Ezra Klein with Malcolm Gladwell: Why We’re Polarized

Ezra Klein discusses his book Why We’re Polarized with bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell. Join them for a riveting conversation that helps us understand how and why American politics have become polarized around identity. Recorded January 30, 2020, at 92nd Street Y.

[alexgibson]

I love how Malcolm clearly isn't interested in winning anything here. he is interested in different point of view. if he doesnt agree, he has choices, he can drill a bit, or he can search for a unifying thread, or he can throw in a neutral observation that can hang in the air between them (and the audience) and let people absorb what they will. an offering. its almost like an entire lack of rhetorical chasedown, but still a power to describe and portray a little koan or sorts that curveballs anyone who has memorised the typical talking points in order to win an argument.

[codent]

I like how Malcolm asks questions, his curiosity makes for a very good interviewer to facilitate conversation.

[futbolplaya]

I’m not a big Ezra fan but I’ll watch this out of curiosity and now I’m fascinated in watching two people communicate who have two completely different styles of talking

[anthonypape]

I found it odd that Malcom questions why people that are quite interested in politics or even involved have a tough time talking with each other or making a case for a position and listening to the opposing case when sports fans of opposing teams, or even of extreme rival teams can talk about sports for hours no problem. Isn't it pretty obvious it's because sports are not important? I mean in the way you'll never feel very uncomfortable discussing the weather, tv shows, movies, etc. Those things are entertainment, discussed as water cooler topics. They are not important in the way a law or policy will effects on your health, financial future, the planets future, etc. When you get on an important topic it will always feel uncomfortable and you will probably get pissed one someone doesn't see it like you do.

Identity is never ending black hole of politics.

[malee]

Who wants to see Malcolm Gladwell and Jordan Peterson talk? I can't seem to find it, was it ever recorded?

[Bchristensen]

My favorite part is when Gladwell goes on a tangent about Jordan Peterson's identity and his great presence during interviews, and how he's got an amazing living room. And then Ezra Klein is wondering "why the hell are we talking about this guy and not about my book". haha

[vinceellis]

i would give anything to be a fly on the wall of that 4 hr conversation between Malcolm Gladwell and Jordan Peterson. 2 of my favourites

[hv]

Ezra was really bothered that Malcolm liked Jordan so much. Sorta jealous like a teenage girl.

[Backhand]

Hating on New York City is the most New Yorker thing to do.

[vinceellis]

amazing. Ezra's insights on how incredibly polarized american culture has become and the political parties have become absolutely distinct is rather terrifying.

[NuanceOverDogma]

Ezra is one of the biggest polarized figures

[obsesivegamer]

I take issue with Ezra describing what Joe Rogan said as transphobic... he literally only said he does not think trans women should compete againt cis women in combat sports. If that is a "horrible" thing to say then you have to ability to think about issues with nuance.

[reconfgurd]

Am I seeing things? Ezra is the one championing identity politics and now he talks about we we are polarised? What a clown.

[Brendag]

Oh!...about heard my ukulele playing one night while I was in bed sleeping and I turned the light on to see a little mouse running in and out of the hol

[SGbackup-tn]

Ezra is great at answering questions with someone else's thoughts and not committing to anything.

[NancyRose]

Gladwell, here's what's missing in all our structures: A bit of unknowness, an agreement to keep changing, a desire to invest in a story contrary to our goals, just to cover the bases and bring in flexibility. A willingness to build some agility into our futures, to give up stiffened, rigid positions.

[jalijali]

Peterson isn't railing against the establishment, he has argued extensively that hierarchy is natural in humanity. He is against the encroachment of identity politics in political discourse which bothers millions of people throughout the West

[mattjowett]

There’s a huge difference between sport and politics: two basketball fans who are fans of different events opposing teams are still both sport fans, also the stakes of the team winning doesn’t impact you in the way politics is reported to impact you, the identity and what it means to you are totally different.

[martinhodell]

the fake confusion at 45:35...so telling. Ezra couldn't comprehend that Malcom could be praising Jordan. Ezra assumes Malcom must have just changed topics on a dime...give me a break. Guy just needs to be humbled