Awake at the Wheel

• Colouring Outside the Lines: Bias in Kids’ Books

  Awake at the Wheel |  Ep 91In this thought-provoking episode of "Awake at the Wheel," hosts Malini Ondrovcik and Dr. Oren Amitay delve into the complex world of social justice messaging and its influence on young minds. They explore the challenges of biased educational materials and the importance of fostering critical thinking in children. Through candid discussions, they highlight the potential dangers of indoctrination and the need for parents to engage in open conversations with their children about differing worldviews. Join them as they navigate the fine line between awareness and indoctrination, and the role of education in shaping the next generation.Key Points-Children’s books marketed as “anti‑racist” can carry subtle biases that amount to indoctrination rather than genuine education.-Framing a single worldview as the only “correct” one stifles critical thinking and labels dissenters as immoral or “racist.”-High‑profile authors like Ibram X. Kendi promote race‑conscious messaging that, if taken literally, teaches kids to constantly judge by skin tone.-The concept of the “useful idiot” describes well‑meaning individuals who uncritically adopt and spread extreme ideologies, only to be discarded when no longer useful.-Emotional appeal and fear (e.g., lumping microaggressions with hate crimes) replace nuanced discussion, teaching children to police their own thoughts.-“Wokeism” in schools can mirror Orwellian thought control, penalizing students and teachers who question the orthodoxy.-Exposure alone isn’t enough—parents must debrief and equip kids with critical‑thinking skills to navigate biased materials.-Practical parental strategies include: obtaining all teaching materials, engaging other like‑minded parents, and fostering open family conversations about differing viewpoints.00:00   Introduction: Problematic Messaging Disguised as Social Justice  00:55   Episode Framing: Bias in Educational Materials  01:49   Clip Analysis: “Anti‑Racist Baby” Controversy  02:25   Deep Dive: Ibram X. Kendi’s Race‑Conscious Approach  03:31   “Useful Idiots”: Ideological Pawns Explained  06:17   Impact on Kids’ Critical‑Thinking Skills  10:15   Thought Policing & Emotional Reasoning  13:30   Colorblindness Debate in “Anti‑Racist Baby”  16:55   Paradoxes of Race Vigilance  21:28   Orwellian Parallels: When Feelings Become Facts  25:13   Critique of Anastasia Higginbotham’s “Whiteness” Book  29:07   Brainwashing vs. Good Intentions  34:16   Parental Action Plan: Expose, Discuss, Empower  37:54   Outro & Next StepsWe want your questions! Future episodes will feature a new segment, Rounds Table, where Malini and Dr Amitay will answer your questions, discuss your comments, and explore your ideas. Send your questions to [email protected], tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com/awakepod, or leave a comment on this video!EmailInstaYoutube Facebook Twitter

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• To Kill a Conversation: Free Speech on Trial in the Classroom

  Awake at the Wheel | Ep 90In this episode of "Awake at the Wheel," we delve into the complexities of addressing controversial topics in education. Join us as we explore the story of Matthew Mastronardi, a high school teacher who faced significant consequences for encouraging open dialogue and critical thinking in his classroom. Discover the challenges educators face when balancing truth-telling with societal pressures, and the impact of censorship on both teachers and students. This episode is a thought-provoking examination of courage, integrity, and the role of education in shaping young minds. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about standing by one's principles in the face of adversity.Follow Matt on X: https://x.com/realmastro21Find Matt on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGreatReassessmentTakeaways-'To Kill a Mockingbird' inspired a project on racism.-Context is crucial in discussing sensitive topics.-Reading literature as written is essential for understanding.-Censorship in education can stifle critical thinking.-Courage is necessary to uphold truth in teaching.-Students can be powerful advocates for their teachers.-Language shapes our perception of reality.-A unified truth is essential for a coherent society.-Education should not shy away from discomfort.-Finding inspiration in historical figures can foster courage.Sound bites"I think context is missing.""Words are inherently dangerous.""Find a good book about courage."Chapters00:00 Introduction to 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and Racism01:45 Matthew Mastronardi's Teaching Journey04:28 Context and Censorship in Education07:17 The Importance of Reading Literature as Written09:54 Consequences of Speaking Truth in Education14:24 Faith, Family, and Resilience19:55 The Role of Students in Advocacy24:05 Censorship and the Impact on Society28:36 The Importance of Courage in Education33:12 Conclusion and Call to ActionWe want your questions! Future episodes will feature a new segment, Rounds Table, where Malini and Dr Amitay will answer your questions, discuss your comments, and explore your ideas. Send your questions to [email protected], tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com/awakepod, or leave a comment on this video!EmailInstaYoutube Facebook Twitter

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• Why Grit and Systems Matter More Than Hustle

  Awake at the Wheel | Ep 89In this episode, Brittany Rastsmith discusses the psychological traits that contribute to successful entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of grit, resilience, and intrinsic motivation. She explores the challenges of hustle culture, the necessity of support systems, and the significance of mentorship. Brittany also highlights the need for effective leadership and systems to foster growth in startups, while addressing the disconnect between founders and employees regarding motivation and expectations. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for entrepreneurs to audit their time and focus on productivity over busyness.Find Brittany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyrastsmith/Engage with Bloom Remote: https://www.bloomremote.com/Book a call with Brittany: https://calendly.com/brastsmith/30minWe want your questions! Future episodes will feature a new segment, Rounds Table, where Malini and Dr Amitay will answer your questions, discuss your comments, and explore your ideas. Send your questions to [email protected], tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com/awakepod, or leave a comment on this video!EmailInstaYoutube Facebook Twitter

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• Framing Family as Harmful: What’s Really Happening in Our Schools?

  Awake at the Wheel | Ep 88In this conversation, Malini Ondrovcik and Melanie Bennett discuss the significant changes occurring in the education system, particularly in Ontario. They explore the implications of critical race theory, the framing of family as harmful, and the rise of ideological content in education. Melanie shares her personal journey into education advocacy, highlighting the challenges of censorship and the consequences of dissent. The discussion also touches on the media's role in shaping public perception and the potential for segregation in educational practices. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking and open dialogue in addressing these complex issues. In this conversation, Melanie discusses the implications of Critical Race Theory in education, the challenges faced by educators, and the role of journalism in shedding light on these issues. She emphasizes the importance of free speech and the consequences of censorship in both the UK and Canada. The discussion also highlights the need for parental engagement in education and the power of informed activism to drive change.We want your questions! Future episodes will feature a new segment, Rounds Table, where Malini and Dr Amitay will answer your questions, discuss your comments, and explore your ideas. Send your questions to [email protected], tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com/awakepod, or leave a comment on this video!EmailInstaYoutube Facebook Twitter

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• Can We Save Liberalism? Helen Pluckrose on the Fight for Reason

  Awake at the Wheel | Ep 87In this conversation, Helen Pluckrose discusses her journey as a liberal humanist, her involvement in the Grievance Studies Affair, and the implications of social justice movements. She reflects on the evolution of liberalism, the challenges posed by critical social justice theories, and the backlash against her work. Pluckrose shares her personal experiences with public scrutiny and character assassination, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and understanding in a polarized political climate. In this conversation, Helen Pluckrose discusses the challenges posed by authoritarianism and cancel culture, particularly in the context of critical social justice movements. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining principles against censorship and the need for organizations to navigate these ideologies effectively. Pluckrose also addresses the debate surrounding indigenous knowledge in psychology, advocating for evidence-based practices while respecting cultural perspectives. She provides strategies for individuals to challenge woke ideologies in their workplaces and encourages a respectful approach to differing beliefs. Ultimately, she highlights the importance of solidarity and the potential for change within organizations.Read Cynical Theories: https://a.co/d/3lVtizLRead Social (in)justice: https://a.co/d/0hhniQ3Read The Counterweight Handbook: https://a.co/d/1SbWsu8Takeaways-Helen Pluckrose is a liberal humanist focused on individual liberty.-The definition of liberalism has shifted significantly over time.-Critical social justice movements have both positive and negative aspects.-The Grievance Studies Affair aimed to expose flaws in academic publishing.-Public backlash can have severe personal consequences for individuals.-Support from close friends is crucial during public scrutiny.-It's important to recognize when arguments are not made in good faith.-Maintaining a strong sense of self is vital in the face of criticism.-Engaging in dialogue across divides is essential for understanding.-Pluckrose is currently writing on Substack about anti-woke backlash. Counter authoritarianism that punishes and cancels individuals.-Prioritize humanitarian fields in addressing critical social justice issues.-Decolonizing knowledge must respect evidence-based practices.-Scientific approaches are universally applicable, regardless of identity.-Being a polite nuisance can effectively challenge workplace ideologies.-Avoid engaging in the critical social justice economy of arguments.-There are always options to push back against toxic environments.-Do not contribute to preference falsification in organizations.-Strength lies in numbers; find like-minded individuals.-Respectful disagreement can lead to constructive dialogue.Sound Bites"I think we've become increasingly illiberal.""We need words for that.""The shift towards the critical social justice movement...""This was making some strides.""I think we did make some headway there.""Don't let other people's projections define you.""I'm mostly now writing on Substack.""This is the good thing about the scientific approach.""Make a nuisance of yourself in a verWe want your questions! Future episodes will feature a new segment, Rounds Table, where Malini and Dr Amitay will answer your questions, discuss your comments, and explore your ideas. Send your questions to [email protected], tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com/awakepod, or leave a comment on this video!EmailInstaYoutube Facebook Twitter

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