JRE #708 – Steven Crowder

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Steven Crowder, an actor, comedian, and former Fox News contributor. The episode covers a wide range of topics, ranging from personal anecdotes to controversial issues. Crowder’s outspoken personality and comedic style contribute to a lively and engaging discussion.

1. YouTube’s “Monsters”:

• Crowder discusses his early experiences on YouTube, where he encountered a significant amount of online harassment and abuse.
• He describes these individuals as “monsters,” highlighting the online world’s potential for negativity and hate speech.
• Crowder argues that addressing these “monsters” directly can inadvertently give them the attention they seek.
• He compares this phenomenon to feeding a poltergeist, emphasizing the importance of ignoring online trolls and negativity.

2. The Evolution of Comedy and PC Culture:

• Crowder explores how the rise of online platforms like YouTube has impacted stand-up comedy.
• He suggests that while the internet has democratized comedy, it has also created a more sensitive and restrictive environment, contributing to the rise of political correctness.
• Crowder argues that online comedians lack the experience and understanding of traditional stand-up, making them less tolerant of offensive material.
• He draws a parallel between the evolution of comedy and the Marx Brothers, emphasizing how the art form adapts to changing social norms.

3. Freedom of Speech and Censorship:

• Crowder discusses the limits of freedom of speech in Canada and the potential for legal repercussions for offensive jokes.
• He cites the case of a comedian who was sued for insulting a heckler, highlighting the vulnerability of comedians in a litigious society.
• Crowder also mentions the case of a pastor who was banned from public speaking for refusing to perform same-sex marriages, arguing that even religious freedom can be restricted.
• He contrasts the attention given to groups like Westboro Baptist Church with the relative silence surrounding other controversial ideologies, such as radical Islam.

4. The “Gay Voice” and Sexual Identity:

• Crowder delves into the concept of a distinct “gay voice” and how it’s perceived by society.
• He discusses how individuals often make assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation based on their voice, mannerisms, or appearance.
• He shares a story about a friend who came out of the closet, highlighting the social and personal dynamics that can arise from a change in sexual identity.
• Crowder acknowledges the complexities of sexual orientation and its impact on relationships, but also points out that assumptions about someone’s sexuality can be unfair and inaccurate.

5. The Limits of Political Correctness and “Subhuman” Treatment:

• Crowder criticizes what he sees as the hypocrisy and double standards of political correctness.
• He argues that the “social justice warrior” movement has weaponized identity politics to attack individuals who hold differing opinions.
• Crowder uses Ben Carson as an example, claiming that the former neurosurgeon is unjustly painted as a bigot despite his accomplishments and polite demeanor.
• He emphasizes that true progressivism should be rooted in love and acceptance, not aggression and name-calling.

6. The Debate Over Abortion and Scientific Evidence:

• Crowder discusses the complex issue of abortion, highlighting the disconnect between the left’s anti-science rhetoric and the scientific reality of fetal development.
• He points to the views of prominent atheists like Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins, who have acknowledged that abortion involves the termination of a life.
• Crowder argues that the left’s rigid stance on abortion prevents open and objective discussion on the topic.
• He asserts that his views on abortion are not necessarily right-wing, but rather stem from a recognition of the scientific realities of fetal development and the inherent value of human life.

7. The “Gun Show Loophole” and the Right to Self-Preservation:

• Crowder addresses the controversy surrounding gun control, emphasizing the importance of the Second Amendment and the right to self-preservation.
• He cites his own experiences with death threats and the need for armed security at his events as a justification for gun ownership.
• Crowder challenges the notion that restricting gun ownership will effectively reduce violence, arguing that mental health issues are at the root of many violent acts.
• He suggests that focusing on mental health interventions and addressing the root causes of violence is a more effective strategy than simply taking away guns.

8. The Role of Unions in Politics and the Culinary Union’s Influence:

• Crowder discusses the influence of unions in politics, arguing that they are a major force in funding and supporting Democratic candidates.
• He points out that unions often give substantial donations to politicians who then provide them with favorable legislation and contracts.
• Crowder highlights the case of the Culinary Union, a powerful organization that has targeted the UFC and casinos in Nevada.
• He criticizes the union’s tactics as aggressive and manipulative, accusing them of using intimidation and harassment to achieve their goals.

9. The “Transgender” Debate and Hormonal Advantages:

• Crowder tackles the contentious topic of transgender athletes in combat sports, specifically focusing on the case of Fallon Fox.
• He argues that transgender athletes who have undergone hormone replacement therapy still retain significant physical advantages over cisgender women due to their inherent biological differences.
• Crowder cites scientific evidence, including the research of endocrinologist Ramona Krotzak, to support his claim that hormone replacement therapy does not completely eliminate the physiological advantages of a male body.
• He criticizes the trans community’s tendency to attack those who question their views, suggesting that the issue has become more ideological than scientific.

10. The “Professional Victim” Phenomenon:

• Crowder examines the phenomenon of individuals who exploit victimhood for personal gain and attention.
• He uses the examples of Rachel Dolezal, a white woman who claimed to be black, and Sean King, a white man who falsely claimed to be the victim of a hate crime.
• Crowder argues that these individuals have become “professional victims,” seeking attention, sympathy, and social currency through fabricated victimhood narratives.
• He suggests that the current culture of victimhood encourages individuals to embrace their perceived victimhood rather than seeking solutions and empowerment.

11. The Dangers of Rigid Ideologies:

• Crowder expresses concern about the dangers of rigid ideologies, particularly those that promote intolerance and restrict individual freedoms.
• He highlights the differences between Christianity and Islam, pointing to the latter’s emphasis on warlordism and the subjugation of non-Muslims.
• Crowder argues that Islam has not undergone the same Enlightenment-driven evolution as other religions, leading to a more rigid and intolerant interpretation of its doctrines.
• He criticizes the term “Islamophobia,” arguing that it is used to silence legitimate criticism of Islam and its practices.

12. The Importance of Questioning and Examining Beliefs:

• Crowder stresses the importance of critical thinking and questioning deeply held beliefs, even religious ones.
• He acknowledges that his own beliefs have evolved over time, and he encourages listeners to be open to changing their views based on new evidence.
• Crowder suggests that the belief in miracles and mystical occurrences can be seen as a form of faith, even in the context of scientific theories like the Big Bang.
• He encourages listeners to engage in thoughtful and respectful discussions about religion and other complex topics, rather than resorting to simplistic and dismissive arguments.

13. The Impact of the Internet on Society and Technology:

• Crowder discusses the transformative impact of the internet on society, highlighting its ability to both empower and disempower individuals.
• He acknowledges the internet’s power to spread information and facilitate communication, but also its potential for misinformation and manipulation.
• Crowder raises concerns about the internet’s ability to isolate individuals and create echo chambers where people are exposed only to information that confirms their existing biases.
• He argues that the internet’s influence on political discourse and cultural narratives has created a more polarized and divided society.

14. The Role of Media in Shaping Narratives and Perpetuating Falsehoods:

• Crowder criticizes the mainstream media’s tendency to promote narratives that align with their own ideological biases.
• He uses Lena Dunham as an example, alleging that the media has embraced her as a victim of rape despite inconsistencies in her account.
• Crowder argues that the media’s unquestioning acceptance of Dunham’s narrative is a disservice to real victims of sexual assault.
• He suggests that the media’s focus on promoting certain narratives over others can have a profound impact on public perception and understanding of complex issues.

15. The Importance of Objective Journalism and Fact-Checking:

• Crowder emphasizes the importance of objective journalism and fact-checking in a world where misinformation is rampant.
• He criticizes the use of selectively edited videos and fabricated narratives to manipulate public opinion.
• Crowder highlights the Planned Parenthood videos as an example of how the media can distort reality through selective editing and cherry-picking of information.
• He stresses that consumers of media should be critical of what they see and hear, and be wary of narratives that are presented without context or without proper fact-checking.

16. The Nature of Violence and the “Tom Jones Syndrome”:

• Crowder discusses the nature of violence, both in the context of combat sports and in personal relationships.
• He acknowledges the inherent violence in MMA but distinguishes it from domestic violence, emphasizing the difference between consensual and non-consensual violence.
• Crowder discusses the “Tom Jones Syndrome,” where individuals who have committed acts of domestic violence express remorse and accept responsibility for their actions.
• He suggests that while domestic violence is never acceptable, there is a need for understanding and compassion for those who have experienced it, both as perpetrators and victims.

17. The Influence of “Jitsu Politics” on Martial Arts:

• Crowder shares his own experiences with the politics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting the prevalence of cliques, ego-driven behavior, and disrespect in some schools.
• He criticizes the tendency of some schools to demote or ostracize students who train outside their system or who hold unconventional views.
• Crowder argues that these “jitsu politics” can be detrimental to the overall community of martial arts, creating a toxic and unwelcoming environment for new students.
• He acknowledges that the world of martial arts is not immune to the same power dynamics and social pressures that exist in other spheres of life.

18. The Importance of Technique and Skill in Combat Sports:

• Crowder discusses the importance of technique and skill in combat sports, highlighting the difference between brute force and strategic prowess.
• He argues that fighters who rely solely on brute strength often lack the technical sophistication needed to succeed at higher levels of competition.
• Crowder cites the example of Demetrious Johnson, a highly skilled flyweight fighter, as a model for how technique and evasiveness can overcome physical limitations.
• He suggests that the emphasis on technique and strategy in martial arts is crucial for both self-defense and competitive success.

19. The “Make Them Ups” and the Reality of Fiction:

• Crowder explores the relationship between fiction and reality, particularly in the context of popular television shows like “Game of Thrones.”
• He discusses the tendency of some viewers to become overly invested in fictional narratives, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
• Crowder suggests that while fiction can be entertaining, it’s important to recognize its limitations and to distinguish between the real world and the world of fantasy.
• He argues that the blurring of fiction and reality can lead to unrealistic expectations and a distorted understanding of the world.

20. The “Perspiration Problem” and the Power of Mockery:

• Crowder discusses the use of mockery and satire as a form of social commentary and critique.
• He uses Lena Dunham as an example, highlighting the inconsistencies in her public persona and her tendency to exaggerate her experiences.
• Crowder argues that mockery can be a powerful tool for exposing hypocrisy and challenging flawed narratives.
• He acknowledges that mockery can be controversial and potentially offensive, but he suggests that it can also be a valuable tool for social change and progress.

Memorable Quotes:

• “You’re giving them the attention that they so desperately seek.” – Crowder on the dangers of engaging with online trolls.
• “It’s just an evolution of comedy.” – Crowder on the impact of the internet on stand-up comedy.
• “I think they’re mining the world of ideas for the moral high ground and they’re looking to find things that they can be aggressive about and go after, and it gives them a license to be really shitty to people.” – Crowder on the motivations of “social justice warriors.”
• “I don’t think anybody should be able to tell you how the fuck you should think.” – Crowder on the importance of individual freedom and critical thinking.
• “The fact is you get hit you can’t get hit once at heavyweight.” – Crowder on the unique challenges of fighting in the heavyweight division.