Ep. 37 - Yes, Religious Profiling Is Necessary

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode centers on Ben Shapiro’s argument that the San Bernardino attackers exposed flaws in media and political reluctance to use behavioral or religious indicators when assessing terrorism risk. He criticizes left-leaning reactions, defends profiling as a practical safety tool, and condemns media conduct at the crime scene. The second half pivots into cultural criticism of Taylor Swift and Hollywood performative friendships.

Main Topics: San Bernardino attackers and early warning signs (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro argues that Syed Farouk and Tashfeen Malik displayed multiple warning signs—religious markers, behavior, travel background, and extremist associations—that should have prompted greater scrutiny before and after entry into the U.S. Profiling vs. political correctness (Priority: 5/5): He distinguishes racial profiling from behavioral profiling, claiming law enforcement should use relevant suspect descriptors, including religion and behavior, when investigating Islamic terrorism. Media and left-wing responses to Islamic terrorism (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro criticizes MSNBC, the New York Times, Melissa Harris-Perry, Linda Sarsour, and others for allegedly downplaying Islamic links, objecting to showing hijab-clad images, and focusing on offense rather than safety. Donald Trump’s remarks on tracking Muslims (Priority: 4/5): He defends Trump’s comments as correct in substance, citing Trump’s claim that people were reluctant to report suspicious behavior out of fear of racial profiling and that authorities should show vigilance. Behavioral profiling and law enforcement practice (Priority: 4/5): The host broadens the argument to say all policing involves profiling by conduct, location, and known risk factors, using examples from Israel, South Central Los Angeles, and general criminal descriptions. Media mishandling of the apartment investigation (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro says media members entering and rifling through the terrorists’ apartment destroyed evidence and showed disregard for public safety, calling it one of the worst investigative screwups he had seen. 'Things That I Hate': Taylor Swift and Hollywood performativity (Priority: 2/5): The closing segment criticizes Taylor Swift’s image-management, fake celebrity friendships, and a prolonged adolescent culture among young women in entertainment.

Key Arguments: Islamic terrorism can and should be assessed using behavioral and contextual indicators, not just race or ethnicity. Religious markers such as hijab, mosque attendance, and ties to extremist communities are legitimate parts of a suspect description when investigating jihadist violence. Political correctness and fear of offending Muslims can prevent civilians and authorities from reporting suspicious activity. The media and progressive commentators selectively treat religious symbols as offensive only when Islam is involved, while not applying the same standards to Christianity or Judaism. Donald Trump’s call for vigilance and profiling was substantively correct even if unpopular. Media intrusion into the terrorists’ apartment likely compromised evidence and demonstrated poor judgment. Taylor Swift’s public persona is built on strategic branding, staged friendships, and adolescent themes rather than deep artistry.

Data Points: San Bernardino victims: 14 people - Shapiro references the attack as resulting in 14 deaths. Children mentioned in attack context: a six-month-old baby - He says the couple decided to have a baby and then kill as many Americans as possible. Refugee policy reference: 25,000 Syrian Muslim refugees - Used as an example of what he sees as reckless immigration policy. Muslim population in the U.S.: 3 million Muslims - Trump discussion on whether Muslims in America should feel tracked or singled out. Reported delay in image release: a long delay last week - He notes the media took time to produce a usable photo of Tashfeen Malik. Media intrusion count: 70 people - He claims about 70 people rushed the apartment during the media scene. Attacks linked to London subway incident: 3 injured - He cites a London machete attack where three people were injured. Relative frequency claim: one every five years or so - His estimate of how often Jewish terrorism occurs. Taylor Swift age range: 25–26 years old - He characterizes her and peers as young but not youthful teenagers anymore. Lena Dunham age: 28 years old - Used to illustrate the celebrity group’s proximity to 30.

Pivotal Quotes: "If you're looking for Islamic terror, you actually want to go with the description of the suspect." — Ben Shapiro: Core argument defending profiling as a practical investigative tool. "To pretend there is no linkage whatsoever between Islam and terrorism is idiotic." — Ben Shapiro: Statement opposing media and political efforts to avoid associating Islamic symbols with jihadist violence. "The only people who are capable of cleansing a religion of its radicalism are the people on the inside of that religion." — Ben Shapiro: Used to argue that reform must come from within Muslim communities.

Implications: The episode urges listeners to favor behavioral vigilance over political correctness in security matters, while warning that media framing can hinder prevention and evidence collection. It also reflects the host’s broader skepticism of celebrity culture and identity-driven branding.