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Mona S.'s avatar

Omar, I’ve got a bone to pick with you.

I value much of your work, but as a participant in the discussion, I felt turned off by how this critique treated participants like sociological objects rather than individuals engaging in good faith. I found value in the post-discussion analysis, but it also felt very dismissive of differing perspectives and lacking nuance, pushing a pre-existing thesis over truly understanding other experiences & viewpoints.

As a woman, I couldn’t help but notice how the moral lens was hyper-focused on women’s lives and choices, without applying the same level of scrutiny to men’s roles or behaviors (which you might be able to speak about with more authority) or even larger systemic failures. That imbalance feels problematic & makes it hard to feel fully safe engaging in this space, which sucks because I really do find value in what you offer.

It’s not just that I disagree with your traditionalist stance--I’m uncomfortable with the tone and approach. I respect your work and believe that constructive feedback is essential for anyone leading important conversations, which is why I’m sharing my thoughts.

Also, I think it's important to point out that the “traditional ideals” you seem to idealize have often excluded or oppressed large segments of society, including women & other marginalized groups.

Sharing with respect for you & your work.

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Nicholas Holt's avatar

"self-help snippets, therapy-speak, pop philosophy, viral tweets that momentarily illuminate some aspect of our experience"

Fascinating. You write so well on this subject.

This stuff is everywhere. You could drown in it.

For me the only thing that really works is my Zen practice.

The practice of not thinking.

😂

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