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WSJ Best of the Web Today: An Overview

The Wall Street Journal’s Best of the Web Today is a daily column that offers readers a brief, humorous take on the news of the day. The column is written by James Taranto, who has been at the helm since its inception in 2000. Taranto’s writing style is witty and engaging, and he often uses pop culture references to make his points. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best entries from the column in recent times.

A New Low in Higher Education

In a recent entry, Taranto takes aim at the decision by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to eliminate six majors, including English, history, and political science. Taranto argues that this decision is indicative of a larger problem in higher education, where institutions are more focused on catering to students’ desires than imparting essential knowledge. He writes, “The point of college isn't to be entertained or to have fun; it's to learn things that you didn't know before.”

The Kavanaugh Circus

Another recent entry from Taranto focuses on the circus surrounding the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Taranto criticizes the Democrats for their handling of the allegations against Kavanaugh, arguing that their behavior has been “dangerous and destructive” to the norms of American democracy. He also takes issue with the media’s coverage of the story, which he sees as biased and overly sensationalistic.

The Perils of Identity Politics

In a column from earlier this year, Taranto delves into the perils of identity politics, arguing that it is a dangerous game that ultimately harms everyone involved. He writes, “Identity politics is a zero-sum game that pits one group against another. It encourages people to see themselves not as individuals, but as members of a larger group defined by their race, gender, or sexuality.” Taranto argues that this mindset leads to a society that is more divided and less tolerant.

The Problem with ‘Toxic Masculinity’

Taranto’s column on “toxic masculinity” is a must-read for anyone interested in the ongoing debate over gender roles in modern society. In it, he takes issue with the idea that traditional masculine traits are inherently toxic, arguing that such a view is both misguided and harmful. He writes, “The problem with ‘toxic masculinity’ is that it conflates traditional masculine virtues like courage, self-reliance, and assertiveness with abusive behavior.” Taranto calls for a more nuanced approach that recognizes the positive aspects of masculinity while also addressing the negative ones.

The Rise of Socialism

With the rise of politicians like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, socialism has become a hot topic in American politics. In a recent column, Taranto takes a critical look at this trend, arguing that socialism is fundamentally incompatible with American values. He writes, “Socialism is the antithesis of what America stands for: individual freedom, limited government, and free enterprise.” Taranto warns that the allure of socialism is based on false promises and a lack of understanding of its true consequences.

The Battle over Free Speech

In a column from earlier this year, Taranto tackles the ongoing battle over free speech on college campuses. He argues that the problem is not so much a lack of free speech, but rather a lack of intellectual diversity. Taranto writes, “Universities have become echo chambers where only one viewpoint is allowed to be expressed.” He calls for a renewed commitment to intellectual diversity and a willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints.

The Rise of Political Correctness

Taranto’s column on political correctness is a scathing indictment of the culture of hypersensitivity that has taken hold in many parts of American society. He argues that the obsession with avoiding offense has led to a situation where “people are afraid to say what they really think for fear of being labeled as ‘offensive’ or ‘insensitive.’” Taranto calls for a return to a culture of robust debate and intellectual honesty.

The Importance of Civility

In a column from last year, Taranto emphasizes the importance of civility in public discourse. He argues that the decline of civility in American politics is a dangerous trend that threatens to undermine the very foundations of democracy. Taranto writes, “Civility is important because it allows us to disagree without demonizing our opponents. It allows us to have a debate without resorting to name-calling and character assassination.” He calls for a renewed commitment to civility and respectful dialogue in all areas of public life.

The Dangers of Tribalism

Taranto’s column on tribalism is a cautionary tale about the dangers of viewing the world through a strictly partisan lens. He argues that tribalism leads to a situation where people are more concerned with winning than with finding common ground. Taranto writes, “Tribalism is dangerous because it encourages people to see the world in black and white terms. It encourages people to demonize their opponents and dismiss their ideas without giving them a fair hearing.” He calls for a rejection of tribalism and a renewed commitment to dialogue and compromise.

The Value of Humor

Finally, Taranto’s column on the value of humor is a lighthearted reminder of the importance of laughter in our lives. He argues that humor is an essential tool for coping with the difficulties of life and that it has the power to bring people together. Taranto writes, “Humor is important because it allows us to see the absurdities of life and to laugh at ourselves. It allows us to connect with others and to find joy in even the darkest of times.”

Conclusion

James Taranto’s Best of the Web Today is a daily dose of humor and insight that is not to be missed. Whether he is taking on the biggest issues of the day or simply offering a lighthearted take on the news, Taranto’s writing is always engaging and thought-provoking. As we navigate the complex issues of our time, it is reassuring to know that there are voices like Taranto’s out there, reminding us to keep a sense of humor and a commitment to intellectual honesty.