As I mentioned at the start of our latest subscriber-only Q&A episode, John McWhorter recently received the 2022 Philip Merrill Award for Outstanding Contributions to Liberal Arts Education, bestowed by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. According to the ACTA, the award honors “individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to liberal arts education, core curricula, and the teaching of Western Civilization and American history.” Perhaps I’m biased, but I can think of no one who more richly deserves such recognition, and so I was proud to be asked to deliver some remarks in tribute to John at a ceremony, which I offer below. (I’ve also recorded an audio and video version for those who prefer to listen and watch. The audio is available now, video will uploaded tomorrow.)
‘There is a deeper point here. Though overt censorship is often spoken of as the leading threat to open discourse, the more subtle threat arises from the voluntary limitation of one’s own speech that create a spiral of silence. As John Stuart Mill recognized in his masterwork On Liberty, it is not the iron fist of state repression but rather the velvet glove of society’s seduction that constitutes the real problem.’
AMEN 🙏
Congrats to John. I’ve been reading his work and listening to him for 4-5 years now; he’s brilliant. A voice of pure reason in an environment hostile to honest debate (on both sides). My favorite is John’s book “Woke Racism.” This book really highlights everything wrong with the contemporary far-left fringe who are small but loud.
My favorite podcast. I have every episode of these two men dating back to their first convo in 2007. I keep the episodes on my computer and iPod. I have been a fan since 2017, and don't plan on leaving. These men give a voice to many who are afraid to speak up.
Congratulations to Professor McWhorter on the Philip Merrill award. I liked “The Emperor’s clothes” story. I also like “woke-busters”. As a witch, I am amazed at the degree of abnormal behavior - such as refusal to have discussion. Even in-person. I found Glenn’s story uplifting. Thanks for the medicine. Three days ago, I finally gave up on the last of 11 inner-circle lifetime friends who had outlawed discussion. Now I have more time for the non-woke all around me.
Love listening to you guys. What I find endlessly interesting is how your arguments in favour of black achievement and against self-limiting, victim-obsessed belief & value systems so closely mirror the same arguments I have for female achievement et al. Substitute 'the patriarchy' for 'white supremacy' and they're nearly identical.
Great tribute! And phew. I was aware of John since his great courses course on languages, and I myself am a mild center leftist, also of non white descent, albeit not black. So I am glad for multiple reasons he is still with us!
During the first summer of Covid, almost 2.5 years ago, The Glenn Show popped up in my YouTube suggestions, and I clicked it. It was a JMcW episode. I am not kidding: Previous to that, I had never heard anyone expressing these views that I had been thinking. Among my friends, in work settings, taking in the media, etc, I had felt like I was from Mars. Suddenly I had come upon some other Martians. I binged five-years-worth of Glenn Shows with a variety of guests but, of course, seeking out every single John show. I felt especially on the same page with him. It was cathartic, it was comforting, it was important to my mental health. Through the show I came upon Coleman, then on and on until I found this network of "the heterodox." (I'm now a member of The Heterodox Academy, Persuasion, FAIR, etc.)
I still feel pretty isolated among my friends and relations, but I can handle it because I know about this network of brilliant people who lay it out so beautifully, make it all make sense, and embolden me in feeling I am on the right side of history.
I have also learned so much from John, and remain just an absolute fan. For some of us, he's a rock star. Thank you thank you thank you for all of the incredible output. It has been life-changing for me.
You should also check out the Fifth Column Podcast, where Glenn, John, Coleman, Bari and Yascha have been guests multiple times. https://wethefifth.substack.com/
Congratulations, John, on being able to walk an intellectual tightrope successfully! However, now, the “unconscious Marxist’s” demand we choose sides. Sadly, I think there’s no alternative.
Thank you for your very clear sense of direction. The Emperor's New Clothes--indeed. The fear of speaking up. We all see this daily. I am glad you have called attention to the problem and suggested the best solution--we should all speak up, honestly. And congratulations, John!!
Wokebusters? If you’re going to drop a line that corny, at least say, “who you gonna call?”
‘There is a deeper point here. Though overt censorship is often spoken of as the leading threat to open discourse, the more subtle threat arises from the voluntary limitation of one’s own speech that create a spiral of silence. As John Stuart Mill recognized in his masterwork On Liberty, it is not the iron fist of state repression but rather the velvet glove of society’s seduction that constitutes the real problem.’
AMEN 🙏
Congrats to John. I’ve been reading his work and listening to him for 4-5 years now; he’s brilliant. A voice of pure reason in an environment hostile to honest debate (on both sides). My favorite is John’s book “Woke Racism.” This book really highlights everything wrong with the contemporary far-left fringe who are small but loud.
Michael Mohr
Sincere American Writing
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
Eloquent and accurate as always. You and John are national treasures. Thank you.
My favorite podcast. I have every episode of these two men dating back to their first convo in 2007. I keep the episodes on my computer and iPod. I have been a fan since 2017, and don't plan on leaving. These men give a voice to many who are afraid to speak up.
Thank you, Glenn Loury. Thank you, John McWhorter.
Congratulations to Professor McWhorter on the Philip Merrill award. I liked “The Emperor’s clothes” story. I also like “woke-busters”. As a witch, I am amazed at the degree of abnormal behavior - such as refusal to have discussion. Even in-person. I found Glenn’s story uplifting. Thanks for the medicine. Three days ago, I finally gave up on the last of 11 inner-circle lifetime friends who had outlawed discussion. Now I have more time for the non-woke all around me.
Listening to these 2 men for many years. ALWAYS make sense. Congratulations and thanks to you both.
The headline in my podcast app: “Tribute to John McWhorter” nearly gave me a heart attack. Phew! So glad he’s alive and well
Love listening to you guys. What I find endlessly interesting is how your arguments in favour of black achievement and against self-limiting, victim-obsessed belief & value systems so closely mirror the same arguments I have for female achievement et al. Substitute 'the patriarchy' for 'white supremacy' and they're nearly identical.
Title scared me at first!
Great tribute! And phew. I was aware of John since his great courses course on languages, and I myself am a mild center leftist, also of non white descent, albeit not black. So I am glad for multiple reasons he is still with us!
Hearty congratulations to John!! Glad to have been with y'all from the start and your voices have only become more relevant
During the first summer of Covid, almost 2.5 years ago, The Glenn Show popped up in my YouTube suggestions, and I clicked it. It was a JMcW episode. I am not kidding: Previous to that, I had never heard anyone expressing these views that I had been thinking. Among my friends, in work settings, taking in the media, etc, I had felt like I was from Mars. Suddenly I had come upon some other Martians. I binged five-years-worth of Glenn Shows with a variety of guests but, of course, seeking out every single John show. I felt especially on the same page with him. It was cathartic, it was comforting, it was important to my mental health. Through the show I came upon Coleman, then on and on until I found this network of "the heterodox." (I'm now a member of The Heterodox Academy, Persuasion, FAIR, etc.)
I still feel pretty isolated among my friends and relations, but I can handle it because I know about this network of brilliant people who lay it out so beautifully, make it all make sense, and embolden me in feeling I am on the right side of history.
I have also learned so much from John, and remain just an absolute fan. For some of us, he's a rock star. Thank you thank you thank you for all of the incredible output. It has been life-changing for me.
You should also check out the Fifth Column Podcast, where Glenn, John, Coleman, Bari and Yascha have been guests multiple times. https://wethefifth.substack.com/
Yes, know it. Also now an avid Blocked and Reported fan.
Jesse is my favorite transphobe and Katie is my favorite Muslim.
Congratulations, John, on being able to walk an intellectual tightrope successfully! However, now, the “unconscious Marxist’s” demand we choose sides. Sadly, I think there’s no alternative.
I read this latest post and decided to commit and become a paid subscriber.
The world needs more Glenns and Johns who can talk to each other about real, debatable issues. We've had enough of narratives and talking points.
Congratulations to both of you for the strong thoughtful men that you are!
Thank you for your very clear sense of direction. The Emperor's New Clothes--indeed. The fear of speaking up. We all see this daily. I am glad you have called attention to the problem and suggested the best solution--we should all speak up, honestly. And congratulations, John!!