1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,560 Welcome to this deep dive. 2 00:00:02,560 --> 00:00:03,400 Okay. 3 00:00:03,400 --> 00:00:05,120 Where we're gonna be exploring something 4 00:00:05,120 --> 00:00:07,040 a little bit out there. 5 00:00:07,040 --> 00:00:09,560 We're gonna be looking at how people 6 00:00:09,560 --> 00:00:11,960 are connecting natural disasters. 7 00:00:11,960 --> 00:00:12,800 Right. 8 00:00:12,800 --> 00:00:13,640 With social issues. 9 00:00:13,640 --> 00:00:14,480 Oh, interesting. 10 00:00:14,480 --> 00:00:16,880 And you might be surprised to hear 11 00:00:16,880 --> 00:00:18,440 that this isn't a new thing at all. 12 00:00:18,440 --> 00:00:19,280 Really? 13 00:00:19,280 --> 00:00:21,240 Yeah, it's been going on for a long time. 14 00:00:22,360 --> 00:00:24,400 People have been attributing things like hurricanes 15 00:00:24,400 --> 00:00:27,960 and earthquakes to like divine retribution 16 00:00:27,960 --> 00:00:31,000 or moral failings in society. 17 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:32,160 Like as a punishment. 18 00:00:32,160 --> 00:00:33,280 Exactly. 19 00:00:33,280 --> 00:00:34,120 So we're gonna be taking a look 20 00:00:34,120 --> 00:00:35,520 at some specific examples. 21 00:00:35,520 --> 00:00:36,840 Okay. 22 00:00:36,840 --> 00:00:39,560 Starting with an article from Psychology Today. 23 00:00:39,560 --> 00:00:40,400 Okay. 24 00:00:40,400 --> 00:00:41,920 That was published back in 2018. 25 00:00:41,920 --> 00:00:42,760 Right. 26 00:00:42,760 --> 00:00:47,240 And it delves into this televangelist, Pat Robertson. 27 00:00:47,240 --> 00:00:48,080 Oh, yeah. 28 00:00:48,080 --> 00:00:51,040 And his claims that hurricanes are somehow linked 29 00:00:51,040 --> 00:00:54,120 to LGBTQ acceptance. 30 00:00:54,120 --> 00:00:55,640 Wow. 31 00:00:55,640 --> 00:00:57,120 And then to bring things a little closer to home. 32 00:00:57,120 --> 00:00:57,940 Okay. 33 00:00:57,940 --> 00:00:59,560 We're also gonna be looking at some news articles 34 00:00:59,560 --> 00:01:01,160 from November 2024. 35 00:01:02,600 --> 00:01:05,640 Reporting on statements made by Tucker Carlson, 36 00:01:05,640 --> 00:01:10,640 who suggests a link between the frequency of hurricanes 37 00:01:11,240 --> 00:01:13,000 and the practice of abortion. 38 00:01:13,000 --> 00:01:14,800 Wow, so this is like a pattern 39 00:01:14,800 --> 00:01:16,520 across like different social issues. 40 00:01:16,520 --> 00:01:17,360 Exactly. 41 00:01:17,360 --> 00:01:18,180 Interesting. 42 00:01:18,180 --> 00:01:20,840 And I think it's especially interesting to think about this 43 00:01:20,840 --> 00:01:23,360 in the context of the 2024 election. 44 00:01:23,360 --> 00:01:24,200 Yeah. 45 00:01:24,200 --> 00:01:25,840 You know, with all of the political tension 46 00:01:25,840 --> 00:01:28,120 and all the rhetoric swirling around. 47 00:01:28,120 --> 00:01:30,240 So we're gonna examine these claims themselves. 48 00:01:30,240 --> 00:01:31,080 All right. 49 00:01:31,080 --> 00:01:34,440 We're gonna look at what evidence, if any, supports them. 50 00:01:34,440 --> 00:01:37,040 And then really like what the impact 51 00:01:37,040 --> 00:01:39,360 of this kind of messaging might be, 52 00:01:39,360 --> 00:01:42,560 particularly in the society that's already pretty divided. 53 00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:44,080 Yeah, that's a good point. 54 00:01:44,080 --> 00:01:46,160 So let's start by going back to 2018. 55 00:01:46,160 --> 00:01:47,000 Okay. 56 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:49,000 I was reading about Pat Robertson. 57 00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:49,840 Yeah. 58 00:01:49,840 --> 00:01:52,880 And this wasn't the first time that he claimed to have 59 00:01:52,880 --> 00:01:56,200 some kind of influence over hurricanes through prayer. 60 00:01:57,560 --> 00:02:00,080 He's actually known for pronouncements 61 00:02:00,080 --> 00:02:02,600 about creating a shield of protection. 62 00:02:02,600 --> 00:02:03,540 Oh, wow. 63 00:02:03,540 --> 00:02:05,200 Against these major storms. 64 00:02:06,160 --> 00:02:08,800 There's even a record of him saying that he did this. 65 00:02:08,800 --> 00:02:09,640 Wow. 66 00:02:09,640 --> 00:02:11,240 Hurricane Esther back in 1961. 67 00:02:11,240 --> 00:02:12,080 Okay. 68 00:02:12,080 --> 00:02:14,360 And again, for Hurricane Florence in 2018. 69 00:02:14,360 --> 00:02:16,360 So this is like a recurring theme for him. 70 00:02:16,360 --> 00:02:17,760 It really is. 71 00:02:17,760 --> 00:02:20,640 And what I think is fascinating here is that, 72 00:02:20,640 --> 00:02:25,440 Robertson has a history of connecting natural disasters 73 00:02:25,440 --> 00:02:30,120 to like divine punishment for actions 74 00:02:30,120 --> 00:02:32,240 that he views as morally wrong. 75 00:02:34,000 --> 00:02:37,800 For example, he suggested that Hurricane Andrew in 1992 76 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:40,080 was God's judgment against homosexuality. 77 00:02:40,080 --> 00:02:40,920 Okay. 78 00:02:40,920 --> 00:02:43,000 He's even implied that the 9-11 attacks 79 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:45,480 were a form of divine retribution. 80 00:02:45,480 --> 00:02:47,640 So he's really drawing these connections. 81 00:02:47,640 --> 00:02:48,480 Yeah, he is. 82 00:02:48,480 --> 00:02:50,920 He's also seen events and like a moral cause. 83 00:02:50,920 --> 00:02:51,760 Absolutely. 84 00:02:51,760 --> 00:02:52,600 Wow. 85 00:02:52,600 --> 00:02:54,720 And the Psychology Today article highlighted research. 86 00:02:54,720 --> 00:02:55,560 Okay. 87 00:02:55,560 --> 00:02:56,960 That specifically looked into this idea 88 00:02:56,960 --> 00:03:00,720 that there's a connection between LGBTQ acceptance 89 00:03:00,720 --> 00:03:02,120 and the intensity of hurricanes. 90 00:03:02,120 --> 00:03:03,080 Okay. 91 00:03:03,080 --> 00:03:06,640 A researcher named Aidan Bissell-Siders conducted a study 92 00:03:06,640 --> 00:03:08,560 where he actually crunched the numbers 93 00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:12,360 and compared data on hurricane damage 94 00:03:12,360 --> 00:03:16,240 with levels of LGBTQ acceptance in different areas. 95 00:03:16,240 --> 00:03:18,400 So he was really trying to see if there was a correlation 96 00:03:18,400 --> 00:03:19,240 there. 97 00:03:19,240 --> 00:03:20,080 He was. 98 00:03:20,080 --> 00:03:20,900 Okay. 99 00:03:20,900 --> 00:03:21,740 What did the study find? 100 00:03:21,740 --> 00:03:22,580 Yeah, what did it find? 101 00:03:22,580 --> 00:03:24,400 Well, it turns out there's absolutely no correlation 102 00:03:24,400 --> 00:03:25,240 Really? 103 00:03:25,240 --> 00:03:27,760 Between gay marriage and storm damage. 104 00:03:27,760 --> 00:03:28,600 Wow. 105 00:03:28,600 --> 00:03:32,960 In fact, Isell-Siders analyzed data from 2005 to 2015. 106 00:03:32,960 --> 00:03:33,800 Okay. 107 00:03:33,800 --> 00:03:36,200 And found that states with higher rates of gay marriage. 108 00:03:36,200 --> 00:03:37,040 Interesting. 109 00:03:37,040 --> 00:03:39,880 Actually experienced less hurricane damage on average. 110 00:03:39,880 --> 00:03:40,720 Huh. 111 00:03:40,720 --> 00:03:41,640 Okay, so less damage. 112 00:03:41,640 --> 00:03:42,480 Yeah. 113 00:03:42,480 --> 00:03:43,320 Interesting. 114 00:03:43,320 --> 00:03:45,120 Which directly contradicts Robertson's claims. 115 00:03:45,120 --> 00:03:46,200 It does, yeah. 116 00:03:46,200 --> 00:03:49,840 And it actually points to a very human phenomenon. 117 00:03:49,840 --> 00:03:50,680 Okay. 118 00:03:50,680 --> 00:03:52,080 Known as teleological thinking. 119 00:03:52,080 --> 00:03:53,800 Teleological thinking. 120 00:03:53,800 --> 00:03:56,640 Have you ever noticed how we humans try to find a reason 121 00:03:56,640 --> 00:03:57,480 for everything? 122 00:03:57,480 --> 00:03:58,560 Oh yeah, all the time. 123 00:03:58,560 --> 00:04:02,320 It's like our brains are wired to see patterns and purpose, 124 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:03,640 even in random events. 125 00:04:03,640 --> 00:04:05,480 Right, we try to make sense of things 126 00:04:05,480 --> 00:04:08,120 even when there's not necessarily a reason. 127 00:04:08,120 --> 00:04:08,960 Yeah. 128 00:04:08,960 --> 00:04:12,360 So what is teleological thinking then? 129 00:04:12,360 --> 00:04:15,560 Well, teleological thinking is a type of cognitive bias. 130 00:04:15,560 --> 00:04:16,400 Okay. 131 00:04:16,400 --> 00:04:18,440 Where we seek meaning and purpose 132 00:04:18,440 --> 00:04:21,040 in random events like natural disasters. 133 00:04:22,960 --> 00:04:25,720 When something bad happens like a hurricane. 134 00:04:25,720 --> 00:04:26,560 Yeah. 135 00:04:26,560 --> 00:04:29,640 It's comforting to believe that there's a reason for it. 136 00:04:29,640 --> 00:04:30,480 Right. 137 00:04:30,480 --> 00:04:33,000 Even if that reason is based on prejudice. 138 00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:33,840 Right. 139 00:04:33,840 --> 00:04:36,040 Or a lack of understanding about the natural world. 140 00:04:36,040 --> 00:04:37,920 Or just a need to blame something. 141 00:04:37,920 --> 00:04:40,880 Right, it's like we're trying to make sense of chaos 142 00:04:40,880 --> 00:04:42,320 by assigning blame. 143 00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:44,920 I see, so we simplify things to understand them. 144 00:04:44,920 --> 00:04:45,260 Yeah. 145 00:04:45,260 --> 00:04:45,920 God. 146 00:04:45,920 --> 00:04:48,280 And this can actually make people more susceptible 147 00:04:48,280 --> 00:04:48,920 to believing. 148 00:04:48,920 --> 00:04:49,440 Well really? 149 00:04:49,440 --> 00:04:51,080 Conspiracy theories. 150 00:04:51,080 --> 00:04:56,960 It's easier to accept a simple albeit flawed explanation 151 00:04:56,960 --> 00:05:00,120 than to grapple with the complexity of scientific evidence. 152 00:05:00,120 --> 00:05:00,720 Yeah. 153 00:05:00,720 --> 00:05:02,320 Or accept that sometimes things happen 154 00:05:02,320 --> 00:05:03,720 for no discernible reason. 155 00:05:03,720 --> 00:05:06,360 It's much easier to just point the finger at something 156 00:05:06,360 --> 00:05:07,280 than have an answer. 157 00:05:07,280 --> 00:05:07,880 Yeah. 158 00:05:07,880 --> 00:05:08,000 Okay. 159 00:05:08,000 --> 00:05:09,560 So you're saying that this tendency 160 00:05:09,560 --> 00:05:13,000 to search for meaning, even where there isn't any, 161 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:15,840 might be part of what's fueling these claims 162 00:05:15,840 --> 00:05:19,160 that hurricanes are caused by certain social groups 163 00:05:19,160 --> 00:05:19,960 or behaviors? 164 00:05:19,960 --> 00:05:22,240 Right, because it gives people a sense of control. 165 00:05:22,240 --> 00:05:22,720 Exactly. 166 00:05:22,720 --> 00:05:25,600 If we just stop doing this, then the hurricane won't happen. 167 00:05:25,600 --> 00:05:26,160 Yeah. 168 00:05:26,160 --> 00:05:26,520 Okay. 169 00:05:26,520 --> 00:05:29,400 And you see this pattern repeating in other areas too. 170 00:05:29,400 --> 00:05:29,880 Really? 171 00:05:29,880 --> 00:05:30,480 Like where? 172 00:05:30,480 --> 00:05:33,640 Think about historical events like the Black Death. 173 00:05:33,640 --> 00:05:36,080 Oh wow, yeah. 174 00:05:36,080 --> 00:05:39,400 People in the 14th century couldn't 175 00:05:39,400 --> 00:05:42,600 grasp the scientific explanation of a plague. 176 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:44,160 Right, they didn't have the knowledge. 177 00:05:44,160 --> 00:05:44,880 They didn't. 178 00:05:44,880 --> 00:05:45,400 Yeah. 179 00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:47,200 So they blamed it on various groups, 180 00:05:47,200 --> 00:05:50,880 including Jews and foreigners, because it 181 00:05:50,880 --> 00:05:53,480 offered a sense of control and understanding 182 00:05:53,480 --> 00:05:55,960 in a terrifying and confusing situation. 183 00:05:55,960 --> 00:05:58,200 It makes sense to want to explain it somehow. 184 00:05:58,200 --> 00:05:59,120 Absolutely. 185 00:05:59,120 --> 00:05:59,560 Yeah. 186 00:05:59,560 --> 00:06:02,280 So while it might be comforting to believe 187 00:06:02,280 --> 00:06:07,400 that we can control or prevent natural disasters 188 00:06:07,400 --> 00:06:11,280 through certain actions, the reality is far more complex. 189 00:06:11,280 --> 00:06:11,680 It is. 190 00:06:11,680 --> 00:06:11,920 Yeah. 191 00:06:11,920 --> 00:06:13,280 These things are complicated. 192 00:06:13,280 --> 00:06:15,000 There's a lot of factors that go into it. 193 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:15,640 There are. 194 00:06:15,640 --> 00:06:20,240 And attributing these events to specific groups or behaviors 195 00:06:20,240 --> 00:06:24,080 is a way of oversimplifying a complex issue 196 00:06:24,080 --> 00:06:28,800 and often serves to reinforce existing prejudices 197 00:06:28,800 --> 00:06:31,160 and anxieties within society. 198 00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:31,600 Right. 199 00:06:31,600 --> 00:06:33,160 It's kind of a dangerous way of thinking. 200 00:06:33,160 --> 00:06:33,880 It can be. 201 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:34,360 Yeah. 202 00:06:34,360 --> 00:06:36,640 So now let's fast forward to 2024. 203 00:06:36,640 --> 00:06:37,120 OK. 204 00:06:37,120 --> 00:06:39,240 Right on the eve of the presidential election. 205 00:06:39,240 --> 00:06:40,960 All right. 206 00:06:40,960 --> 00:06:44,640 We see Tucker Carlson making a statement on Steve Bannon's 207 00:06:44,640 --> 00:06:48,880 podcast, where he links the rise in hurricanes 208 00:06:48,880 --> 00:06:49,880 to wait for it. 209 00:06:49,880 --> 00:06:50,880 This is going to be good. 210 00:06:50,880 --> 00:06:51,440 Abortion. 211 00:06:51,440 --> 00:06:52,040 Abortion. 212 00:06:52,040 --> 00:06:56,080 He actually said, and I quote, it's probably abortion, 213 00:06:56,080 --> 00:06:56,600 actually. 214 00:06:56,600 --> 00:06:57,120 Wow. 215 00:06:57,120 --> 00:06:58,080 He really said that. 216 00:06:58,080 --> 00:06:58,520 He did. 217 00:06:58,520 --> 00:06:59,040 OK. 218 00:06:59,040 --> 00:07:01,600 And then he went on to compare abortion to human sacrifice. 219 00:07:01,600 --> 00:07:05,280 So we're seeing a similar kind of moral judgment 220 00:07:05,280 --> 00:07:06,480 being placed on an issue. 221 00:07:06,480 --> 00:07:07,240 Exactly. 222 00:07:07,240 --> 00:07:07,640 OK. 223 00:07:07,640 --> 00:07:10,120 And this is where it gets really interesting and concerning 224 00:07:10,120 --> 00:07:14,560 because Carlson's claims completely disregard 225 00:07:14,560 --> 00:07:18,600 the established scientific link between climate change 226 00:07:18,600 --> 00:07:22,280 and the increasing intensity and frequency of hurricanes. 227 00:07:22,280 --> 00:07:24,640 So we're talking about actual science here. 228 00:07:24,640 --> 00:07:25,240 We are. 229 00:07:25,240 --> 00:07:25,760 OK. 230 00:07:25,760 --> 00:07:27,720 There's a wealth of research demonstrating 231 00:07:27,720 --> 00:07:30,480 how rising global temperatures are contributing 232 00:07:30,480 --> 00:07:33,040 to more powerful storms. 233 00:07:33,040 --> 00:07:35,920 But Carlson seems to be dismissing this entirely. 234 00:07:35,920 --> 00:07:38,160 So he's choosing to ignore the science. 235 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:38,720 He is. 236 00:07:38,720 --> 00:07:39,320 Wow. 237 00:07:39,320 --> 00:07:42,120 And the scientific community definitely pushed back 238 00:07:42,120 --> 00:07:43,040 against his claims. 239 00:07:43,040 --> 00:07:43,560 They did. 240 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:46,120 In fact, the Daily Mail article we have here 241 00:07:46,120 --> 00:07:49,000 includes quotes from atmospheric scientists 242 00:07:49,000 --> 00:07:50,360 who didn't mince words. 243 00:07:50,360 --> 00:07:50,960 OK. 244 00:07:50,960 --> 00:07:54,120 They called Carlson's statements blatant lies. 245 00:07:54,120 --> 00:07:55,040 Wow. 246 00:07:55,040 --> 00:07:57,080 And emphasized that his claims are not 247 00:07:57,080 --> 00:07:59,840 in line with science in any way. 248 00:07:59,840 --> 00:08:03,000 So they're very clearly stating that this is not 249 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:04,320 scientifically accurate. 250 00:08:04,320 --> 00:08:04,760 Yeah. 251 00:08:04,760 --> 00:08:05,280 OK. 252 00:08:05,280 --> 00:08:07,520 They stress that attributing hurricane patterns 253 00:08:07,520 --> 00:08:09,440 to anything other than established 254 00:08:09,440 --> 00:08:12,920 meteorological mechanisms, especially climate change, 255 00:08:12,920 --> 00:08:14,720 is incredibly irresponsible. 256 00:08:14,720 --> 00:08:16,520 So they're really calling him out on this. 257 00:08:16,520 --> 00:08:16,920 They are. 258 00:08:16,920 --> 00:08:17,600 Yeah. 259 00:08:17,600 --> 00:08:19,080 And what's particularly interesting here 260 00:08:19,080 --> 00:08:21,080 is that Carlson's strategy echoes 261 00:08:21,080 --> 00:08:22,760 the same kind of teleological thinking. 262 00:08:22,760 --> 00:08:23,240 Oh, OK. 263 00:08:23,240 --> 00:08:24,120 We discussed earlier. 264 00:08:24,120 --> 00:08:24,840 Right. 265 00:08:24,840 --> 00:08:27,840 He's essentially offering a simplified explanation 266 00:08:27,840 --> 00:08:30,920 for a complex phenomenon that taps 267 00:08:30,920 --> 00:08:33,920 into preexisting anxieties and beliefs. 268 00:08:33,920 --> 00:08:36,920 So it's kind of like a way of manipulating people's fears. 269 00:08:36,920 --> 00:08:38,440 It is. 270 00:08:38,440 --> 00:08:40,840 By linking hurricanes to abortion, 271 00:08:40,840 --> 00:08:44,000 he's tapping into deeply held moral convictions. 272 00:08:44,000 --> 00:08:44,840 Right. 273 00:08:44,840 --> 00:08:47,920 And using them to promote a specific agenda. 274 00:08:47,920 --> 00:08:49,400 It's a very calculated approach. 275 00:08:49,400 --> 00:08:49,760 Yeah. 276 00:08:49,760 --> 00:08:50,240 Yeah. 277 00:08:50,240 --> 00:08:52,320 It's almost as if he's saying that if we 278 00:08:52,320 --> 00:08:55,600 want to prevent these devastating storms, 279 00:08:55,600 --> 00:08:57,120 we need to change our behavior. 280 00:08:57,120 --> 00:08:58,120 Right. 281 00:08:58,120 --> 00:09:01,960 And by framing abortion as a kind of human sacrifice, 282 00:09:01,960 --> 00:09:03,760 that's angering nature. 283 00:09:03,760 --> 00:09:08,080 He's invoking this very primal fear of divine retribution. 284 00:09:08,080 --> 00:09:08,440 Right. 285 00:09:08,440 --> 00:09:10,520 Going back to the idea of punishment. 286 00:09:10,520 --> 00:09:11,080 Exactly. 287 00:09:11,080 --> 00:09:11,440 Yeah. 288 00:09:11,440 --> 00:09:13,760 Which, as we've discussed, has been a recurring theme 289 00:09:13,760 --> 00:09:14,560 throughout history. 290 00:09:14,560 --> 00:09:14,960 It has. 291 00:09:14,960 --> 00:09:16,440 It's a very powerful narrative. 292 00:09:16,440 --> 00:09:16,920 Yeah. 293 00:09:16,920 --> 00:09:17,080 Yeah. 294 00:09:17,080 --> 00:09:17,520 Exactly. 295 00:09:17,520 --> 00:09:20,720 It creates a narrative where certain actions are perceived 296 00:09:20,720 --> 00:09:22,920 as upsetting in natural order. 297 00:09:22,920 --> 00:09:25,640 Leading to consequences like hurricanes. 298 00:09:25,640 --> 00:09:26,280 Interesting. 299 00:09:26,280 --> 00:09:28,400 This type of rhetoric can be very powerful. 300 00:09:28,400 --> 00:09:29,040 It can. 301 00:09:29,040 --> 00:09:30,920 Because it simplifies complex issues. 302 00:09:30,920 --> 00:09:31,400 Right. 303 00:09:31,400 --> 00:09:33,120 And offers a sense of control. 304 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:33,560 Yeah. 305 00:09:33,560 --> 00:09:35,520 And the face of uncertainty and fear. 306 00:09:35,520 --> 00:09:38,000 We want to believe that we have some agency. 307 00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:38,400 We do. 308 00:09:38,400 --> 00:09:39,440 In these situations. 309 00:09:39,440 --> 00:09:39,960 Yeah. 310 00:09:39,960 --> 00:09:40,280 Yeah. 311 00:09:40,280 --> 00:09:41,480 It's a very compelling narrative. 312 00:09:41,480 --> 00:09:41,960 Yeah. 313 00:09:41,960 --> 00:09:45,680 Especially for people who are already predisposed to believe. 314 00:09:45,680 --> 00:09:46,360 Right. 315 00:09:46,360 --> 00:09:49,640 That certain social or moral behaviors 316 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:52,280 are inherently wrong or dangerous. 317 00:09:52,280 --> 00:09:52,960 Yeah. 318 00:09:52,960 --> 00:09:58,200 But as we've seen, these claims lack any scientific basis. 319 00:09:58,200 --> 00:09:58,800 Right. 320 00:09:58,800 --> 00:10:01,520 And often serve to deflect attention away 321 00:10:01,520 --> 00:10:03,280 from the real issues at play. 322 00:10:03,280 --> 00:10:03,840 Yeah. 323 00:10:03,840 --> 00:10:05,080 Like climate change in this case. 324 00:10:05,080 --> 00:10:05,760 Exactly. 325 00:10:05,760 --> 00:10:07,120 It's a distraction tactic. 326 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:07,560 It is. 327 00:10:07,560 --> 00:10:09,520 That prevents us from having meaningful discussion. 328 00:10:09,520 --> 00:10:10,000 Yeah. 329 00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:12,880 About how to address these challenges 330 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:15,200 in a productive and evidence based way. 331 00:10:15,200 --> 00:10:15,640 Right. 332 00:10:15,640 --> 00:10:18,200 It's taking us further away from a solution. 333 00:10:18,200 --> 00:10:18,680 It is. 334 00:10:18,680 --> 00:10:19,280 Yeah. 335 00:10:19,280 --> 00:10:21,320 And this leads us to a crucial question. 336 00:10:21,320 --> 00:10:24,000 What are the potential consequences 337 00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:26,040 of spreading this kind of misinformation? 338 00:10:26,040 --> 00:10:26,600 Yeah. 339 00:10:26,600 --> 00:10:27,680 That's a good question. 340 00:10:27,680 --> 00:10:31,480 Particularly when it's amplified by someone with a platform 341 00:10:31,480 --> 00:10:33,040 as large as Tucker Carlson's. 342 00:10:33,040 --> 00:10:35,280 Like what kind of impact can that have on society? 343 00:10:35,280 --> 00:10:35,800 Exactly. 344 00:10:35,800 --> 00:10:36,160 Yeah. 345 00:10:36,160 --> 00:10:37,520 That's what we're going to dig into next. 346 00:10:37,520 --> 00:10:38,240 OK. 347 00:10:38,240 --> 00:10:39,640 I'm interested to hear this. 348 00:10:39,640 --> 00:10:44,080 We'll examine the potential impact of these narratives 349 00:10:44,080 --> 00:10:47,640 and explore why they resonate with certain segments 350 00:10:47,640 --> 00:10:48,480 of the population. 351 00:10:48,480 --> 00:10:48,960 OK. 352 00:10:48,960 --> 00:10:49,720 Sounds good. 353 00:10:49,720 --> 00:10:51,200 I think it's important to understand 354 00:10:51,200 --> 00:10:54,800 that misinformation like this doesn't exist in a vacuum. 355 00:10:54,800 --> 00:10:55,280 Right. 356 00:10:55,280 --> 00:10:57,840 It thrives in environments where people are already 357 00:10:57,840 --> 00:11:00,400 feeling anxious and uncertain. 358 00:11:00,400 --> 00:11:04,040 And when you combine that with a figure like Carlson 359 00:11:04,040 --> 00:11:08,320 who has a significant following and a talent for tapping 360 00:11:08,320 --> 00:11:12,080 into those emotions, while you have a potent recipe 361 00:11:12,080 --> 00:11:15,600 for spreading potentially harmful ideas. 362 00:11:15,600 --> 00:11:17,960 So it's not just about the claims themselves. 363 00:11:17,960 --> 00:11:18,440 Right. 364 00:11:18,440 --> 00:11:20,360 It's about the context in which they're being made. 365 00:11:20,360 --> 00:11:20,960 Yeah. 366 00:11:20,960 --> 00:11:22,760 And the potential impact they have on people. 367 00:11:22,760 --> 00:11:23,840 Beliefs and actions. 368 00:11:23,840 --> 00:11:24,080 Yeah. 369 00:11:24,080 --> 00:11:26,680 We've seen throughout history that when people are faced 370 00:11:26,680 --> 00:11:29,720 with fear and uncertainty, they're 371 00:11:29,720 --> 00:11:32,400 more likely to grasp onto simple explanations. 372 00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:33,280 Right. 373 00:11:33,280 --> 00:11:35,840 Even if those explanations are based on prejudice 374 00:11:35,840 --> 00:11:36,920 or misinformation. 375 00:11:36,920 --> 00:11:37,120 Yeah. 376 00:11:37,120 --> 00:11:38,400 Like we were saying before with that. 377 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:38,920 Exactly. 378 00:11:38,920 --> 00:11:40,320 The geological thinking. 379 00:11:40,320 --> 00:11:40,840 Yeah. 380 00:11:40,840 --> 00:11:44,200 And when those explanations are repeated and amplified 381 00:11:44,200 --> 00:11:47,800 by influential figures, it can lead to real world consequences. 382 00:11:47,800 --> 00:11:49,720 And in this case, we're talking about the potential 383 00:11:49,720 --> 00:11:53,280 to derail efforts to address climate change. 384 00:11:53,280 --> 00:11:53,800 Exactly. 385 00:11:53,800 --> 00:11:55,720 Which is a very real and pressing threat. 386 00:11:55,720 --> 00:11:58,720 Precisely if people believe that hurricanes are caused 387 00:11:58,720 --> 00:12:01,040 by something other than climate change, 388 00:12:01,040 --> 00:12:03,480 they're less likely to support policies or make 389 00:12:03,480 --> 00:12:04,840 lifestyle changes. 390 00:12:04,840 --> 00:12:05,240 Yeah. 391 00:12:05,240 --> 00:12:08,040 Aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 392 00:12:08,040 --> 00:12:08,640 Right. 393 00:12:08,640 --> 00:12:11,480 It creates a false sense of security 394 00:12:11,480 --> 00:12:13,800 and undermines the urgency of taking action 395 00:12:13,800 --> 00:12:16,920 to address the root causes of climate change. 396 00:12:16,920 --> 00:12:18,920 It's like we're being distracted from the real problem 397 00:12:18,920 --> 00:12:20,400 by these scapegoats. 398 00:12:20,400 --> 00:12:23,040 Instead of focusing on solutions to climate change, 399 00:12:23,040 --> 00:12:25,080 we're arguing about whether or not abortion 400 00:12:25,080 --> 00:12:26,760 is causing hurricanes. 401 00:12:26,760 --> 00:12:29,440 And it's not just about distracting from solutions. 402 00:12:29,440 --> 00:12:29,800 Right. 403 00:12:29,800 --> 00:12:34,000 It's also about creating division within society. 404 00:12:34,000 --> 00:12:36,960 When you blame natural disasters on specific groups 405 00:12:36,960 --> 00:12:39,720 or behaviors, you're essentially pitting people 406 00:12:39,720 --> 00:12:40,800 against each other. 407 00:12:40,800 --> 00:12:43,280 You're creating an us versus them mentality. 408 00:12:43,280 --> 00:12:44,000 Exactly. 409 00:12:44,000 --> 00:12:46,600 Where one group is seen as responsible for the suffering 410 00:12:46,600 --> 00:12:47,160 of another. 411 00:12:47,160 --> 00:12:47,880 Exactly. 412 00:12:47,880 --> 00:12:50,720 And this can lead to increased prejudice discrimination 413 00:12:50,720 --> 00:12:52,720 and even violence against those groups. 414 00:12:52,720 --> 00:12:53,840 Wow. 415 00:12:53,840 --> 00:12:56,640 We've seen this happen time and again throughout history. 416 00:12:56,640 --> 00:12:57,360 Yeah, like we're. 417 00:12:57,360 --> 00:12:59,560 Think about the Salem witch trials 418 00:12:59,560 --> 00:13:03,160 or the persecution of Jews during the Black Death. 419 00:13:03,160 --> 00:13:05,160 These are extreme examples, of course. 420 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:05,480 Right. 421 00:13:05,480 --> 00:13:07,640 But they illustrate how dangerous it 422 00:13:07,640 --> 00:13:10,800 can be to scapegoat specific groups for events 423 00:13:10,800 --> 00:13:12,560 that they have no control over. 424 00:13:12,560 --> 00:13:14,920 So even though these claims might seem outlandish 425 00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:18,760 to some people, they can have a real impact on how we perceive 426 00:13:18,760 --> 00:13:21,240 and interact with each other, especially in a society that's 427 00:13:21,240 --> 00:13:22,280 already polarized. 428 00:13:22,280 --> 00:13:23,080 Absolutely. 429 00:13:23,080 --> 00:13:26,960 That's why it's so crucial to be aware of these narratives 430 00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:30,200 and to be able to recognize them for what they are, 431 00:13:30,200 --> 00:13:33,520 attempts to simplify complex issues, 432 00:13:33,520 --> 00:13:37,840 exploit people's fears, and promote a specific agenda. 433 00:13:37,840 --> 00:13:40,480 We've talked a lot about Pat Robertson and Tucker Carlson. 434 00:13:40,480 --> 00:13:41,200 Yeah. 435 00:13:41,200 --> 00:13:44,080 But it's important to remember that they're not the only ones 436 00:13:44,080 --> 00:13:45,520 making these kinds of claims. 437 00:13:45,520 --> 00:13:46,160 Right. 438 00:13:46,160 --> 00:13:49,640 This type of rhetoric is becoming increasingly common. 439 00:13:49,640 --> 00:13:50,360 It is. 440 00:13:50,360 --> 00:13:52,400 Especially among certain conservative talk show 441 00:13:52,400 --> 00:13:54,680 hosts and media outlets. 442 00:13:54,680 --> 00:13:58,400 It's a pattern that's been gaining momentum in recent years, 443 00:13:58,400 --> 00:14:03,280 fueled in part by social media, and the rise of echo chambers 444 00:14:03,280 --> 00:14:07,000 where people are only exposed to information that 445 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:08,400 confirms their existing beliefs. 446 00:14:08,400 --> 00:14:09,680 So what can we do about it? 447 00:14:09,680 --> 00:14:10,800 That's a good question. 448 00:14:10,800 --> 00:14:13,840 How can we combat this spread of misinformation 449 00:14:13,840 --> 00:14:17,040 and prevent it from having a negative impact on our society? 450 00:14:17,040 --> 00:14:18,480 Well, it's not an easy answer. 451 00:14:18,480 --> 00:14:18,880 Yeah. 452 00:14:18,880 --> 00:14:22,000 But I think it starts with education and critical thinking. 453 00:14:22,000 --> 00:14:24,200 We need to help people develop the skills 454 00:14:24,200 --> 00:14:26,800 to evaluate information critically 455 00:14:26,800 --> 00:14:30,040 and to be able to distinguish between credible sources 456 00:14:30,040 --> 00:14:32,280 and those that are spreading misinformation. 457 00:14:32,280 --> 00:14:34,800 We also need to be more aware of our own biases. 458 00:14:34,800 --> 00:14:35,640 Absolutely. 459 00:14:35,640 --> 00:14:37,640 And how they might be influencing 460 00:14:37,640 --> 00:14:39,240 our perceptions of the world. 461 00:14:39,240 --> 00:14:42,000 It's important to be open to considering 462 00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:45,480 different perspectives and to be willing to change our minds 463 00:14:45,480 --> 00:14:47,480 when presented with new evidence. 464 00:14:47,480 --> 00:14:50,960 And it's crucial to have open and honest conversations 465 00:14:50,960 --> 00:14:53,120 with people who hold different views. 466 00:14:53,120 --> 00:14:55,600 We may not always agree, but we need 467 00:14:55,600 --> 00:14:59,440 to be able to engage in respectful dialogue 468 00:14:59,440 --> 00:15:02,440 and to try to understand where the other person is coming from. 469 00:15:02,440 --> 00:15:06,720 It's about fostering a culture of critical thinking, empathy, 470 00:15:06,720 --> 00:15:09,680 and a willingness to engage with complex issues 471 00:15:09,680 --> 00:15:11,480 in a nuanced way. 472 00:15:11,480 --> 00:15:14,800 And it's about holding those who spread misinformation 473 00:15:14,800 --> 00:15:17,800 accountable for their words and actions. 474 00:15:17,800 --> 00:15:22,120 So as we approach this 2024 election and beyond, 475 00:15:22,120 --> 00:15:24,800 we need to be vigilant about these kinds of narratives 476 00:15:24,800 --> 00:15:28,160 and to actively work to counter them 477 00:15:28,160 --> 00:15:30,160 with reason and compassion. 478 00:15:30,160 --> 00:15:30,760 Exactly. 479 00:15:30,760 --> 00:15:34,640 It's about recognizing that words have power 480 00:15:34,640 --> 00:15:37,400 and that the stories we tell ourselves about the world 481 00:15:37,400 --> 00:15:40,920 can have a profound impact on our reality. 482 00:15:40,920 --> 00:15:41,680 That's a good point. 483 00:15:41,680 --> 00:15:44,440 And it's about choosing to create a world where 484 00:15:44,440 --> 00:15:48,120 truth, empathy, and understanding prevail over fear, 485 00:15:48,120 --> 00:15:49,960 division, and misinformation. 486 00:15:49,960 --> 00:15:51,840 OK, so we've covered a lot of ground today. 487 00:15:51,840 --> 00:15:52,480 We have. 488 00:15:52,480 --> 00:15:54,720 But I think it's important to recap the key points we've 489 00:15:54,720 --> 00:15:55,280 discussed. 490 00:15:55,280 --> 00:15:55,840 OK. 491 00:15:55,840 --> 00:15:59,720 We started by looking at the claims made by Pat Robertson, 492 00:15:59,720 --> 00:16:04,560 who's been linking hurricanes to LGBTQ acceptance for decades. 493 00:16:04,560 --> 00:16:07,960 Then we explored how Tucker Carlson, just days 494 00:16:07,960 --> 00:16:10,920 before the 2024 election, suggested 495 00:16:10,920 --> 00:16:14,160 that abortion is causing the increase in hurricane frequency 496 00:16:14,160 --> 00:16:14,960 and intensity. 497 00:16:14,960 --> 00:16:15,320 Right. 498 00:16:15,320 --> 00:16:17,520 And we discussed how both of these claims 499 00:16:17,520 --> 00:16:20,120 are not only unfounded, but they actually 500 00:16:20,120 --> 00:16:23,080 distract from the real issue at hand, climate change. 501 00:16:23,080 --> 00:16:23,720 Exactly. 502 00:16:23,720 --> 00:16:27,040 We also talked about how this type of rhetoric exploits 503 00:16:27,040 --> 00:16:32,400 people's fears and anxieties, reinforcing existing prejudices 504 00:16:32,400 --> 00:16:35,080 and creating divisions within society. 505 00:16:35,080 --> 00:16:37,160 So what does this all mean for you, the listener? 506 00:16:37,160 --> 00:16:38,880 Yeah, that's a great question. 507 00:16:38,880 --> 00:16:42,040 How can you apply what we've discussed to your own life 508 00:16:42,040 --> 00:16:44,560 and your interactions with the world around you? 509 00:16:44,560 --> 00:16:45,800 That's a great question. 510 00:16:45,800 --> 00:16:49,120 And it's one that each of us needs to answer for ourselves. 511 00:16:49,120 --> 00:16:51,760 But here are a few things to consider as we wrap up. 512 00:16:51,760 --> 00:16:52,680 OK. 513 00:16:52,680 --> 00:16:56,560 As we kind of bring this deep dive to a close, 514 00:16:56,560 --> 00:16:59,160 I'm wondering what stood out to you the most. 515 00:16:59,160 --> 00:17:02,040 Well, I think for me, it's just the blatant disregard 516 00:17:02,040 --> 00:17:03,920 for scientific evidence. 517 00:17:03,920 --> 00:17:04,360 Right. 518 00:17:04,360 --> 00:17:05,080 You know, it's like. 519 00:17:05,080 --> 00:17:08,560 It's like we're choosing to ignore what we know. 520 00:17:08,560 --> 00:17:10,840 Yeah, and it's like we're going back to like, you know, 521 00:17:10,840 --> 00:17:11,680 the dark ages. 522 00:17:11,680 --> 00:17:13,600 Yeah, it's like we're regressing in a way. 523 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:15,760 We are. 524 00:17:15,760 --> 00:17:19,280 But I also think it's the way these narratives just tap 525 00:17:19,280 --> 00:17:22,080 into our deepest fears and anxieties. 526 00:17:22,080 --> 00:17:22,600 For sure. 527 00:17:22,600 --> 00:17:24,440 It's like they're playing on our emotions. 528 00:17:24,440 --> 00:17:24,920 They are. 529 00:17:24,920 --> 00:17:26,720 Rather than appealing to our logic. 530 00:17:26,720 --> 00:17:27,480 Exactly. 531 00:17:27,480 --> 00:17:27,920 Yeah. 532 00:17:27,920 --> 00:17:29,840 And I think that's what makes them so dangerous. 533 00:17:29,840 --> 00:17:33,640 Yeah, it's easy to dismiss these claims as like fringe theories. 534 00:17:33,640 --> 00:17:34,200 Right. 535 00:17:34,200 --> 00:17:36,640 But we've seen how they can gain traction 536 00:17:36,640 --> 00:17:38,920 and influence public discourse. 537 00:17:38,920 --> 00:17:41,720 Especially when they're amplified by influential figures 538 00:17:41,720 --> 00:17:43,360 with large platforms. 539 00:17:43,360 --> 00:17:44,480 Exactly. 540 00:17:44,480 --> 00:17:46,600 You know, if you're constantly hearing that hurricanes are 541 00:17:46,600 --> 00:17:50,800 caused by abortion or LGBTQ acceptance, 542 00:17:50,800 --> 00:17:52,920 it can start to shape your perception of those issues. 543 00:17:52,920 --> 00:17:53,440 It can. 544 00:17:53,440 --> 00:17:55,320 Even if you don't consciously realize it. 545 00:17:55,320 --> 00:17:58,120 Yeah, you might start to see those groups as a threat. 546 00:17:58,120 --> 00:17:58,480 Right. 547 00:17:58,480 --> 00:18:00,960 As somehow responsible for the devastation caused 548 00:18:00,960 --> 00:18:02,280 by these natural disasters. 549 00:18:02,280 --> 00:18:02,920 Exactly. 550 00:18:02,920 --> 00:18:06,400 And that can lead to increased prejudice discrimination. 551 00:18:06,400 --> 00:18:08,400 Even violence against those groups. 552 00:18:08,400 --> 00:18:09,280 It's really scary. 553 00:18:09,280 --> 00:18:09,760 It is. 554 00:18:09,760 --> 00:18:12,800 It's creating this climate of fear and division. 555 00:18:12,800 --> 00:18:13,320 Yeah. 556 00:18:13,320 --> 00:18:16,800 Which is exactly what those spreading this misinformation 557 00:18:16,800 --> 00:18:18,760 are often hoping to achieve. 558 00:18:18,760 --> 00:18:19,920 It's like a tactic. 559 00:18:19,920 --> 00:18:20,320 It is. 560 00:18:20,320 --> 00:18:21,880 It's a way to divide us. 561 00:18:21,880 --> 00:18:23,840 Mm, yeah. 562 00:18:23,840 --> 00:18:25,480 So how do we break this cycle? 563 00:18:25,480 --> 00:18:27,520 Well, that's the million dollar question, isn't it? 564 00:18:27,520 --> 00:18:28,080 It is. 565 00:18:28,080 --> 00:18:31,240 How do we combat this spread of misinformation? 566 00:18:31,240 --> 00:18:31,760 Right. 567 00:18:31,760 --> 00:18:34,480 And promote a more informed and compassionate understanding 568 00:18:34,480 --> 00:18:35,280 of the world. 569 00:18:35,280 --> 00:18:37,160 Well, I think it starts with us. 570 00:18:37,160 --> 00:18:37,520 Yeah. 571 00:18:37,520 --> 00:18:40,080 So listeners, we have the power to be 572 00:18:40,080 --> 00:18:42,080 critical consumers of information. 573 00:18:42,080 --> 00:18:45,560 We don't have to just accept everything we hear or read 574 00:18:45,560 --> 00:18:46,480 at face value. 575 00:18:46,480 --> 00:18:47,760 Question your sources. 576 00:18:47,760 --> 00:18:48,440 Exactly. 577 00:18:48,440 --> 00:18:49,440 Look for evidence. 578 00:18:49,440 --> 00:18:51,000 Consider different perspectives. 579 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:54,440 Don't be afraid to engage in respectful dialogue 580 00:18:54,440 --> 00:18:56,280 with people who hold different views. 581 00:18:56,280 --> 00:18:57,000 That's a good point. 582 00:18:57,000 --> 00:18:59,000 You know, you might be surprised at what you learn. 583 00:18:59,000 --> 00:18:59,400 You might. 584 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:01,640 And you might even be able to change someone's mind. 585 00:19:01,640 --> 00:19:04,040 It's also important to support organizations. 586 00:19:04,040 --> 00:19:04,480 Right. 587 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:07,960 That are working to combat misinformation 588 00:19:07,960 --> 00:19:10,560 and promote media literacy. 589 00:19:10,560 --> 00:19:10,800 OK. 590 00:19:10,800 --> 00:19:13,400 There are many great resources out there 591 00:19:13,400 --> 00:19:17,360 that can help you develop the skills to identify and debunk 592 00:19:17,360 --> 00:19:18,320 false claims. 593 00:19:18,320 --> 00:19:22,360 So it's really about empowering ourselves with knowledge. 594 00:19:22,360 --> 00:19:23,280 Knowledge is power. 595 00:19:23,280 --> 00:19:24,080 Exactly. 596 00:19:24,080 --> 00:19:26,920 The more informed you are, the better equipped 597 00:19:26,920 --> 00:19:31,040 you'll be to resist the allure of these harmful narratives. 598 00:19:31,040 --> 00:19:38,000 And to make decisions that are based on facts, reason, 599 00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:39,560 and empathy. 600 00:19:39,560 --> 00:19:42,800 And perhaps most importantly, be kind. 601 00:19:42,800 --> 00:19:44,160 Oh, that's a good point. 602 00:19:44,160 --> 00:19:47,400 Remember that behind every claim, every belief 603 00:19:47,400 --> 00:19:51,680 there's a human being, even if you disagree with someone, 604 00:19:51,680 --> 00:19:54,000 try to understand where they're coming from. 605 00:19:54,000 --> 00:19:57,240 Engage with them in a respectful and compassionate way. 606 00:19:57,240 --> 00:19:58,640 That's a great point to end on. 607 00:19:58,640 --> 00:19:59,280 It is. 608 00:19:59,280 --> 00:20:02,240 We can't let these divisive narratives tear us apart. 609 00:20:02,240 --> 00:20:05,000 We need to find ways to connect with each other, 610 00:20:05,000 --> 00:20:06,560 to build bridges of understanding, 611 00:20:06,560 --> 00:20:09,240 and to work together to create a world where truth 612 00:20:09,240 --> 00:20:10,520 and compassion prevail. 613 00:20:10,520 --> 00:20:11,600 I love that. 614 00:20:11,600 --> 00:20:13,400 So thank you for joining us on this deep dive. 615 00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:13,840 Yeah. 616 00:20:13,840 --> 00:20:15,280 Thanks for listening, everyone. 617 00:20:15,280 --> 00:20:16,840 We hope it's going to be useful food for thought. 618 00:20:16,840 --> 00:20:17,440 For sure. 619 00:20:17,440 --> 00:20:19,080 And inspired you to continue exploring 620 00:20:19,080 --> 00:20:20,080 these complex issues. 621 00:20:20,080 --> 00:20:30,640 Absolutely.