Conspirituality Podcast: "Brief: Smooth-Talking Anti-Feminism"

Release Date: March 1, 2025
Hosts: Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker
Episode Title: Smooth-Talking Anti-Feminism

Introduction

In this episode of Conspirituality, Julian Walker delves into the intricate dynamics between modern anti-feminist rhetoric and its roots in cultural and spiritual movements. The discussion primarily revolves around Louise Perry's interview with Bari Weiss, hosted on Weiss's platform, The Free Press. Walker critically examines Perry's perspectives on feminism, sexual ethics, and societal norms, highlighting the subtle intertwining of traditional conservative values with contemporary conspiracy-moderated narratives.

Contextual Background

Julian Walker sets the stage by providing background on Bari Weiss and Louise Perry:

• Bari Weiss: A Columbia graduate and former op-ed columnist for both the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Weiss resigned from the latter in protest over its handling of the controversial Senator Tom Cotton op-ed during the George Floyd protests. She subsequently founded The Free Press, positioning it as an independent media outlet, though with significant right-leaning financial backing.

• Louise Perry: An English anthropologist with a bachelor's degree, Perry gained attention with her 2022 book, The Case Against the Sexual Revolution. Her work critiques the liberal feminist movement and the hypersexualization of contemporary culture, advocating for a return to the perceived sexual ethics of the 1950s.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Reconstruction of Traditional Sexual Ethics

Timestamp [01:03]

Louise Perry articulates her departure from a secular, left-wing, feminist background to embrace what she perceives as more conservative sexual ethics:

"I almost reconstructed traditional Christian sexual ethics from the ground up. I ended up reaching the conclusion that actually the sexual culture of the 1950s was pretty good." ([01:03])

Julian Walker interprets this as Perry's gradual shift towards conservative ideologies, suggesting that her arguments subtly align with anti-feminist and patriarchal perspectives.

2. Views on Abortion

Timestamp [07:58] - [09:59]

Perry discusses her nuanced stance on abortion, expressing support for its legality in specific circumstances:

"There are situations in which I would want an abortion for myself and I would want it to be legal... it's expressive of that kind of repaganization." ([07:58])

Walker critiques Perry's position, suggesting that her stance implies a desire for stringent abortion laws except in exceptional cases. He highlights the potential societal repercussions, such as the resurgence of unsafe abortions and the marginalization of women, while noting Perry's lack of discussion on these consequences.

3. Critique of Modern Dating and Marriage Practices

Timestamp [11:12] - [21:37]

Perry critiques contemporary dating culture, particularly the impact of dating apps and the normalization of premarital sex:

"Other cultures have much more formal ways of doing these things... it produces a degree of passivity and almost flailing." ([12:16])

Walker challenges Perry's romanticization of arranged marriages, pointing out that such systems can limit personal freedom and autonomy. He also criticizes the false dichotomies present in Perry's arguments, such as juxtaposing traditional practices against modern freedoms without acknowledging the complexities and benefits of current societal norms.

4. Association with Influential Conservative Figures

Timestamp [23:30] - [26:58]

The discussion shifts to Perry's association with figures like Jordan Peterson, contrasting him with Andrew Tate:

"Jordan Peterson is basically preaching a Christian message and Andrew Tate is not." ([24:09])

Walker underscores the alignment of Perry and Weiss with right-wing ideologies, suggesting that their platforms serve to launder anti-feminist and patriarchal rhetoric under the guise of heterodox and data-driven discourse. He highlights the problematic nature of their affiliations, especially when considering the broader implications for societal norms and gender equality.

5. Critique of Heterodoxy in Media

Timestamp [15:48] - [26:58]

Walker critiques the so-called "heterodox" positioning of The Free Press, arguing that it masquerades as a platform for open discourse while predominantly promoting right-wing, anti-feminist agendas. He emphasizes the lack of nuanced discussions that acknowledge the progress made in gender equality and the detrimental impacts of reverting to outdated cultural attitudes.

Concluding Remarks

Julian Walker concludes the episode by asserting that platforms like The Free Press play a crucial role in amplifying anti-feminist and patriarchal narratives. He warns of the potential dangers these narratives pose to public health, gender equality, and societal cohesion. Walker encourages listeners to critically evaluate the content presented by such media outlets and to recognize the underlying motivations that drive them.

Notable Quotes

• Louise Perry:
  "The sexual culture of the 1950s was pretty good... we did it pretty well right up until the sexual revolution when we threw it out the window." ([01:03])

• Louise Perry:
  "A casual attitude towards it... is expressive of that kind of repaganization." ([09:36])

• Louise Perry:
  "In some ways that's good... but I think for most people, it just produces a degree of passivity and almost flailing." ([12:16])

• Louise Perry:
  "I think we've tried to pretend that those differences weren't real and that the act of sex itself is nothing special." ([01:03])

Conclusion

This episode of Conspirituality provides a critical examination of how modern anti-feminist sentiments are intertwined with traditional conservative values and conspiracy-moderated ideologies. Through the lens of Louise Perry's interview with Bari Weiss, Julian Walker exposes the subtle shifts in discourse that threaten to undermine public health efforts and gender equality. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the pervasive influence of heterodox media platforms in shaping societal norms and perpetuating patriarchal structures.