Getting to the Bottom of Ben Shapiro’s Popularity

“Robinson’s article is both interesting and useful because it summarizes neatly and cogently almost every argument that those on the Left might make against Shapiro. However, it also begins to lay out a broad notion of why critiques of Shapiro usually fail.”

Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro is a polarizing figure, like very few others. In the popular imagination, he is probably best known for videos in which he “destroys,” “eviscerates,” or “annihilates” leftists and liberals—mostly college students—with “facts and logic.” Much has been written about his influence, style, and positions, with both high praise and strong criticism. A profile that appeared in the New York Times’ opinion section praised Shapiro for his rigorous argumentation, his ability to appeal to younger generations (unlike some other conservatives), and for his principled stances. Of course, not everyone accepts this characterization. In a piece for Current Affairs, Nathan J. Robinson takes issue with virtually everything said in the New York Times article, as well as much of the rest of Shapiro’s work. Robinson’s article is both interesting and useful because it summarizes neatly and cogently almost every argument that those on the Left might make against Shapiro. However, it also begins to lay out a broad notion of why critiques of Shapiro usually fail. This is relevant because, as I will try to show, there is a very close relationship between why critiques fall short and the reason why Shapiro has such a dedicated following.

In his Current Affairs article, Robinson points out those of Shapiro’s positions that he identifies as either inconsistent or as dishonest characterizations of facts. Robinson eventually concludes that Shapiro is a racist—or, at the very least, that he engages in casual bigotry. Robinson mentions, for example, Shapiro’s position on the racial wealth disparity in the United States, which Shapiro attributes to black American culture. Robinson argues that the evidence Shapiro uses to support this claim is selective. Robinson contends that Shapiro neglects to mention, for example, data that shows that African-Americans have more barriers to finding a job than whites, even controlling for background. This is even true, argues Robinson, for people of both races with criminal records. Finally, argues Robinson, Shapiro ignores the historical legacy of policies that—from slavery to segregation—introduced significant financial barriers to Black Americans’ ability to acquire wealth well into the 20th century. Given that wealth is transmitted intergenerationally, it seems nonsensical to suggest that contemporary culture is solely responsible for Black Americans’ obstacles. For Robinson, these are all realities that Shapiro does not engage with but, instead, leaves unmentioned.

Even as he comes to this conclusion, Robinson acknowledges that by calling Shapiro a racist, he is likely playing right into Shapiro’s hands.

Shapiro’s view on Black America, along with comments he has made about Palestinian Arabs, leads Robinson to argue that Shapiro—despite his assertions to the contrary—is racially-prejudiced. Now, here is where I think Robinson hints at the reason for his popularity. Even as he comes to this conclusion, Robinson acknowledges that by calling Shapiro a racist, he is likely playing right into Shapiro’s hands. After all, one of Shapiro’s most popular talking points is that the Left—lacking any willingness or capability for argumentation—inevitably reverts to labelling its opponents as bigots and racists, rather than giving meaningful critiques of contrary viewpoints.