What is Straight Talk?

“Straight talk” has two meanings.

1. Heterosexuality – Being Straight

First, it is primarily about the world of heterosexuality – about being straight. The discipline of evolutionary psychology has much to say about being straight because straight people have the sex that populates the planet and drives human evolution. So, “straight talk” is about the conversation and relationship between men and women, especially heterosexual men and women. “Straight Talk Fundamentals” (web-site menu) delineates foundational insights and questions from evolutionary psychology and other scientific disciplines related to sexuality, biological difference, gender “politics,” and heterosexual relationship dynamics.

2. Telling the Truth – Leaning into the Undiscussable

Second, “straight talk” is about telling the truth-telling it “straight-out.” It is about myth-busting in the spirit of radical honesty — revealing facts in the face of politically correct dogma. “Straight talk” uncovers and explores what is usually avoided or denied. It can be uncomfortable and troubling because it sometimes confronts “moralistic fallacies” – that which is “good” or “should be” is not necessarily true. “Straight talk” is a kind of epistemological whistleblowing – sticking a neck out for the knowledge that may (excuse the hyperbole) set us all free.

In consultant-speak, unspoken truths among groups are called “undiscussable” — something that subordinates cannot say (usually about a boss) for fear of reprisal from a person who has power over them. An undiscussable is any topic that is avoided because it is uncomfortable and challenges the status quo of business and personal relationships.

“Straight talk” leans into the undiscussable. It has a nose for group hypnosis, media group-think, and tropes of politically correct speech. If there is a double standard or hypocrisy, “straight talk” wants to take a look at it. Mating Straight Talk (the web-site) and the field of evolutionary psychology has a version of the truth that no doubt suffers (mildly) from its own theoretical confirmation bias. It can be argued, resisted, and rebutted with some acumen. “Straight talk” welcomes the debate about evolved behavioral sex differences — the biggest controversy in evolutionary psychology.

The science about men and women is robust and on-going, adding new insights every day. As we proceed on the road of discovery and knowledge, let’s try to face uncomfortable truths, have an honest conversation, and look inside to see what fits. Maybe that is part of our evolution as heterosexual men and women.