Q&A #2! (My Name? Why Did I Have Kids? Political Ideology? Fair Trade?)

[@britt905]

I’m anti-circumcision. Teach your child good hygiene practices and they’re fine. I think you shouldn’t remove a part of your child’s genitalia without their consent. Foreskins aren’t defects but we’ve come to see them that way.

[@Co-km6cl]

Not in Europe.

[@haggisa]

It’s unethical to perform cosmetic surgery on a child. I don’t understand how people can be ok with it. Let the adults decide, when they can actually consciously consent to it.

[@kitchenmumma7596]

@@haggisa for some people, it is a cosmetic thing. I've seen users on mothering forums state that they want their son to look like daddy "down there".

[@Serioslump]

@@kitchenmumma7596 omg yuck!!!! 🤮🤮

[@jessies441]

@Blueberry i think its about the boy not feeling like he is 'different' or something. But the whole premise is ridiculous. It perpetuates the idea that mutilation is the 'norm' and the natural form is 'gross' or 'wrong'

[@jimbob4780]

I live in Europe and Doctors in my country generally don't consider male circumcision of healthy boys as an "established medical operation", but as quackery. It's mostly doctors in countries that have a tradition of doing it for non-medical reasons (e.g. the USA) that defend it.

[@katfoster845]

It can be necessary for certain conditions, in which case better to lose the foreskin than the whole penis. However they're relatively uncommon.

[@magda010195]

@@katfoster845 Sure, but that is the exception. In most cases parents just violate the body autonomy of their child and have nothing better to say that "It is a minimal risk procedure, it's my religion".

[@pcaul8156]

Every decade they come up with a new reason as to why it's necessary because they are easy to debunk, and the deaths from circumcision are greatly ignored. Those I have spoken to about it from US support it but when you ask why they don't know, its just so normalised that uncircumcised men are now considered 'gross'. It's straight up genital mutilation.

[@magda010195]

@@pcaul8156 Circumcision is unfortunately still legal in Denmark, as a ban would be seen as anti-semitic and anti-muslim, and could result in illegal and unsafe procedures. Some time ago there was a political debate on the topic, and a circumcised atheist (I think his parents were jewish) argued that it is horrible for his penis to remain "jewish" forever, even if he changes his religion and that he didn't consent to that at all. The religious folks of course kept on going about how it is a medically safe procedure, and just did not at all understand that it was about consent and body autonomy. It is so sad and frustrating.

[@juuliaropo5551]

Finland is looking to ban male circumcision without medical reason by adding it to law banning female circumcision. There is also bill from the public that was just published to collect signatures (50 000 to get voted on becoming law) to ban it. The collection of signatures looks promising on day 4. The harm of cosmetic circumcision is genital mutilation, and naturally will be added to law already banning female circumcision. Already a circumcision not done by a surgeon falls under child abuse laws.

[@Megatronsters]

My Husband isn’t circumcised, and we just recently had this conversation. I asked him out of curiosity if he wishes he had had the procedure. He said absolutely not, if it’s something he wanted he can and should make that decision as an adult. Regardless of how we justify it culturally and religiously, it’s still genital mutilation without consent.

[@powderandpaint14]

In most European countries men aren't generally circumcised and it's not considered a problem at all.

[@tinyfluff8152]

Agreed, absolutely. We don't use the same bs justifications for FGM. Non-medically needed circumcision on non-consenting adults must stop now.

[@minimalchill]

100% agree. I am deeply offended that my parents made that decision for me. Literally mutalated my body without my consent bc...it was the cool thing to do? Such bullshit. There is no reversal for it either. And lets not get into where the flesh goes...look into it if you're unaware.

[@tatiaa7206]

@@minimalchill where does it go?

[@southdakotachick3456]

I had 3 sons and they are not circumcised.

[@flygirlhandm]

Circumcision is wrong unless it is 100% medically necessary. It is genital mutilation. People need to stop trying to justify the mistakes of the past by saying these old excuses that are from a time when most parents just didn't know better and the culture forced them to just trust doctors (who's practice was rooted in old religious and economic intentions).

[@Haags_hopje_070]

I don't understand why circumcision is so common in America compared to Europe were circumcision is almost only a thing for the Jewish and Muslim community. Probably just some doctor in America promoted male circumcision as some miracle cure for their own economic gain and it just became ingrained in the culture.

[@angie8110]

As an American Jewish woman im 100% against it. Im not messing with my kids gentiles, if they want to do the procedure later in life that's great but it's not my choice to make

[@VanessaHolcombe]

@flygirlhandm 🙌🏼

[@Nomarcaper]

@@Haags_hopje_070 Catholicism was huge factor, I believe.

[@ig7002]

@@angie8110 Jews like you are the smartest people in the world. To go against the norm and protect the integrity of your baby is so respectable.

[@not.a.robott]

Swayze, I know you aren't super into politics but I'd really recommend reading about what neoliberalism means in terms of political ideology (ie capitalism off the rails, austerity measures, lack of regulation on the market and lack of consumer protection, etc) because you don't seem to genuinely identify with it. Your views align way more with general progressivism than any sort of neoliberalism, though I do understand why you'd try and label yourself as center left, you're really not in this nation's standards. For example, a carbon tax, environmental restrictions, and protection of workers rights are all explicitly not neoliberal things. Cutting social security, opening up the market, and cutting regulations for workers and processes is neoliberal. There's a reason the academic left and left reject neoliberalism: it means something and we aren't just using it as a boogeyman.

[@not.a.robott]

I'd really recommend reading more about neoliberal economics and where we are now. No offence but it's a bit embarrassing

[@sofia.eris.bauhaus]

@@not.a.robott what are your reading recommendations? "neoliberal" in the modern sense sense was originally prejorative so it didn't really capture a specific ideology, just something far more in favour or deregulation and free trade than mainstream ideology. i think self-identified "neoliberals" seem to be a relatively new phenomenon. the thing is, people almost universally get more in favour of free trade when they learn some economic thinking. with deregulation it's a bit harder sell, but while you may think of some desperately needed policy like a carbon tax, keep in mind that real-world regulation tend to be made by and for special business interest, not some kind of political altruism. also what's your opinion on UBI? wouldn't it be more helpful for workers to be less wage-dependent to negotiate better working conditions? i'm an anarchist so i think ideally things like carbon pricing and UBI organized by non-state organisations, which would be far less corruptable. i guess that may be much to take in, but i'm optimistic you'll have an open mind.

[@Naavyy2]

I was thinking the same as you, maybe she haven't heard that meaning of the term neoliberalism. Now I'm curious what she meant

[@HelloKittysFriend418]

Agreed ben!

[@jennysespalime]

This is really strange to me, she earlier talked about liking Ayn Rand growing up but that she eventually grew out of her edgy teenage phase and changed her mind. Doesn't seem like she did. Calling yourself a neoliberal when you're so outspoken about the environment, climate change and the suffering of animals is beyond me. Unregulated capitalism is sucking the life out of our planet which is exactly what we should be fighting against. You don't do that by supporting the status quo.

[@yoursnotmine1996]

Neoliberalism is an extremely individualist political ideology. Neoliberals want the privatisation of all public services and want a completely deregulated free market, where there are no laws on how much companies can pollute, for example. They also want to roll back workers rights because they believe that the market will sort everything out. They also believe the state should only exist for the purpose of protecting the rights of the capitalist class and for protecting the country against invasions. This doesn't sound like what you believe in, but if it is please let us know because you'll probably lose a lot of supporters, myself included.

[@TheCerealluvr]

yeah, I don't think she understands neoliberalism. Doesn't sound like Swayze to me.

[@abcw114]

Well, no. Somebody who supports complete privatization of all public services and zero regulation of the economy is a libertarian or anarcho-capitalist. Neoliberals still believe the government has a role in providing services and regulating the economy, but they do think there should be greater privatization and fewer market barriers. If this is a deal breaker for you, okay. Personally, I'm very accustomed to people not agreeing with my politics (no, I'm not a neoliberal) and I don't get hurt when I find out. I'm also not going to cut myself off from content I enjoy, which is really just hurting myself to spite someone else. But you're not me, so do what you need to do.

[@MusiKo14]

neoliberalism has become a boogeyman term used by hard-left people to describe anything they don't like. I'm part of a large community of neoliberals on Twitter and Reddit who support a Carbon Tax, Universal Basic Income, Land Value Tax, and other market-based solutions that can solve some of our most pressing issues like poverty and climate change. The fact that these policies are individualistic and market based isn't something I view as a downside. It's positively awesome in my opinion that we have options for tackling issues that require collective action without needing to restrict freedom more than we need to (you can own a private jet under a carbon tax, you'll just have to pay more to run it).

[@mabailey5938]

I would expect with Swayze’s commitment to consequentialism that she would have more of an anti-capitalist stance. Neoliberalism favors free-market capitalism, deregulation, and decreased spending on social services. None of those is good for the working class, marginalized people, or animals. I use the word neoliberal for people who aren’t republican, but aren’t socialists. I’m growing pretty impatient with Swayze not being more explicitly anti-capitalist and pro-Socialist at this point. This seems like an area of ignorance or cognitive dissonance on her part. I do want a clear answer for where she stands.

[@abcw114]

@@mabailey5938 Have you considered it's an area of ignorance on your part? Economists are mostly what we could describe as neoliberal. Given that they dedicate their lives to study economic systems and their efficacy, maybe it's worth hearing what they have to say. Economists are much more pragmatic, consequentialist, and knowledgeable about markets than you. You're ideological.

[@BioBioLove]

Excuse me the majority of Americans are circumcised??!!!!!! I had absolutely no idea (I am European). In Europe its a religious thing, that only Muslim and Jewish people do. Is it not associated with religion in America?

[@ConverseLove1000]

Nope it’s almost totally aesthetic/cultural

[@brh.1892]

@@ConverseLove1000 that's so weird. Growing up watching American tv shows that mentioned circumcision I was (very wrongly) convinced that it was because most families had some connection to Judaism. Now that I'm older obviously I know the proportion of Jews in America doesn't compare to the proportion of circumcised men. It really is a purely religious thing in Europe.

[@luckylarita1630]

It's an ultra Christian thing as well. If you meet people in Europe that are from very Christian countries (e.g. Ghana) they're all circumcised as well. And the US is very Christian compared to us.

[@mikki_s1100]

It’s aesthetic, cultural, and sometimes a Christian thing. For some reason here in the US a non circumstanced is often viewed as dirty, unclean, and weird. (Though not everyone thinks this) it’s not usually done because of parents worrying of future health issues. Normally it’s for the above. So wrong

[@brh.1892]

@@luckylarita1630 as a Christian myself, circumcision isn't truly a Christian thing. If there are Christian communities with high rates of circumcision (I know there are), it's cultural. The old testament talks aboit religious rites like circumcision and eating only clean foods, but when Jesus died on the cross all of those rites were replaced by faith.

[@romanski5811]

Sadly, you're woefully misinformed about the harm and dangers of circumcision in men. Just like any single form of female circumcision (including the equivalent to the most common male circumcision, namely the removal of the foreskin of the clitoris), it should be outlawed. The bodily autonomy of minors stands above the religious or aesthetic preferences of the parents ffs. In America there is not a single medical reason for the removal of the foreskin (unless there's phimosis or something). Hygiene is acquired through washing your dick, not through losing your sensitivity, risking a mishap during the unnecessary cutting, and sometimes even having psychological problems due to the fact that you were cut.

[@oceanlawnlove8109]

Thank uu.. stop traumatizing babies who can't consent (= it's fucked. I hope she reads this

[@Kat.....]

@@oceanlawnlove8109 I'm gonna go ahead and guess that if she has already had a son, she has subjected him to it..

[@tkps]

I don't get why Americans still do it. It went out so long ago in the vast majority of other western countries incuding mine and though as an oldie I've seen my fair share of men I've never seen a circumsized one IRL. We just don't do it. It's great to see that it is reducing in the US and I hate hearing that people still do it because 'I want my son to look like my husband'. What the hell reason is that?

[@woodnymph01]

@@tkps Yes! The whole wanting your son to look like you things is so messed up! Imagine women arguing for genital reconstruction on their daughters to make their labia look like their own.

[@zahnpastacremetube]

@@Kat..... Actually it made me think she has girls, because she was so uninformed, like it never crossed her mind. Usually she is knows so much, reads aboutit, knows all opinions and is hyperinformed. If she had a boy I am sure she knew more about the negative implications.

[@GoddessOfMusic13]

Hi, there! Geosciences major and soil & water science minor here to talk about the whole soil question (so definitely not an expert but really cares about this stuff)... I mostly agree with you there, GMOs are ultimately beneficial (and necessary to properly feed our still growing population) and we have depleted a lot of it, with estimates ranging 50-70% of our lands have depleted topsoil. That being said, soil is absolutely a non-renewable resource (it takes tens of thousands of years to generate just one cm of topsoil), and while we can to a certain extent correct soil issues, artificially replacing nutrients has a bunch of potential negative effects like eutrophication, and nutrients are not the only issue when it comes to soil degradation (a lot of it has to do with destroying soil structure, leading to compaction, erosion, etc.). This is a MAJOR issue, considering around 95% of our current agriculture relies on soils. My take on it is that this isn't a GMO issue... it's an agricultural issue having to do with centuries of mistreating soils with non-regenerative soil practices and with practices that destroy soils (not rotating crops, over-tilling, using heavy machinery that can compact soils, etc.).

[@mikki_s1100]

Today I learned soil is a non renewable resource. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge! Very interesting, glad I know more now

[@amberrichards2778]

Would hydroponics be a more effective way to grow crops in the near future? It can be done vertically, too, which might save space. What do you think a good solution might be?

[@Miss_Lexisaurus]

This was so interesting. Thank you.

[@dylansimpson7831]

For anyone wondering (environmental studies/geography major here) eutrophication is essentially the overgrowth of aquatic producers like plants and algae due to excess nutrients (ex: phosphate) in water. A lot of these excess nutrient inputs come from fertilizer runoff and animal waste. When the excess plant matter decomposes it eats up a lot of the oxygen from the water, killing life. A particularly bad example of this is the Gulf of Mexico deadzone caused by Mississippi River pollution.

[@mariajohansson8346]

Was gonna say the same but you said it better! I’m also from the geo faculty

[@kirglow4639]

I don't think you're neoliberal :) You speak about controlling polluting industries, and that's anti-neoliberal position. Neoliberalism is about lack of restrictions on trade and reducing state influence on it (e.g. control in terms of pollution).

[@a_8764]

She says a lot of people use "neoliberalism" as a word for anything they don't like, but she doesn't actually define what the term means to her, so I really wonder if she herself knows what it means. It would surprise me if she actually was some kind of Reaganite/Thatcherite.

[@alfinou_13targaryen]

indeed her definition is incorrect, I hope she'll correct it in the next video

[@slippyslayer101]

I'm the one who asked her the question. It's a term that I think is a little loosely defined, which leads to some of the confusion. Her views are in line with how Reddit defines it. Scroll through r/neoliberal to see what I mean. They're very much in favor of carbon taxes.

[@lobaxx]

@@slippyslayer101 It’s very well defined. “Neo” liberalism (neo meaning new) is the minimal-government liberalism that grew in the 80’s with Thatcher and Reagan. It’s the idea that the market solves everything and should have minimal to no intervention from government. Any other definition (and words change definitions, that’s fine) is new and would require one to be clear about that, or one would assume the above.

[@alfinou_13targaryen]

@@slippyslayer101 The economic and political definition of Neoliberal is not this one, it "is the 20th-century resurgence of 19th-century ideas associated with economic liberalism and free-market capitalism. It is generally associated with policies of economic liberalization, including privatization, deregulation, globalization, free trade, austerity, and reductions in government spending in order to increase the role of the private sector in the economy and society. " I know that some English speakers use it as a synonym for Liberals in the US but actually "English-speakers have used the term neoliberalism since the start of the 20th century with different meanings, but it became more prevalent in its current meaning in the 1970s and 1980s, used by scholars in a wide variety of social sciences as well as by critics." These definitions come from wikipedia but I studied American civilization and US politics and my teachers defined Neoliberals in the same way (Ronald Reagan in the US and Margaret Thatcher in the UK are the first examples of Neoliberalism).

[@mikki_s1100]

Circumcision is painful to babies. They do not get pain relief for it, they don’t get anesthesia for it, nothing. Just cutting them open fully awake. They may not remember it, but you are hurting your child. And like you said, the medical benefits are small. Your baby sits in its diaper, of urine, and poop. Even if you change it quickly. While they have an raw open wound, it’s being exposed to that. It’s very painful. They are unable to consent to that. As for a common argument of not wanting it to limit their experiences when they are older, that sure is an odd way to be thinking about a newborn. Some partners care about it, but many don’t. Circumcision is bad.

[@mikki_s1100]

@@valeriavagapova circumcised versus uncircumcised look visually different. Some people believe that uncircumcised is dirty, and will not be intimate with someone who is uncircumcised. It’s untrue that uncircumcised is dirty. Some parents argue that if they don’t circumcise their child then it will limit their future intimate experiences as an adult. Some people do have a preference of circumcised or not, but that happens regardless of if you circumcised them.

[@EMunaBee]

Circumcision is cleaner, nothing has to be moved around to wash beneath; circumcision is said to help lessen the possibility of getting STIs/STDs - Not instead of protection, keep safe, but there were studies & reasons for circumcision helping lessen the possibility.

[@EMunaBee]

@@mikki_s1100 I don't know where you live but in Western countries the doctors use anesthesia, pain relief, a special clamp, it's quick, easy, yes there's recoveru but people seem fine. I know adults who wanted to do it, & some who chose as adults to refuse anesthesia (my family has a story about Marlon Brando refusing anesthesia for this & several other things...).

[@EMunaBee]

@@Kate-rv1id most boys & men are not good at hygiene.

[@EMunaBee]

@@Kate-rv1id didn't mean to insult at all. I apologise if I caused offense. A doctor is the one who told that to me. Boys have to really be taught to take care to clean if uncircumcised which parents can help when they're young, but once they're mature enough to bathe alone but maybe not responsible enough to take proper care, it can be a problem.

[@seanr699]

I got circumcised 3 years ago and it was the worst thing i ever did, my sensitivity completely went, its uncomfortable even now, my sex drive has reduced significantly and it has psychologically messed me up. The science is wrong in my opinion and the fact it's normalised especially in america is horrible. It's literally forced genital mutilation.

[@0hpalpitations]

Out of curiosity why did you get it done as an adult? Much like tonsil removal, it's a harder thing to go through when you're no longer a baby/little child.

[@danicab3615]

I hate the idea of circumcision but why did you decide to get it done if i may ask?

[@Kat.....]

I'm so sorry. It makes me wonder how men who were circumcised as babies don't even realise how much less sensitivity they have. It shouldn't be done at all (though there are some medical reasons - like super tight foreskin, but other things can be tried before cutting it off)

[@terseandtiny1746]

@@Kat..... For some it is a religious practice and hygiene thing.

[@seanr699]

@@danicab3615 I had a tight foreskin which wouldn't go over the head of the penis making it hard to clean, it would split around the top a lot and the tip was extra sensitive to the point where it would hurt if touched, I felt really embarrassed about it so i went to the doctors who gave me a steroid cream which didn't do anything so they said circumcision was the best move to go and it was the worst decision I ever made, even though i had issues with it, at least I could feel and enjoy it. Now I wish I could go back but I can't. I believed that it was what I needed, I was so wrong. The majority of sensation is within the foreskin if not all.

[@KatherineHugs]

Canadian pediatric society does not recommend circumcision for healthy baby boys (that is their official position). I'm sure people can google, but I thought it was worth a mention.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

100% correct!

[@apfelmus4360]

Could you explain what "neoliberal" actually means to you? Because my association is: - opposing workers´rights /unions - opposing state welfare, healthcare for all etc. - believing that everybody can make it and if you´re poor, you just didn´t try hard enough or you´re too dumb (basically it´s you´re own fault) - opposing laws that obligate companies to certain environmental and/or ethical standards because you believe that "the economy" should not be regulated - denying that structural disadvantages exist and therefore some people have it exponentially harder to succeed in society than others - believing it´s ok that some people are poor and basically starving while billionaires exist I´m from Europe, so I´m not sure whether the term neoliberal is used like this in the US? I honestly hope, that you don´t hold the believes I mentioned above though :/

[@iseenargles13]

That sounds like what we call libertarians here in the US. My guess is neoliberal is the opposite of that bc liberals in America are very pro unions, healthcare for all, etc. but I don’t really hear people describe themselves as such often so I’m not 100% sure if that’s correct.

[@thewinterland]

I'm from Australia and I was shocked when Swayze said she was neo- liberal. In Australia this is as you described. I Google to see if it meant something different in America, but it seems to mean the same. I hope this isn't true.

[@Owl_Coup_Productions]

As an american I would call an Obama or Emmanuel Macron, or Angela Merkel Neoliberal. I wouldn't necessarily ascribe those beliefs to them, if say that a Neoliberal believes that market forces should be taken into consideration when making reforms and that includes both regulating and pandering to business interests.

[@not.a.robott]

@@thewinterland It isn't true, don't worry. Swayze just doesn't have any political education and she's been making mistakes like these for years now

[@lobaxx]

@@Owl_Coup_Productions Angela Merkel is a conservative, she is no Liberal. Germany has its own liberal parties but they are small. She represents the Christian party of Germany (conservative in social issues, leftist on economic - ergo against gay marriage but for social welfare and why she governs with Social Democrats and not liberals).

[@cellcoremax1]

A lot of people wrote really eloquent comments regarding circumcision, and I wholeheartedly agree. What I’d like to add is, that it’s not just unnecessary, it’s inhumane. I don’t understand how you can be an ethical vegan, be so passionate when it comes to animals, and at the same time be so nonchalant about suffering caused to defenseless newborn humans (only boys, girls can keep all their body parts). It should only ever be done for legitimate medical reasons, and not because “babies don’t have much of a preference”. I’m pretty sure they would opt out of excruciating pain for no reason if they could. And even if we put all ethical reasons aside, why would you cut off parts of your body that have a protective function?

[@msaijay1153]

Female circumcision is actually a thing. So it's not just boys. Both are awful.

[@cellcoremax1]

@@msaijay1153 It is, and I agree. But I was referring to the West, where female circumcision is not accepted as something completely normal you do to healthy babies, while male circumcision is.

[@indy2316]

Her diet is more harmful to humans and the environment than an ethical omnivores diet - she isn't ethical, she has always been out for herself over others, including her own family.

[@yulana990]

@@tinmanluver35 Just ignore that person. Probably another anti-vegan who ignores all the scientific proof of veganism

[@danicab3615]

Exactly. And they may have a preference when they're older. My husband wishes he wasn't circumcised but there's no going back once it is done.

[@SanabiturAnimaMea]

"Why didn't I continue my studies? BEcause school is awful." YOU ARE SO VALID.

[@Jalfred92]

Woah way off the mark in failing to make clear that it's not ok to needlessly cut off genital parts of babies. It is sure as hell not up to the parents.

[@Insectoid_]

I think she suggested that. I do agree with you. It’s wrong wrong wrong.

[@Siamese25]

From a female perspective, sex with an intact male is much more comfortable (natural?) than with a circumcised male. I've had both partners. With circumcised men I needed more lube and initial penetration was slightly more uncomfortable. Foreskin provides natural lubrication and there's less friction involved. I don't plan on circumcising my children because I see it as unnecessary cosmetic surgery on an non-consenting individual. That said, it's not terrible. It's just unnecessary. So why bother? Was surprised at your response, and I can only assume it's due to social conditioning (family, partner, religion, etc.).

[@KyleTafoya]

Yeah, that “extra lubricant” you’re talking about is bacteria latent smegma or other fluids that put your vaginal health at risk. A clean uncut penis provides no extra lubrication compared to circumcised penises.

[@manicpixiecassidy]

@The Final Rumbling Well, I mean. It kinda does affect women too? Like, LGBT people are only about 8% of the population or something, and women do generally have sex with men. It isn't completely black and white like that.

[@tkps]

@@hantingchen5497 That's the furphy the US has been peddling for a long time but it's only ever been matter of teaching young boys how to clean themselves properly. Just like we teach girls NOT to over clean and to wipe front to back. It is just another easy life lesson that is taught and I cannot believe that excuse is still being trotted out (not saying you are doing so). I'm just glad the times are apparently changing.

[@tinyfluff8152]

@The Final Rumbling Considering they were only trying to placate any apprehensions females would have regarding an uncircumcised penis, and that some males would actually factor in if they would be less attractive, less able to make a female partner comfortable or please her into the decision of getting a cicumcision which is an irreversible mutilation, she is actually contributing something positive to the dialog. However, I agree with your sentiment that in no way would that justify any decision made about a baby by other people, or any policy about it, the baby's well-being is all that matters.

[@purpledawn2727]

@@KyleTafoya if that's true, then my vagina should have died years ago. Almost no one in my country is circumcised, yet I've never heard of any lady getting in trouble over these "dangerous foreskin bacterias" you're describing and there's almost no men that have trouble with the foreskin(tight foreskin is a thing, but not nearly as common as pro-circumcission people make it out to be). Basic hygiene is all it takes. The foreskin is growing on the body for a reason and it makes no sense to remove it. Lets just remove labia and eyebrows while we're at it? Or my daughter might get breast cancer at age 50, so lets just remove her breasts as a kid. Like.... come on. *if* someone develops a problem with their foreskin, then handle it then. Don't just remove body part from a person who can't even consent.

[@MarieJohnson]

"Babies don't have a preference about circumcision..." I'm pretty sure babies would prefer NOT to have a part of their penis sliced off at birth. A lot of men are pissed they were cut against their will. Ever heard of foreskin restoration or the Blood Stained Men?The foreskin has thousands of nerve endings and several functions. It's an organ, not a "flap of skin". Have you watched a video of the COSMETIC surgery that is circumcision, Swayze? Maybe it's a non-issue for you since you have girls. I have four intact sons and they have had zero issues with having the foreskin they were born with, because obviously. It's WAY easier to deal with an intact baby than to deal with an open wound (circumcision) in a soiled diaper. I'm actually surprised that ethically you don't have a problem with it.

[@BrammetjeOoms]

Same. To me, unnatural vegan based on what I've seen, would lean on the 'how about we don't keep something cause it's vulture'-camp. The medical "benefits" are heavily outweighed by the risks and negative effects, that many men will never even know simply as they have no idea what an intact penis would do/feel/behave like.

[@indy2316]

She is a massive hypocrite, have you seen her video about Mayim Balik? All judgemental about her kids developmental delays until UVs kids had the same.. then no word

[@dp2404]

@@indy2316 what video are you talking about? And where so you get info about UVs kids, she never talks about them

[@katie6384]

@@dp2404 I'm fairly certain Indy is a troll looking to get a reaction. I've seen a few of their comments now and if they are genuinely interested in healthy debate and showing respect to other people, they have a very strange way of showing it

[@withthelightsout8518]

@@katie6384 Why are you referring to Indy as they? You could have written he/she.

[@emmab.1328]

WAIT YOUR REAL NAME IS SWAYZE WHENEVER I SAW PEOPLE COMMENTING THAT I THOUGHT IT WAS AN INSIDE JOKE

[@sarahoftheshire]

I thought her name was Kaitlyn 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@emmab.1328]

@@sarahoftheshire where’d you get kaitlyn hahaha

[@sarahoftheshire]

@@emmab.1328 probably another youtuber with similar content or something, I’m not really sure.

[@wakemeup9835]

Me too 😂 😂

[@minakoa7178]

I thought you said inside job. I spit out my water

[@pudupudu9837]

I was so confused about the circumcism question for a while then. I was thinking it was a religious question, because in my country generally the only time circumcism is practiced outside of absolute medical necessity is for religious reasons. I had no idea it was something you guys did regularly, and as someone with a medical background that just seems bizarre to me. The benefits are basically non-existent unless it's an aesthetic thing, but that just makes it more strange!

[@flygirlhandm]

It is extremely strange. It is basically plastic surgery on baby genitals... bizarre.

[@mysqm3026]

I love how I stan your partner based only on context clues you provide of him sprinkled slightly throughout your videos.

[@caterinas6863]

Do we know it’s a he ?

[@danitaielle]

She's uses he/him pronouns for her partner.

[@heidih3048]

@@danitaielle In this video, she said "they," not "he", when speaking of the partner, though she used "he" in the past.

[@caterinas6863]

@@heidih3048 OK, thanks.

[@danitaielle]

@@heidih3048 Fair enough. I was going off her past videos.

[@southisdown]

i've watched you for years..... YEARS and i've never knew, it never crossed my mind, your first name😶 toddler, partner, baby, unnatural vegan... that's the family that lives in my head 😆

[@EveChelios]

SAME

[@barbarautecht7376]

Same!

[@patrickjohnson9879]

I love you but I wonder if you’re using the word ‘neoliberal’ to mean what it actually means (laissez faire markets, free trade, deregulation, etc).

[@a_8764]

She says a lot of people use "neoliberalism" as a word for anything they don't like, but she doesn't actually define what the term means to her, so I really wonder if she herself knows what it means. It would surprise me if she actually was some kind of Reaganite/Thatcherite.

[@alfinou_13targaryen]

exactly @patrick johnson. Her definition of Neoliberalism is incorrect economically and politically speaking!

[@butcheromance]

I was wondering the same thing. As someone who is a consequentialist and someone who believes that it's the morally correct thing to try to reduce unnecessary suffering, I don't think being in favour of unregulated capitalism is a reasonable position. Maybe she means liberal as in "people should have freedom"? buuuuut... that's not really the definition that anyone uses. Self-declared neoliberals in the 21st century generally oppose social security networks, regulating animal agriculture, having a minimum wage, and taxing the rich. Which is, and as a vegan I find this pretty unarguable, a collection of terrible takes.

[@IMatchoNation]

I would've guessed she'd be a socdem or just a progressive liberal, I hope she clarifies this a bit.

[@elenak.9735]

Privatization, feudal workplaces, limited social security, global exploitation, undemocratic financial power...

[@Iwasjustwondering89]

Can we please get a separate video on your political views? You dropped the neolib bomb and moved on, and I think some of us are properly confused now. Could you go into a bit more detail and just explain what that label means to you? It seems to mean something quite different to many people in your comment section. It certainly does to me.

[@lobaxx]

I can’t even fathom what definition of Neo-Liberalism could exist that isn’t Reagan/Thatcher in style. Wikipedia doesn’t make me any wiser either, defining it as “generally associated with policies of economic liberalization, including privatization, deregulation, globalization, free trade, austerity, and reductions in government spending in order to increase the role of the private sector in the economy and society”

[@greywolf7577]

@@lobaxx People need to stop using the term "neo-liberal". The term sounds left wing, but it is actually right wing. Just use the term "Conservative" or "Libertarian" instead.

[@hayleerodriguez2711]

Wait- you’re real name is Swayze?? Why did I think it was another nickname? :0

[@jess-tu6jc]

Same! For some reason I thought she was saying Soy-zee lmao

[@Miss_Lexisaurus]

I had this exact thought!

[@t.o.4251]

I thought it was a name she chose and IMO the social conventions about the names you keep versus the names you change are fake and lame. Nothing to do with her life though.

[@Nayr747]

How are you defending male genital mutilation? Do you also defend female genital mutilation? You really need to look into the topic. There are no real medical benefits and some babies are seriously injured or die from it. The reasons for the practice are the same for both genders too: to limit sexuality and make sex less pleasurable. This is very obviously unethical and it's pretty disappointing that you would defend such a disgusting practice of injuring helpless infants. Sorry for the loss of your mom btw. That really sucks.

[@MarieJohnson]

heyoooo Nayr747, yes, thank you, I agree

[@musa-vl6ol]

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m so glad that you protect you and your families privacy to the extent you do. I think what makes you so genuine and likable is that you maintain such a healthy boundary between yourself and what goes online.

[@MusiKo14]

Just want to chime in and say that I'm a circumcised man who has definitely taken a major issue with my consent being violated. Glad to see you lean towards preventing the psychological and human rights harms of forcing the procedure on infants. I just want to comment because I want to emphasize that we don't live in a society that encourages men to talk about their traumas and feelings (especially on something as personal as circumcision grief) and that the lack of men speaking out on the issue is not necessarily indicative of a lack of men feeling traumatized and violated by the procedure. Personally, I've had my feelings/concerns/experiences on the issue dismissed so many times that I don't even mention my dysphoria over my circumcision to people who aren't (1) really good friends who value my feelings (2) open-minded enough to question the dominant opinion of society on the subject. On whatever medical benefits circumcision supposedly brings, I would encourage you to look into medical bodies in Scandinavia and Europe more generally and what their consensus is! Yes, we should all trust science, but the field of philosophy of science exists because there is value in questioning expert consensus from a values/ethics standpoint at times. Case-in-point: Had I been born prior to 1973, my homosexuality would've been considered a diagnosable psychological disorder according to the consensus of experts and the "best science" at the time. Science can tell us if/why homosexuality exists but recommendations for what is healthy (or what even constitutes good health) will ALWAYS require a value judgment. There are also medical bodies in other countries with different cultures (Egypt for example) that speak about the medical benefits of FGM, I practice I hope isn't too controversial for 99% of people in the West. Just goes to show that yes, the facts of science can stand on their own, but our interpretation of those facts can be VERY heavily influenced by culture. Thanks again for commenting on the issue!

[@yuliam2086]

I'm so sorry that you had to undergo such a traumatic experience! I agree that circumcision is awful for men at any age and hope it will be banned eventually. I also hope some day you overcome the psychological trauma you have and find more people supporting you! Good luck!

[@MusiKo14]

@@yuliam2086 Thanks! Really appreciate it.

[@b2h316]

What have you changed lately? Did you get new lighting? Start eating new food? New makeup? Your skin has always been incredible, but it's on a whole new level now. Even your hair looks incredible. Tell me your secrets, woman!

[@finneasboobahthethird]

The new glasses are a whole look.

[@Nattyzeenha]

I honestly believe the secret is here no longer being in cronic pain all the time, which probably affected all aspects of her life before.

[@zoeviz000]

@@Nattyzeenha i wasn’t aware she had chronic pain. Can you elaborate!

[@zoeviz000]

@@Nattyzeenha *?

[@manicpixiecassidy]

@@zoeviz000 She had a lot of back pain, that has eased up now.

[@soulsworn13]

Cats are obligate carnivores, high grain diets have low bioavailability and cause constipation. plus they're usually high in salt which often causes further complications later in life. The most ethical way to feed a cat is a quality meat-based wet food or very carefully planned raw. If you don't want to feed an animal meat then you should get one that doesn't require it.

[@anEllenJamesian]

This!

[@purpledawn2727]

In norway, almost no one is circumcised. It's not a common practice at all and I don't think I know anyone who's have that done, and if they do it's likely to have a medical reason or religious reason/tradition behind it (religious reason implies they're probably not ethnic scandinavians). Doctors do not promote it, alot of them think it's a unnecessary operation seeing as the the small advantages(if any) don't really outweigh the risk and pain of having the procedure done(every operation has a risk, no matter how safe it supposedly is, not to mention healing the wounds afterwards.). Not to mention babies can't consent to this at all, so it's also a matter of ethics. I've also heard that the babies don't get any pain relief under the procedure, which in itself should be a reason to not do it. Also, boys are born with foreskin. It's there for a reason, so why remove it? It make as much sense as removing labia or eyebrows. So yeah everyone, let your kids decide this themselves.

[@TheCableProductions]

Yiiiiiiiikes. I started cringing at the circumcision bit but by the time she got to vegan cat food she completely lost me. Vegan cat food should not exist. Cats cannot and should not be forced into veganism. To even "reduce" their meat consumption is abusive. If you won't feed your cat meat, don't get one. It's very simple.

[@cluelessghost1415]

girl I'm pretty sure you don't know what neo-liberalism actually means

[@greywolf7577]

I'm pretty sure that 95% of the people who use the term "neo-liberal" don't know what it means. Usually people just use it to mean "the opposite of what I am".

[@oliviafortes5853]

I love you, Swayze, but I'm guessing your definition of neoliberal is at odds to what I, and I'm sure many others, have in mind -- and my disertation is about neoliberalism... I'm sure you have done your share of research but I would urge you to go a bit further. In a way we are all neoliberal because we live in a neoliberal society that shapes our wants and ideals, just as we are all sexist because we live in a sexist society, but claiming neoliberalism seems quite misguided...

[@afilm6262]

Right, I was also a bit confused about what exactly she is referring to because neoliberalism seems to encompass a lot of different things? I''m not a political expert though, but it seems like a lot of people use (or misuse) that term. It doesn't seem like her values align with the sort of surface level research I have done, but I guess I'm being presumptive. I would be also be interested to hear more in depth about what she means exactly.

[@paige2567]

Neoliberalism is a clearly defined ideology in political science spaces! If you look at or research it from a political perspective, rather than a sociological standpoint you may have an easier time understanding what she means 👍 it can be tough being a political scientist because people think it’s just opinions without clear definitions... that would make my degrees a lot easier if so lol!

[@TheNationalfilmbored]

Thank you, I was about to comment on this as well. My understanding is that the liberal part of "neoliberal" refers to the ideological descendents of enlightenment classical liberalism, e.g. John Locke, and a lot of politicians who brand themselves as conservatives fit the definition of neoliberal. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[@Nayr747]

Yeah I think you're right that both men and women can be sexist against each other which is reflected in society.

[@Iwasjustwondering89]

@@Nayr747 Just a quick remark: People can be sexist towards their own gender too, not just a different one. Women saying „Don’t be such a pussy!“ to other women, or men requesting other men to „man up!“ are among the more visible examples of this.

[@purpleghost106]

Just going to say, (and I hope this doesn't come off condescending? I mean it legitimately) on the other side of neoliberal, I'm not sure if I understand/know (especially based on your other views) what you think Neoliberalism is? Definitionally it's associated with "3rd way" politics such as 'Clintonism' as he helped to be definitive to the term Neoliberal in politics. It involves frequently the tendency to privatize (give corporate ownership to otherwise public/government run assets), deregulation, and Austerity policies such as trying to 'balance the budget' usually by making cuts to social programs. (As an example Tony Blair in the UK was another one of those who codified what a neoliberal politician is and austerity policies were one of his primary legacies) Personally, and of course you can still ID with whatever term you want, I would suspect by my own understanding of political terms you might be better described as Centrist rather than Neoliberal-- but again that's only my understanding, and ultimately not my choice. I mean of course I also dunno if maybe you feel like Clinton and Blair were okay, but given some of your other stances like wanting to protect the environment, I sort of struggle to see how you'd be 'Neoliberal' given the legacy of poverty and environmental degradation that resulted overwhelmingly from privatization and deregulation which is common policy for Neoliberal politics. Like maybe I'm wrong, I'm not a polysci major (because I can't afford college), but I am a bit of political nerd who listens to academic lectures on politics, and as far as I understand the definition of Neoliberal is based on the politicians who were Neoliberal. I know wiki isn't any kind of definitive source, but it seems to generally agree with my understanding (Course as far as political nerdship I've got nothing on Sam Seder of the Majority Report; there's a number of interviews with academic writers who discuss neoliberalism on his channel)

[@Reece8894]

Pretty much everyone from Obama to Reagan have been called neoliberals, so the term has a pretty massive tent. Given that she supports a carbon tax and seems to support a strong welfare system (when she talked about why she stopped being a libertarian years ago), I'm assuming she's using the term more as it's used by people who self-identify with the term than how it's used as an attack. See the r/neoliberal wiki.

[@KiannarratheDemon666]

Polisci definitions tend to differ wildly from laymen’s definitions but you’re pretty much bang on for what neoliberalism is within political science. The problem is that liberal/neoliberal in the popular vernacular is almost unrelated to the political definitions. A “true liberal” wouldn’t support strong market regulation for example. Also, liberal in international relations =/= liberal in economics =/= liberal in sociology etc etc So I’m guessing Swayze is using the more mainstream definitions? But I agree that she might want to be careful with her language. Liberalism and neoliberalism (even in their less technical senses) also have a bad rap in leftist circles :/ (Also, sorry for using your comment as a jumping off point! You just had a solid definition of neoliberalism and I didn’t want to just repeat what you said)

[@paige2567]

You definitely want to be careful claiming politicians perfectly fit a political ideology. It’s pretty inaccurate and can lead to confusion (as you can see, a ton of people in this comment section don’t know what neoliberalism is) 👍

[@purpleghost106]

​@@KiannarratheDemon666 Don't be sorry! It's good to have additional voices to add info :D Yeah I feel like I don't always understand the way it's used colloquially, because as I said being a polnerd I literally will listen to academics on the subject, so that's a lot of what I base my understanding on. It does have a bad rap there, but that's partly because Leftists don't like austerity. I follow a number of more academically inclined Leftists (and I am one. I'm a Canadian who supports the NDP) and most of them tend to talk about the policies implemented by neoliberals and explain that basically that the results are why they don't agree with it. I know there's a lot of less-academically inclined leftists, (I mean it's just not everyone's jam and that's fine!) and I'm sure some of them use it in weird ways, but yeah it's worth mentioning that there's also leftists speaking a lot more academically and definitionally about Neoliberalism, who are against it for evidence based policy-->outcome type reasons.

[@Iwasjustwondering89]

@PurpleGhost Thanks for taking the time to write up your comment. She caught me completely off guard by identifying as neoliberal and I came to the comments to look for others‘ thoughts and definitions. I have only ever heard it defined as you just did, and I wonder where other definitions come from/are popular. Being European, I have learned that these definitions tend to change a bit crossing the pond, but I thought at least academically we would have an understanding of what they mean and Swayze always seems quite academical in her analyses, so... I‘m surprised she chose this word to define her politics, when everything else she has ever stated would suggest she aligns mostly with leftist perspectives.

[@cassandratroost2099]

I’m wondering how you would define “neoliberal”! I think political terms are confusing because they are used differently in different parts of the world. As a Dutch person I always get confused about the american “liberal” and “conservative”. We don’t really use the term liberal in the same way I think. When we talk about our politics it’s more in terms of “liberal” and “social” so liberal becomes about the market and can be negative thing when social means things like accessible healthcare, worker’s rights etc. Been watching your content for a long time, still loving it!

[@lobaxx]

Americans don’t use the word liberal as in the ideology, they use it as a synonym for left. Hence why a socialist like Bernie Sanders is described as “very liberal”, which makes zero sense in the rest of the world.

[@lobaxx]

As to why Swayze would identify with a label used to describe the ideology of Thatcher and Reagan, that I have no clue about. Makes zero sense to me given that she in the next breath talked about carbon taxes.

[@lavidaesplendida]

@@lobaxx Yeah, I'm European, too, and that was really confusing...

[@childofthehoneybee1170]

I also only hold a negative view of the term, but as an American I see people use it to mean "someone left of center who supports capitalism." It's basically synonymous with "liberal" here (and we would say "leftist" or "very liberal" for someone who supports socialism/social programs). I only hear people say "neoliberal" when it's a leftist criticizing a liberal OR people on twitter who love capitalism and have socially progressive views.

[@cassandratroost2099]

@@childofthehoneybee1170 thanks for clarifying!

[@JessicaGBonny]

I don't get how people can see themselves as part of any anti-opression movement (veganism in this case) and copy with capitalism at the same time.. that just doesn't work. 🤷

[@anEllenJamesian]

Right? "against suffering" and "pro capitalism"... lol 🤡🤡

[@greywolf7577]

The issue is that supply and demand are so baked into economics that you can't really efficiently move away too far from capitalism. If you expect the government to decide how much of each product should be produced and how it should be distributed, then things are going to get inefficient fast and the economy is going to greatly suffer.

[@powderandpaint14]

Circumcision is totally unnecessary and a terrible thing to do for babies when there is no medical reason. It's as bad as fgm in my opinion.

[@spidermiss2426]

except most babies who are circumcised aren't in pain for the rest of their lives. Girls who have undergone FGM- and there are 4 types of FGM- often times are in pain forever, some get sewn up except for a tiny hole, many get aids from the procedure since oftentimes the same razorblade is used on everyone and it isn't sterilized. And depending on the type of FGM that occurs- sometimes it is the clitoris alone but sometimes it also is the labia that are chopped off too. Whenever these girls pee it is unbearable for them. Whatever one's opinion on male circumcision is, with FGM the girls suffer FAR more. They suffer for the rest of their lives.

[@spidermiss2426]

@W 9797 most males aren't. The females are. How many circumcised men do you know personally that complain of pain in their penis? Because I live in the United States where the majority of the male population born here is circumcised. I have never known any of them to complain of pain. Women and girls who have undergone FGM are in pain forever.

[@cassierearden3536]

You should look into the history of circumcision in the US specifically after it declined in popularity pretty much everywhere else. Especially the role Kellogg (yes the cereal guy) played in it.

[@emmaponymous]

If cultural norms are the more important than the suffering of non-consenting helpless beings... 🤔 and it's interesting how cultural norms can influence the purported medical benefits, those should be based on facts.

[@davesharratt917]

Oh, well put! This is the most underappreciated comment on this thread.

[@kaitlinbenz255]

SO nice that you time stamped this video. I love when people do this, especially for Q+As.

[@kellybraun5013]

Cats aren’t bad at drinking water! They just don’t like bowls. Try putting in a little running fountain with a pump and you’ll notice you’re replacing it much more and watch kitty lap up the fresh running water constantly. Try it!!

[@kellybraun5013]

Think about it. In the wild, still, stagnant water can mean bacteria or other deadly issues. When I see cat water bowls I get so sad for the cat. They are majestic creatures that were never meant to be drinking slimy bowl water.

[@alfinou_13targaryen]

nice video Swayze, I like Q&As. However, I'm sorry to say that your definition of Neoliberalism is economically and politically incorrect. Neoliberalism refers to "laissez-faire" policy, extreme free market and no social intervention of state. It refers to Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher and to a certain extent Donald Trump's policy.

[@greywolf7577]

By that definition, "Neo-liberalism" is just Conservatism or Libertarianism. So why say "neo-liberal" at all? It just makes people think that a right wing ideology is left wing. It's a dumb term that needs to be dropped.

[@alfinou_13targaryen]

@@greywolf7577 your answer is completely centred on the US definition of liberalism. In all the other countries when you say liberalism it means laissez-faire policy and it's Spaced on Adam Smith's Theory which is at the origin of capitalism. the US and maybe Canada because they are close to you are the only countries to use liberalism as a synonym for being progressive and closer to the left wing. Neoliberalism was inspired by Margaret Thatcher who was the British Prime Minister, and like many countries in the world, they use the word liberalism for this definition, it may seem weird to you in the US but it makes perfect sense in many other countries in the world

[@maikenmilter4381]

Your talk about studying philosophy reminded me of this qoute from Walden: “There are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not philosophers"

[@whodovoodoo2313]

On the topic of circumcision: studies show that it's painful for sex partners, too, who have to deal with much more forceful sex from their circumcised male partners because of dulled sensation on the circumcised man's part, which force can cause extra microtrauma to the circumcised man's partner. Studies also show that circumcision decreases sexual pleasure for women. I think most people would agree that some negligible reduction in UTIs does not justify ruining or diminishing a person's sex life, not to mention the inevitable accidental deaths and loss of sexual organs, that happen due to this cosmetic surgery. Edited to add: not kidding, I think circumcision is a large contributor to the violent nature of porn. Most porn, especially most 20th century porn, is American, and most American men were circumcised when pornographic norms were established. Circumcision required many to be overly forceful with their sex partners, making violent porn normal.

[@amberrichards2778]

That last claim is rather extraordinary, do you have any citations?

[@xSwordLilyx]

I think it's possible, and I can guarantee that the reason people usually get circumcised is either tradition or a religious attempt to control people, which I absolutely cannot get down with. I'm pretty sure most women can say they have had a problem where they have to sit down with their SOs at some point and be like 'seriously, chill'. Whether that is about circumcision, or the influence of porn, religion or culture, or some more natural source within men themselves is not something I could confirm personally. That's worth studying although like I said it would be hard to be sure something is wholly to blame. Nevertheless, what people have done to them as babies is out of their control and I would never judge them for it. Also, this is definitely a problem that you can discuss with your SO and at least partially resolve. I have had talks myself and it's not really an issue anymore, he has really improved as far as mellowing and health goes in that, I would say he was rather unhealthy with his ex and she did not help him with that. Quite abusive really if you looked at it fairly, I'm not a fan of hers to put it mildly. Utis in men is kind of a ridiculous thing to try to prevent, anyway, they never get them.

[@amberrichards2778]

@@xSwordLilyx No, I need *citations*, otherwise what you're doing is begging the question, really. I'm not saying that you're wrong or right, I just think it's important to build large, overarching claims off of evidence and not personal experience.

[@indy2316]

@@amberrichards2778 How would they start to collect 'evidence' for this? It is a very complex phycological phenomenon that has not yet even been publicly recognised.

[@BlackkCobra]

Here in Denmark circumcision almost became illegal a couple months ago because public opinion and doctors and surgeons are against it, but our prime minister blocked the bill at the last second. I wish the bill would’ve gone through.

[@chaoticdreamer137]

Your taste in games is EXCELLENT. Hollow Knight is sooooo good and I'm super pumped for Silksong!

[@phoenixpetterson825]

A show I completely support going back and rewatching- Avatar The Last Airbender. The themes somehow strikes my heart stronger as an adult, and the casual wit is well done!

[@laurapatterson6877]

I've bought the expensive Blue Buffalo food for my cat, and he turned his nose up at it. Dives right into the friskies though 😆

[@Ashaliyeva]

My veterinarian told me that there’s nothing wrong with the common, inexpensive cat food brands; that made me really happy to hear. She said she’s seen more cats having issues from the over priced, fancy pants brands, particularly if they are high protein (too much protein can cause kidney problems for kitties.) She said that Blue Buffalo happened to be a big offender. Hooray for Friskies, though! lol! (My kitties like it, too.)

[@oceanlawnlove8109]

@@Ashaliyeva just watch out for added sugars and wheat isn't all that either

[@Ashaliyeva]

@@oceanlawnlove8109 thanks for the input. I always take the advice of my veterinarian. 😊

[@willow9273]

I figured Swayze was a nickname from before I started watching! Cool name! I'm also really stoked that you have played through enough hollow Knight to get to the end boss! Keep with it, he's not too hard and there's a bit or extra content after him that is quite fun!

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Also, I love your table of contents telling folks where to find specifically what we are interested in, in lieu of listening to all THIRTY mins., when we reallllly do not have the time to devote just to one User.

[@HarbingerBK]

As an outsider watching the current trainwreck that is the United states the concept of "1 billion Americans" is terrifying, I'm sorry. Also with regards to population and the economy... we cannot continue to consider the laws of nature as optional, and the manufactured rules of the economy as necessary. Humans, on a global scale (not necessarily local), are terribly overpopulated.

[@sarahlit3293]

If, according to you, the cultural argument can be used to justify male circumcision, should it also be used to justify female genital cutting? Female genital cutting has a social role in many countries (even if illegal) and is said to "benefit" the girl by increasing her chances of marriage and therefore securing her future. An even stronger cultural foundation than circumcision which, in our NA dominant culture seems to have no impact on the person's opportunities. I don't think we should stretch cultural relativism to the extent of accepting genital cutting of any kind, to anyone, unless it is to correct developmental defects (for eg urinary tract issues) or treating infections/issues that cannot be treated otherwise. We still have a long way to go to view critically our own culture the same way we judge others'.

[@frillycreation8922]

SWAYZE! When are you going to review the Go Max Go candy bars? They're vegan dupes of the popular candy bars like Twix, Snickers, etc. Like so she can see, please!

[@beckybeeson9589]

Going out to Target or the book store with my kids is definitely on my ideal day agenda too! Not sad. I love seeing their little faces as they explore the world around them. And let's be honest--buying your kids a little goody and seeing their joy is SO worth a couple dollars. :)

[@pastahoe]

Fun fact, actually really sad fact, I learned in class that a product only has to have ONE fair trade ingredient to put it on their packaging

[@LittleCuteNekogirl]

Insect based cat food is great. It's really easy to do right, it's far more environmentally friendly since they feed mostly fly larvae with plant waste, it's easier on pets with allergies (which was why it was originally developed) and, well, it's just insects. There's no compelling reason to believe fly larvae possess the sentience that makes them capable of suffering. It's also getting less and less expansive

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

In Europe, England especially, circumcision is NOT the norm. In the Middle East and in Jewish countries, baby boys are, more often than not, circumcised.

[@carolina-jz7wk]

Not only you're a fellow vegan but you're so calm and well-spoken, loving your videos

[@TheThelenita]

The level of sweetness of my sleep after destroying Jen Faulisis's fundraising campaign just for giggles? You forgot to include that in the Q&A/time codes.

[@applesauce8258]

How do you feel about zoos which actually benefit dying species? For example, the Cheyenne mountain zoo is largely based in earning money to save dying species and repopulate areas where they have gone virtually extinct. They also have nurture teams for each animal and , while they can’t provide the space of a wild habitat, keep animals who are unable to return to the wild due to rehab

[@erinaa9486]

Sounds more like an animal rescue...

[@kaleighmoore9430]

The gasp after target was the purest display of happiness

[@yummynutellacupcake]

there is medically no reason to circumcise a newborn. an occasional UTI is less problematic than a lifetime of diminished sensitivity. if a child is taught proper hygiene, the risk of infection is much lower as well. circumcision is lazy and unnecessary. the design of the human body is impeccable, i trust it to do its job well.

[@hannahmills6764]

Love getting to know you more. Great video as always!

[@charliechambliss5920]

In my soils class, my professor explained that if we did want to revert agricultural land into protected lands it would be hard to do so. The chemicals used to fertilize is efficient and safe for crops, but the soil will lose its structure over time from not having organic matter and structures implemented into it. With soil losing its ‘form’, it might increase erosion in areas around the agricultural plot. This is what I was told this semester, but if information had changed please let me know!

[@graceemilydoug]

Damn girl you a straight utilitarian! I’m in an ethics class right now and all the different theories are so interesting (except for reading Kant isn’t)

[@MeganOlivier]

Do you do any composting? It’s something I’m looking into at the moment but it’s so difficult in an apartment.

[@krisnake13]

Portland has a city composting service like Seattle does (where I live). We get to put our food waste in our yard waste bins for commercial composting. It's actually compulsory here and we get fined if we throw too much food in the garbage bin!

[@MeganOlivier]

@@krisnake13 Ahhh, okay! I'm so jealous. I'm in the UK and there's absolutely nothing where I am and I don't have a garden. I hate the waste so much.

[@luisaamariaa]

You have to read The Stand, the long version is absolutely amazing

[@diogosesimbra]

I would be quite interested in a video explaining in more detail your views on having kids. The "overpopulation is a myth" assertion is quite contentious so I would like someone intelligent (that is you UV) to talk about it. =) I also see a lot of comments about neo-liberalism so maybe you could expand on that. I would see you more as a social-democrat but we have to settle on definitions of those terms first.

[@greywolf7577]

If "neo-liberal" just means "Conservative" then why are we using "neo-liberal" at all? It's just pointlessly confusing.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

I ADORE, A-DORE, and ... ❤️ Powell’s books! I could spend all day there, no worries.

[@BreaMichelle3]

People think $600 a month is a lot for groceries - but if you’re eating out a few times a week I guarantee most will spend more than 600 on food over the month.

[@ThesaurusSarah]

Love this style video from you!

[@tineputzeys]

OMG I love you even more after you listed the books you love. Also: the Dark Tower movie was my biggest movie disappointment ever.

[@mariad33]

I just watched the new Netflix movie A Life on Our Planet with David Attenburough (u'd love it) and there it talks about how the population in Japan experienced a peak, explained how that is healthy, and then talked about how we want all the populations to eventually do the same. It presumed that it is projected to - the peaking of all populations of all cultures will keep the planet habitable as a result (was my interpretation of that).

[@solinasora4250]

Hi, any cutting of your genitals or other body parts should be done after you are of legal age. It doesn't matter what your culture is. If it is important to your culture or religion, a baby cannot consent regardles of their sex. If you are agains female circumcision in females (usually called female genital mutilation in any form, even if just a cut to the clitoral hood is made), then you should be against male circumcision if the baby is not of age (this is my opinion).

[@brendanmorin9935]

Neoliberal- yikes 😅

[@oliviafortes5853]

Yikes indeed 👀

[@lobaxx]

She 100% isn’t a neoliberal if she mentions carbon taxes in the next breath. No idea what she means by it though, never heard it used as anything else then the ideology of Reagan and Thatcher.

[@kateknowsbetter]

Would love further explanation on your views on world population and why you think a declining population has negative impacts.

[@cleopatrab.7702]

Many Universities do require undergraduate thesis/capstone project. I’m so glad mine did. It took some of the sting away from writing my graduate thesis.

[@ruthc382]

Glad you mentioned urban planning. The US seems to be built for cars! I'm glad I live in London where I don't need one.

[@KianaAndMakeup]

Sorry to hear about your mum 😣💗 💗💗

[@jaden_lindner]

When you mentioned movies, I immediately thought of My Dog Skip. Was my favorite as a child! Sorry about your mama.. 💔

[@nimbusnina]

I have a good friend who got circumcised when he was 9 years old, because his foreskin had not grown enough, and would have led to other medical issues later on. So it should not be totally banned, but probably should not be done on babies...

[@ig7002]

If this was in the US, it's now known that foreskin may be fused to the glans until even 12 years old. Doctors are way too quick to jump to circumcision.

[@-danny.]

You are so incredibly smart I would love to listen to you speak about more topics other than veganism.

[@minakoa7178]

Same!!

[@funinthesun6191]

You give me so much hope about being a vegan parent!

[@user-wi3yx3gy2o]

I wonder what makes you a neoliberal and not a progressive, liberal, or moderate. Leoliberal: socially liberal/progressive, except tough on crime possibly and hawkish on defense issues, economically libertarian /conservative / moderate (although this us relative to wherever the debate happens to be; most neoliberals around the world take a much more generous social safety net and nationalized low cost healthcare for granted, but the social safety net is comparatively limited and healthcare is a major issue in the U.S.). In the U.S. most neoliberals hold quite Keynesian or neither-Keynesians economic ideas, while in Europe, because of the EU and euro zone constraining the economic policies of member states and a history of deficit spending and high public debt leading certain countries into economic troubles, Keynesianism is sort of antiquated among European neoliberals. In fact neoliberals are known for austerity policies, especially compared to their mid century liberal predecessors. However a break with pro trade union and ever expanding social safety net policies is a hallmark of neoliberalism in both the U.S. and in other countries. e.g,: Bill Clinton (as president): tough on crime; pushed restrictive welfare reform; pro choice; pro gun control; pro free trade; However, comparatively dovish on defense issues, anti gay marriage (at the time); and raised taxes Joe Biden is neoliberal. He is pretty hawkish. He has a history of very pro-business pro market votes in the senate, and was among the toughest of tough on crime politicians in the 80s and 90s, when those policies were most popular. However, he’s changed his stance on crime lately, he does support expansion of Obamacare, which is technically a progressive stance, though nowhere near as progressive as most of his primary opponents. He would be even more neoliberal if he we’re less progressive on the environment (though he is pro fracking) and didn’t have a history of opposing gay marriage (though to be fair he changed his position many years ago). Neoliberalism is dying out. Most of the right and the left in the U.S. are polarized. You don’t find too many socially liberal tough on crime hawkish economic moderates or libertarians anymore. If you do, they are likely to call themselves libertarians or moderate republicans. But that is where a lot of the Issues have changed. The environment really went from a non issue to an issue dealt with by lip service / scaremongering to one all liberals seem to have the same view on. Same with crime and policing issues and drug legalization, same with military spending. These are going back to being polarized on a left right Republican-Democrat divide, or on where the intra-party divide is on the Republican side.

[@Thegeekponygirl]

I wanted to know the difference then I saw how long this was and I was like I dont care that much rn at 2am

[@lobaxx]

Neoliberals = Thatcher and Reagan. That’s what the term was coined to describe. It’s deregulation, privatization and austerity. It’s the liberalism that replaced the post-war liberals that built social welfare with the socialists. Reddit and the neoliberal sub shows how watered down the word has become now to be essentially meaningless and pointless.

[@user-wi3yx3gy2o]

Reagan was a conservative he was neither socially nor economically conservative, less socially than economically, though. He was a big military spender, but conservatives and neoliberals often are conservatives mate so. Thatcher was a Small “c” conservative too. She didn’t want to scrap the NHS or anything, but she was fairly socially conservative and comparatively economically conservative. Neoliberals are often still a bit more to the left of conservatives on economic and fiscal matters. The term neoliberal comes from the fact that it was a split from the liberals. Reagan used to be a Democrat, but then a) many Democrats at that time were fairly, especially socially conservative; b) many republicans were fairly socially liberal; and c) he seemed to go from a classic liberal / progressive democrat to a conservative.

[@88888888tiago]

For a neo-liberal you are hoping for a lot of Gov. regulations in several areas. Strange

[@lobaxx]

Yeah, doesn’t really rhyme with an ideology used to describe Pinochet, Reagan and Thatcher. More likely she’s just a regular social liberal (or “liberal” for the American reader).

[@anna.m8]

yeah I think babies do have a preference to not be mutilated

[@dotexe6415]

Swayze is such a great name!

[@purplemonsoon8376]

Is that her first name?

[@dotexe6415]

@@purplemonsoon8376 yup!

[@heidijohnson974]

What is your evidence - other than you wanted to feel positive about creating more people - that overpopulation is a myth? Having children is fine, but don't spread misinformation. Many of the world's problem stem from overpopulation. And if a country is lamenting a dwindling population, that country should allow immigrants in, unless the real concern is the "purity" of the population. I thought you were better than that, Swayze.

[@janniseppa5482]

Just look at where human populations are increasing and where people are over consuming and causing “the world’s problems”. People born in western countries (with low/declining birth rates) have something like 50x the carbon footprint of people born in countries with high or increasing birth rates. Improved economic conditions in countries with increasing birth rates will lead to a decline in birth rate. The world’s overall population is predicted to plateau and then start to decline. The issue is not overpopulation - it is very clear that it is a small minority of the world that is causing climate change, environmental destruction etc. We have enough food and resources to support the population (and will continue to), but we choose not to allocate resources fairly. Not to mention that the myth of overpopulation was started by a eugenicist who believed that we would run out of food when the world’s population reached one billion, and that food supplies can only increase arithmetically - then the green revolution happened. I can see why you think “overpopulation” is the problem if you live in the west but please reconsider your viewpoint, since it has very icky and racist origins and implications.

[@not.a.robott]

Because it's been quantified we could have 10 billion people on the earth and live sustainably. The problem is our political and economic systems, not humans existing. Cut that debunked shit out lmao

[@mrs.lauren7726]

yes to the book review. I have a 5-year-old and I'm also looking into buying some books (on veganism) soon

[@harmonicaveronica]

I don't see that much difference eating almonds and eating honey, ethically speaking. Our food system doesn't exist without commercial honeybees

[@MayAndCats]

Wait, what's wrong with eating almonds? :o

[@fionafiona1146]

I am happy the surprisingly cold tolerant almond tree my parents keep alive in Germany but don't know how to avoid the Nitrate sourced from animal agriculture and slave labour the EU is depressingly bad at minimizing in food production.

[@lavenderoh]

@@MayAndCats Almond production is really hard on the environment, it uses a lot of water. And in the USA, most of the almonds are produced in California which is obviously not water rich.

[@lavenderoh]

Honey/beeswax is one of my most confusing stances. Especially considering things like the reusable beeswax cloths you can buy instead of plastic wrap/bags, or beeswax/soy wax blend candles instead of paraffin wax. I don't actually enjoy the taste of honey so I don't use it or purchase it. However in my area in general vegan items are very limited so if a product is vegan other than honey and honey is like the 5th ingredient or further down, I'll still buy it. My best friend used to run a business making candles, salves, etc with beeswax that she bought exclusively from a vegetable farmer who only kept bees to aid pollination on his farm. I'm not sure I can accept that that is unethical. Obviously I understand that's a rare case but still. The calendula salve makes me able to crochet and knit comfortably which further reduces my need to buy clothing and how is that not a good thing too? She still makes it for me as needed, from the same source, wild dandelions and beeswax that would go in the trash if she didn't use it. I have another friend whose family are fruit/berry farmers and they keep bees as well. Vegans who think they're on some moral high ground for avoiding honey/beeswax are likely quite disconnected from the realistic agricultural practices used to produce their food. In my opinion veganism is not about purity, it's about impact.

[@harmonicaveronica]

@@MayAndCats in relation to bees, it's not just almonds but a lot of commercial crops. I use almonds as an example because in most places (in the US at least) they're going to be much harder to find locally sourced from small, diversified farms. What generally happens is that beekeepers from all over the country bring their colonies to california where they visit vast fields of whatever crop is blooming and once that's done, they move on to the next crop, and the next, etc. There's two main issues with this: the first is that the bees are basically on a mono-diet of one kind of food for a long stretch of time which isn't very good for them, and the second is that with lots of different bees from lots of different places coming together, it becomes very easy for disease to spread. But also the world is imperfect and there are no good decisions. Almond milk is still a lot better than cow's milk, environmentally and ethically speaking. And lots of other crops that are important sources of vegan fat and/or protein are very hard to buy from diversified farms, but are still better than meat in terms of impact. It all comes down to doing the best you can with the system you have. If your grocery store marks produce as being locally grown, buy it over other produce. If you have a farmer's market in your area, go to it and support the small farms in your area so they can keep providing an alternative to commercial monocropping. If there are any CSA (community supported agriculture) programs in your area and you can afford the upfront cost of a box of veggies every week, definitely do that! (CSA shares are purchased before the season begins and help farmers get an influx of cash when they can't directly sell crops, which gives them a guaranteed income regardless of whether the growing season is a good one or a bad one.)

[@beultra3083]

I'd love to see a video delving more into the zoo issue. I've heard arguments for and against and I wondering where the research actually lands on this. (In case it wasn't clear I'm curious about why zoos are/n't ethical, not why you would/n't send your kid to one.)

[@beultra3083]

Also, I'm a biological anthropologist teaching a cultural anth course right now, and the thing is you have to go super hard on respecting other cultures because a lot of the kids write some weirdly racist stuff (and make the mistake of assuming, for some reason, that their grading TA will be white).

[@summersoul3]

How strange to me that circumcision is still so high in the US. It's only about 10-20% in Australia, and under 10% in the UK. The cleanliness debate is also ridiculous (I know you don't mention this, but it's one of the arguments) - if anything men who are uncircumcised are more hygienic and aware of hygiene based on my experience.

[@koirasikin]

Yeah and idk why would someone assume other person is more hygienic or less hygienic just because of their genital anatomy :/

[@stefwrites7841]

💖 Great video as always!

[@alishakoeberle215]

I'm loving Odessy!!!! I love finding all the moons, I also just beat Luigi's Mansion I did have fun with that game it was really cool in feel and look for sure!

[@therelics7415]

You should make a video about overpopulation not being a problem. You say that it is a myth but that is not something I've heard before...

[@dr.corinaz7776]

Praise Lord, we will not hear from the damn game again here 😆

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

I did not fancy schooling, either. So much of what was crammed down my gullet, I have simply never used in my daily life, an example being the (bloody) order of operations!

[@daleely05]

Would love a review of the kids vegan books!