In this episode Janice Fiamengo, an associate professor of English at the University of Ottawa, examines critical theory, feminism and her own shift from ardent feminist to anti‑feminist. The conversation explores how feminist ideas are applied, the dynamics of systemic sexism, and the broader cultural narratives that shape gender politics.

- 00:00:00 - Introduction
- 00:01:18 - Janice's writing process
- 00:02:31 - What are Critical Theory and Feminist Theory?
- 00:04:00 - How did Janice go from being an ardent feminist to an anti-feminist?
- 00:08:20 - Why is feminism attractive?
- 00:10:14 - Women disadvantaged vs advantaged
- 00:11:11 - Difficulty of hiring a male over a woman
- 00:13:25 - How are women disadvantaged?
- 00:15:44 - Resume studies that demonstrate discrimination
- 00:21:09 - How to not contribute to systemic sexism
- 00:26:02 - The "shadow" and deleterious applications of feminist theory
- 00:29:48 - Harry Frankfurt's BS
- 00:35:28 - The "oppression narrative"
- 00:55:45 - What is it all about? Power?
- 01:01:04 - Overt oppression to microaggressions and insidious systemic
- 01:04:47 - Trust requires the potential for damage
- 01:08:32 - How the "humanities" and the "arts" have been corrupted
- 01:12:58 - How has sexism been redefined?
- 01:15:19 - Class action lawsuits on pay disparity
- 01:17:09 - Choice between "more power" or "the destruction of the West"...
- 01:21:37 - The Soviet Union and wanting harm to befall you
- 01:25:26 - Self‑loathing and fervor when Shakespeare is found racist
- 01:27:23 - Where does the left "go too far"?
- 01:28:45 - Free speech erosion

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RESOURCES:

- YouTube link: https://youtu.be/QwT-w47Il5c
- Better Left Unsaid trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQIzgoFBCnY
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