JRE #936 – Colin Moriarty

3/24/2017

This podcast features Colin Moriarty, a video game industry veteran and co-founder of Kinda Funny, discussing his controversial tweet, his resignation from the company, and his new YouTube channel, “Colin’s Last Stand.” The conversation delves into topics ranging from free speech and political correctness to the gaming industry’s culture and the future of media. Underlying themes explore the dangers of echo chambers, the importance of independent thought, and the changing landscape of information consumption.

Joe Rogan Podcast Topics: #936 – Colin Moriarty

1. The Controversial Tweet and Its Aftermath:

• Moriarty’s tweet about a “Day Without a Woman” sparked outrage in the gaming industry, leading to his resignation from Kinda Funny.
• The tweet was considered sexist, highlighting the hyper-liberal climate within the gaming industry and its intolerance for dissenting views.
• The reaction highlights the “cancel culture” phenomenon, where even seemingly innocuous jokes can lead to significant backlash and career repercussions.
• Moriarty believes that a similar joke, if made by a liberal or someone without a conservative viewpoint, would not have received the same level of condemnation.

2. The Gaming Industry’s Echo Chamber and the Suppression of Diverse Views:

• The gaming industry is dominated by a highly liberal and progressive orthodoxy, making it difficult for individuals with conservative or libertarian views to gain acceptance or success.
• Moriarty’s experiences illustrate the dangers of echo chambers, where dissenting voices are often ostracized and targeted for criticism.
• The gaming media, based largely in San Francisco, is accused of stifling dissent and creating an environment where individuals are pressured to conform to a specific ideology.
• Moriarty suggests that this intolerance for diverse views creates a culture of fear, where individuals are reluctant to express opinions that might challenge the prevailing orthodoxy.

3. The Role of Clickbait and Salacious Journalism in Amplifying Controversy:

• The article written about Moriarty’s tweet by International Business Times exemplifies how media outlets can sensationalize and exaggerate stories to drive clicks and attract readers.
• Moriarty argues that journalists are often pressured to write inflammatory content, even if it distorts the truth or misrepresents the situation.
• This practice, fueled by a need for clicks and engagement, contributes to a climate of outrage and division.
• The emphasis on clicks over accuracy creates a dangerous environment where truth is sacrificed for sensationalism.

4. The Fourth Amendment and the Erosion of Individual Liberties:

• Moriarty expresses concern about the erosion of individual liberties, citing the TSA and the NSA as examples of government overreach.
• He argues that warrantless searches and surveillance violate the Fourth Amendment and create a climate of fear and suspicion.
• Moriarty believes that these practices, justified by security concerns, ultimately lead to a loss of freedom and privacy.
• He questions the effectiveness and constitutionality of these measures, suggesting that they may not be as effective as claimed and may have unintended consequences.

5. The Impact of Edward Snowden’s Revelations and the Complicity of Telecom Companies:

• Moriarty views Edward Snowden as a patriot who exposed the extent of government surveillance, highlighting the violation of individual privacy.
• He criticizes the government’s blanket data collection program, arguing that it is intrusive and unnecessary.
• Moriarty believes that the complicity of telecommunication companies in this program is troubling, suggesting that they prioritize profit over privacy.
• He argues that this program creates a climate of fear and suspicion, where individuals feel constantly under surveillance.

6. The Dangers of the Military-Industrial Complex:

• Moriarty, citing President Eisenhower’s farewell address, highlights the dangers of the military-industrial complex, a powerful force that benefits from perpetual conflict.
• He argues that the excessive military spending, driven by the need for ongoing conflict, is wasteful and harmful.
• Moriarty advocates for a more restrained military posture, focusing on targeted defense rather than maintaining a global military presence.
• He believes that a more peaceful and collaborative approach to international relations is possible, and that excessive military spending is a symptom of a dying empire.

7. The Importance of Independent Thought and the Dangers of Ideological Orthodoxy:

• Moriarty criticizes the rigid ideological orthodoxy prevalent in the gaming industry and other sectors, arguing that it stifles open discussion and dissent.
• He advocates for a more tolerant and inclusive approach, emphasizing the importance of individual thought and freedom of expression.
• Moriarty believes that people should be able to hold a range of views, even if they disagree on certain issues, and that this diversity is essential for a healthy society.
• He argues that the tendency to label and demonize individuals with dissenting views is counterproductive and harmful to open dialogue.

8. The Changing Landscape of Information Consumption and the Rise of Independent Media:

• Moriarty believes that traditional media outlets are struggling to adapt to the changing landscape of information consumption, characterized by the rise of YouTube and social media.
• He argues that the focus on clicks and sensationalism has eroded trust in mainstream media, leading people to seek alternative sources of information.
• Moriarty sees this shift as an opportunity for individuals with independent voices to gain a platform and connect with audiences.
• He emphasizes the importance of honesty, transparency, and a commitment to truth in this new media environment.

9. The Role of Humor in Social Commentary and the Dangers of Overreaction:

• Moriarty’s experience with the “Day Without a Woman” tweet highlights the dangers of taking humor out of context and turning it into a weapon for social attack.
• He argues that humor can be a powerful tool for social commentary, but that it should not be used as an excuse to silence or demonize individuals.
• Moriarty believes that the overreaction to his tweet was misplaced and that it highlights the increasingly sensitive and intolerant nature of public discourse.
• He emphasizes the importance of context and understanding the intent behind jokes, rather than automatically assuming malicious intent.

10. The Importance of Character and Integrity in Public Discourse:

• Moriarty expresses disappointment that many of his colleagues and acquaintances did not come to his defense during the backlash over his tweet.
• He argues that character and integrity are essential in public discourse and that people should stand up for what they believe in, even if it means challenging the prevailing orthodoxy.
• Moriarty believes that silence in the face of injustice is complicity and that it contributes to a climate of fear and intolerance.
• He advocates for a more courageous and principled approach to public discourse, where individuals are willing to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means facing criticism or backlash.

11. The Limits of Political Correctness and the Importance of Free Speech:

• Moriarty argues that the pursuit of political correctness can lead to censorship and a stifling of free speech.
• He believes that individuals should be able to express their views, even if they are controversial, without fear of reprisal.
• Moriarty emphasizes the importance of robust debate and the exchange of ideas, even if it means challenging the status quo.
• He argues that the attempt to silence dissenting voices is counterproductive and ultimately weakens the fabric of a free society.

12. The Complexity of Issues Like Abortion and the Gender Pay Gap:

• Moriarty expresses concern about the tendency to reduce complex issues like abortion and the gender pay gap to simplistic slogans and talking points.
• He believes that these issues require nuanced and respectful discussion, avoiding simplistic narratives that reinforce division and conflict.
• Moriarty advocates for a more honest and open approach to these issues, acknowledging the complexities involved and avoiding the use of false statistics or inflammatory rhetoric.
• He argues that reducing these issues to binary positions of “pro-choice vs. pro-life” or “men vs. women” prevents meaningful dialogue and understanding.

13. The Dangers of Mob Mentality and Character Assassination:

• Moriarty argues that the rise of social media has facilitated a culture of mob mentality, where individuals are quick to judge and condemn others without due process.
• He criticizes the practice of character assassination, where individuals are targeted for public shaming and ostracized for perceived transgressions.
• Moriarty believes that this behavior is destructive and harmful, leading to a climate of fear and silencing of dissenting voices.
• He emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and a more forgiving approach to public discourse.

14. The Death of Traditional Media and the Rise of Independent Voices:

• Moriarty argues that traditional media outlets are losing their credibility and relevance due to a focus on clicks, sensationalism, and partisan bias.
• He sees the rise of independent voices on YouTube and social media as a positive development, offering a more diverse and unfiltered perspective on current events and social issues.
• Moriarty believes that this shift in media consumption reflects a growing distrust in established institutions and a desire for more authentic and honest information.
• He encourages individuals to seek out diverse sources of information and to engage in critical thinking, rather than blindly accepting the narratives presented by mainstream media.

15. Colin’s Last Stand: A New Platform for Honest Discussion and Thoughtful Commentary:

• Moriarty’s new YouTube channel, “Colin’s Last Stand,” is dedicated to providing a platform for thoughtful discussion and commentary on politics, history, and current events.
• He aims to offer a more nuanced and independent perspective, challenging the prevailing narratives and encouraging open dialogue.
• Moriarty’s decision to focus on these issues reflects his deep passion for history and politics and his desire to contribute to a more informed and engaged public discourse.
• The channel’s success, with over 39,000 patrons supporting it, highlights a growing demand for independent voices and a more honest and transparent approach to media.

5 Memorable Quotes from the Podcast:

• “You’re not allowed to have any personality anymore.” – Moriarty captures the pressure to conform to a specific ideology and the suppression of individual expression in certain environments.
• “They don’t like when people penetrate the echo chamber.” – Moriarty illustrates the intolerance for dissenting views within the gaming industry and the attempts to maintain a specific narrative.
• “They want to ruin people.” – Moriarty points to a culture of character assassination, where individuals are targeted for destruction, highlighting the dangers of mob mentality and intolerance.
• “It’s not about equality. It’s about a combative nature, very anti-man in a way.” – Moriarty describes the shift in third-wave feminism from seeking equality to a more adversarial stance towards men, prompting reflection on the evolving nature of social movements.
• “It’s the race for clicks. It’s the race for money. It’s the race for prominence. It’s the race for relevance. And not honesty.” – Moriarty highlights the dangers of sensationalism and clickbait journalism, emphasizing the erosion of truth in the pursuit of attention and profits.