Ira Glass - Why Do You Give People The Benefit of the Doubt

My original curiosity about Ira was sparked when I listened to the thoughtful way he and his team "edited" their shows - particularly when the topic involved Christianity or anyone holding more traditional/conservative views on religion, America or politics. Editors "design our perceptions" and Ira Glass is one of the most deft, nuanced and fair editors I've met. I wanted to know why he gave the people whose stories he told "the benefit of the doubt." Check out his response

[@OlleLindestad]

The closing sentences about disliking people resonated with me. Ira Glass gives me the impression of a person who'd rather understand other people than judge them, which is a very noble way of living, and something I try to aspire to. It's much harder to truly dislike a person if you've made an earnest attempt to understand them, and the fewer people you truly dislike, the happier you'll be, I think. And the happier the rest of the world will be for it, of course.

[@100uand100me]

It’s so hard to attempt to understand them if they’ve hurt you so deeply, though.

[@entlvr35]

Ira makes me cry nearly every time I have the honor of experiencing him. Another impressive interview, thank you.

[@mamaza3773]

This is why I love Ira Glass

[@samaxamen]

Good stuff. Came across this video at random. I like Ira Glass a lot.

[@danielcropp8553]

me too.

[@Vodagraph]

I've always had this thought in the back of my mind, how he and the rest of the This American Life team just let their subjects "be." Still, it was so nice to hear it. I wish more journalists would use a similar approach AND more people would prefer to see this approach, instead of some producer's digested, regurgitated and compromised interpretation. Other than that... SAN DIMAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RULES!!!

[@JimHendersonPresents]

Go San Dimas

[@michaelberentsen6827]

I would like this better if it weren't recorded in a restaurant.

[@adityashah5597]

So what you're saying is...