Here's my letter in case helpful to anyone. Lisa shared the email addresses of the producers in the piece. Subject line: Stop gatekeeping the Truth
Dear Producers at NYPR,
On a recent episode of Brian Leher's show, he interviewed Michael Shermer about his new book, Truth. I was shocked at Leher's unprofessional conduct and shaming of a listener ("Mabel from Trenton") for expressing her opinion about being gaslit by Democrats on transgender issues. Leher went on to denigrate his guest during the show, even though Shermer was simply responding to the caller's reasonable concerns. Truth matters, which is what Shermer's book is all about! It was the topic of the conversation, and Shermer's reflections in response to Mabel were appropriate and interesting.
There are many, many Democrats and liberals who share Mabel's concerns, but Leher and NPR generally constantly present these issues as a left/right divide. That is not the truth.
I have stopped donating to NPR because of my disgust in your reporting, but I would do so again if you would present a truthful account of the controversies over trans kids and youth gender medicine. This is not a right/left issue! And you know that perfectly well. Let us hear what smart and earnest people are saying and decide for ourselves what to think. Stop gatekeeping the truth. Share the diversity of opinions out there, especially the opinions of lefty feminists, dissident liberals and scientists who question "gender affirming care" for kids.
I am not interested in your tired old song about religious MAGA people vs. Chase Strangio. You've played that to death.
This was deeply unprofessional conduct by Brian Lehrer and a disservice to the many listeners. You need to fix it, or you will keep hemorrhaging listeners and funding.
Wow, that's super shocking. Way to ninja your way past the screeners, Mabel from Trenton! Bet there were a lot of people listening who also cheered Mabel and Shermer on.
I am one of those longtime listeners who, around the 2016 “before and after” moment you describe, hit the off button on NPR and vowed not to give them another dime. I cannot recommend it enough. At first it felt like grieving an old friend. Eventually, though, I came to realize that the friendship was dysfunctional, demanding that I surrender my critical thinking in favor of signaling solidarity with people I realistically had nothing in common with and who probably didn’t even GAF about my kindness and compassion. And so, here I am, much calmer and better able to direct my mental energy towards things where I can actually have an impact.
Same here! NPR's utter one-sidedness blatantly started with the 2016 election, but has only been revealed to more people through their treatment of the gender issue.
Perhaps Lehrer has a family member he loves who was or is being “transitioned” as a child?
My instinct is there is a high likelihood that many, many adults who work in public radio and at the New Yorker have transitioned their children or have close family members who have. It is incredibly difficult to admit you have been completely fooled, taken advantage of and harmed your child or to tell a colleague you care about and respect that they have done so. Not saying it’s okay to dig in or stay silent, just saying this is what I imagine we’re up against here.
Carry on Sisyphus. Proteus and the rest of us are not far behind.
That's what I do. I shout into the wind. Where else should I be shouting?! We will not improve the situation until the liberal media moves. I am Sisyphus, hear me roar!
No, you are not Sisyphus, his endeavor was futile. Your endeavor feels immense and futile, but I do not believe it is, ultimately. Go with Proteus, Greek god of change. The world is always changing, which allows for hope.
Alcoholics learn to take responsibility for their actions over time, as part of their rehabilitation. There are speeches and phrases they learn, and their families and associates learn.
One problem that is rarely discussed is that people don’t have an easy way to say, “I was wrong,” “I was mistaken,” or “I was afraid,” or “I caused harm,” about sex mimicry, so instead they repeat obviously false claims defensively.
Lehrer may respond better to talking through options for accountability. (I hate therapy-talk but I don’t quite know how to express this).
Sex mimicry is a natural, selected-for behavior in evolution, and we could all one day get along with these people. Possible, but not at the cost of denying reality, damaging kids who cannot consent, and allowing the taking of rights, honors and safety from women by men who mimic women.
No liberal system forces people to change how they describe themselves on the demand of another group. It’s as true for resisting “trans” as it is for resisting those who name-call someone like him.
He (and all media) need an exit strategy because this obvious defensiveness is not something you can challenge, and he needs to grasp that the liberal enlightened position is not one of denying rights and agency.
De-escalation is the off-ramp.
“I’m still learning how to think about this.”
“I relied too much on language I heard repeated.”
“I didn’t want to hurt people or be seen as hostile.”
“Questioning claims is not the same as denying rights.”
I know I can’t be unilaterally an attacker on this issue - I try to be an updated, not defender or attacker. And when it’s useful, I make statements which I hope the person I argue with can use themselves when I’m not around.
Well, this is an *outstanding* comment. I’m not familiar with the rehabilitation process you refer to that alcoholics learn, but I do know enough psychology that I’ve been seriously pondering the obstacles to mind-changing, and casting about for effective techniques that can help people more easily revise their views.
Indeed, the problem you’re pointing out is rarely addressed, and yet it’s vitally important that more of us get better at making it okay to exit the belief system.
I’m saving this comment so I can borrow your phrasing, how you’re modeling the thought process for others with I-statements. (I already do this a bit when I speak with others, but I love the examples you’ve provided here and am adding them to my collection.)
Thank you so much for this, Sufeitzy! If you have more such tips, please keep sharing.
The truth doesn't go away just become you don't like it...or because you don't report it.
I think some of these groups have forgotten they are there to report the truth. Or, as you said once, they decided that in Trump world they need to put their thumb on the scale.
Calling the existence of objective reality right wing is exactly how we Dems lost so many voters.
I did. And yes, Carol and I were in that issue together—that's how I learned of her excellent work on cognitive dissonance. I'll be updating that piece now. If I recall, a certain parent helped me understand the science better...
Lisa, thanks for this. I wrote to all three producers with a short version of our family's story. Our daughter is starting to desist, but I took them on the journey of listening to all the NPR stories about poor trans people who would be happy if only... (fill in the blanks with the myriad of ways GAC can help a person be happy) and how we allowed the social transition in part due to their persuasive voices, even though it never felt right. How we had to go to OTHER sources to find information about algorithms, social contagion, neurodivergence, trauma and internalized homophobia as well as ways to help our brainwashed daughter. Anyway, more shouting into the wind, but the more of us shouting maybe we'll be heard.
I'm not sure this is good writing, since I just banged it out. And I'm just aghast, which isn't the best emotion for persuasive writing. What I really hope is that people write to the producers!!
Central Casting could not have provided a better ensemble of callers. I would have written the Jason from Queens character to say "F" for maximum spice but yeah: Lehrer hung onto composure for dear life. The Q&As are meant to be for the author. Shermer was essentially hung-up on and they went Mean Girls on him.
I suspect that Brian truly believes that being trans is scientific. There are plenty of science people who believe that sex in a spectrum and that the binary does not actually exist.
There’s a podcast I like called The Fifth Column, it’s libertarian adjacent, they cover everything from media and politics to music/movies/books. Very smart funny group of Gen X journalists. They never EVER talk about the trans issue. Ever. Every once in a while there might be a reference to some woke trans BS in a public school one of their kids go to and some disapproving chatter about it but they clearly and strategically avoid the topic at all costs. They say they aren’t interested in it, they say it drives people crazy on both sides. But… I suspect there’s a little bit of knowing fear, and unspoken agreement. They would balk at the word fear but they know and admit that it drives people crazy. I’ve heard Michael Moynihan say exactly that “it drives people crazy”. Pro trans activists are so rabid it’s like self immolation to say anything, and those of us that see through it all are driven crazy by the fact that we are screaming into the wind while thousands of CHILDREN are mediated and hurt. Better just pretend to not be interested, huh.
Lisa, the most crazy I got was listening to (I think last) listener who called in, Jessica, the mother of a trans adult, who said she would provide the "science." According to her transgender medical care has been around for "90 years" and the care is "very very good" with "zero morbidity and almost zero mortality" [sic]. If any other condition was treated this successfully, according to the caller, it would be shouted from the rooftops, but prejudice prevents this.
Was she also arguing that "trans people have existed for thousands of years", and how this proves that it is an innate condition (and definitely not a social contagion) that NEEDS medical intervention?
Here's my letter in case helpful to anyone. Lisa shared the email addresses of the producers in the piece. Subject line: Stop gatekeeping the Truth
Dear Producers at NYPR,
On a recent episode of Brian Leher's show, he interviewed Michael Shermer about his new book, Truth. I was shocked at Leher's unprofessional conduct and shaming of a listener ("Mabel from Trenton") for expressing her opinion about being gaslit by Democrats on transgender issues. Leher went on to denigrate his guest during the show, even though Shermer was simply responding to the caller's reasonable concerns. Truth matters, which is what Shermer's book is all about! It was the topic of the conversation, and Shermer's reflections in response to Mabel were appropriate and interesting.
There are many, many Democrats and liberals who share Mabel's concerns, but Leher and NPR generally constantly present these issues as a left/right divide. That is not the truth.
I have stopped donating to NPR because of my disgust in your reporting, but I would do so again if you would present a truthful account of the controversies over trans kids and youth gender medicine. This is not a right/left issue! And you know that perfectly well. Let us hear what smart and earnest people are saying and decide for ourselves what to think. Stop gatekeeping the truth. Share the diversity of opinions out there, especially the opinions of lefty feminists, dissident liberals and scientists who question "gender affirming care" for kids.
I am not interested in your tired old song about religious MAGA people vs. Chase Strangio. You've played that to death.
This was deeply unprofessional conduct by Brian Lehrer and a disservice to the many listeners. You need to fix it, or you will keep hemorrhaging listeners and funding.
Thank you,
Wow, that's super shocking. Way to ninja your way past the screeners, Mabel from Trenton! Bet there were a lot of people listening who also cheered Mabel and Shermer on.
I am one of those longtime listeners who, around the 2016 “before and after” moment you describe, hit the off button on NPR and vowed not to give them another dime. I cannot recommend it enough. At first it felt like grieving an old friend. Eventually, though, I came to realize that the friendship was dysfunctional, demanding that I surrender my critical thinking in favor of signaling solidarity with people I realistically had nothing in common with and who probably didn’t even GAF about my kindness and compassion. And so, here I am, much calmer and better able to direct my mental energy towards things where I can actually have an impact.
Same here! NPR's utter one-sidedness blatantly started with the 2016 election, but has only been revealed to more people through their treatment of the gender issue.
Speaking of NPR, yesterday they were talking about milk 🥛 and that it was connected to white supremacy and conservatism.
I don’t listen to them but my friend was traveling by car and this was playing on his radio.
Go Mabel & Shermer!
I want to say "amazing" but I guess I should not be amazed by that.
Well, I would say, OMFG, but I not surprised.
I have just about driven off the road while listening to NPR (on the Left Coast).
NPR, the liberal media, has lost the plot--yet they don't know it; they refuse to know it.
The trans affirmers want all of us to be believers. Because they know "trans people".
They uphold RightThink. Dissent is not allowed.
We must all emulate Mabel.
I love Michael Shremer--Skeptic is definitely worth a paid subscription.
(Wish I could afford to go on the upcoming geology tour with Richard Dawkins.)
Perhaps Lehrer has a family member he loves who was or is being “transitioned” as a child?
My instinct is there is a high likelihood that many, many adults who work in public radio and at the New Yorker have transitioned their children or have close family members who have. It is incredibly difficult to admit you have been completely fooled, taken advantage of and harmed your child or to tell a colleague you care about and respect that they have done so. Not saying it’s okay to dig in or stay silent, just saying this is what I imagine we’re up against here.
Carry on Sisyphus. Proteus and the rest of us are not far behind.
Good point. What Roisin Michaux called "non-binary niece disorder". I imagine "trans daughter/son disorder" is an even worse condition.
Lisa, I’m afraid you’re shouting into the wind. NPR has lost the plot so completely that I can’t imagine it ever returning to facts and reason.
That's what I do. I shout into the wind. Where else should I be shouting?! We will not improve the situation until the liberal media moves. I am Sisyphus, hear me roar!
No, you are not Sisyphus, his endeavor was futile. Your endeavor feels immense and futile, but I do not believe it is, ultimately. Go with Proteus, Greek god of change. The world is always changing, which allows for hope.
As long as shouting feels therapeutic for you; too much futility activity in an "energy-sucker."
:-)
Alcoholics learn to take responsibility for their actions over time, as part of their rehabilitation. There are speeches and phrases they learn, and their families and associates learn.
One problem that is rarely discussed is that people don’t have an easy way to say, “I was wrong,” “I was mistaken,” or “I was afraid,” or “I caused harm,” about sex mimicry, so instead they repeat obviously false claims defensively.
Lehrer may respond better to talking through options for accountability. (I hate therapy-talk but I don’t quite know how to express this).
Sex mimicry is a natural, selected-for behavior in evolution, and we could all one day get along with these people. Possible, but not at the cost of denying reality, damaging kids who cannot consent, and allowing the taking of rights, honors and safety from women by men who mimic women.
No liberal system forces people to change how they describe themselves on the demand of another group. It’s as true for resisting “trans” as it is for resisting those who name-call someone like him.
He (and all media) need an exit strategy because this obvious defensiveness is not something you can challenge, and he needs to grasp that the liberal enlightened position is not one of denying rights and agency.
De-escalation is the off-ramp.
“I’m still learning how to think about this.”
“I relied too much on language I heard repeated.”
“I didn’t want to hurt people or be seen as hostile.”
“Questioning claims is not the same as denying rights.”
I know I can’t be unilaterally an attacker on this issue - I try to be an updated, not defender or attacker. And when it’s useful, I make statements which I hope the person I argue with can use themselves when I’m not around.
I love this. Let's make it into a post—verbalizing the off-ramp, replacing certainty with wiggle room, embracing doubt. Want to?
Lisa, I didn’t see your comment ‘til after I posted mine, but I’m delighted you’ve extended this invite to Sufeitzy. Thank you!!
Well, this is an *outstanding* comment. I’m not familiar with the rehabilitation process you refer to that alcoholics learn, but I do know enough psychology that I’ve been seriously pondering the obstacles to mind-changing, and casting about for effective techniques that can help people more easily revise their views.
Indeed, the problem you’re pointing out is rarely addressed, and yet it’s vitally important that more of us get better at making it okay to exit the belief system.
I’m saving this comment so I can borrow your phrasing, how you’re modeling the thought process for others with I-statements. (I already do this a bit when I speak with others, but I love the examples you’ve provided here and am adding them to my collection.)
Thank you so much for this, Sufeitzy! If you have more such tips, please keep sharing.
Thank you for this! Did you send it to Michael Shermer?
The skeptic started covering this a while ago. With Carol Tavris https://pocketmags.com/eu/skeptic-magazine/271/articles/trans-reality I think. Followed by a great review you wrote, later. And other articles. So I'm thinking he is well informed!
Dear npr, NYT:
The truth doesn't go away just become you don't like it...or because you don't report it.
I think some of these groups have forgotten they are there to report the truth. Or, as you said once, they decided that in Trump world they need to put their thumb on the scale.
Calling the existence of objective reality right wing is exactly how we Dems lost so many voters.
Thank you for alerting us to this!!
I did. And yes, Carol and I were in that issue together—that's how I learned of her excellent work on cognitive dissonance. I'll be updating that piece now. If I recall, a certain parent helped me understand the science better...
Did you also send it to Brian Lehrer?
Way to go Mabel!!
Lisa, thanks for this. I wrote to all three producers with a short version of our family's story. Our daughter is starting to desist, but I took them on the journey of listening to all the NPR stories about poor trans people who would be happy if only... (fill in the blanks with the myriad of ways GAC can help a person be happy) and how we allowed the social transition in part due to their persuasive voices, even though it never felt right. How we had to go to OTHER sources to find information about algorithms, social contagion, neurodivergence, trauma and internalized homophobia as well as ways to help our brainwashed daughter. Anyway, more shouting into the wind, but the more of us shouting maybe we'll be heard.
Thank you for sending out actionable items.
It’s not just what they say. It’s the smarminess. The implied superiority.
Loved this take. You are such a good writer. I hope Mabel reads this.
I'm not sure this is good writing, since I just banged it out. And I'm just aghast, which isn't the best emotion for persuasive writing. What I really hope is that people write to the producers!!
Central Casting could not have provided a better ensemble of callers. I would have written the Jason from Queens character to say "F" for maximum spice but yeah: Lehrer hung onto composure for dear life. The Q&As are meant to be for the author. Shermer was essentially hung-up on and they went Mean Girls on him.
I suspect that Brian truly believes that being trans is scientific. There are plenty of science people who believe that sex in a spectrum and that the binary does not actually exist.
There’s a podcast I like called The Fifth Column, it’s libertarian adjacent, they cover everything from media and politics to music/movies/books. Very smart funny group of Gen X journalists. They never EVER talk about the trans issue. Ever. Every once in a while there might be a reference to some woke trans BS in a public school one of their kids go to and some disapproving chatter about it but they clearly and strategically avoid the topic at all costs. They say they aren’t interested in it, they say it drives people crazy on both sides. But… I suspect there’s a little bit of knowing fear, and unspoken agreement. They would balk at the word fear but they know and admit that it drives people crazy. I’ve heard Michael Moynihan say exactly that “it drives people crazy”. Pro trans activists are so rabid it’s like self immolation to say anything, and those of us that see through it all are driven crazy by the fact that we are screaming into the wind while thousands of CHILDREN are mediated and hurt. Better just pretend to not be interested, huh.
Lisa, the most crazy I got was listening to (I think last) listener who called in, Jessica, the mother of a trans adult, who said she would provide the "science." According to her transgender medical care has been around for "90 years" and the care is "very very good" with "zero morbidity and almost zero mortality" [sic]. If any other condition was treated this successfully, according to the caller, it would be shouted from the rooftops, but prejudice prevents this.
I know. NINETY YEARS. I guess she was referring to Hirshfeld in Germany?
Was she also arguing that "trans people have existed for thousands of years", and how this proves that it is an innate condition (and definitely not a social contagion) that NEEDS medical intervention?