What do You Think About Matt Taibbi’s Criticisms of Facebook and Apple?

For over a decade, Matt Taibbi has established himself as a prominent journalistic figure, known for his incisive and often polemical writing. His latest foray into online polemic seems, however, to miss the mark.

Context of Matt Taibbi’s Criticisms

Earlier, Matt Taibbi described Facebook as “a cult full of on-the-spectrum zealots who [talk] like justice activists.” He also argued that Apple employees are ushering in an “era of timorous conformity and duncecap monoculture.” Let's delve into these comments and analyze their validity.

Facebook as a Cult of Zealots

Using a cult analogy to describe Facebook might paint a picture of a group of individuals who are overly enthusiastic and driven by a specific ideology. However, the comparison to “on-the-spectrum zealots who talk like justice activists” is somewhat paradoxical. Justice activists are typically characterized by high social awareness, a commitment to social justice, and active engagement in social change initiatives, whereas social disorders on the autism spectrum (if we assume the "on-the-spectrum" reference is related to autism) are often associated with no social awareness. This juxtaposition in Taibbi’s statement creates a muddled and contradictory metaphor, making it difficult to grasp his intended point.

Apple's Monoculture Criticism

His criticism of Apple employees as “timorous” and “conforming” is rooted in the firing of a product advertising manager for controversial statements. The manager, according to Taibbi, wrote that “most women are soft and weak, cosseted and naive, despite their claims of worldliness and generally full of shit.” While firing a high-ranking employee for such comments is understandable, Taibbi’s contention that this reflects a “duncecap monoculture” is less clear-cut. Apple has a reputation for inclusivity and diversity, and such actions often serve to uphold these values.

Polemical Style and Hyperbole

Matt Taibbi is known for his gonzo journalism, a style that heavily relies on hyperbole and exaggeration for effect. This approach is the entire point of such journalism—its intent is to provoke and jar the audience with sometimes shockingly aggressive language. Yet, in these specific instances, Taibbi’s statements are muddled and self-contradictory, which detracts from their impact. His failure to deliver evocative and evocative language here highlights a possibly diminishing capability in creative and persuasive writing.

Social Situations and Emotional Intelligence

It is also worth noting that Taibbi's criticisms may reflect his own struggles with social situations and emotional intelligence. His The Great Derangement and Insane Clown President delve into emotionally driven thinking and rhetoric. However, the statements in question are rooted in deeply emotional and polarizing rhetoric that might not fully grasp the subtleties of social and emotional contexts. Taibbi's own difficulties in navigating such contexts might explain why his commentary appears to lack the refined understanding needed for nuanced critiques.

Lastly, it is crucial for journalists to be self-aware and accurate in their critiques. Misunderstandings and self-contradictions can undermine the credibility of their work and the overall impact of their arguments.