Added: Oct 24, 2023
In this podcast episode, the host and guest, Konstantin Kisin, discuss various topics related to victimhood, online culture, and the challenges of navigating the digital world. They touch upon the concept of victimhood and how the shift from aiding victims to aiding everyone who claims victimhood has led to an increase in charlatanism and virtue signaling in Western culture, particularly online.Kisin emphasizes that people respond to incentives, and if victimhood is incentivized, it will lead to more individuals identifying as victims. He notes that the online world rewards victimhood and allows people to fake victimhood, creating avatars and projecting a certain image that may not reflect their actual circumstances. This phenomenon has contributed to the prevalence of victimhood culture in online spaces.
The conversation then shifts to the issue of hypocrisy among public figures who champion certain causes but fail to live up to their own proclaimed values in their personal lives. Kisin gives examples of celebrities who present themselves as advocates for various marginalized groups but are later exposed for mistreating their own staff or engaging in unethical behavior. He suggests that being a public champion for the underclass has become a red flag, prompting people to scrutinize the actions and behaviors of those who claim to support marginalized communities.
The guest also discusses the concept of performative morality, where individuals hide their own flaws and engage in virtue signaling to project a certain image. He argues that this compensatory mechanism is driven by a desire to hide one's own shortcomings and gain social approval. However, he believes that true morality should be based on genuine actions and deeds rather than performative gestures.
The conversation then delves into the challenges of navigating the online world and the negative impact of social media. Kisin acknowledges that the digital revolution has brought about significant changes in how we interact and communicate, but he believes that we are not adequately prepared for these changes. He suggests that in the future, we may look back at the current use of social media and be horrified by its negative consequences, much like how we now view tobacco companies promoting cigarettes as healthy.
Kisin emphasizes the need for a healthier relationship with the online world and a more responsible use of social media. He acknowledges that he has personally changed his approach to social media, both in terms of the time he spends on it and the way he interacts with others. He believes that it is important to move past the current stage of online culture and find better ways to use social media for positive purposes.
The discussion then turns to the topic of victimhood and the prevalence of "snowflake" culture. Kisin acknowledges that while there is a tendency to dismiss the concept of snowflakes, the underlying dynamic of fragility and the reward for victimhood still exists. He suggests that society needs to offer a better alternative to victimhood and help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives.
The guest also highlights the importance of being able to make normative statements and acknowledge trade-offs in decision-making. He argues that society needs to be able to have honest conversations about the positives and negatives of different choices and not shy away from discussing trade-offs. He believes that the current trend of trade-off denialism, where people refuse to acknowledge the trade-offs involved in decision-making, is detrimental to finding effective solutions.
Kisin continues by emphasizing the need for a vibrant ecosystem that includes various media sources and perspectives. He acknowledges the limitations of new media but also recognizes the problems with legacy media. He believes that maximum freedom and a diversity of voices are essential for a healthy information ecosystem. He encourages individuals to seek out different sources of information and make up their own minds rather than relying on a single narrative.
The conversation continues with a discussion on the separation of art and artist, specifically in relation to controversies surrounding certain individuals. Kisin suggests that people often want to separate the art from the artist, but in doing so, they may be ignoring important aspects of the artist's beliefs and values. He mentions Joe Rogan as an example, stating that while Rogan has been involved in controversies, his extensive body of work provides evidence of his character and beliefs.
The conversation then shifts to Bud Light's recent advertisement, which Kisin finds interesting. He suggests that the advertisement may be a reflection of the current trend among big corporations to promote certain social and political ideologies. Kisin argues that if people want to enforce the rule of not judging someone based on a single occurrence, they should be careful not to transgress that rule themselves.
The discussion then delves into the topic of modern masculinity and the challenges faced by men in today's society. Kisin believes that any ideology that pits men against women or vice versa is toxic and damaging. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that men and women need each other and should work together. Kisin also highlights the dangers of the anti-masculinity narrative that is prevalent in various forms of media and advertising.
Kisin, who grew up in a communist country and later moved to the UK, suggests that society should focus on what it wants as a whole. He argues that any ideology that divides men and women is detrimental to society. He believes that the most meaningful aspect of life for the majority of people is the relationship they have with their intimate partner. Kisin emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mutual respect between men and women.
The conversation then explores why it is difficult for people to publicly advocate for the problems faced by men and boys. Kisin suggests that victimhood does not work for men in the same way it does for women. He explains that men are often seen as disposable and therefore do not receive the same sympathy as women. Kisin argues that the solution to men's problems is for men to strive for greatness and pursue their goals. He believes that men need to embrace their drive, ambition, and desire for power, as these are natural aspects of masculinity.
The discussion also touches on the lack of guidance for men in today's society. Kisin suggests that blowing open the expectations around men can lead to a lack of guidance and confusion. He believes that there should be a positive vision for masculinity that encourages men to be their best selves. Kisin also suggests that structural initiatives should be implemented to help boys and men overcome the challenges they face.
The conversation continues with a discussion on perception and projection. Kisin explains that people often see what they expect to see and that teaching people victimhood can make them expect certain negative experiences. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own actions and perceptions.
The discussion then shifts to the topic of activism and the recent trend of people engaging in activism against certain issues rather than for them. The guest mentions the example of activists waving EU flags at the Last Night of the Proms event, which sparked outrage among Brexiteers. He criticizes the obsession with Brexit and the refusal to accept the democratic outcome of the referendum.
The conversation then delves into the topic of climate change. The guest expresses his skepticism towards the current narrative surrounding climate change and the proposed solutions. He argues that the historical context and data are often ignored, and that the conversation is driven by fear and a desire for a doomsday narrative. He also questions the effectiveness of certain measures, such as making energy more expensive, and highlights the importance of considering the consequences of actions.
The guest also discusses the challenges of navigating the information landscape in the age of social media. He mentions the concept of groupthink and the tendency for people to follow certain narratives without critically evaluating them. He also explores the idea of free speech and the complexities of content moderation on social media platforms. He acknowledges the need for moderation to prevent the misuse of powerful technology, but also recognizes the challenges and biases that come with it.
The conversation continues with a discussion on the importance of finding a balance between order and chaos in society. The guest suggests that the current state of affairs, with a lack of trust in institutions and a fragmented media landscape, makes it difficult to make sense of the world. He emphasizes the need for a media ecosystem that is trustworthy and for politicians who can be trusted. He also highlights the importance of individual responsibility in navigating the information landscape and making informed decisions.
The conversation continues with a discussion about cancel culture and its impact on comedy. Kisin shares his experience of being asked to sign a contract that restricted his material and how he refused to comply. He believes that cancel culture is a result of a lack of understanding and empathy, and that comedians should be able to joke about any topic as long as it is done in a thoughtful and intelligent way.
They then move on to talk about the power of social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube. Kisin argues that these platforms have become monopolies and that they should be split up to promote competition. He also discusses the importance of authenticity in social media and how the users of these platforms determine the value of the content.
The conversation then shifts to the topic of technology and its impact on society. Kisin mentions the possibility of bringing back extinct animals, such as the woolly mammoth, through genetic engineering. He also expresses his thoughts on artificial intelligence and believes that while it will have a significant impact on the world, the exact consequences are still unknown.
They also touch on the upcoming US presidential election and the possibility of Donald Trump running for office again. Kisin speculates that Trump may face legal troubles but still has a chance of winning the nomination for the Republican Party.
Towards the end of the podcast, they discuss the future of their respective careers. Kisin talks about his plans to expand his podcast and create a platform for other talented creators. He also expresses his admiration for Dana White, the president of the UFC, and his ability to build a successful business in the entertainment industry.
