What the French Told Me Off Camera but Were Afraid to Say Publicly | Peter Boghossian

Interview Summary

Dave Rubin interviews Peter Boghossian about discussing sensitive political issues in France and the broader state of Western Europe.

France and Open Discussion

Boghossian says people he interviewed in a French slum spoke candidly off camera but fell silent when filming began. He says they were unwilling to discuss Islam or immigration openly. He also describes objections to his use of the word “slum” and a dinner conversation in which a French attendee criticized the group for speaking English.

Campus Activism and Debate

The two reflect on earlier campus activism and protests, including events at Portland State University. Boghossian says efforts to push back against what he calls “woke” culture did not prevent many harmful developments, but helped shift the range of ideas people are willing to discuss. He argues that people now want constructive solutions rather than simply denouncing opponents.

Western Europe and Immigration

Boghossian describes Western Europe as facing severe problems and speaks about Belgium in particularly negative terms. He argues that governments’ responses are ineffective unless they address illegal immigration, and frames stopping boats as a key test of their policies.

“Far-Right” Labels and Martin Sellner

Rubin and Boghossian discuss the labeling of figures as “far-right,” including Martin Sellner, whom Boghossian says he interviewed despite warnings not to. Boghossian also recounts claims that Sellner faced restrictions from authorities, including banking difficulties and limits on travel.

Antisemitism and Appeasement

They discuss antisemitism at pro-Hamas demonstrations and a reported incident in which a police officer told a Jewish-looking person that he was provoking others. Boghossian suggests European authorities may be appeasing groups they believe they cannot effectively confront.

Boghossian links this perceived appeasement to demographic change and to research he says indicates that later generations are becoming more Islamic or radicalized. These are presented as his interpretation and hypothesis, not as established conclusions in the conversation.

Presenters and Contributors

• Dave Rubin: Host
• Peter Boghossian: Guest