22-Jul-20
#1512 – Ben Shapiro
This podcast is a conversation between Joe Rogan and Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator and editor-in-chief of The Daily Wire. It covers a variety of topics, from Shapiro’s personal life to his thoughts on social and political issues. Provocative topics include the rise of crime in Los Angeles, the definition of racism, the 1619 Project, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Underlying themes explore the role of personal responsibility, the dangers of groupthink and cancel culture, and the importance of maintaining a stable and just society.
Ben Shapiro’s Personal Life
1. **Shapiro’s Running Regimen:** Shapiro discusses his recent decision to take up running to escape his children and find some peace in LA. He emphasizes the growing chaos and safety concerns in the city, highlighting the need for personal escape and self-care.
2. **Shapiro’s Kosher Lifestyle:** Shapiro describes his adherence to a kosher diet and the challenges it presents, particularly in a city like Los Angeles. This section delves into the underlying themes of tradition and religious commitment, balancing personal beliefs with societal expectations.
3. **Shapiro’s Experience with COVID-19:** Shapiro discusses his initial concerns about COVID-19 and his decision to adopt a healthier lifestyle. He highlights the role of personal responsibility in navigating the pandemic and the importance of prioritizing family and friends.
The Rise of Crime in Los Angeles
4. **The Decline of LA:** Shapiro and Rogan discuss the gradual decline of Los Angeles, specifically mentioning the increase in homelessness and crime. They attribute this decline to a combination of factors, including lawsuits that limit police intervention, a shift in law enforcement practices, and the rise of tent cities.
5. **The Impact of COVID-19:** They discuss how COVID-19 exacerbated existing problems in LA, leading to a further decline in safety and a rise in crime. The conversation highlights the fragility of societal order and the importance of addressing systemic issues to maintain stability.
6. **The Role of Law Enforcement:** Shapiro and Rogan delve into the complexities of law enforcement in LA, highlighting the impact of lawsuits and police union contracts. They argue that these factors have contributed to the decline in law enforcement effectiveness and the rise of crime.
The Definition of Racism
7. **Redefining Racism:** Shapiro discusses the changing definition of racism, arguing that some activists now define it as any societal structure that results in racial inequality. He critiques this definition, arguing that it ignores the role of personal responsibility and leads to a dangerous blurring of lines between legitimate social justice concerns and destructive ideology.
8. **Meritocracy and Individualism:** Shapiro challenges the notion that meritocracy and individualism are aspects of “whiteness,” arguing that these principles are essential for a just and equitable society. He stresses the importance of valuing individual effort and opportunity, rejecting the idea of dismantling these principles as a means of achieving racial equality.
The 1619 Project and Systemic Racism
9. **The 1619 Project:** Shapiro critiques the 1619 Project, a New York Times initiative that argues that the United States was founded in 1619 with the arrival of the first African slaves. He argues that the project distorts American history, downplaying the importance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and blaming every racial disparity on a systemically racist society.
10. **The Middle Ground:** Shapiro proposes a more nuanced view of systemic racism, acknowledging the historical impact of slavery and Jim Crow while rejecting the notion that every racial disparity is attributable to these historical injustices. He emphasizes the role of personal responsibility and individual choice in shaping outcomes.
11. **Intergenerational Poverty:** Shapiro discusses the role of single motherhood in perpetuating intergenerational poverty, arguing that it is not solely a result of systemic racism but rather a cultural shift that has impacted both black and white communities. He calls for a renewed emphasis on personal responsibility and individual agency to break the cycle of poverty.
12. **Solutions for Inner City Communities:** Shapiro outlines his vision for improving inner city communities, emphasizing the importance of law enforcement, education, and opportunity. He argues that these communities need a safe environment for businesses to invest, for free speech to flourish, and for education to be valued. He rejects the idea that simply throwing money at the problem will solve it.
Black Lives Matter and Police Brutality
13. **Police Distrust and Reform:** Shapiro acknowledges the growing distrust of law enforcement, particularly among minority communities, and calls for meaningful police reform. He proposes specific solutions, including limiting Qualified Immunity, reforming police union contracts, and creating a national registry of disciplined officers.
14. **The Role of the Media:** Shapiro criticizes the media’s portrayal of police brutality, arguing that it often sensationalizes isolated incidents while ignoring broader statistics. He argues that the media’s focus on anecdotal evidence and its willingness to condemn law enforcement based on limited information is counterproductive and harmful to the pursuit of social justice.
15. **The Black Lives Matter Slogan:** Shapiro questions the effectiveness of the “Black Lives Matter” slogan, arguing that it can be divisive and counterproductive. He highlights the example of Terry Crews, who criticized the slogan for failing to acknowledge the value of all black lives, not just those affected by police brutality.
16. **The Problem of Social Media:** Shapiro discusses the dangers of social media, particularly its impact on young people. He argues that social media platforms are designed to be addictive and prey on our subconscious, leading to distorted perceptions of reality and a culture of victimhood.
17. **The Importance of Commitment:** Shapiro argues that commitment is essential for success in all areas of life, including marriage, education, and career. He challenges the notion that casual relationships and a lack of focus on personal goals are signs of empowerment, arguing that these often lead to distraction and a waste of time.
The 2020 Election and the Future of America
18. **The 2020 Election:** Shapiro discusses the current political landscape and the upcoming 2020 election. He acknowledges that Biden is currently leading in the polls, but he cautions against drawing conclusions based on previous polls, which were inaccurate in 2016. He suggests that the election will hinge on Trump’s ability to maintain his base and overcome the perception that he is volatile and divisive.
19. **The State of American Society:** Shapiro outlines two possible paths for American society: one based on recognizing the flaws within the system and working to improve it, and the other based on dismantling the entire system. He argues that the latter is a dangerous and unrealistic path, while the former offers a more realistic and hopeful way forward.
20. **The Importance of American Ideals:** Shapiro reiterates the importance of upholding American ideals and principles, arguing that these principles have historically been a source of unity and progress. He criticizes the tendency to condemn America as inherently racist and suggests that instead, we should focus on living up to the promises of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Memorable Quotes:
- “If you have to go this far to find things to be offended over, there’s not that much to be offended over.” – Shapiro emphasizes the absurdity of finding offense in seemingly innocuous things, highlighting the dangers of a culture obsessed with victimhood.
- “Either fundamentally, the American system is good, but flawed. We need to work on the flaws within the system, or fundamentally, the American system sucks and was rooted in slavery and bigotry and we need to rip down the entire system.” – Shapiro presents two starkly different visions for the future of America, arguing for a pragmatic approach that focuses on improving the existing system rather than tearing it down.
- “You can’t threaten me with a corpse.” – Shapiro humorously dismisses Biden as a non-threatening candidate, highlighting the contrast between Biden’s low-key approach and Trump’s volatile style.
- “The ultimate biological trick is like, look, when we were monkeys hiding from eagles, Okay? You had a fuck as much as you could and and spread that seed around because you likely only had 5 or 6 years on this earth.” – Shapiro offers a humorous yet insightful perspective on the biological drive to reproduce, explaining how this instinct can influence our choices and behavior.
- “The worst fucking false advertising we have in America.” – Shapiro criticizes the use of sexual imagery in advertising, arguing that it exploits our primal instincts and creates unrealistic expectations.