Escaping the media echo chamber
With David French
February 17, 2024
Repeated studies show that the current media landscape is worsening polarization and weakening our ability to grasp truth. How do we escape getting trapped in our own “bespoke realities?” This Good Faith episode draws on a recent webinar led by Curtis and David French where they address how Christians can adopt better information habits.
Check out The After Party here
“Welcome to our new ‘Bespoke Realities” by David French (in the New York Times)
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Super timely episode as it squarely addresses the issues we are encountering in our church just trying to pilot The After Party. It is all the more ironic since TAP is explicitly designed to assist pastors, yet our senior pastor is the source of the greatest pushback we are getting– because he sees red at the very mention of David French. . . appreciate you guys so much!
Help me understand how you and your podcast are not part of the problem of creating and living in a “bespoke reality”. I have listened to you for a while and I have not heard you interview anyone who does not agree with you (though, to be honest, I may have missed it). This creates the very thing you wish to eliminate. Your podcast is great for those who want to hear one side of the story, but it would be so much better if you discussed all sides, even sides you don’t agree with.
I wanted to share a story that relates to this podcast. I have a friend (who works for a political organization in DC) who, upon learning that I am a fan of the Dispatch, and of David French’s writings, has taken to messaging me whenever she thinks I need to be re-educated. Ironically, this happened recently when she sent me a screenshot of a post on X in which someone was aghast about DF’s position on adolescent transgender issues. Her concern was that his position was untenable with her (and presumably my) beliefs as Christians. So. . . . . I did my due diligence and looked up his original comment. As you might guess, it was not at all what the post said it was. And the comments following the post? Oh my gosh, so much distortion I could hardly keep reading!!! And you also might guess, then when I politely commented that having read the original post, the commenter does not seem to be truthfully representing it. . . . . .. she then dropped the conversation. On this podcast, when David shared the anecdote about being approached by someone regarding his views, I felt for him. It must be incredibly difficult to put yourself out there on complex topics, knowing they will immediately be simplified/ reduced/ contorted/ and outright dishonestly portrayed. I, for one, though, am so grateful that you continue to do so regardless!