Preview
  • Against the Web

  • A Cosmopolitan Answer to the New Right
  • By: Michael Brooks
  • Narrated by: Sam Seder
  • Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (54 ratings)

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Against the Web

By: Michael Brooks
Narrated by: Sam Seder
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Publisher's summary

Michael Brooks takes on the new "Intellectual Dark Web."

As the host of The Michael Brooks Show and cohost of the Majority Report, Brooks was a progressive fighter whose work brought people together from around the world. In this, his first book, he lets his understanding of the digital media environment direct his analysis of the "conservative rebels" who had taken YouTube by storm in 2018.

Brooks provides a theoretically rigorous but accessible critique of the most prominent "renegades," including Sam Harris, Jordan Peterson, and Brett Weinstein while also examining the social, political, and media environment that such rebels thrive in.

©2019 Michael Brooks (P)2023 Tantor
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What listeners say about Against the Web

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Great analysis of the right wing grift machine.

The only thing I don’t like about this book is that it’s the only one Michael Brooks wrote. Great job picking apart the inconsistencies of reactionary personalities on the right.
Michael exquisitely dissects their methods and turns them inside out, exposing their hollow nature for all to see. Then, he offers a humble and consistent argument for progress. It’s a shame he didn’t live long enough to do his own impersonations for the audio. Would’ve been a nice cherry on top. Still, I could hear his voice in my head through Sam’s valiant attempts.

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A great takedown of right-wing culture warriors

Relevant in 2023, even if some of those discussed (Dave Rubin) are not. Michael did a good job deconstructing the most pernicious arguments made by the right-wing demagogues who still dominate online discourse, which inevitably trickles down into the mainstream, and does so with historical context. If only Michael could have seen the new faces who have come to the fore and the right's ironic and unabashed embrace of things they once criticized (like liberal cancel culture) since Michael's passing, there would possibly be an updated edition; however, the analysis and tactics to combat them, as presented in this book, are still be relevant.

Sam does a good job at narrating this book. Sam's impersonations pale into comparison to what Michael could do (Michael could pull off a better Sam somehow than Sam himself), but I couldn't think of a better person to narrate this book except Michael Brooks himself.

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Great writing from a great mind.

Still relevant today even with some of these grifters losing relevancy.

solidarity with workers

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Rest In Power, Michael Brooks!

Left is Best!

Michaels words coming out of Sam's mouth...

I miss your laugh!

I want to thank everyone who contributes to sustaining Michael's legacy.

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Rest in Power Michael

A great man gone far too soon, here’s to trying to carry on his legacy.

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Informative

Was a good read and now it’s a good listen too. I highly recommend. Maybe buy the book too.

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Michael wrote a good book that stands up to time

Sam did a good job reading this book, as it takes a look at the motives and tactics of right wing grifters.

sadly money will continue to pour in and pay gritters and buy off corporate democrats but Michael shows there is a space for progressive voices to build coalitions and carve out power and progress for people.

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Losing Michael Brooks was and is devastating to the Left

An absolute shame that such a brilliant and compassionate mind like his was taken too soon. His voice would be essential these days (this review being written during the 2023-2024 Israeli genocide of occupied Gaza). We all should try and be more like him. As Michael often said “Be ruthless to systems, but be kind to people.” RIP.

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Michael makes you laugh (and he feeds you too)

If you’re in any way partial to the MR/TMBS universe, you need to read this book. That’s it. That’s the whole review.

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Phenomenal book relevant today

Michael Brooks was a genius, a great man, and a kind soul. Great book. This material is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.

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