Podcast Summary: "How the Left Became so Intolerant" by Sasha Stone

Introduction and Personal Reflections In the episode titled "How the Left Became so Intolerant," host Sasha Stone delves into the transformation of the political left from a historically tolerant and open movement to what he perceives as an intolerant and rigid faction. Drawing from personal experiences and historical observations, Stone sets the stage for a critical examination of contemporary leftist ideology.

Stone begins by sharing his upbringing in Santa Cruz County, California, a region known for its liberal and countercultural ethos during the 1970s. "I'm a kid of the 1970s and I grew up in Santa Cruz County, California... But the thing about all these aging hippies was they were fun people and incredibly tolerant" ([00:00]). He contrasts the permissive and non-judgmental environment of his youth—where diverse lifestyles and open conversations were the norm—with the current left, which he describes as more rigid and less welcoming.

The Turning Point: Tipper Gore and the Music Industry Regulation Stone identifies a pivotal moment in the shift toward intolerance within the left, tracing its roots to the efforts of Tipper Gore and the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC). He posits that the PMRC's alliance between Democrats and Republicans on social issues marked the beginning of the end for a tolerant left. "It is when the establishment began to unite on social issues, not just economic and foreign policy issues" ([00:00]).

Stone suggests that this collaboration led to a heightened focus on regulating cultural expressions, such as music lyrics, under the guise of protecting minors. This regulatory stance, he argues, set the stage for broader societal controls based on identity and moral conformity.

Shift to Identity Politics and Group Goodness A significant portion of the discussion centers on the rise of identity politics and the concept of "group goodness." Stone criticizes the left for redefining "goodness" based on gender, race, and sexual orientation, leading to conditional acceptance within groups. "Once you define your Group by goodness. Anyone who breaks the rules of language and behavior is now, by definition, bad" ([05:00]).

He further explains how the Internet and social media have amplified this trend through mechanisms like cancel culture, where individuals are publicly shamed and ostracized for perceived transgressions. "With the Panopticon, the Internet became, we had a way of making examples of the bad people so everyone knew the rules" ([05:00]).

Impact of the Internet and Cancel Culture Stone delves into the role of the Internet in entrenching intolerance on the left. He argues that online platforms have become arenas for enforcing ideological purity, often leading to the demonization of dissenting voices. "The Internet amplifies the craziest people, just as it does on the other side" ([07:20]).

He laments that this digital surveillance and enforcement of conformity have transformed what was once a utopian vision of inclusivity into a dystopian reality. "Suddenly, our utopia became a dystopia" ([05:00]). The episode highlights how the fear of being labeled "bad" has stifled open discourse and fostered an environment of fear and self-censorship.

Power Dynamics and Focus of the New Left Stone critiques the new left's shift in priorities, arguing that it has moved away from traditional progressive issues like climate change and gun control to focus on more contentious social issues such as transgender rights and abortion. "The old left would have been concerned about climate change or gun control. The new left is concerned about transgender kids and abortion" ([05:00]).

He attributes this realignment to a desire for power and control over cultural narratives. By targeting specific groups and enforcing ideological compliance, the new left seeks to maintain its dominance on social issues, often at the expense of broader societal concerns.

Cult-like Behavior and Division A striking segment of the episode compares the current left's behavior to that of a cult, drawing parallels with Scientology. Stone shares anecdotal accounts illustrating how the left ostracizes and demonizes those who deviate from its orthodoxy. "When I see liberals cutting off their own family members for voting for Donald Trump, it looks really familiar to me. Like I'm really seeing cult behavior" ([10:56]).

He highlights extreme actions, such as vandalism and violence against symbols of opposing views, as evidence of this cult-like mentality. "When I see people go and spray paint swastikas on Teslas and throw firebombs at Tesla dealerships, it's really, really mind boggling how much this is looking like the cult of Scientology" ([10:56]).

Cultural Reflections and Mutual Generosity Stone references a narrative by Larissa Phillips, which presents a contrasting image of individuals from opposing political backgrounds exhibiting unexpected acts of kindness and cooperation. This anecdote underscores the potential for empathy and mutual respect, despite deep-seated political differences.

"The author, Larissa Phillips, says she slowly came to reject the political prejudice so common among my tribe... it's hard to care where someone stands on politics when they race to your house to save a dying lamb" ([10:56]).

This story serves as a counterpoint to Stone's broader critique, suggesting that there are still elements of tolerance and generosity that transcend political affiliations.

Nostalgia for the Old Left and Loss of Openness Expressing nostalgia for the former left, Stone laments the loss of open and honest dialogue. "I miss the old left. I miss people being able to talk honestly and at ease" ([11:47]). He contrasts the free-spirited, non-conformist attitude of the past with today's right-leaning perception, where the old left's liberalism might be mistakenly labeled as MAGA-like behavior.

Stone references George Orwell's "1984" to emphasize the importance of mental freedom and the dangers of ideological conformity. "Winston Smith will give up everything, but if you take his freedom of thought, you might as well put a bullet in his brain" ([11:47]).

Cultural Examples and Media Representation The episode includes references to cultural media that illustrate the perceived shift in leftist behavior. Stone mentions the movie "Hair," highlighting how characters embody the free-spirited nature of the old left, which stands in stark contrast to how similar behaviors might be misinterpreted today.

"I sometimes watch this scene from the movie Hair and marvel at what the old left used to be like... But anyone watching it today might conclude that he was MAGA" ([12:39]).

Conclusion: The Need for True Diversity and Open Dialogue In wrapping up the episode, Stone emphasizes the importance of embracing true diversity and fostering an environment where open dialogue is possible without fear of retribution. He warns against the dangers of ideological purity and the suppression of dissenting opinions, advocating for a return to the more inclusive and tolerant ethos of the past.

"How can anything survive that? This TikTok user puts it well, who... It's worse now than it's ever been" ([08:35]).

Stone concludes with a call to listeners to remain true to themselves and to strive for genuine understanding across political divides. "Remember to thine own self be true" ([13:57]).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Sacha Stone [00:00]: "I'm a kid of the 1970s and I grew up in Santa Cruz County, California... But the thing about all these aging hippies was they were fun people and incredibly tolerant."
• Sacha Stone [04:19]: "Everything we did always had to reflect our goodness. What we bought, how we spoke, what we wore... Over time, the goodness was transposed into identity."
• Sacha Stone [05:00]: "Once you define your Group by goodness. Anyone who breaks the rules of language and behavior is now, by definition, bad."
• Unknown Speaker [07:20]: "Why are we getting Trump supporters a platform? ...They are literally posting videos to them."
• Sacha Stone [10:56]: "When I see liberals cutting off their own family members for voting for Donald Trump, it looks really familiar to me. Like I'm really seeing cult behavior."
• Larissa Phillips [10:56]: "It's hard to care where someone stands on politics when they race to your house to save a dying lamb... there are fine people on both sides."
• Sacha Stone [12:39]: "I sometimes watch this scene from the movie Hair and marvel at what the old left used to be like. But anyone watching it today might conclude that he was MAGA."

Final Thoughts Sasha Stone's "How the Left Became so Intolerant" offers a provocative critique of the modern left, tracing its evolution from a tolerant counterculture to an intolerant, identity-driven movement. Through personal anecdotes, historical analysis, and cultural references, Stone challenges listeners to reflect on the changes within leftist ideology and the broader implications for political discourse and societal cohesion.