Review of LOOPcast - Sorry to say goodbye

Sorry to say goodbye

☆

“I’ve been following this show for awhile now and I just can’t anymore. The surprising lack of compassion, poor recognition of nuance, and failure to argue in good faith is disheartening. An oft-cited criticism of this team is that political opponents or “liberals” (a term used flippantly and without definition) do not see or respond to the issues Christians are sympathetic to. While I have no opinion one way or the other on whether “liberals” argue in good faith, the criticism is undermined when the side of the Christian fails to do exactly what they want the other to do. For example, in addressing immigration, the hosts wholly fail to recognize concerns beyond the headlines. Instead of criticizing a school system for housing immigrants on their football field and then moving them to the school building, which in turn caused the students to have e-learning days, why not criticize the lack of funding to social services? Why not criticize that an appropriate shelter isn’t available? Why not advocate for social workers to be paid more? Why use a comparison to a visit Vegas when the reality for migrants is often so much more horrific? Why not argue that the problem of high immigration should be responded to in a humane way? Why not articulate a viable solution? Instead, the concern is limited, focused on tax payers, “rich people,” and students. While this focus is not totally wrong, it oversimplifies the issue to the point of undermining it. Be wary and think critically, Catholics. Issues are rarely as simple as they seem. The biggest issue I have with this podcast is the “us” v. “them” rhetoric. Of course an advocacy group should make clear stands. Of course a podcast is not a place to make concessions on every issue. These are practical realities. What is troubling is that the permeating language subtly encourages listeners to find an an enemy in every “liberal,” “democrat,” “rich person,” or “pope-splainer.” This is frankly not how you advocate well, nor how you make a credible argument, and is a poor use of pathos. I have to stop listening because I don’t want to seek out enemies in my coworkers, colleagues, or family members. I can’t serve well those who I am encouraged to view as my enemy. And by absorbing my Catholic commentary from those who see enemies in the only slightly left-leaning, I am bound to start seeing enemies in those who were once friends. I would never encourage a friend to continue to consume another form media like that, so it’s time to stop doing it myself. Thank you, hosts for the research you do and the attempt to communicate. Thank you for the behind-the-scenes good that you do. I just can’t follow your lead anymore. I may listen a few times in the future, because I hope that this criticism is responded to well, but my support of your use of this platform troubles my conscience and it’s time to say goodbye.”

dymphna515 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/12/24

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