Joe Rogan’s Apology May be Sincere, But That’s Not the Point

The issue is what kind of privilege allows us to not think (or care) about the impact of our words and actions

Image: A dumbbell, Andrii Sedykh, Shutterstock, standard license, purchased by author

For the sake of argument, I’ll assume that Joe Rogan is being truthful when he says he’s deeply sorry about repeating the n-word 24 times on his podcast.

I know some will criticize me for even this degree of generosity, but seriously, settle down. I don’t need you to tell me about all the vile things Rogan has said and the horrible people he’s had on his show.

I know, and I’m getting to that.

The thing is, I have a point to make, and I don’t need Joe Rogan to be a terrible, evil bigot to make it.

In fact, the point is stronger if we don’t assume he’s those things. Being a despicable human being is an easy out. It’s the possibility that he’s not — even the likelihood of it — which magnifies the awfulness.

And let’s face it, even if you could successfully affix the label of “world’s worst person” to Rogan, it’s not likely to change anything.

Being a despicable human being is too easy an out. It’s precisely the possibility that he’s not, which…