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Brian Adam

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Why is the Nick Hanauer talk not posted?

I haven't been a member for long, but I've been watching TED talks for years now consistently checking in for new videos. Frankly, the talks have gotten a little bland in the past few months. Then I hear through the grapevine of Nick Hanauer's lecture and how Mr. Anderson has decided to censor it. I'm extremely disappointed in the decision. This is an issue on the mind of many people in America and those interested in American politics and economics. It's an something that deserves to be heard by many more people than the elite TED audiences, and what better way to spread this worthy idea than posting the lecture online, sooner rather than later. The cited reason for omitting the lecture was that it was "too political." I have to say that is a terrible excuse. When has TED attempted to remain apolitical? Speakers have discussed societal ills like poverty and war; Jonathan Haidt has put forth an explanation of the psychological differences between the Republicans and Democrats; Sam Harris proposed science can substitute religion as a source of morality, and very early on in TED's history Richard Dawkins was allowed to promote militant atheism; other hot button political issues like contraception and climate change have been discussed here (often more than once); and all of these speakers had the video of their quite political talks posted. All of a sudden we can't view here a perspective on the issue of income inequality from Mr. Hanauer? I seem to remember Richard Wilkinson discussing a very similar topic posted back in October 2011. Mr. Anderson, I think a more substantial explanation is in order regarding your decision not to post Mr. Hanauer's talk online other than it being "too political." I can't speak for anyone else, but I see the decision as an act of cowardice reflecting on the organization as a whole. It suggests that we, the public, have lost TED as a forum for intellectual discussion and consideration regarding important issues, political or otherwise.

Topics: censorhsip income disparaty national politics
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    Barbara Bearden

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    May 19 2012: Is TED censoring talks as too partisan such as Nick Hanauer's TED talk on income inequality and job creation myths? If so, why?

    I have read several articles discussing the appearance and accusation that TED talks censored Nick Hanauer’s TED talk about income inequality and the myths of job creation by the super rich. This is a very timely issue with important social and economic impact that hits each on of us, in some fashion, right where we live. The fact that Mr. Hanauer is ultra rich, a businessman who made his money through the capitalist system, which places him in a unique position to give his perspective on some facts. Facts and a perspective that bust some long entrenched arguing points by the status quo or at the very least open them up for debate and discussion. The issue of censoring on this type of format is astounding in its hypocrisy. The fact that TED chose to decide for its viewers what was "too partisan" reeks of blindingly ironic partisanship. I have also looked up discussions started about this topic and they have evidently also been removed. TED has thrived on reader participation for its growth and popularity based being open to the spread of new ideas. This censorship should be an affront to everyone. I would like to hear from TED and see the talk posted for discussion. I am not an economist but this talk is very well presented and should be posted and open to discussion. I can't believe politicians for my information, who are usually also not economists. This speaker seems to have no real agenda for his presentation other than to help enlighten the rest of us. The debate on his points can take place and the viewers can decide for themselves, not TED. I will be posting to FB and we will see if it gets posted on TED.




    “....National Journal's Jim Tankersley introduced us to Nick Hanauer, a venture capitalist from Seattle, whose speech at the TED University conference was deemed "too politically controversial to post on their web site."
    http:/
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      TED 10+

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      TED Staff
      May 20 2012: Hi Barbara,
      To get the true story, you can read Chris Anderson's response to this question on his blog: http://tedchris.posterous.com
      If you're interested in TEDTalks on income inequality, start with this playlist of talks and blog posts:
      http://blog.ted.com/2012/05/17/playlist-the-roots-and-effects-of-income-equality/
      Thank you!
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        Barbara Bearden

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        May 20 2012: I have but evidently the messages posted here are not getting through the one way mirror. While I appreciate his response and some of his points, I feel he also tried to blame Mr. Hanauer for taking the matter into his own hands after being denied on those grounds. Partisanship seems a very, very flimsy excuse for not posting this talk. TED could have had other arguments and did have some more valid but finer points but that one does not hold water. Even though there have been other talks on inequality, it is such a broad topic depending on where you are starting and where you are ending up that most people without an economic or political science degree may not get as much out of it as it seem most everyone did with this talk. It spoke to us, the readers, your viewers on a level that you are not being responsive to and that is the bigger matter at play now after the fact. So now with your viewers speaking, it appears that a majority would like to have the talk posted. Why not just post it and let the viewers debate the ideas and the presence or absence of partisanship within the talk? More importantly, allow the viewers and participants to enjoy what we seem to be saying about this talk--it makes sense and should be up for discussion. The whole issue of how this played out is "good" discussion and certainly TED has seen a rise in viewership as we discuss these issues. That can't be bad for business, no?

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