Hate Sells category archive
Those Who Ignore History . . . . 0
At AL.com, Auburn professor Elena Aydarova, descendant of emigrants from soviet Russia, writes of the hazards of pretending that what happened didn’t happen. Here’s bit of her article (emphasis added); follow the link for the rest.
My family bears the memory of what happens when states weaponize such types of teachings. My great grandfather was executed in the Soviet purges of the 1930s – a time when anyone who disagreed with the state dictums paid the ultimate price. Among those who lost their lives were teachers, educators, academics, and researchers. My family rarely discussed his story, but I learned one important lesson to share with the world – when governments decide to ban academic theories and concepts because they are deemed as “divisive” and “dangerous,” they undermine democracy and pave the way for authoritarianism.
Gutting Out the Vote 0
Gordon Weil notes a trend.
Follow the link for his reasoning.
Thought Police, Redux 0
Heaven forbid that students should be exposed to ideas and facts while at school.
We are a society of stupid.
Freedom of Screech 0
At Above the Law, Joe Patrice explains that one thing is not like the other thing. An excerpt; follow the link for more.
All That Was Old Is New Again 0
Will Bunch looks at the current right-wing freak-out over book learnin’. A snippet:
Image via Job’s Anger.
Thought Police 0
Michael in Norfolk discusses the right-wing’s war on thoughts. A snippet:
Conceptualizing Governor Trumpkin 0
Noting the Virginia’s new Republican governor wants to ban “divisive concepts” from public schools, Jim Marchman, writing at The Roanoke Times, wonders precisely what that term encompasses. For example:
Afterthought:
Of course, Marchman purposely misses the point to make his point.
As Paul Krugman pointed out (see below), a “divisive concept” is nothing more than one which makes Governor Trumpkin and his dupes, symps, and fellow travelers feel uncomfortable.
Governor Trumpkin 0
Michael in Norfolk is somewhat disturbed by the actions of Virginia’s new governor.
As too am I.
Disturbed, that is.
Not surprised.
Dis Coarse Discourse 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Steven Stosny writes of living with resentful persons. He focuses on individuals in their day-to-day environments at work and home, yet I think much of what he says can be expanded to our political discourse.
I suggest that certain public figures foment misdirected or even baseless resentment to further their fortunes.
I offer one snippet in support of my position and commend the entire piece to your attention.
The Disinformation Superhighway 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Paul Thagard argues that the success of fascist movements depends on misinformation. After outlining five specific types of misinformation that fascist movements of the 20th Century relied on, he goes on to suggests practices for inoculating ourselves against mis- and disinformation.
What particularly caught my eye, though, was this nugget, which illustrates why “social” media isn’t (emphasis added):
I commend the article to your attention.
Vaccine Nation 0
Methinks putting party over the public good is a pretty good indicator of a failed state.
Vaccine Nation 0
Michael in Norfolk looks at recent actions by Virginia’s incoming Republican governor and is less than favorably impressed. A snippet:
Funny Money 0
It is a storied right-wing position to question “fiat currencies” and to yearn for a return to, say, the gold standard. And bitcoin and its imitators are the ultimate in fiat currency. Yet right-wingers seem fascinated with bitcoin, as Paul Krugman notes:
So what’s that about?
Follow the link for his theory.