This is a good read, an important read, and I’d like you to read it all. Gyzym is gentle but firm in explaining why movies like Beauty and the Beast can be jarring for those who didn’t realize that the fairy tale is actually a classic domestic violence scenario. That’s important to face. And for …
Category Archive: discourse
Dec 08 2011
Warning: Fencesitters and Bystanders May Be Affected
At the risk of inviting a miasma of socks, I am going to talk about Womanspace once again. It’s important, and I’ve got a point to make. There are a couple of open letters that are worth reading. Dr. O’s An open letter to Dr. Rybicki makes a very important point: Maybe your short story isn’t …
Aug 06 2011
In This Case, Gonna Have to Say “Down With the Revolution!”
I’d really never thought of Google’s “real names” policy like this – but the Atlantic’s Alexis Madrigal calls it “revolutionary”: Imagine you’re walking down the street and you say out loud, “Down with the government!” For all non-megastars, the vast majority of people within earshot will have no idea who you are. They won’t have …
Jul 30 2011
An Open Letter to Those Who Think Real Names Solve the Civility Problem
Dear People Who Think Real Names Make People Behave Better: I understand the desire for a more civil discourse. Most of us would like that (except for the trolls, one supposes), but a “real name” policy isn’t the magic cure that will make everyone nice. Allow me to direct your attention to what people feel …
Jul 29 2011
Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Bard?
It may seem bizarre that in the land infamous for a dry sense of humor, satire is banned. But politicians in both Great Britain and Ireland, it appears, are terrified of people like Jon Stewart. So terrified, in fact, that they’ve come up with inane rules meant to prevent the carpets in their halls of …
Mar 06 2011
The Limits of Tolerance
Johann Hari asks a very good question: “Can we talk about Muslim homophobia now? (h/t)” Here’s a few portents from the East End that we have chosen to ignore. In May 2008, a 15 year old Muslim girl tells her teacher she thinks she might be gay, and the Muslim teacher in a state-funded comprehensive …
Aug 29 2010
DBAD: The Return
Poor Phil. His Don’t Be A Dick stuff’s still getting panned. Our own George W. took it apart: I like Phil Plait a lot, but he’s recently been on a thing about “Not Being A Dick” and his recent video is supposed to be a clarification of that position. This reminds me of the scene …
Aug 26 2010
Phil’s Not Faring Too Well
I love Phil Plait. I respect Phil Plait. I follow him on Twitter, shall soon be following him on teevee, and enjoy him immensely. But even the people I love best occasionally do things that earn them a gentle savaging from their peers. And it seems that his Don’t Be A Dick shenanigans (hereafter referred …
Jul 11 2009
Things to Bring Up In Arguments With Cons
A few posts on Crooks and Liars you should absolutely not miss, especially if you get bogged down in discussions with Cons: When they babble there’s no problem with racism and class divisions in this country, point them here. Be prepared to explain to them why, after generations of piss-poor treatment and rampant discrimination, black …
Apr 24 2009
Woozle and Mike Debate Thread
It’s a banner day, my darlings. This is the first time on this blog that a thread’s filled up to the point where it has to be closed and a new one opened. They’ve requested a new forum, and their wish is my command. Of course, I’m sure neither of them will object if anyone …
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