I DON'T ENGAGE WITH JOE ROGAN; HOWEVER, I DON'T BLAME HIM EITHER

It's not in my nature to defend someone like Joe Rogan. Despite the potential harm stemming from his influence, the overwhelming success of his superficial media persona isn’t solely his doing. This phenomenon is much larger than him, yet he holds more significance than he arguably should. He embodies either the epitome or the origin of the current American trend that celebrates public ignorance.

When someone manages to capture a rare opportunity, we can commend them for seizing the moment, but we shouldn't blame them for the circumstances that created it.

The commercialization of foolishness is an age-old trend, but it has reached unprecedented levels in American culture and commerce. This nation has always been quick to embrace and reward those willing to make fools of themselves for our enjoyment. This is nothing new. Yet, when one can boast about their ignorance and secure a contract worth over one hundred million dollars, it prompts serious reflection. This reality is significant—such financial incentives are powerful motivators, and now it seems everyone aspires to be that fool.

The remarkable advancements in technology and social media in this millennium have led to an unprecedented democratization of mass media. On its own, this is a positive development. However, it doesn’t exist in isolation. The unrestricted access to widespread visibility is accompanied by a complex array of influences and consequences that responsible individuals are struggling to assess. Many who lack self-awareness or civic responsibility are simply reveling in the chaos, delighting in our collective regression into what could be termed the New Dark Ages.

THE NEW DARK AGES IS HERE & IT CAME THROUGH OUR I-PHONES

The scope of this cultural shift is bewildering, even for the most open-minded individuals. It’s entirely plausible that we may never fully comprehend this new media beast, but we can be sure it will grasp us tightly. Soon, it will tighten its grip around our throats, and eventually, it will consume us. Whether we react in panic or become numb to the experience is irrelevant to this entity, as long as it fully occupies our minds. Some argue that it has already achieved this, and they may be correct.

Consider how we no longer need to seek out information. Nowadays, information finds us. The days of eager young readers commuting to libraries to absorb books, newspapers, and magazines for knowledge are long gone. Instead, they wake up daily to a device that clamors for their attention with a barrage of sounds and images. While the internet holds an abundance of verified and valuable information, it’s buried beneath an ocean of trivial content—sensationalism, sports scores, clickbait, and viral trends. What adolescent boy is likely to sift through distractions to uncover historical injustices against his family, particularly when faced with provocative images and trending figures? Sure, some may possess the focus to pursue substantive matters, but many will not.

Should he ever overcome these distractions and seek meaningful discussions on serious topics, there's a good chance he will stumble upon The Joe Rogan Experience. This podcast is the most popular in the world, drawing in millions more viewers daily than leading cable news programs. While it’s designed primarily for entertainment, the topics often appear serious enough to engage impressionable young minds approaching adulthood. And therein lies the problem.

Regardless of one’s perspective on this evolution, it’s evident that we’ve transitioned from a time when actionable insights on historical and contemporary issues were scarce to an era in which individuals are inundated with information constantly. Much of this information is subpar, but for the average person, distinguishing the valuable from the worthless can be challenging. The previous scarcity had its merits, allowing those less motivated to understand the world to remain on the sidelines. However, now, even those who might have stayed uninvolved are being bombarded by the Joe Rogan podcast, consuming a stream of questionable content while chuckling to mask the underlying issues.

The previous information scarcity acted as a natural barrier between uninformed loudmouths, like Rogan, and platforms capable of disseminating their vacuous ideas to millions. The shift in information accessibility has transformed mass communication irreversibly, igniting a conflict that shows no signs of resolution.

THE CONTRARIANS VERSUS THE CURATORS

This major conflict in communication can be distilled into a struggle between contrarians and curators. In simple terms, curators trade in expertise while contrarians deal in controversy. Take a wild guess at which group is favored by social media algorithms and broadcast ratings.

Curators are those who strive to research, validate, and elevate true information, aiming to amplify it across their platforms. They can come from various political backgrounds, and although their views may be evident, the accuracy of the information they present is paramount. Think of principled figures like Rachel Maddow and George Will—despite their differing political views, they share a commitment to factual integrity. Unfortunately, curators seem to be losing ground in the public eye, particularly in social media and electoral contexts.

Conversely, contrarians are gaining ground and growing in influence. Their numbers swell, significantly impacting contemporary conservative politics. Imagine Rush Limbaugh, the archetype of contrarianism, meeting his fate. The very essence of conservatism has been so tainted by contrarianism that many conservatives are unable to acknowledge the racial motivations behind violent acts, even when the perpetrators state it explicitly. They hesitate to align with established views, fearing it would undermine their political identity and effectiveness.

CONTRARIANISM IS THE HANDMAID TO CONSERVATISM

Despite his denials, Joe Rogan has proven to be a boon for the Republican Party, especially as they enter another election cycle devoid of a clear platform. They are fueled solely by grievances, which serve as the raw material for contrarianism. Rogan stands as the ultimate contrarian, skillfully masking his political leanings with humor and self-deprecation. The energy he generates consistently pushes towards conservatism. Yet, he presents himself as nonpartisan, attracting a diverse array of guests—celebrities and scholars alike—to his show. Between conspiracy theorists and controversial figures, he also invites respected individuals like David Goggins, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and Bernie Sanders, all of whom command respect.

These guests lend him a semblance of credibility, allowing Rogan to maintain deniability when hosting deniers of various significant events. Regardless of how absurd these figures may appear, contrarians find validation in promoting their contentious views on a massive platform, arguing that they refuse to silence anyone simply because experts suggest they should. It’s a chaotic scenario.

Contrarians hold a distinct advantage over curators in this public struggle because they do not concern themselves with facts or figures. Their primary focus is identifying who to oppose or undermine. This singular approach dictates their public statements, with their positions shifting as necessary to maintain opposition.

ROGAN AND THE RISE OF BRO-STYLE RACISM

I am neither interested in nor concerned a