Summary of "Debunking Social Media Lies | Montana Tucker" Episode on The Ben Shapiro Show

Release Date: November 24, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, hosted by The Daily Wire, Ben Shapiro welcomes Montana Tucker, a prominent influencer and activist with a substantial social media following of over 14 million across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Known for her impactful content on Israel and antisemitism, Montana leverages her platform to educate and advocate for truth amidst widespread misinformation.

Montana Tucker's Journey to Activism

Montana Tucker shares her profound personal connection to her activism, rooted in her family's history.

Montana Tucker [02:19]: "My grandparents are Holocaust survivors, and I grew up hearing their stories... When October 7th happened... I knew that I had to use my platform to educate people about the truth of what is going on."

Her grandparents' resilience and stories of survival instilled in her a mission to honor their legacy by combating antisemitism and advocating for Israel.

Building a Massive Social Media Following

Before her activism, Montana was a professional dancer who built her following through collaborations with high-profile personalities and engaging content.

Montana Tucker [03:33]: "I built my following on dancing, singing, and acting. Collaborating with people like Paula Abdul and Terry Crews helped me gain a diverse audience."

Transitioning her focus to serious topics like the Holocaust and Israel was a significant risk, leading to a temporary loss of followers. However, this pivot also attracted a dedicated community aligned with her values.

Montana Tucker [04:48]: "I lost hundreds of thousands of followers initially, but I gained a new following of people who share my morals and values."

Impact of October 7th and Rising Antisemitism

The October 7th attacks marked a turning point for Montana, intensifying her commitment to activism.

Ben Shapiro [05:09]: "When October 7th happened, it felt like my whole world crashed. I couldn't do anything for a week."

Montana recounts attending her first rally alongside Floyd Mayweather, which solidified her resolve to stand with those affected and amplify their stories.

The Role of Social Media Platforms in Spreading Antisemitism

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around how social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have become breeding grounds for antisemitism.

Montana Tucker [10:18]: "Kids are on their phones, searching TikTok for news. TikTok has become the most toxic place, pushing hateful videos that go viral without proper moderation."

Ben Shapiro highlights the role of algorithms in exacerbating this issue, with platforms like TikTok inadvertently promoting antisemitic content to a broader audience.

Misconceptions About Israel

Montana addresses common misconceptions about Israel, emphasizing its diverse population and the widespread desire for peace among its citizens.

Montana Tucker [12:51]: "People think it's just white Jews in Israel, but there are so many different types of Jews and Arabs living there peacefully. Israelis genuinely want peace."

Ben Shapiro elaborates on Israel's necessity and the strategic military measures it employs to protect its citizens, countering the notion that Israel seeks to oppress or harm civilians.

Military Service and Security in Israel

The discussion delves into Israel's mandatory military service and its implications for national security.

Ben Shapiro [16:49]: "Israel's mandatory military service means nearly everyone is prepared to defend the country, unlike in the U.S., where the draft ended decades ago."

Montana underscores the sacrifices made by Israeli citizens, including those who juggle professional lives with military duties, highlighting the country's resilience.

Responses and Backlash Against Israel

Ben Shapiro and Montana discuss the global backlash against Israel, particularly on Western campuses and social media, where antisemitic sentiments have surged post-October 7th.

Ben Shapiro [22:04]: "There's a hatred of the West and Israel fueled by social media. People are rejecting the idea that the West is evil and are pushing back against its success."

Montana emphasizes the normalization of antisemitism and the urgent need for collective action to counteract hate.

Montana's Personal Experiences and Upcoming Projects

Montana shares her deeply emotional encounters with survivors of the October 7th attacks, which have fueled her passion for advocacy.

Montana Tucker [29:21]: "Meeting these kids and hearing their stories... It's my absolute responsibility to make sure their stories are told and shared with the world."

She discusses her documentary, Children of October 7th, set to release in December, which features interviews with child survivors of the attacks. Additionally, Montana talks about her innovative approach to activism, such as integrating dance with storytelling to reach diverse audiences.

Montana Tucker [45:13]: "The Nova dance video was designed to attract a different audience. By blending dance with personal stories, we can impact people in a unique way."

Conclusion and Future Plans

Ben Shapiro commends Montana for her unwavering dedication and highlights the growing support for Israel in the West, contrasting it with the rising right-wing movements globally.

Ben Shapiro [43:41]: "Montana, thanks for what you've been doing over the past year. It's wonderful to see you."

Montana concludes by reaffirming her commitment to combating antisemitism and supporting Israel, despite the personal toll.

Montana Tucker [39:23]: "This is the most important thing I could ever do in my life. If I have the opportunity to speak up and make a difference, I have to do it."

Key Takeaways

• Personal Motivation: Montana's activism is deeply influenced by her family's history and her personal encounters with trauma survivors.

• Social Media's Dual Role: While social media has been instrumental in building Montana's platform, it also serves as a conduit for spreading antisemitism.

• Misconceptions about Israel: There is a widespread lack of understanding about Israel's diversity and genuine desire for peace among its citizens.

• Mandatory Military Service: Israel's compulsory military service ensures a high level of preparedness and resilience among its population.

• Global Backlash and Rising Antisemitism: The episode highlights the increasing antisemitic sentiments proliferating through social media and influenced by geopolitical events.

• Innovative Activism: Montana employs creative methods, such as dance and personal storytelling, to engage and educate a broader audience.

• Upcoming Projects: Montana's documentary and other media projects aim to shed light on the personal stories of those affected by the October 7th attacks, furthering her mission to combat hate and misinformation.

Notable Quotes

• Montana Tucker [02:19]: "I have to use my platform to educate people about the truth of what is going on."

• Montana Tucker [10:18]: "TikTok has become the most toxic place, pushing hateful videos that go viral without proper moderation."

• Ben Shapiro [22:04]: "There's a hatred of the West and Israel fueled by social media. People are rejecting the idea that the West is evil and are pushing back against its success."

• Montana Tucker [29:21]: "It's my absolute responsibility to make sure their stories are told and shared with the world."

• Montana Tucker [39:23]: "This is the most important thing I could ever do in my life. If I have the opportunity to speak up and make a difference, I have to do it."

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of the intersection between social media, activism, and the ongoing struggle against antisemitism. Montana Tucker's heartfelt narratives and strategic use of digital platforms underscore the critical need for informed advocacy and the preservation of truth in today's polarized media landscape.