I agree that the series is very good, measured, thoughtful and thought-provoking. But I resent, if that is too strong a word, the fact that it is only Rowling that seems to be the one asked "What if you're wrong?" Megan was so gentle and affirming in last week's interviews but never once did she display the temerity to say to the subject…
I agree that the series is very good, measured, thoughtful and thought-provoking. But I resent, if that is too strong a word, the fact that it is only Rowling that seems to be the one asked "What if you're wrong?" Megan was so gentle and affirming in last week's interviews but never once did she display the temerity to say to the subjects of her interviews "But what if you're wrong?"
I see this unilateral approach to be highly indicative of a prior assumption, that only a person that is offering objections is the one that might be wrong.
Megan had to be gentle and affirming in her interviews, and dare not question the interviewees "rightness." These people are fragile and suffering from a certifiable mental illness. They can't handle too much reality without breaking down.
Brian, I must say, I think the "fragility" of the interviewees is, to a large extent,learned behavior, if not outright fakery. By always appearing to be on the edge of a nervous breakdown, they can control the group dynamic... kind of like the "transition me this minute or I'm going to commit suicide" gambit. Pathetic.
I'm sure you're right. It's also extremely immature, which is something that seems to be common among this crowd - a refusal (or inability) to grow up, take responsibility for their lives and live in the real world.
Not too strong at all, David--we are right to resent that there has not been far more pushback to the gender identity insanity that has taken over the culture. It is a catastrophically wrongheaded idea that has been allowed to flourish because it is so rarely challenged directly.
And Gender Identity Theory is another one of those Really Bad Ideas brought to you, in large part, from the really dysfunctional folks in today's higher ed.
I had that thought as well about Megan, but as a clinician, I also know that mentally ill people (who are unstable) are over reactive to any dissent. So if you want to coax anything out them or get them to follow instructions (like take meds/attend therapy), you have to treat them like very small children. Great point!
David’s point exactly is my one major qualm with the excellent series. The kid glove treatment for Noah and other trans interviewees stands in too stark contrast with the tough questions Rowling is asked. I’d love to see Meghan (or anyone at the FP) address this disparity indicating preconceived notions; it goes after all to to the heart of journalistic ethics, which Bari c.s. value and aim to restore.
Keep in mind that Noah and Natalie are very young and not public figures. JK is a very successful, well-supported public figure who has chosen to take on this fight. These facts alone could explain the disparity.
Unfortunately, when I ask that question of those who dissent from the opinion of J.K. Rowling, I tend to just get shouted down, and blocked. I also never get an honest answer. Every journalist I've seen try to do this has met a worse fate. Simply put, if you're going to get anything out of them they need to be handled with kid gloves. J.K., on the other hand, is basically asking to be challenged.
I resent this, too. However I recognize that it's a consequence of this movements practices, and tactics, and not so much the failing of any journalist.
I think it's a fair question because Rowling has the audience and power, while most of those who disagree with her do not. For example, I would be fine with an interviewer asking Donald Trump or Joe Biden "What if you're wrong?" but wouldn't want that question asked of an average person on the street giving their opinion.
I always smile when people from a fringe opinion say they just want "dialog". Like Inigo Montoya says, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." What they mean by "dialog" is that we listen attentively and respectfully whilst they say their piece and at the end of it, we unquestioningly agree with them, down to every jot and tittle. I hardly call that a dialog.
you keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.. one line from a brilliant film. also never get involved in a a land war in asia.. see how that worked?
Bunk, Scott D. The "audience and the power" these days is with the gender identity nazis. Only someone of JK Rowling's immense cultural power and prestige can stand up to them. And even she is in peril. So you can give up the "poor little powerless us" routine.
Sorry, but I disagree. The doctor's pushing transitioning and making money off of it don't have power? The political actors that use this issue to gain votes don't have power? The TicTok influencers that get thousands of views don't have power? Even then, yes I think that the average person in our society should be challenged in their beliefs. Respectfully and with honesty, but challenged.
I agree that the series is very good, measured, thoughtful and thought-provoking. But I resent, if that is too strong a word, the fact that it is only Rowling that seems to be the one asked "What if you're wrong?" Megan was so gentle and affirming in last week's interviews but never once did she display the temerity to say to the subjects of her interviews "But what if you're wrong?"
I see this unilateral approach to be highly indicative of a prior assumption, that only a person that is offering objections is the one that might be wrong.
I thought the same thing, David
Megan had to be gentle and affirming in her interviews, and dare not question the interviewees "rightness." These people are fragile and suffering from a certifiable mental illness. They can't handle too much reality without breaking down.
Brian, I must say, I think the "fragility" of the interviewees is, to a large extent,learned behavior, if not outright fakery. By always appearing to be on the edge of a nervous breakdown, they can control the group dynamic... kind of like the "transition me this minute or I'm going to commit suicide" gambit. Pathetic.
I'm sure you're right. It's also extremely immature, which is something that seems to be common among this crowd - a refusal (or inability) to grow up, take responsibility for their lives and live in the real world.
The spoiled brats who are willing to act out have been getting their way for about forty years now...it's learned behavior.
Not too strong at all, David--we are right to resent that there has not been far more pushback to the gender identity insanity that has taken over the culture. It is a catastrophically wrongheaded idea that has been allowed to flourish because it is so rarely challenged directly.
And Gender Identity Theory is another one of those Really Bad Ideas brought to you, in large part, from the really dysfunctional folks in today's higher ed.
I had that thought as well about Megan, but as a clinician, I also know that mentally ill people (who are unstable) are over reactive to any dissent. So if you want to coax anything out them or get them to follow instructions (like take meds/attend therapy), you have to treat them like very small children. Great point!
David’s point exactly is my one major qualm with the excellent series. The kid glove treatment for Noah and other trans interviewees stands in too stark contrast with the tough questions Rowling is asked. I’d love to see Meghan (or anyone at the FP) address this disparity indicating preconceived notions; it goes after all to to the heart of journalistic ethics, which Bari c.s. value and aim to restore.
Keep in mind that Noah and Natalie are very young and not public figures. JK is a very successful, well-supported public figure who has chosen to take on this fight. These facts alone could explain the disparity.
Natalie has 320000 followers on instagram and 1.65 million on YouTube, so pretty public and successful and should be able to answer hard questions.
no excuses ...sorry. be prepared to defend your position.
Great observation!
Unfortunately, when I ask that question of those who dissent from the opinion of J.K. Rowling, I tend to just get shouted down, and blocked. I also never get an honest answer. Every journalist I've seen try to do this has met a worse fate. Simply put, if you're going to get anything out of them they need to be handled with kid gloves. J.K., on the other hand, is basically asking to be challenged.
I resent this, too. However I recognize that it's a consequence of this movements practices, and tactics, and not so much the failing of any journalist.
You can't logic with fanatics and you will never change their minds.
I think it's a fair question because Rowling has the audience and power, while most of those who disagree with her do not. For example, I would be fine with an interviewer asking Donald Trump or Joe Biden "What if you're wrong?" but wouldn't want that question asked of an average person on the street giving their opinion.
really , would Bi-det be able to answer ? Trump-et would give an answer you might not like it or agree with it but he could answer the question
it is a question that should be asked of anyone all of the time.. it sort of is THE question..
I always smile when people from a fringe opinion say they just want "dialog". Like Inigo Montoya says, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." What they mean by "dialog" is that we listen attentively and respectfully whilst they say their piece and at the end of it, we unquestioningly agree with them, down to every jot and tittle. I hardly call that a dialog.
Again,David, on the nose.
you keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.. one line from a brilliant film. also never get involved in a a land war in asia.. see how that worked?
...but only SLIGHTY LESS WELL-KNOWN IS THIS: Never go up against a Sicilian when DEATH is on the line!!
Anybody want a peanut?
Bunk, Scott D. The "audience and the power" these days is with the gender identity nazis. Only someone of JK Rowling's immense cultural power and prestige can stand up to them. And even she is in peril. So you can give up the "poor little powerless us" routine.
Sorry, but I disagree. The doctor's pushing transitioning and making money off of it don't have power? The political actors that use this issue to gain votes don't have power? The TicTok influencers that get thousands of views don't have power? Even then, yes I think that the average person in our society should be challenged in their beliefs. Respectfully and with honesty, but challenged.
You had me agreeing with you until the last sentence. Did you really have to call him an idiot just because you disagree with him?
That’s a really good point.