The Free Press
Some people think the culture war is a distraction, or even a psyop. Others think politics (and so much else) is actually downstream of culture. Which is why paying attention to the often ridiculous feuds and peccadillos playing out online (and sometimes in real life) tells us something about where we are and where we’re heading.
Also, it can be fun.
So today, two treats from the front lines of the culture war.
One, by Park MacDougald, is about the fastest-growing sport in America: pickleball. A tennis player himself, he argues that the pickleballers must be stopped! For the good of America’s courts—and for the nation. (Our thanks to our friends at the Washington Examiner, where this piece originally appeared.)
The other is from Phoebe Maltz Bovy, who bravely takes on the Battle of the Beers. If you’ve somehow avoided the drama involving Bud Light, trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney, and Kid Rock shooting a case of beer cans, I envy you.
Happy reading. And no matter which side of the culture war you happen to be on, may the odds be ever in your favor. —BW
If you’re hungry for more, check out these other recent Free Press stories, including our investigation into how ideological orthodoxy has taken over therapy, Eli Lake’s response to the Durham report, and TGIF—our essential digest on the week’s news.
And to support more of our work, become a Free Press subscriber today:
Funny that MSM has devoted hours of air and print time to the beer culture war and Bupkis to the prodigal son(hunter) or folks who blow whistles.
I took tennis lessons (in my 60s) until COVID hit. I enjoyed it, but never really got beyond lessons. Last summer my gym offered Pickleball instruction, so I signed on. Pretty soon I was playing every morning…lots of fun, neat people. We had one half of a double gym, separated by a heavy curtain, for 3 hours every day…sometimes the whole gym, able to take up to 6 nets. Some days it was crowded, with a wait. These courts did not replace tennis courts, although my town now has 3 Pickleball courts on tennis courts.
The worst thing that happened at the gym was that the nets were vandalized, likely by disgruntled basketball players.
This is a very social game, and with exception of one or two, everyone gets along and helps each other improve. If what the author claims is true, that is sad and all should work out some accommodation.