Are They The Baddies?

Credentialism

Ben Shapiro critiques the elitist credentialism that perpetuates class privilege, arguing that performance should outweigh educational pedigree. He highlights the success of The Daily Wire's leadership, which includes individuals without college degrees, as evidence that credentials are not the sole path to success 1. Shapiro challenges the notion of a self-perpetuating elite by pointing to communities like Asian Americans who excel despite class expectations 1.

It's a Marxist solution to a spiritual values problem.

--- Ben Shapiro

He argues that meritocracy, when combined with Judeo-Christian values, is the best system for economic and social order 2.

   

Cultural Influence

Shapiro examines how elite classes shape cultural norms, using language and moral standards to exclude others. He criticizes the use of terms like "problematic" and "cisgender" as markers of cultural capital that alienate less educated classes 3. This exclusionary behavior, he argues, leads to a cultural dominance that erodes traditional values, leaving those without resources at a disadvantage 3.

It's easy to understand why people in less educated classes would conclude they are under economic, political, cultural, and moral assault.

--- Ben Shapiro

Shapiro contends that the real struggle is not about class conflict but community struggle, where shared values and interests define societal dynamics 4.

   

Bad Guys?

David Brooks' column questioning whether elites are the "bad guys" prompts Shapiro to explore the self-perception of elites as purveyors of justice. Brooks suggests that elites, while viewing themselves as progressive, may actually perpetuate systems that are oppressive 5. Shapiro agrees partially, noting that this self-satisfaction among elites often overlooks the real community struggles that define societal issues 5.

I ask you to try out a vantage point in which we anti trumpers are not the eternal good guys. In fact, we're the bad guys.

--- David Brooks

He emphasizes that the narrative of class struggle is often conflated with community struggles, which are more reflective of the true societal dynamics 1.