JRE #724 – Christina Sommers

11/18/2015

This podcast dives into a contentious debate about modern feminism, featuring Christina Sommers, a philosopher and author known for her critiques of contemporary feminist ideology. Provocative topics explored include gender studies, campus activism, the 1 in 4 rape statistic, the wage gap, and the impact of feminism on male socialization. Underlying themes examine the influence of ideology on academia, the complexities of free speech, the potential dangers of mob mentality, and the importance of critical thinking in navigating contemporary social issues.

Major Topics

1. Christina Sommers’s Journey into Feminist Critique:
   1. Initially a feminist, Sommers became disillusioned with the direction of feminist thought in academia.
   2. She was particularly critical of what she saw as a demonization of men and the dissemination of “paranoid theories” about patriarchy.
   3. Her critiques led to backlash, earning her the moniker “Miss Go-Getter” and “Based Mom” from online communities.
   4. Sommers advocates for a return to feminism’s original principles of equality and mutual respect, opposing what she sees as a form of female chauvinism.
2. Campus Activism and the “New” Feminism:
   1. Sommers argues that a vocal minority of radical feminists have gained significant influence on college campuses, often resorting to mob tactics to silence dissenting voices.
   2. She cites examples like the Yale Halloween costume incident and other instances of “cry-bullying” to illustrate the dangers of this trend.
   3. Sommers connects this behavior to the “paranoid” theories she encountered in feminist textbooks, which she believes incite rage and resentment against men.
   4. She criticizes the use of terms like “trigger warnings,” “safe spaces,” and “microaggressions,” arguing they foster a culture of hypersensitivity and stifle open discussion.
3. The 1 in 4 Rape Statistic and Its Implications:
   1. Sommers debunks the widely cited statistic that 1 in 4 women are raped, claiming it stems from flawed research methodologies and ideological bias.
   2. She points to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, which places the rate of campus sexual assault at closer to 1 in 150, a significantly lower number.
   3. Sommers argues that exaggerating the prevalence of rape can lead to a culture of fear and suspicion, unfairly stigmatizing young men and hindering efforts to combat real sexual violence.
   4. She criticizes the tendency to automatically blame men in cases of sexual assault, even when both parties are intoxicated, arguing it undermines the agency of women.
4. The Wage Gap: Myth or Reality?:
   1. Sommers argues that the wage gap, while existing, is largely explained by factors like occupational choices, work hours, and career breaks, rather than systematic discrimination.
   2. She points out that women now outnumber men in higher education, particularly in fields like biology, veterinary medicine, and law.
   3. She suggests that women’s lower representation in fields like computer science and engineering may be due to their own choices and preferences, rather than barriers.
   4. Sommers emphasizes the need to consider the full picture, including the “danger gap” and the “unpleasantness gap” faced by men in certain occupations, which are rarely discussed.
5. The Feminization of Education and Its Impact on Boys:
   1. Sommers argues that education systems have become increasingly “feminized,” with a focus on methodologies and learning styles that cater to girls, often disadvantaging boys.
   2. She cites concerns about the suppression of rough-and-tumble play, the lack of understanding of boys’ different communication styles, and the tendency to pathologize “masculine” behavior.
   3. Sommers believes this trend is detrimental to boys’ academic success and overall well-being, leading to a disengagement from education and potentially contributing to higher rates of depression and suicide among men.
   4. She advocates for more inclusive teaching strategies and a greater appreciation for boys’ unique learning styles, suggesting that a focus on “male psychology” is long overdue.
6. The Rise of Identity Politics and its Impact on Discourse:
   1. Sommers expresses concern about the increasing influence of identity politics, which she believes leads to polarization and hinders open dialogue.
   2. She criticizes the tendency to categorize individuals solely based on their gender, race, or other group affiliations, rather than their individual merits.
   3. Sommers believes this approach fosters a culture of grievance and resentment, fueling a cycle of anger and division.
   4. She emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and promoting human rights for all, regardless of identity, advocating for a return to a more inclusive and tolerant society.
7. The Role of Social Media in Shaping Social Discourse:
   1. Sommers argues that social media platforms have amplified both positive and negative aspects of social discourse, contributing to the rise of echo chambers and mob mentality.
   2. She criticizes the tendency for people to engage in “virtue signaling” and seek attention through inflammatory language, often at the expense of truth and civility.
   3. However, Sommers also acknowledges the potential of social media to empower marginalized voices and facilitate the spread of information that might otherwise be suppressed.
   4. She believes that as society learns to navigate social media effectively, it may evolve towards a more nuanced and respectful form of online communication.
8. The Importance of Objective Scholarship and Open Discourse:
   1. Sommers advocates for a return to objective scholarship in fields like gender studies, arguing that the current dominance of ideological bias has undermined the pursuit of truth.
   2. She emphasizes the need for a diversity of viewpoints and a willingness to challenge prevailing assumptions, rather than simply reinforcing existing narratives.
   3. Sommers believes that colleges and universities should be havens for free expression and intellectual exploration, where students are encouraged to engage in critical thinking and debate.
   4. She expresses concern that the current trend towards “safe spaces” and censorship is ultimately detrimental to the intellectual development of students and the advancement of knowledge.
9. The Importance of Understanding Male Psychology:
   1. Sommers argues that a focus on male psychology is essential for understanding the unique challenges faced by boys and men in a society often biased towards women.
   2. She believes that a more nuanced understanding of male socialization, including the importance of rough-and-tumble play and the need for outlets for their risk-taking tendencies, is critical.
   3. She criticizes the tendency to pathologize male behavior, suggesting that society should instead focus on fostering healthy masculinity.
   4. Sommers believes that a better understanding of male psychology can lead to more effective interventions and support systems for boys and men, potentially reducing rates of depression, suicide, and violence.

Memorable Quotes

• “I became a feminist many years ago, decades ago because I did not appreciate male chauvinism. I still don’t, but I don’t like female chauvinism. That’s what we have today. Too much of that.” – Sommers critiques the shift in feminist thought toward what she perceives as a form of female chauvinism.
• “These theories that I read incited a fair amount of women, not not most. I mean, I think most college women would read these texts and just move on, but about 10% to 15% will become fixated and sort of intoxicated with rage.” – Sommers highlights the potential for extremist views to take hold among a small but influential segment of the population.
• “It’s not simply that they, you know, wanna do all they can to promote their side. They don’t want the other side to get a hearing. They do not believe in intellectual pluralism or political pluralism. It’s my side and only my side, and everyone is discredited immediately, simply for not agreeing with them.” – Sommers criticizes the intolerance of dissenting voices prevalent in certain activist circles.
• “We are a society that has lost touch with that. And we are defining it as pathology, and it happens as early as preschool.” – Sommers expresses concern about the suppression of “masculine” behavior, which she believes is essential for healthy male development.
• “I think that it it would be really fascinating to have an honest class on what is the difference between men and women, what are the biological reasons for certain reactions. Rosemary: And helpful. YES. Reporter: To know what to expect, when you get married, you know, your husband’s probably not gonna be like your your college roommate thing, you know, when you have children.” – Sommers advocates for a more objective and comprehensive approach to understanding gender differences, which she believes could be beneficial for navigating relationships and family life.