Do You Need to Be an Expert to Truly Like Something? #141

"Like" and "being knowledgeable" do not always align.

We sometimes hear people say, "If you really liked it, you would know this much," but is that something for others to judge? Sophie discusses how the reasons behind why someone "likes" something—whether it be the amount of knowledge, experience, or level of participation in a community—are unique to each individual. She gently unpacks the discomfort felt when the pure "like" of a beginner is dismissed due to an overemphasis on expertise.

We dig deeper using HIPHOP culture as an example.

On the show, we use HIPHOP to illustrate that even when people "like" the same thing, the perspective they see can be completely different. Some are drawn to the musical rhythm and flow, others are passionate about the history and background that started in the Bronx, and others resonate with its aspects as social criticism. By recognizing these multi-layered charms, we can see a richness that cannot be summed up by a single term.

Knowledge is not proof of "liking" something, but something that follows it.

Tracing the profound world of HIPHOP that she learned from Shotgun Dandy, Sophie realizes the importance of something: you don't like something because you are an expert, rather, your world naturally expands because you like it. This is a story that will make you want to affirm your own "likes" through a "self-kind" stance. Please listen to the full episode to hear more.