You are two men who have repeatedly shown the courage to stand up for “rightness” even at serious personal cost. So when an issue arises where the correct answer is unanimous and collective action is the main challenge, well, I assumed you two would obviously lead us to the optimal state. But no. Grade inflation. You two are just like everyone else. Shamefully and remorsefully perpetuating a system that, among many issues, militates against true merit and allows institutional critics to plausibly shriek “corruption.”
I’d love to hear you explain how and why you caved, especially considering this is an issue you directly affect—from our most prestigious universities no less—and thus could have plausibly shifted the educational masses.
Whatever your answers, you guys remain ballers. Thanks for all the insights and candor.
Gentlemen (pardon the K. Ellison reference but I'd love to hear Glenn act it out again!),
I have two quickies for Prof. McWhorter and (if time or interest permits) one general question:
(1) John you’ve recommended The Great Courses a couple times on TGS, and I’m currently enjoying a subscription I started last month – thank you. I’m curious to know a favorite of yours. I’m watching three series: 1066, 30 Masterpieces of the Ancient World, and… Language A to Z.
(2) I was in B&N recently and I picked up Kendi & Gill’s Stamped from the Beginning : A Graphic History of Racist Ideas in America (2023). Did you know you (John) can be found on page 271? Check it out if you haven’t – very strange.
(3) As a teacher, I watch many high school students readily use ChatGPT for thinking and writing they should be doing for themselves, especially at such a critical point in their intellectual development. I imagine that when they subsequently have to give a presentation on a book they’ve never read, they end up just parroting an A.I generated synthesis and yet still earn a passing grade.
Given your academic positions and experience, do you suspect some graduate students do this? Will we in the future have many “experts” with meaningless credentials and empty book bags? Or is this simply a concern for the softer academic disciplines and lower-level schooling?
Many thanks and I still love my weekly dose of TGS!
I actually have a question for Professor McWhorter. Years ago, I recall you making a statement along the lines that calling a White person "racist" was similar to calling that person a "pedophile." Meaning, it is such a horrific thing and you would never want any assocaition. It might have been while you were promoting "Woke Racism," which I read shortly after it came out. Do you think this is still the case?
As a White person, I have long agreed with that assessment. I have never met anyone who has ever admitted some of the dark moments in our country's history was actually a proud moment. Recently, I am beginning to wonder if the power of the word "racist" has been diluted. I have seen people on social media platforms going as far as embracing the title like it is a badge of honor.
Personally, I get a little nervous observing the antics from both sides of the aisle at this point. One of the most popular songs right now not only uses the N-Word, but even praises Hitler (referring to Kanye). I see what appears to be open anti-semitism on the left. Recent stories now consist of Israeli diplomats being murdered in DC while the killer shouts "Free Palestine." Now I hear the accusations regarding South Africa. Are we now entering some "Post Civil Rights Movement" era?
This is a two-part question. The first is for Professor Loury and the second is for both of y’all (sic).
Professor Loury, A few months ago, I was looking at some economic data for Africa, and doing a very uneducated, brief overview. Still, I seemed to notice a connection and wondered if my instincts were correct. It appeared that the countries with the highest percentage of their GDP devoted to agriculture also had the most stable governments and the greatest income. I was looking at costs for undeveloped farmland - for who knows what reason; just woolgathering, I suppose. Are you aware of any connection between agricultural development and overall higher living standards?
This question is for both of y’all (sic).
You both seem to be extremely well-travelled. Have either of y’all (sic) ever been to Africa, and if not, if you were to go, which country would you like to visit?
Last year, I read "Plato's Revenge: Politics in the Age of Ecology" and the essay "Electrifying the Titanic: The Shipwreck of Industrial Civilisation" by William Ophuls. I am reading "Requiem For Modern Politics: The Tragedy Of The Enlightenment And The Challenge Of The New Millennium".
I find his ideas and threads to be relevant to your conversations on Politics.
Have either of you read any of his works?
If so, can you share some of your thoughts on his views of Modern Politics and Ecology?
Recently, a statue was erected in Times Square, nearly out of the blue, of a young black woman. She’s the average build, has braids, hand on her hip just standing there. As you might imagine, as I am, this was apparently created to provoke a conversation on representation and diversity, but what the heck is the conversation? That black women exist?… um, okay. That we’re pretty too? I don’t get it.
I’m a 38 year old black woman born and raised in New York City, and I struggle to understand the significance of this statue. Some say it’s important because black female representation is “rare”, but how can anyone say that in 2025? I’m youngish but certainly old enough to remember black female pop stars of various complexions, artists, authors, astronauts, politicians, the list goes on. Is it me? Why am I confused by the need for this thing? Have I internalized the white man’s racism?
You’ve both raised black (or, half black) daughters. What questions have they had, if any, about representation and how the world depicts “them”? I’m not a parent but if I were, I can’t imagine taking my child to see this some sort of reassuring symbol of her beauty and legitimacy.
I also saw this article in the New York Times, and I really like this statue. To me, she is Everywoman and very relatable. I looked at her and thought, she just seems like a typical woman to me. Her expression is such that she seems to be thinking about everything she has to do and is pondering how to get it all done. Her stance and expression are such that she’s living her own life, thinking about work, family, and all her other responsibilities, and is not really worrying about what other people think of her. She has better things to do.
I’m a history professor at a large mediocre university and it’s become basically impossible to teach undergraduates like I used to. They won’t read! They just won’t. And cheating is more common than ever before. You both teach at elite schools. (And Glenn I know you’re retiring.) But I’m curious if you’ve noticed a steep drop in recent years in students’ conscientiousness and engagement?
I have a theory I wanted to share with y’all (sic). I believe that in any struggle for equality, there will be multitudes of voices with different approaches to solving the same problem. I feel that Hubert Harrison, Malcolm X, and other more extreme ideologues actually served a beneficial function despite an apparent lack of results from their respective oratory. Even if their ideas for political action are not adopted, they are very effective in inflaming the passions that result from injustice. The typical person may agree with the sentiment, but also has to look out for their family’s and their own welfare. So, let’s say a young black woman felt inspired by Hubert Harrison, she may not engage in the actions he recommends, but she might be inspired enough to give up her weekends to register people to vote, or give money to the NAACP, or take some other action that she feels advances her cause, but doesn’t get her into trouble. Another black woman, several decades later, might feel inspired by someone like Malcolm X to the point that she is willing to boycott the bus as recommended by Martin Luther King and walk (many miles) to work instead. Whereas without passionate commitment, it could be easier for her to just say to herself, nothing is ever going to change, and I don’t have time to walk to work. So, although people didn’t apparently follow the programs of more extreme ideologues, it may have awakened a drive to commit to actions that were both safe and productive. Thoughts?
Glenn, in your recent conversation with Jason Riley, you asked of the Kendis and the three-named crowd: Why does it work? Why do the shallow arguments of the anti-racist folks resonate so widely? Why do their narratives become the currency of the realm?
In that spirit, I’d value your thoughts on why Ta-Nehisi Coates’s writings on Palestine resonate so strongly with you. I see Coates applying the same lens to the Middle East that you’ve critiqued on race: a binary of oppressor and oppressed, strong emotional pull, and a disregard for historical and structural complexity - without the grounding in reality and data that serious analysis demands.
Critical race discourse thrives because it offers emotionally resonant shortcuts. For those not steeped in history - or not willing to wrestle with it - the heuristic is persuasive. Persuasive enough, at least, to dissuade them from pushing back.
You’ve been brilliant at dismantling these reductive racial narratives while staying grounded in both humanity and intellectual rigor. But your response on Palestine felt different.
Am I wrong to see echoes of the same dynamics in Coates’s framing of the Israel/Palestine conflict? Do you see his arguments (and so, your responses) as fundamentally different in these two domains?
Glenn is an evolving soul. He loves his wife very much and appears able to distinguish what is important in his life and work. Sacrifice is essential to the loves of the highest level and that's where Glenn appears to be headed. My Dad was like that. developing spirituality in real time is the fulfillment of our nature as our Creator designed.
To Note:the above is not to agree with Glenn 's belief re Israel VS Gaza but to the extent that Glenn is not a recognized authority on this issue his wrong assessment does minimal if any harm. His record of truth seeking in the race arena is invaluable. Thanks Glenn
We all know that the rise of DJT (not really a fan) stems from a lot of anti-woke sentiment, but do you think there are deeper underlying issues? I don't mean racial or gender in this context, I wonder if the working class, moderate majority are just about fed up with having to not only pay for all their necessities, but for others also. Not only do our taxes go to federal & state programs (forced charity in my opinion), but we have to pay higher costs in many areas for which those subsidies do not cover actual costs, i.e uninsured or poorly insured medical & auto insurance premiums. Do you believe that this majority sees many programs as throwing good money after bad? I am not against helping those that truly need, but I also believe no one on assistance should have anything that the people who are $1 over eligibility can't afford.
Glenn and Mark, any thoughts on the amazing NBA playoffs this year? There have been a few unfortunate injuries, especially if you’re a Celtics or Warriors fan like Glenn and myself. Sucks to see Steph and especially Tatum get hurt. How about those Knicks though? At this point I’m rooting for the Nuggets all the way now that my Dubs are out.
Long time listener, first time caller! I'm curious how you both interact with the news. What news outlets do you use, what do you trust, do you read "opposing" (like right or left leaning) news sources, and how do you manage all the inputs (besides having full lives as writers, scholars, teachers, fathers, and, I can only assume, a mean bowling game.)
Lowell High School in San Francisco is like other elite public high schools across the country in that it is merit based. Although Lowell's student body is less than 20% white it's often said it lacks diversity as a majority of students are Asian and those from marginalized communities are under represented.
I understand the argument given for using the term marginalized communities. I was curious your thoughts on the phrase and the effect it could have on kids hearing it. And if you think it does ultimately have a negative effect on kids, is there a better term that could be used?
Hi Glenn & John. Given the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against race-based affirmative action and the Trump administration’s push to defund DEI initiatives, how should universities redefine meritocracy to balance fairness, diversity, and academic excellence? Do you see class-based affirmative action, as advocated by some like Rick Kahlenberg, as a viable path forward, or does it risk oversimplifying complex social inequalities? Appreciate you guys!
You are two men who have repeatedly shown the courage to stand up for “rightness” even at serious personal cost. So when an issue arises where the correct answer is unanimous and collective action is the main challenge, well, I assumed you two would obviously lead us to the optimal state. But no. Grade inflation. You two are just like everyone else. Shamefully and remorsefully perpetuating a system that, among many issues, militates against true merit and allows institutional critics to plausibly shriek “corruption.”
I’d love to hear you explain how and why you caved, especially considering this is an issue you directly affect—from our most prestigious universities no less—and thus could have plausibly shifted the educational masses.
Whatever your answers, you guys remain ballers. Thanks for all the insights and candor.
Gentlemen (pardon the K. Ellison reference but I'd love to hear Glenn act it out again!),
I have two quickies for Prof. McWhorter and (if time or interest permits) one general question:
(1) John you’ve recommended The Great Courses a couple times on TGS, and I’m currently enjoying a subscription I started last month – thank you. I’m curious to know a favorite of yours. I’m watching three series: 1066, 30 Masterpieces of the Ancient World, and… Language A to Z.
(2) I was in B&N recently and I picked up Kendi & Gill’s Stamped from the Beginning : A Graphic History of Racist Ideas in America (2023). Did you know you (John) can be found on page 271? Check it out if you haven’t – very strange.
(3) As a teacher, I watch many high school students readily use ChatGPT for thinking and writing they should be doing for themselves, especially at such a critical point in their intellectual development. I imagine that when they subsequently have to give a presentation on a book they’ve never read, they end up just parroting an A.I generated synthesis and yet still earn a passing grade.
Given your academic positions and experience, do you suspect some graduate students do this? Will we in the future have many “experts” with meaningless credentials and empty book bags? Or is this simply a concern for the softer academic disciplines and lower-level schooling?
Many thanks and I still love my weekly dose of TGS!
I actually have a question for Professor McWhorter. Years ago, I recall you making a statement along the lines that calling a White person "racist" was similar to calling that person a "pedophile." Meaning, it is such a horrific thing and you would never want any assocaition. It might have been while you were promoting "Woke Racism," which I read shortly after it came out. Do you think this is still the case?
As a White person, I have long agreed with that assessment. I have never met anyone who has ever admitted some of the dark moments in our country's history was actually a proud moment. Recently, I am beginning to wonder if the power of the word "racist" has been diluted. I have seen people on social media platforms going as far as embracing the title like it is a badge of honor.
Personally, I get a little nervous observing the antics from both sides of the aisle at this point. One of the most popular songs right now not only uses the N-Word, but even praises Hitler (referring to Kanye). I see what appears to be open anti-semitism on the left. Recent stories now consist of Israeli diplomats being murdered in DC while the killer shouts "Free Palestine." Now I hear the accusations regarding South Africa. Are we now entering some "Post Civil Rights Movement" era?
This is a two-part question. The first is for Professor Loury and the second is for both of y’all (sic).
Professor Loury, A few months ago, I was looking at some economic data for Africa, and doing a very uneducated, brief overview. Still, I seemed to notice a connection and wondered if my instincts were correct. It appeared that the countries with the highest percentage of their GDP devoted to agriculture also had the most stable governments and the greatest income. I was looking at costs for undeveloped farmland - for who knows what reason; just woolgathering, I suppose. Are you aware of any connection between agricultural development and overall higher living standards?
This question is for both of y’all (sic).
You both seem to be extremely well-travelled. Have either of y’all (sic) ever been to Africa, and if not, if you were to go, which country would you like to visit?
Last year, I read "Plato's Revenge: Politics in the Age of Ecology" and the essay "Electrifying the Titanic: The Shipwreck of Industrial Civilisation" by William Ophuls. I am reading "Requiem For Modern Politics: The Tragedy Of The Enlightenment And The Challenge Of The New Millennium".
I find his ideas and threads to be relevant to your conversations on Politics.
Have either of you read any of his works?
If so, can you share some of your thoughts on his views of Modern Politics and Ecology?
Dear Glenn and John,
Recently, a statue was erected in Times Square, nearly out of the blue, of a young black woman. She’s the average build, has braids, hand on her hip just standing there. As you might imagine, as I am, this was apparently created to provoke a conversation on representation and diversity, but what the heck is the conversation? That black women exist?… um, okay. That we’re pretty too? I don’t get it.
I’m a 38 year old black woman born and raised in New York City, and I struggle to understand the significance of this statue. Some say it’s important because black female representation is “rare”, but how can anyone say that in 2025? I’m youngish but certainly old enough to remember black female pop stars of various complexions, artists, authors, astronauts, politicians, the list goes on. Is it me? Why am I confused by the need for this thing? Have I internalized the white man’s racism?
You’ve both raised black (or, half black) daughters. What questions have they had, if any, about representation and how the world depicts “them”? I’m not a parent but if I were, I can’t imagine taking my child to see this some sort of reassuring symbol of her beauty and legitimacy.
I also saw this article in the New York Times, and I really like this statue. To me, she is Everywoman and very relatable. I looked at her and thought, she just seems like a typical woman to me. Her expression is such that she seems to be thinking about everything she has to do and is pondering how to get it all done. Her stance and expression are such that she’s living her own life, thinking about work, family, and all her other responsibilities, and is not really worrying about what other people think of her. She has better things to do.
I’m a history professor at a large mediocre university and it’s become basically impossible to teach undergraduates like I used to. They won’t read! They just won’t. And cheating is more common than ever before. You both teach at elite schools. (And Glenn I know you’re retiring.) But I’m curious if you’ve noticed a steep drop in recent years in students’ conscientiousness and engagement?
I have a theory I wanted to share with y’all (sic). I believe that in any struggle for equality, there will be multitudes of voices with different approaches to solving the same problem. I feel that Hubert Harrison, Malcolm X, and other more extreme ideologues actually served a beneficial function despite an apparent lack of results from their respective oratory. Even if their ideas for political action are not adopted, they are very effective in inflaming the passions that result from injustice. The typical person may agree with the sentiment, but also has to look out for their family’s and their own welfare. So, let’s say a young black woman felt inspired by Hubert Harrison, she may not engage in the actions he recommends, but she might be inspired enough to give up her weekends to register people to vote, or give money to the NAACP, or take some other action that she feels advances her cause, but doesn’t get her into trouble. Another black woman, several decades later, might feel inspired by someone like Malcolm X to the point that she is willing to boycott the bus as recommended by Martin Luther King and walk (many miles) to work instead. Whereas without passionate commitment, it could be easier for her to just say to herself, nothing is ever going to change, and I don’t have time to walk to work. So, although people didn’t apparently follow the programs of more extreme ideologues, it may have awakened a drive to commit to actions that were both safe and productive. Thoughts?
Glenn, in your recent conversation with Jason Riley, you asked of the Kendis and the three-named crowd: Why does it work? Why do the shallow arguments of the anti-racist folks resonate so widely? Why do their narratives become the currency of the realm?
In that spirit, I’d value your thoughts on why Ta-Nehisi Coates’s writings on Palestine resonate so strongly with you. I see Coates applying the same lens to the Middle East that you’ve critiqued on race: a binary of oppressor and oppressed, strong emotional pull, and a disregard for historical and structural complexity - without the grounding in reality and data that serious analysis demands.
Critical race discourse thrives because it offers emotionally resonant shortcuts. For those not steeped in history - or not willing to wrestle with it - the heuristic is persuasive. Persuasive enough, at least, to dissuade them from pushing back.
You’ve been brilliant at dismantling these reductive racial narratives while staying grounded in both humanity and intellectual rigor. But your response on Palestine felt different.
Am I wrong to see echoes of the same dynamics in Coates’s framing of the Israel/Palestine conflict? Do you see his arguments (and so, your responses) as fundamentally different in these two domains?
Glenn is an evolving soul. He loves his wife very much and appears able to distinguish what is important in his life and work. Sacrifice is essential to the loves of the highest level and that's where Glenn appears to be headed. My Dad was like that. developing spirituality in real time is the fulfillment of our nature as our Creator designed.
To Note:the above is not to agree with Glenn 's belief re Israel VS Gaza but to the extent that Glenn is not a recognized authority on this issue his wrong assessment does minimal if any harm. His record of truth seeking in the race arena is invaluable. Thanks Glenn
We all know that the rise of DJT (not really a fan) stems from a lot of anti-woke sentiment, but do you think there are deeper underlying issues? I don't mean racial or gender in this context, I wonder if the working class, moderate majority are just about fed up with having to not only pay for all their necessities, but for others also. Not only do our taxes go to federal & state programs (forced charity in my opinion), but we have to pay higher costs in many areas for which those subsidies do not cover actual costs, i.e uninsured or poorly insured medical & auto insurance premiums. Do you believe that this majority sees many programs as throwing good money after bad? I am not against helping those that truly need, but I also believe no one on assistance should have anything that the people who are $1 over eligibility can't afford.
Dear Glenn and John,
My dear intellectual uncles (well, at least in my head), I
What would you do with the J Edgar Hoover building now that the FBI is moving out?
Glenn and Mark, any thoughts on the amazing NBA playoffs this year? There have been a few unfortunate injuries, especially if you’re a Celtics or Warriors fan like Glenn and myself. Sucks to see Steph and especially Tatum get hurt. How about those Knicks though? At this point I’m rooting for the Nuggets all the way now that my Dubs are out.
Long time listener, first time caller! I'm curious how you both interact with the news. What news outlets do you use, what do you trust, do you read "opposing" (like right or left leaning) news sources, and how do you manage all the inputs (besides having full lives as writers, scholars, teachers, fathers, and, I can only assume, a mean bowling game.)
Lowell High School in San Francisco is like other elite public high schools across the country in that it is merit based. Although Lowell's student body is less than 20% white it's often said it lacks diversity as a majority of students are Asian and those from marginalized communities are under represented.
I understand the argument given for using the term marginalized communities. I was curious your thoughts on the phrase and the effect it could have on kids hearing it. And if you think it does ultimately have a negative effect on kids, is there a better term that could be used?
Hi Glenn & John. Given the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against race-based affirmative action and the Trump administration’s push to defund DEI initiatives, how should universities redefine meritocracy to balance fairness, diversity, and academic excellence? Do you see class-based affirmative action, as advocated by some like Rick Kahlenberg, as a viable path forward, or does it risk oversimplifying complex social inequalities? Appreciate you guys!