In Bari’s view, Freddie deBoer is one of the best writers in the country. It’s not because she always agrees with him. Hardly. Freddie is a self-described Marxist.
What she appreciates about him is that he is unflinching about criticizing “his side.” Freddie is one of the most trenchant critics of what he calls “Social Justice Politics”—which he argues distracts the left from the real issue of class.
He is also unflinching in his views about mental illness and the way it is being glorified in our culture right now. Freddie knows about this subject intimately. He has severe bipolar disorder, and has been institutionalized in the past when he was on the verge of violently acting out.
Today: a conversation about “the gentrification of disability,” how sickness became chic, and how our society should handle the epidemic of mental illness.
Thanks for having this discussion, it’s very important. I was diagnosed bi-polar at 30, and suffered with depression since childhood. I well know manic episodes and suicidal ideation. I have never stopped taking my meds because I KNOW the consequences and dangers of going into full blown mania. The manic high is one of the greatest feelings in the world, UNTIL you come crashing down and friends and relatives have to pick up the pieces…Great episode and podcast. Thank you!
This episode was mind blowing. I had to stop multiple times to take notes. Thank you for the interview! I am now a proud paid subscriber to Common Sense, and am excited to be a part of this community!