Dilemmas Of Being The "Golden Apple"

For this exclusive interview, Christiane Amanpour sat down with Apple CEO Tim Cook to discuss contemporary politics, privacy issues, being gay, and many other things.

This is one of those journalistic works that remind us just how regular journalism acts as a mirror to our society: pointing out our contradictions, shortcomings and contemporary existence. Journalism, as seen in this interview, may open up a window for us on the horizon to propel our thinking further, allowing us to see the bigger picture and go beyond conveying information, or the so-called truth.

In this interview, Cook is very diplomatic when it comes to commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump's administration; he even praises Trump's economic policies.

But, when it comes to his own personal stance beyond the public persona, we encounter a completely different Tim Cook. He is very direct and proud regarding his being gay, framing it as the "best thing" that happened to him. Cook's pride in being gay stems from becoming emphatic to all those who are disadvantaged and minorities in general.

Is he self-contradictory, or just being honest?

One thing that Cook draws attention to is a very important issue of our times: he states that he climbed up the ladder specifically because he received a good education. This was despite the fact his family had a very modest background. Cook became the success he is because of equality of opportunities. 

All the interviews of this podcast feature an advertisement in the beginning; perhaps this is also apt prior to a glimpse into the persona of Cook—a member of a minority group in the true sense of the word as one of the most powerful persons of the world.

This podcast is followed by another interview: journalist Michel Martin speaks to Beth Macy on her book "Dopesick" about the opioid epidemic engulfing the U.S. and beyond. 

Both interviews make one wonder about the nature of our times, as well as quite long-standing philosophical queries as they are mirrored in our 21st century realities.