
The Problem with Naïve Cynicism
Rebecca Solnit, author and contributing editor at Harper's magazine, talks about her new article, "The Habits of Highly Cynical People," and how naïve cynicism among Americans has led to complacency in lieu of activism.
One form of this cynicism, Solnit said, involves people on the fringes of mainstream media who doubt their ability to help bring about change, which spares them the hard work involved.
This illustrates the two kinds of activists in the world, according to Solnit. There are the ones who work hard toward reform, and the ones who throw up their arms and call anything less than 100% reform a loss.
Calling everyone else corrupt "makes ppl feel powerful but it comes from ppl who love their own power more than the power to change."-Solnit
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 2, 2016
@BrianLehrer yes! Naive cynicism is the biggest wall against change. #FeelTheBern
— nicole (@newsbynicole) May 2, 2016
One of the best things I've ever read, Rebecca Solnit on men explaining things https://t.co/pZSqNOERcI @BrianLehrer
— Regina Schrambling (@gastropoda) May 2, 2016

