The danger of positive thinking
Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America
Is America plagued by optimism? In "Bright-sided," Barbara Ehrenreich argues that the prevalence of positive thinking has made society blind to reality. She takes on motivational speakers who preach that you can get what you want by wishing for it and blames the economic crisis on investors and consumers who failed to see the negative consequences of their behavior. Ehrenreich also criticizes the belief that setbacks should be met with a cheerful attitude. Following a breast cancer diagnosis, she writes about her indignation for those who told her to see her condition as a gift. Ehrenreich joins Larry in studio to talk about the downside of positive thinking.
Guest:
Barbara Ehrenreich, author of "Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America" (Metropolitan Books). She is the bestselling author of sixteen previous books, including the bestsellers "Nickel and Dimed" and "Bait and Switch."
- AirTalk for November 16, 2009
- Civilian trials for terror suspects spark debate
- Last (four-letter) words
- Health reform: state protections at risk?
- Lunar probe makes a splash
- The danger of positive thinking
Also on this episode
Events
Film Week Oscar Preview
Sunday, February 19, 2012
1 p.m.
- 3 p.m.
It’s a hit with boffo box office! The 10th annual “Film Week on AirTalk” Academy Awards preview is coming to the historic Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, Sunday, February 19th. The full cast of “Film Week” critics joins Larry Mantle to debate which nominees should take the top categories. Audience ... » More info





