Some people think the culture war is a distraction, or even a psyop. Others think politics (and so much else) is actually downstream of culture. Which is why paying attention to the often ridiculous feuds and peccadillos playing out online (and sometimes in real life) tells us something about where we are and where we’re heading.
Also, it can be fun.
So today, two treats from the front lines of the culture war.
One, by Park MacDougald, is about the fastest-growing sport in America: pickleball. A tennis player himself, he argues that the pickleballers must be stopped! For the good of America’s courts—and for the nation. (Our thanks to our friends at the Washington Examiner, where this piece originally appeared.)
The other is from Phoebe Maltz Bovy, who bravely takes on the Battle of the Beers. If you’ve somehow avoided the drama involving Bud Light, trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney, and Kid Rock shooting a case of beer cans, I envy you.
Happy reading. And no matter which side of the culture war you happen to be on, may the odds be ever in your favor. —BW
If you’re hungry for more, check out these other recent Free Press stories, including our investigation into how ideological orthodoxy has taken over therapy, Eli Lake’s response to the Durham report, and TGIF—our essential digest on the week’s news.
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Whether you are a tennis or pickle ball player, Novak Djokovic is a hero for sacrificing more than any athlete to stand up for bodily autonomy. He will finally be allowed to play in the US later this year after the Biden regime lifts their insane travel ban. The autobiography and diet book he wrote a decade ago revealed how he forged such mental and physical strength: https://yuribezmenov.substack.com/p/novak-djokovic-servetowin-devotion
Actually both beers really, really suck. I hope they both continue to have decreasing sales. Bud and the guy/gal with no hooters (Al Bundy) and a seriously unhappy and not very friendly looking lecturer does not create sales. Men, how dare you enjoy women in little clothing? Even though makeup and tight clothing absorbs so much of women’s money. Now we pause for the view of fake hooters from so called stars each trying to show the most bare parts at the Oscars red carpet. What a frigging stupid argument from Miller. My wife knows perfectly well how to get beer! It’s honey, get me a beer please. So I ask which local small brewery she wants. Women are weak and helpless—- my ass they are. They keep everything running in this world.
Pickle ball versus tennis. Yeah like, who cares?