Ep 7. Sensitivity Training

Penn and Teller Bullshit season 6 episode 7 is titled Sensitivity Training.

In this episode, Penn and Teller explore what they call "the sensitivity racket," which they believe to be a business built on what they consider to be the ridiculous idea of people being able to change their personalities and beliefs through training. They assert that sensitivity training, also known as diversity training or multicultural training, is a scam that perpetuates a culture of political correctness and positive discrimination in the workplace.

The episode features interviews with employees who have undergone sensitivity training, as well as trainers who conduct such programs. Penn and Teller challenge the effectiveness and need for such training, claiming that they are intrusive and unnecessary.

Through their interviews, Penn and Teller argue that such training is based on the premise of political correctness, and it further divides people by highlighting cultural and racial differences, rather than working to foster unity and understanding. Penn and Teller assert that such training can actually be harmful in some instances and may perpetuate discrimination and divide people further.

The duo also draw attention to the enormous amount of money that companies spend on sensitivity training, citing figures in the billions. The episode explores the reasons behind this expenditure and suggests that it may be a way for companies to avoid lawsuits and branding issues.

Penn and Teller debunk the effectiveness of sensitivity training, arguing that people cannot be forced to change their beliefs and perspectives through a week-long course. They assert that such training often results in more harm than good, and that genuine dialogue and engagement between people from different backgrounds is a better way to address diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The episode is filled with Penn and Teller's trademark humor, sarcasm, and controversial statements challenging the status quo. They draw attention to the absurdity of some of the exercises that sensitivity trainers employ, such as having participants crawl on all fours, and the irony of the pressure used to participate in such programs.

In conclusion, the episode is a thought-provoking critique of a controversial practice that is becoming increasingly popular in the workplace. Penn and Teller challenge the idea of being sensitive to other cultures' feelings and focus on the harm of such training. Their argument is not against accepting other cultures but believes dialogue and understanding can accomplish it, resulting in the phrase, "It's good to talk."