You’ve definitely got a point there and I don’t necessarily disagree with the general premise of what you’re saying, that’s how he’s got the biggest podcast on the planet, as he appeals to everyone.Yeah, but see, he’s lying. More perspectives equals a bigger audience equals more money. There’s nothing altruistic about his motives. No one “deserves” a platform, but lots of people think they do today, because they have access to one, and they way through the noise and clutter is to do something that gets attention. A platform in the days of old media was earned. Hence why the democratization of the bully pulpit via technology elevates the exposure of crazy cranks, shysters, know-nothings, and dangerous fringe believers to levels previously occupied by those who earned them through knowledge, study, experience and smarts — the group termed “the elites” by those who didn’t do the work and/or don’t have the talent. The old media had limited reach and editorial control that would never have allowed such people a platform. So Rogan is part of the problem. Because he’s giving them a platform that they wouldn’t get were he serious about anything other than audience size. Which is his job, of course, and that’s fine, and you find it interesting, which is also fine. But he’s a poser and a grifter, I just wish he wouldn’t lie about it. Howard Stern doesn’t — he admits it.
Your point on the technology age is crucial to this, suddenly a completely dangerous idiot has the access to beam their shite to millions of people, when 30 years ago, they’d have been sat at the end of the bar, ranting in their local pub, being ignored.
Personally i think the horse may have bolted. I cannot stand Alex Jones for example, mostly because of his disgusting comments about Sandyhook and what he said after the Manchester bomb over here, add to that his other general conspiracy shite and Trump support. But there is an argument to say you’re damned if you do and damned of you don’t now, in that, if you suppress them, it gives them the conspiracy angle of they’re being targeted and hard done to because they’re exposing something that’s true.
Maybe he does then go away eventually and hopefully that would be the case.
Also...As a rule of thumb I always try to listen to those I disagree with the most, if anything, it strengthens my positions and ideas.
For that reason, part of me does respect Rogan for keeping it open but then again, you’re probably right that he’s keeping everyone and anyone as a customer, in doing maximising his own bank balance and influence.
I do like the fact he admitted he does like some of these people, despite completely disagreeing with them.
