to listen and consider different viewpoints - The conversation highlights the value of listening to others and considering their perspectives, even if they differ from our own. This advice encourages us to engage in constructive dialogue and try to understand why someone might hold a particular view.

• Don’t jump to conclusions or assume motives - The speaker advises against jumping to conclusions or assuming motives based on incomplete information. Instead, we should strive to gather more facts and consider multiple perspectives before forming an opinion or taking action.

What to Get

• Free Will by Sam Harris - Amazon

• Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion by Sam Harris - Amazon

• The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values by Sam Harris - Amazon

Summary

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of social justice, free speech, and the consequences of using language that can be perceived as racist or discriminatory. The conversation begins with a discussion about Megyn Kelly’s infamous comment on blackface, which led to her being fired from her job. One of the hosts suggests that even if Kelly had better ratings, her statement was still “unrecoverable” due to its sheer offensiveness.

The hosts then explore how this situation might have played out differently if Kelly was a person of color who made a similar comment about blackface. They wonder what would happen if Oprah Winfrey or another prominent African American figure said something similarly tone-deaf. This hypothetical scenario highlights the double standards that often exist in discussions around racism and free speech.

The conversation also touches on the controversy surrounding comedians like Louis C.K., Ricky Gervais, Jerry Seinfeld, and Chris Rock, who have faced backlash for using language or making jokes about sensitive topics. The hosts note that while these comedians may be using satire or irony to make a point, they can still be misinterpreted by audiences and criticized for their choices.

One of the most striking moments in the episode comes when the hosts discuss how language and context can affect our perceptions of what’s acceptable versus what’s not. They use an example from Chris Rock’s comedy routine to illustrate how using certain words or phrases can be perceived differently depending on who is saying them and why. This nuanced discussion highlights the complexity of these issues and encourages listeners to think critically about language, power dynamics, and social justice.

Throughout the conversation, the hosts also reflect on their own experiences as people in the public eye. One of them mentions that they didn’t even know what a podcast was until they were invited to appear on one, which underscores how quickly this medium has evolved and become an important platform for discussion and self-expression. The episode concludes with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to engage in these conversations and to push boundaries in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

Overall, this podcast episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of social justice, free speech, and the complexities of language and power dynamics. By engaging with difficult topics and challenging listeners to think critically about their own perspectives, the hosts encourage us all to become more informed, empathetic, and engaged members of society.