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Since Donald Trump’s landslide victory in the United States, strange things have been happening. For example, Qatar has announced that they are expelling the leaders of Hamas who live there, and in the United Kingdom a group of distinguished authors have signed a letter urging Bridget Phillipson, The Secretary of Education, without opposing the new law on Freedom of Expression in higher education. . De-culture has taken over most free-thinking universities in the UK and now students only accept far-left ideology. This is not good for those on the left or those on the right. Because of? Because the joy of student life is being able to debate and learn, question, argue and often disagree vigorously. If young people are not able to hear another point of view, even if they despise the foundation, the society is, in every way, lost.
I studied Ancient Greek, Latin and English Literature at the University of Leeds, where presentations and debates took place every week. We all struggled with the system, but we listened to other ideas and that also applied to the work of the authors. If I had told one of my teachers that I refused to read a book because I didn’t like the author’s ideas or I was worried about his racist or anti-feminist overtones, they would have laughed in my face, as would the students. And rightly so.
So a group of high-profile authors including Lady Antonia Fraser, Stephen Fry, Lionel Shriver, Ian McEwan and others such as Tom Holland have wanted to speak out and, I might add, most of them are on the left. Everyone knows how important it is to live in a free society where, regardless of your personal beliefs, you have the right to express an opinion without being silenced, harassed, and often threatened with physical violence.
Bridget Phillipson gave a skeptical response and has shown no signs, so more voices need to be heard. Fortunately, figures like Toby Young and the UK Free Speech Union are stepping in and leading the charge for change. The cancellation culture on campus doesn’t stop there. Sadly, a popular and popular 20-year-old student from Oxford University killed himself this year due to social ostracization on campus. A student made a baseless accusation against him to mutual friends, and he was immediately suspended and denied. This cold treatment led to his tragic death. May those knowledgable, brutal, insensitive students live with the guilt of his needless death forever.
Farmers make hay
After Rachel Reeves’ tough budget, farmers have reacted unequivocally to the promised rise in estate tax. The British government pressured the farmers’ union to prevent its members from revolting, so the angry group has decided to go out on their own. Farmers across the UK are trying to stop Britain’s ports, choking the country’s supply chains and holding back produce. So angry are the people of the country, pensioners and ordinary citizens who are suffocated by tax increases and state control that Labor MPs refuse to consult their constituents for fear of angry attacks. I can’t blame them. The majority of Labor MPs are angry about the removal of Winter Fuel Allowance for the elderly and are increasingly dissatisfied with Keir Starmer’s decisions. At the same time, companies including British Airways, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Rolls Royce have come together to warn Rachel Reeves that the British economy is headed for broken waters. While it gives special benefits to public sector workers, councils and train drivers, paving the way for a four-day working week and a huge increase in pay, it punishes and punishes the suppression of the private sector by high taxes and an increase in National Insurance contributions. Many smaller businesses will close and others will leave the UK or begin to lay off large numbers of workers in order to survive. This, in turn, will increase the number of unemployed people, reduce productivity and have a negative impact on the economy. I seriously doubt this woman who seems delusional will listen, but I respect these companies for making themselves heard in a country that increasingly stifles free speech and the voices of ordinary citizens and workers who deserve better.
smile of the week
Journalists are supposed to be made of tough stuff and take incoming news with luck. Not so at The Guardian, it seems, where journalists of my generation used to be satirical, strong and unapproachable but have now become weeping, fearful weeds. In what I honestly thought was a joke letter, Guardian editor Katherine Vine advised reporters in case Donald Trump’s election victory ‘concerns them’. Honestly, what kind of pathetic, spineless bush are they breeding in the UK? Regardless of the political colors of the media, reporters are there to do their job and report the news whether they like it or not. They are not meant to sit at their desks like a bunch of whiners and whiners. I pray that you can deal with the problems in your own life if you can’t even write about the result of a political election. A friend at the BBC couldn’t wait to send me the story, telling me he too thought it was a hoax until it was proven.
Years ago, I had the bright idea to apply to train as a BBC news reporter and I did very well in the graduate entrance programme, tests and interviews until I reached the final stage. The panel of male journalists in front of me asked me if I would be willing to knock on the door of a grieving mother for an interview about the death of her son in a car accident. I thought about it for a few minutes and had a revelation. I knew he would hate the idea of doing something so frivolous and inhumane, and I told him so. I had no stomach for such oppression and inhumanity. I would rather lose the history. My advisor on the panel was shaking his head at me, but I was happy. I had made it to the final interview only to realize that I didn’t really want the job at all.
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2024-11-18 12:38:00
#Challenges #freedom #expression #suppression #culture #universities #economic #tensions
Do you believe that cancel culture on university campuses is a significant issue, and if so, how can it be addressed?
What are the potential consequences of suppressing free speech and expression in higher education institutions, both in terms of the academic environment and society at large?
In your opinion, have you seen evidence of economic tensions as a result of the recent UK budget proposals? How might these tensions impact businesses and workers across different sectors?
How should governments strike a balance between providing public services and supporting businesses during times of economic uncertainty?
Given the recent events involving farmers’ protests and their concerns over taxation, what role should the government play in supporting or regulating British agriculture?
As journalists, how do you navigate the challenges of reporting on sensitive topics or events that may evoke strong emotions or reactions from readers or viewers? What ethical considerations come into play?
