Identity Crisis Episode 6: Reacting to Woke Instagram
February 22, 2021

In this episode, we take a deep dive into woke instagram. We read and analyze posts from a popular account that “dissect[s] progressive politics and social issues in graphic slideshow form”. We break down a number of neoliberal and pop political talking points about the paradox of tolerance, Karl Popper, pronouns, dysphoria, gender & sex, and free speech. We critique the “fast food” type of political diet that this instagram account represents.

We make the case for free speech, for the enduring value of the First Amendment, and talk about how anyone who is challenging the status quo is someone who needs speech rights to be protected.

We also touch on one particular area of public speech that we do consider harmful: rhetoric which implies that suicide will result from any particular action, event, or speech—or any form of suicide encouragement/suggestion in the media. We talk about ethical reporting guidelines around suicide and consider the role of this kind of rhetoric in the gender identity conversation.

The instagram account we look at: https://www.instagram.com/soyouwanttotalkabout/

The post about the paradox of intolerance: https://www.instagram.com/p/CH-eV_nnPLs/

The post about trans allyship: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJEAlbVFmsh/

more links:
“Karl Popper, Free Speech and the Paradox of Tolerance” by Mark White: https://www.plebity.org/conversations/karl-popper-free-speech-paradox-of-tolerance

“‘It’s Binding or Suicide’: Transgender and Non-Binary Readers Share Their Experiences With Chest Binders”: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/reader-center/chest-binding.html

WoLF Media Style Guide on reporting on sex and gender & LGBT issues: https://www.womensliberationfront.org/news/wolf-media-style-guide

Don’t forget to read MK’s corresponding column on 4W! https://4w.pub/tag/identity-crisis/​

Identity Crisis is a weekly column and podcast for young people struggling with the modern orthodoxy of gender identity ideology—developed in collaboration between Plebity and 4W by Sasha White and M.K. Fain. New episodes every Monday!

Click here to learn more and get updates: https://www.identitycrisis.xyz/get-updates

Cancel CultureConference 2023what is leftFree speech and the left conference 2023
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Class Solidarity not Cancel Culture with Jay Lesoleil and Clementine Morrigan

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Class solidarity, not cancel culture with Jay Lesoleil and Clementine Morrigan

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Moderator: Scott Costen

Description:  Today’s identity politics is a toxic morass but it is possible to work towards a leftist vision of a society based on solidarity and mutual tolerance.

Jay and Clementine produce the fuckingcancelled podcast.

Scott Costen is a freelance journalist based in Nova Scotia, Canada

Cancel CultureConference 2023RaciscmFree speech and the left conference 2023
Race, Identity politics, and the Traditional Left with Norman Finkelstein and Sabrina Salvati

Race, Identity politics, and the Traditional Left with Norman Finkelstein and Sabrina Salvati

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Race, Identity politics, and the Traditional Left with Norman Finkelstein and Sabrina Salvati

Panelists: Sabrina Salvati, Norman Finkelstein

Moderator: Jyotishman Mudiar

Description: Recently on her podcast, Sabrina reacted to comments Norman made, which in her view minimized the relative differences in the lives and experiences of blacks and whites in the United States today. In that podcast, Sabrina expressed strong disagreement and mentioned an interest in talking directly with Norman about these issues. Today we bring them together as part of Plebity’s Conference.

Norman Finkelstein is a longtime author and scholar. His academic career has spanned many decades since his PhD from Princeton University in 1987. He has written numerous books, among them The Holocaust Industry, which generated significant controversy. Norman has written and spoken extensively on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Norman is a lifelong scholar and activist of the left. His latest book, I Will Burn That Bridge When I Get to It, is a critique of current day identity politics and can be purchased here:
https://www.sublationmedia.com/books/i'll-burn-that-bridge-when-i-get-to-it

Sabrina Salvati is the host of Sabby Sab's podcast and the co-host of Revolutionary Blackout Network. She is an activist and former educator. Sabrina writes on her substack https://sabbysabs.substack.com/ and provides leftist commentary and interviews on her youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/sabbysabs.

Jyotishman Mudiar is a co-founder of the YouTube podcast India & Global Left (IGL).

AcademiaFeaturedFree speechTransgender IdeologyMark White
The woke left is to left as ersatz coffee is to coffee

The woke left is to left as ersatz coffee is to coffee

Woke

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One of the hallmarks of today’s woke left is to conflate speech with violence. Fearful of the ‘harm’ that might be experienced from hearing certain words, the woke left has become widely confused about the issue of free speech in general and between speech and literal, physical violence.

In New Zealand this week, Posie Parker was assaulted as she tried to speak–a mob surrounded her and forced her off the stage and ultimately out of the country. The group that prevented her from speaking has taken to social media to declare a great victory.