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The Classicist Podcast, with Victor Davis Hanson: “The Age of Mass Hysteria”
If you have even the slightest misgivings about gay marriage, you’re a homophobe. If illegal immigration gives you a moment’s pause, you’re a knuckle-dragging nativist. If you’re not morally outraged that there are still a few corners of America where you can see a confederate battle flag — well, do I even have to say it?
In this episode of The Classicist, VDH examines the culture of perpetual outrage and how it’s accelerated by the non-stop onslaught of social media. Listen in to the conversation below or subscribe to The Classicist through iTunes or your favorite podcast player.
Troy & VDH,
My favorite way of saying exactly what Dr. Hanson was saying is “It’s not the medium, it’s the message.” Nobody is as computer happy as I was and still am. However, I try never to confuse my facility with the tech with either knowledge or talent.
May the backlash begin.
Regards,
Jim
Excellent post, Troy–you’re on fire!
But I disagree in part: There is something in the pump that does change the water. Well, I’m not a farmer–I mean, the internet really is chaotic–it changes people somewhat–it favors weird abstractions–it removes people somewhat from the situation in which the world is in front of their eyes, if they but see it.
I’m a recent member to Ricochet, and The Classicist podcast has instantly become one one of my favorites. I’m a huge VDH fan (I have many of his books, read his columns regularly), and very much look forward to each new episode.
You’re doing good Ricochet, very good.
The flag that you are speaking of is the Battle Flag of the Army of Tennessee. You’re a historian, VDH, get it right.
Other than that annoyance, enlightening presentation.
Is anyone else having a problem downloading this podcast through iTunes or is it just me?
Thanks Arahant. I’ve heard of the stars and bars. Now I’ve seen it.
Of course, that was not the flag VDH was speaking of.
Well, I’d just be happy if he’d do more of ’em. Hope he hasn’t gotten too busy to keep doing these.
Due to an unforeseen scheduling issue, we couldn’t record one last week. That won’t be repeated. We’ll have a new one out on Friday and will resume at the rate of one a week thereafter.