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master_crabyesterday at 9:34 AM2 repliesview on HN

He’s a lightning rod only because some people get unnecessarily triggered by facts that don’t fit their world view.


Replies

mananaysiempreyesterday at 11:01 AM

There’s a thin line between satire, which can convince, and sneering, which can only turn off. John Oliver, unfortunately, does end up on the wrong side of it from time to time, and can (together with his core audience) be something of a bully when he does.

I’d also be careful about his facts: they’re usually well-researched, but by the nature of the format he only ever presents those which fit his argument, and that’s just not good epistemology. I can think of a few times when the show made me feel safer about my beliefs than I should have been feeling.

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refurbyesterday at 2:14 PM

He’s a comedian that some people take too seriously.

You’re not supposed to shape your political views from entertainment.