Let’s give Joe Rogan a chance

All opinions expressed in this article are solely the opinions of the contributors.

If Spotify pulls the plug on Joe Rogan and his misinformation, he won’t go away, so let’s consider another option.

Let’s start with the fact that I was pretty late to the Joe Rogan game. He existed in my mind as sort of this ultra bro-y meathead character who spouted pretty gross things about things like women’s bodies. Which he is! 

Joe Rogan: “You go you giant gelatinous bag of meat and tissue. No that’s a dying person who’s addicted to food. She doesn’t want to look like that.”

Objectively, ew.

Of course, there’s plenty more from the Joe Rogan offense file. He’s also notorious for his comments on race, gender, and climate change. However, after listening to a lot of episodes from his enormous mound of content, I realize there’s more to the story.

What I discovered is that even though I certainly don’t agree with his opinions on everything, he’s actually an extremely smart, extremely well-read guy who seems genuinely interested in getting at the truth, even if he doesn’t always get there.

I don’t like the fact that Rogan distributed misinformation or failed to challenge it. I don’t like the effects that such misinformation could have on very real people’s lives. Of course, I don’t. 

But do I think that Rogan should be cancelled? No.

First of all, because even if he does leave Spotify or get kicked off Spotify, he’s going to pop up somewhere else with pretty much the same audience he already has; his fans are very much with him wherever he goes.

And second, while Rogan doesn’t always say things that are accurate… he does get at a lot of interesting truths on his episodes. 

Third, and, most importantly, is that Rogan himself said that he understands the issues at stake, and that he will do better. 

I’m not in favor of cancelling. I’m in favor of educating. Joe Rogan says he’ll do better, and I personally would like to see him get the chance.