free speech
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Activism
Popper and the Paradox of Tolerance
In the days since the recent tragedy in Charlottesville, there has been a new addition to the online/social-media meta-discourse on the problem of protected political speech in the context of the open and ongoing resurgence of white nationalism and Nazi iconography in American politics. It is a series of memes based on Karl Popper’s idea of the “Paradox of Tolerance,”…
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Meta Stuff
It’s the Skepchick Sundaylies! Marching Across the Globe, Remembering the First Amendment, Campus Activism, and more!
Sunday Funny: Christian Science. (via SMBC) Mad Art Lab Victory Garden Something as peaceful as gardening can take a terrifying turn when placed in the context of xenophobia and war. WIP Weekend: Forward, March! Beth shares some photos from the various Women’s Marches throughout the world, and discusses ways in which the march could have been better. This. The First…
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Politics
This is What Threats to Free Speech Actually Look Like
Twitter’s recent permanent ban of professional troll Milo Yiannopoulos and his followers’ indignant cries of censorship are the most recent (and highest-profile) example of a phenomenon that has existed for years across countless blogs and internet communities. The pervasive–but entirely entirely incorrect–notion that anyone can say whatever vile garbage they want on any platform they choose without suffering any consequences is so common on…
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Feminism
The (Un)Censorship Project: Live from the Fascist Menstrual Hut
I started the (Un)Censorship Project as an old-timey highlight reel of sorts for the best of the worst comments, emails, and tweets we get on the Skepchick Network. As every U.S. citizen knows, our Founding Fathers proclaimed the inalienable right to have a commenting platform on someone else’s blog, and the corollary that once invited in to comment, you couldn’t…
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Meta Stuff
ICYMI: February 24 – March 2 on the Skepchick Network
Ahoy, Skepchick readers! It is yet another big week for the ICYMI because, yet again, we have a NEW SISTER SITE. Welcome School of Doubt, a skeptical blog especially for teachers. Drop in and say hello! Teen Skepchick Science Sunday: Otter Penises What’s causing the otter penis bone to shrink? National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Olivia shares how her friends…
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Activism
The Free Speech B.S. is strong in this one…
Recently, Skepchick Elyse wrote about an anti-vaccine ad being played in Times Square in New York City, and started a worthy campaign to have the ad removed. In response, a counter petition has been proffered, claiming that CBS should run the ad “in honor of free speech and informed consent.” I’m not a doctor, but I’m fairly sure that “informed…
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Ayaan Hirsi Ali Gets E.U. Protection
The European commissioner for justice and home affairs has just announced plans to offer Ayaan Hirsi Ali (author of this month’s Skepchick book selection) protection throughout the European Union. This is very good news, strengthening the cause of those who might speak out against violent fundamentalists as she and her murdered colleague Theo Van Gogh have done. Details can be…
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