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Lions and Scavengers: The True Story of America (and Her Critics) | Ben Shapiro

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5 Stars • In Lions and Scavengers: The True Story of America (2025), Ben Shapiro divides society into "Lions"—virtuous builders of freedom and merit—and "Scavengers"—resentful critics pushing victimhood and anti-capitalist ideologies. He argues that inequality stems from differences in talent and effort, not oppression, using historical and philosophical examples to defend meritocracy. ⬇️

suvata Shapiro critiques Marxist and progressive narratives, urging conservatives to embrace virtue and fight for America's soul against cultural decay.

#LionsAndScavengers #BenShapiro #Bookish 2w

ImperfectCJ Hmm...based on the blurb and your description of the book, this seems like a false dichotomy and a very selective and reductive view of America. 2w

Cuilin @ImperfectCJ Describing people as scavengers is dehumanizing. 2w

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suvata @ImperfectCJ I understand your concern about the book presenting a false dichotomy. However, Ben‘s rooted in the idea that society thrives when individuals are recognized for their talent and effort, rather than being divided by narratives of oppression. 2w

suvata @Cuilin The Lions and Scavengers distinction is meant to highlight the contrast between those who build and those who tear down, encouraging a return to virtue to combat cultural decay. This perspective aims to offer a constructive, not reductive, vision for America's future. 2w

ImperfectCJ @suvata I would argue that the way our current system is constructed, many/most of the wealthiest people are either born into it or are benefiting from the efforts of thousands who are underpaid for their labor (or both) rather than truly meriting their wealth through their own efforts. I hope he recognizes that some of the "scavengers" are at the top? Am I a scavenger for my years of unpaid labor supporting my family and husband's career? 2w

suvata @ImperfectCJ maybe if you actually read the book you would have more clarity on this issue. Or maybe it would just piss you off. Either way, I enjoyed it. 2w

ImperfectCJ And refusing to admit inequality exists doesn't make it go away; it perpetuates a system that benefits the few at the expense of the many. The fallacy is in believing that it's either unfettered capitalism or Marxism. Those are not the only two options. I do, however, agree that a focus on building character (I'm hesitant about the word "virtue") would be beneficial across the board. 2w

ImperfectCJ @suvata I do see that you enjoyed it. He's a charismatic communicator. I've just heard him speak enough to be very skeptical of his worldview. 2w

suvata It‘s apparent that we both have different world views. And that‘s OK. (edited) 2w

ImperfectCJ @suvata Definitely okay. And I do want to apologize for my rantish comments. I'm quite activated from my current read and from fear about the current political situation, and I let those intense feelings dictate my commenting. I am sorry for engaging in the way that I did. 2w

suvata @ImperfectCJ No worries 2w

ImperfectCJ If you're interested in a view of America different than Shapiro's (and not promoting any particular political path), I highly recommend the tagged, which sounds from the title like self-help, but it's not.

Emotional Labor: The Invisible Work Shaping Our Lives and How to Claim Our Power

suvata @ImperfectCJ Noted 2w

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