At the first of the “American Debates” series, co-sponsored by Bari Weiss–founded Substack newsletter The Free Press and the libertarian think tank, the Cato Institute, a fiery discussion on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) took center stage. Weiss, known for her outspoken views on cancel culture and political correctness, did not hold back in her criticism of what she sees as harmful practices in the name of social justice.
Weiss began by declaring, "It is time to end DEI for good. No more standing by as people are encouraged to segregate themselves. No more forced declarations that you will conform to a specific ideology to be accepted in society." She argued that true unity can only be achieved when individuals are judged on their character and actions, not on their race, gender, or other immutable characteristics.
Opinion: DEI proponents must not engage in re-writing history, and they must not decide who is deserving of protections and who is not. Weiss emphasized the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their background. She warned against the dangers of creating a hierarchical system of victimhood where some groups are seen as more deserving of protection and privilege than others.
Head of TED Chris Anderson hosts Session 5 of TED2024: The Brave and the Brilliant, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Vancouver, BC, Canada. The event featured speakers from various fields, including Bari Weiss, who delivered a powerful talk on the importance of free speech and intellectual diversity in today's society.
"And you can have it. And you can have it. And you can have it. I support it. I support it. You can't make up one, Nicole. You can't make up one..." These words echoed through the auditorium as Weiss passionately defended the principles of free speech and open dialogue. She emphasized the need for individuals to engage in civil discourse and listen to opposing viewpoints, even if they disagree.
Giving a lecture at the 92nd Street YMCA in New York City is a high honor, and Bari Weiss, former NYT writer and now editor of The Free Press, used the platform to address the dangers of ideological conformity and groupthink. She urged the audience to think critically and challenge prevailing narratives, rather than blindly accepting them.
Uri Berliner, a long-time editor at National Public Radio (NPR), has resigned from the media organization. His saga began last week after he published an article critical of Weiss and her views on DEI. The controversial piece sparked a backlash from conservative activists, who accused NPR of promoting biased and misleading information.
The public-radio network is being targeted by conservative activists over the essay, which many staffers say is misleading and inaccurate. The controversy surrounding Weiss and her stance on DEI has reignited debates over freedom of speech and the role of media in shaping public discourse. Critics argue that NPR's decision to publish Berliner's article reflects a broader trend of silencing dissenting voices and stifling intellectual diversity.
Blaming wokeness, and using Weiss' website to do it, has become so incredibly expected. The backlash against Weiss and her supporters highlights the deep divisions within society over issues of identity, representation, and social justice. As the debate rages on, Weiss remains steadfast in her belief that true unity can only be achieved through honest dialogue and mutual respect.
