We have three new Spectrum Street Epistemology conversations from Eastern Europe. These will be released to the public this week, but as always, our Substack followers get a preview! Tuesday In this conversation in Transylvania, two women and one man consider the claim, “People under 18 should be able to change their sex through surgery and hormones in Romania.” They start off on different lines and present three different viewpoints, including maturity, social acceptance, suicide, and research into youth transitioners.
I was impressed with the answers of these young people. For the most part, they gave thoughtful and considered answers. Unlike earlier videos, this group of youth clearly favored US democracy compared to rule by Russia. One person even pointed out that Russia today is still very much influenced by communism despite no longer being considered an officially communist country. I thought that was very perceptive and I am glad Romanians are able today to freely express criticism of communism. That was not the case when Romania was a captive nation controlled by Russia. For a look at what that was like, I recommend reading the book "I Must Betray You" by Ruta Sepetys.
The most significant but most hidden stat about whether surgeries and hormones make long term happiness for the individual, be he/she a child or adult is from the Swedish study of death records for those who had surgeries between 1973 and 2003. There was a control group matched for age and economic status. Compared to the control group, females who had surgeries in that time frame were killing themselves 40 TIMES more often than the control females. The suicide rate for natal males who had the surgeries was "only" 19 times higher than controls. (Cecelia Dheine, et al, 2011) For details and more analysis, including recent study showing 36% of females detransitioning:
But I need to add some thoughts, they were quick to criticize US but when it comes to a choice where to live they pick US. 🤦♀️ one question was if US gave more money; no, we give enough as a country and our citizens are always the ones to step up with charity. We fund a huge amount of NATO while these countries are slack.
I was impressed with the answers of these young people. For the most part, they gave thoughtful and considered answers. Unlike earlier videos, this group of youth clearly favored US democracy compared to rule by Russia. One person even pointed out that Russia today is still very much influenced by communism despite no longer being considered an officially communist country. I thought that was very perceptive and I am glad Romanians are able today to freely express criticism of communism. That was not the case when Romania was a captive nation controlled by Russia. For a look at what that was like, I recommend reading the book "I Must Betray You" by Ruta Sepetys.
The most significant but most hidden stat about whether surgeries and hormones make long term happiness for the individual, be he/she a child or adult is from the Swedish study of death records for those who had surgeries between 1973 and 2003. There was a control group matched for age and economic status. Compared to the control group, females who had surgeries in that time frame were killing themselves 40 TIMES more often than the control females. The suicide rate for natal males who had the surgeries was "only" 19 times higher than controls. (Cecelia Dheine, et al, 2011) For details and more analysis, including recent study showing 36% of females detransitioning:
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But I need to add some thoughts, they were quick to criticize US but when it comes to a choice where to live they pick US. 🤦♀️ one question was if US gave more money; no, we give enough as a country and our citizens are always the ones to step up with charity. We fund a huge amount of NATO while these countries are slack.
Good answers for the most part.
Marginally interested in SE. got a lot from npr critique. Why not blow the PC green new deal or inflation reduction act oxymoron out of the water?