Digital Social Hour: The Unseen Political Bias in Higher Education | Vince Dao DSH #837

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Vince Dao
Release Date: October 28, 2024

In episode #837 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a profound conversation with Vince Dao, delving into the intricate layers of political bias within higher education. The discussion navigates through the evolution of racial dynamics in diverse environments, the polarization of political ideologies, the shifting landscape of college liberalism, and the imminent political climate shaping upcoming elections.

1. Diversity and Racial Dynamics in Los Angeles

Vince Dao initiates the conversation by highlighting the intrinsic diversity of Los Angeles (LA) and its historical context regarding race relations.

Vince Dao (A) [00:01]: "LA is very diverse to begin with. It was never really a thing present in people's minds, of course, until race became so prevalent in society."

Sean probes into the factors contributing to the heightened awareness of racial issues, sparking a discussion on the intersection of politics and social media in amplifying societal divisions.

Sean Kelly (B) [00:11]: "Do you think it was because of politics?"

Vince Dao (A) [00:12]: "...social media kind of in some ways amplifies a bunch of social factors... that first of all polarized our politics and then secondly created the woke progressive that we talk about today."

2. Political Polarization and the Rise of 'Woke' Progressives

The conversation transitions to the role of political figures and social media in fostering political polarization. Vince attributes the rise of "woke progressives" to a confluence of factors, including the influence of figures like Barack Obama and the amplification capabilities of social media platforms.

Vince Dao (A) [00:12]: "Obama sometimes playing into the racial stuff a lot... social media... amplified the most insane views because the most engagement... created the woke progressive that we talk about today."

Sean highlights the realization of the liberal tilt within academic institutions, referencing Charlie Kirk's observations.

Sean Kelly (B) [03:45]: "I never realized how liberal colleges were until Charlie Kirk."

3. Experiences with Racism and Ethnicity

Vince shares his personal experiences growing up as part Asian and part white, reflecting on how his multicultural background influenced his social interactions.

Vince Dao (A) [01:05]: "...I grew up in Southern California and up until about 2015, 2016... race like genuinely didn't matter, or at least people acted like it didn't matter."

Sean contrasts this with his own experiences in New Jersey, where he faced overt racism.

Sean Kelly (B) [01:53]: "People were racist to me growing up... I thought most Asians got bullied growing up, but that's interesting that you didn't."

Vince recounts a childhood incident involving chopsticks in kindergarten, illustrating the subtle nuances of racial interactions.

Vince Dao (A) [02:00]: "...I brought chopsticks to school... a kid said something to me and I just... eat with a fork from now on."

4. College Liberalism and Political Views

Vince discusses his current academic environment at the University of Florida's business school, noting a surprising scarcity of liberal classmates compared to his friends in humanities and political science.

Vince Dao (A) [04:06]: "I'm in the business school and to me it is actually very rare to run into a liberal."

Sean remarks on the general lack of liberals in entrepreneurial circles, mentioning Mark Cuban as an exception.

Sean Kelly (B) [04:32]: "You don't see many liberals in entrepreneurship other than Mark Cuban."

Vince expresses skepticism about Mark Cuban's political affiliations, suggesting possible ulterior motives behind his public support for Democratic figures.

Vince Dao (A) [04:55]: "...something is off about that whole relationship... very insincere to me."

5. Shifts in Political Beliefs and Disillusionment with the Left

The dialogue delves into Vince's political evolution, tracing his support for Bernie Sanders during his youth to a gradual shift towards conservatism influenced by perceived changes within the Democratic Party.

Vince Dao (A) [05:53]: "I was a Bernie Sanders supporter... I was always sort of an anti establishment."

Vince recounts his disenchantment with Bernie Sanders post-2016, feeling betrayed by the candidate's alignment with party norms over anti-establishment values.

Vince Dao (A) [07:02]: "...I became more conservative over time... I felt very betrayed by that."

Sean empathizes, recalling the prominence of Bernie Sanders' campaign and questioning his sudden decline.

Sean Kelly (B) [08:00]: "I wonder what happened with him, because I remember that campaign. It was everywhere."

Vince critiques Sanders' and Biden's reluctance to fiercely oppose establishment figures, attributing it as a reason for their political stagnation.

Vince Dao (A) [08:08]: "...he really refused to do that, you know."

6. Current Political Climate and Election Strategies

As the conversation approaches the impending election, Vince shares his cautiously optimistic outlook, emphasizing the importance of voter engagement and grassroots efforts.

Vince Dao (A) [08:51]: "The early voting numbers are looking very good for us in terms of the trends... the momentum is with Trump in the final weeks of the election."

Sean touches upon recent controversies undermining the integrity of the Democratic machine, referencing Governor Reed's actions in 2020.

Sean Kelly (B) [11:14]: "What your governor did in 2020 really destroyed the credibility of the Democrat machine."

Vince advises Donald Trump's team to meticulously pursue every possible vote, highlighting the significance of low-propensity voters in swing areas.

Vince Dao (A) [11:56]: "Chase every vote... nominate people to these areas to... give them a helping hand."

The discussion also critiques Kamala Harris' campaign strategies, suggesting a reactive shift driven by internal and public polling pressures.

Vince Dao (A) [10:07]: "They are suddenly realizing all of that... now they're in a panic mode."

7. Conclusion

Sean and Vince wrap up the episode by reflecting on the fragile state of electoral integrity and the challenges facing the current political landscape. They underscore the necessity for vigilance and proactive strategies to ensure a fair and representative electoral process.

Notable Quotes:

• Vince Dao (A) [00:12]: "Social media kind of in some ways amplifies the most insane views because the most engagement... created the woke progressive that we talk about today."

• Vince Dao (A) [05:53]: "I was a Bernie Sanders supporter... I was always sort of an anti establishment."

• Vince Dao (A) [11:56]: "Chase every vote... are going to loss, so we got to try."

Key Takeaways:

• Racial Dynamics: LA's inherent diversity has historically masked overt racial issues, which have resurfaced due to political and social media influences.

• Political Polarization: The amalgamation of political figures and digital platforms has intensified political divisions, giving rise to highly progressive ideologies.

• Educational Institutions: There's a perceived liberal dominance in humanities and political science departments, while business schools exhibit more conservative tendencies.

• Political Evolution: Vince's journey from a Bernie Sanders supporter to a conservative reflects broader disillusionment with the Democratic establishment.

• Election Strategies: Effective voter engagement, especially in swing states, is crucial for influencing election outcomes amidst declining confidence in traditional polling methods.

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a compelling exploration of the unseen political biases permeating higher education and their broader implications on society and upcoming electoral processes. Vince Dao's insights provide a nuanced perspective on navigating the complex interplay between race, politics, and education in contemporary America.