When Professor Peter Nolan warned against debating the plight of the Uighurs or the suppression of democracy in Hong Kong at Jesus College, Cambridge, he exposed the impact of China’s growing influence in UK universities. In comments, Nolan, the director of the college’s China Centre, advised colleagues to avoid contentious issues on China’s human rights record… Continue reading Sep 2021. China and UK Universities
Category: Society and Culture
Patriotism Part 27
Britain may briefly have felt patriotic in 2012, when Jubilee parties and the London Olympics stirred a dormant pride, but even in the past decade there’s been a significant drop in patriotism, and when YouGov tested the nation on the ‘Life in the UK’ exam that all aspiring immigrants must pass to gain citizenship, 51%… Continue reading Patriotism Part 27
Sep 2001. The Burning of Books
On May 10, 1933, the German Student Union burned thousands of books in squares -the Berlin Opera, presided over by Goebbels. 88 years later in Canada, at the initiative of the Providence Catholic School Council, 5,000 books and comics – including Lucky Lucke, Tintin or Asterix – have been burned or destroyed to reconcile with… Continue reading Sep 2001. The Burning of Books
Sep 2021. 9 11 Twenty Years On
In the spot where the Twin Towers once stood, there is now a calmness – a peace in the heart of New York City. The only sound is water, cascading endlessly into two vast square voids, one for each tower. They are voids that will never be filled, representing holes for so many who mourn… Continue reading Sep 2021. 9 11 Twenty Years On
Sep 2021. The Changing of Words
Have you noticed how our language is changing? At a congressional hearing on “Birthing While Black,” nearly every politician used the words “birthing people” instead of “women” or “mothers.” Asked why, Shalanda Young, President Joe Biden’s budget director, said, “Our language needs to be more inclusive.” Activists have also changed “equality” to “equity” and “affirmative… Continue reading Sep 2021. The Changing of Words
Sep 2021. Remembering 9 11
It’s hard to fathom that teens now entering college — or serving in the armed forces — were not yet born on that unforgettable Tuesday morning. Nearly 3,000 people died in Manhattan, at the Pentagon and in a Pennsylvania field on September 11, 2001, in what remains the deadliest act of terrorism in history. To… Continue reading Sep 2021. Remembering 9 11
Sep 2021. The Guantanimo Bay Trials
This grim anniversary has meant renewed focus on the five suspects in detention accused of involvement in the 9/11 attacks. The men, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, have all appeared in court in Guantanamo Bay this week after an 18 month hiatus in pre-trial hearings caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Behind the glass in the viewing… Continue reading Sep 2021. The Guantanimo Bay Trials
Sep 2021. Migrants crossing the Channel
It’s a hot day in Kent with calm waters lapping the shore off the shortest sea span between England and France. These are perfect conditions to move migrants across the world’s busiest shipping lane to where they hope to make a home. In the early mornings locals say they see people – even pregnant women… Continue reading Sep 2021. Migrants crossing the Channel
Child Abuse Part 1
Some specific types of physical child abuse are – Shaken Baby Syndrome – Shaking a baby or toddler can cause serious head injuries. Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome – Inducing medical illness in a child or wrongly convincing others that a child is sick is both dangerous and abusive. Drug use during pregnancy – Drug and… Continue reading Child Abuse Part 1
The Threat of Woke Part 1
Boris Johnson has been urged to defend Britain from the “profound threat” and fight back against Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter protesters. A group of Tory MPs have urged the Prime Minister to fight back against the “woke warriors” in a new manifesto. The pamphlet, released by the Common Sense Group, called on Mr… Continue reading The Threat of Woke Part 1