Is It Time For Gay Pride To Go Away? - Josh Szeps

Added: Apr 7, 2024

The Role of the Media in Culture Wars

The conversation highlights how the media plays a role in fueling this cycle, with stories gaining traction due to their controversial nature. Szeps points out how individuals can find themselves playing different roles in this cycle, from signal boosters to meta-reactionaries, depending on their perspective at the time. The discussion also touches on the need for nuance in conversations about sensitive topics like transgender issues, where it's essential to separate genuine concerns from harmful rhetoric.

Szeps shares his personal experience of straddling the line between mainstream and alternative media. He recounts his time as a journalist and political satirist, hosting shows that allowed for more freedom of expression. However, when he transitioned to mainstream media, he faced challenges in expressing his opinions freely, as there were limitations on discussing controversial topics.

Social Justice in Australia

The conversation shifts to the landscape of social justice in Australia, where Szeps discusses the orthodoxy of social justice and the pressure to conform to certain beliefs within certain communities. He shares instances where he faced backlash for questioning mainstream narratives, particularly in relation to transgender issues and LGBTQ pride events. He emphasizes the importance of having open and honest conversations about these topics, without fear of censorship or backlash.

The Evolution of Pride Events

Szeps also touches on the evolution of LGBTQ pride events and the debate surrounding their continued relevance. He questions whether there will come a time when these events no longer need to be a platform for activism and instead focus on inclusivity and celebration. He reflects on his own journey as a gay man and the complexities of identity within the LGBTQ community.

Leaving Mainstream Media

Szeps discusses his departure from a public broadcaster due to ideological conformism and administrative burdens. He shares how he started his own podcast, Substack, YouTube channel, and live touring as a result. Szeps reflects on the challenges he faced in maintaining his integrity and autonomy in a restrictive environment.

Szeps mentions the concept of ideological conformism, where political positions are so common sensical that they go unquestioned. He highlights the pressure to avoid controversial topics like the trans issue and the administrative hurdles he faced. Despite discomfort, he ultimately decided to part ways with the public broadcaster, leading to a significant increase in subscribers and financial stability through his new ventures.

The Cultural Landscape in Australia

Szeps discusses the cultural landscape in Australia, emphasizing the country's tendency towards conformity and orderliness. He contrasts this with the more rebellious and individualistic nature of American society. He explains the concept of horizontal trust versus vertical trust in a society, noting that Australia leans towards vertical trust in institutions and authority.

Passive-Aggressiveness in Social Media Interactions

The conversation shifts to the online culture of snarkiness and passive-aggressiveness, particularly prevalent in social media interactions. The guest criticizes the lack of earnest disagreement and the tendency to dismiss opposing viewpoints based on identity rather than merit. He shares personal experiences of being attacked online for expressing differing opinions, highlighting the toxic nature of online discourse.

Pride Event Controversy

Szeps recounts a recent controversy surrounding the exclusion of uniformed police officers from a gay pride event in Sydney. He argues against the narrative of fragility and victimization within the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for a return to universalism and inclusivity. He challenges the notion of picking sides based on group identity and calls for a more optimistic and powerful approach to civil rights activism.

Interactions With Coleman Hughes

The conversation touches on Szeps' recent interactions with Coleman Hughes and Thomas Chatterton Williams, two prominent voices in the discourse on race and identity politics. The guest discusses the importance of reclaiming universalism and moving away from tribalism in social movements. He emphasizes the need for open dialogue and genuine engagement with differing perspectives to foster a more inclusive and constructive society.

Cancel Culture and Tribalism

Szeps criticizes the patronizing nature of assuming that certain groups, such as black people, are fragile and need to be treated with kid gloves. He argues that true equality means everyone should be able to engage in discussions and debates without fear of being canceled or ostracized. He also points out the hypocrisy of the anti-woke right-wing individuals who use cancel culture as a tool to push their own beliefs, despite having a history of engaging in similar behavior.

Standing in Discourse

The conversation also touches on the idea of who has the standing to talk about certain issues. Szeps challenges the notion that only individuals who belong to a specific group can have an opinion on related matters. He believes that in a democracy, everyone should be able to engage in conversations and express their views, regardless of their background.

Authenticity and Integrity

Szeps emphasizes the importance of authenticity and integrity in discussions. He acknowledges the difficulty of being disagreeable in personal interactions, but he believes that staying true to oneself and maintaining credibility is crucial. He mentions the challenge of balancing audience expectations with personal curiosity and the desire to explore taboo topics.

The Radical Center

Szeps describes his position as being part of the "radical center," where he strives to evaluate issues based on reason and rationality rather than aligning with a specific ideological group. He values integrity and authenticity over tribal allegiances, and he is willing to challenge both the left and the right in pursuit of truth and understanding.

Immigration Policy

One of the topics Szeps discusses is immigration policy, particularly in the context of the United States and Australia. He shares his perspective on the importance of securing borders while also maintaining a welcoming attitude towards immigrants. He believes that a controlled immigration policy can lead to a more multicultural society with less resistance from the native population.

Voter ID Laws in the United States

The conversation continues with a discussion on voter ID laws in the United States. Some states have introduced requirements for voters to show identification at polling stations, which has sparked controversy. While the intention behind these laws is to secure the polls, there are concerns that they may disproportionately affect people of color and lower-income individuals. Szeps challenges the notion that not having an ID is a common issue, pointing out that most people have some form of identification through activities like driving, going to bars, or flying. He also criticizes the misuse of voter ID laws to target specific demographics.

The conversation delves into how some states allow gun licenses as valid forms of identification for voting, while rejecting student cards. This selective acceptance of IDs raises questions about the underlying motives behind voter ID laws and the potential impact on marginalized communities. The discussion highlights the intersection of race, class, and politics in shaping voting regulations.

The Influence of Social Media

The conversation shifts to the pervasive influence of social media on individuals' behavior and society as a whole.  Szeps acknowledges the addictive nature of smartphones and the algorithms designed to capture and retain users' attention. He highlights the challenges posed by the constant stream of curated content and the pressure to document every aspect of life for online consumption.

Strategies for Managing Screen Time

To combat the negative effects of excessive screen time, Szeps shares his personal strategies, such as using separate phones for different purposes and utilizing apps like Opal and Cold Turkey to limit access to social media. By creating boundaries and reducing distractions, he emphasizes the importance of reclaiming control over one's digital habits and prioritizing real-life experiences over virtual engagement.

Optimism for the Future

Despite the current challenges posed by technological advancements and societal complexities, Szeps remains optimistic about the future. Drawing on his family history and personal experiences, he highlights the resilience and adaptability of human beings in overcoming adversity. He calls for a balanced approach to navigating the complexities of the modern world, emphasizing the need for wisdom, empathy, and critical thinking in addressing global issues.