#207 — Can We Pull Back From The Brink?
#207 — Can We Pull Back From The Brink?
June 13, 2020
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1hr 52m
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Episode Ranking: 6/100
TOPICS: Social Media
Episode Description
In this episode, Sam delves into the recent social protests and civil unrest sweeping America, providing insight into racism and police violence. By subscribing to the Making Sense podcast, listeners can access all full-length episodes and further explore these critical contemporary issues. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the state of America today.
Ideabrix Summary
In episode #207 of 'Making Sense with Sam Harris', titled 'Can We Pull Back From The Brink?', Sam Harris expresses his concern about the current state of public discourse and the role of social media in escalating tensions. He discusses the psychological experiment of social media, which he believes is contributing to a breakdown in society's ability to distinguish fact from fiction. Harris addresses the social unrest and political implications arising from the recent incidents of police violence and racism, particularly emphasizing the need for conversation over violence as a tool for progress. He questions the impossibility of certain discussions due to the fury, sanctimony, and bad faith that dominate social media platforms. Harris also touches upon the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic downturn, and civil unrest on society's ability to focus on other pressing issues.
Harris delves into the specifics of police violence and racism, using the killing of George Floyd as a pivotal moment to explore these themes. He shares his horror at the video of Floyd's death but also raises questions about whether this and similar incidents are indicative of systemic racism in policing or are more complex situations involving a range of factors. Harris cites studies and statistics to argue that the narrative of an epidemic of racially motivated police violence against black individuals may not be supported by the data. He acknowledges the existence of racism and the need for police reform but challenges the prevailing narrative that attributes all incidents of police violence to racism.
Throughout the episode, Harris emphasizes the importance of honest and open conversation, the difficulty in having such discussions in the current climate, and the dangers of misinformation and hysteria. He criticizes the media for its role in perpetuating a one-sided narrative and expresses concern about the potential for increased authoritarianism under the Trump administration, exacerbated by the current unrest.
Harris delves into the specifics of police violence and racism, using the killing of George Floyd as a pivotal moment to explore these themes. He shares his horror at the video of Floyd's death but also raises questions about whether this and similar incidents are indicative of systemic racism in policing or are more complex situations involving a range of factors. Harris cites studies and statistics to argue that the narrative of an epidemic of racially motivated police violence against black individuals may not be supported by the data. He acknowledges the existence of racism and the need for police reform but challenges the prevailing narrative that attributes all incidents of police violence to racism.
Throughout the episode, Harris emphasizes the importance of honest and open conversation, the difficulty in having such discussions in the current climate, and the dangers of misinformation and hysteria. He criticizes the media for its role in perpetuating a one-sided narrative and expresses concern about the potential for increased authoritarianism under the Trump administration, exacerbated by the current unrest.
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