Roger Kimball and Heather Mac Donald: How Political Correctness Hijacked the Arts

Roger Kimball and Heather Mac Donald engage in a deep, wide-ranging conversation on the state of the arts in contemporary Western civilization, questioning how and why the definition of 'art' has been radically expanded—and often degraded—over the past century. They trace the roots of modern artistic skepticism to Marcel Duchamp’s conceptual provocations, such as the readymade urinal, which they argue dismantled traditional artistic standards of craftsmanship, beauty, and skill. The hosts critique the rise of politically charged, often banal or transgressive art, arguing that the art world has become a self-referential institution where authority is both mocked and relied upon. They explore the tension between aesthetic judgment and relativism, lamenting the erosion of confidence in objective standards of beauty and excellence. Drawing on historical examples—from Rembrandt’s psychological depth to Sargent’s luminous watercolors—they defend the enduring value of technical mastery and emotional resonance in art. The discussion also touches on broader cultural malaise: why Western civilization uniquely critiques itself, and how intellectual movements like Derrida’s deconstruction and postmodern relativism have undermined confidence in cultural achievement. Despite the confusion, both guests affirm the necessity of striving for excellence, beauty, and truth in art and life.