Articles on Free Speech

Identity Crisis: Does Public Shaming Work?

Identity Crisis: Does Public Shaming Work?

ARTICLE

Identity Crisis-public shamingPublic shame has been a method of social control since the beginning of human societies and shame is described by some psychologists as a “survival emotion.” Today, public shaming is often used to discourage unwanted behaviors or ideas ranging from the genuinely awful (sexual assault) to the questionable (off-color tweets from a decade ago). Thanks to the internet, public shaming is no longer limited to the stocks in the town square but can include viral videos spreading the globe in a matter of hours. The stakes are higher than ever.

How the Left Woke Up and Found Its Inner Anti-Semitism

How the Left Woke Up and Found Its Inner Anti-Semitism

ARTICLE

Antisemitic anti-immigrant cartoon, 1890The mildest of criticisms aimed at woke theology are considered literal violence by its proponents. But at the same time, the harshest slurs and insults are completely acceptable if they are deployed against individuals who are not part of what has become a protected caste. In fact, randomly tossing around words like bigot, Nazi or White supremacist is the woke sport of our age. Nazi no longer means members of the National Socialist Party of Germany in the 30s and 40s who were dedicated, above all else, to the extermination of other humans born into one particular group. For woke cultists, Nazi just means anyone who doesn’t adhere to the exact language of their catechism. It’s strange that it is necessary to say, in our modern woke world of supposed tolerance for everyone’s identity, that Jewish identity and the enduring nature of anti-Semitism are real.

Identity Crisis Episode 16: 2021—the Year of Kink-Shaming?

Identity Crisis Episode 16: 2021—the Year of Kink-Shaming?

PODCAST

This episode is about shame.

We begin with our usual segment, ICYMI—'In Case You Missed It' where we highlight some of this week's events in the gender critical world.

Then we do a deep dive into shame. Does shame play a role in encouraging people to remain silent rather than to speak out about a controversial issue? Does it have a role in helping bad ideas to disseminate?

This content is currently available only for early access to subscribers of our Patreon site. If you subscribe now you will be able to watch this episode immediately.

How to Survive Cancellation: Part 1, the Immediate Aftermath

How to Survive Cancellation: Part 1, the Immediate Aftermath

ARTICLE

How To Survive Being Cancelled - M.K. FainIn 2015, I lost my mother to suicide only a few weeks after being fired from what I believed was my dream job. At a time when I already lacked stability, I suddenly had to step up and help provide for my family.

While everyone’s situation is unique, and I’ve certainly enjoyed some privileges that have aided my ability to bounce back each time, these are the skills that have helped me survive the immediate aftermath of being cancelled.

Arty Morty: Graham Linehan’s gender blasphemy exposes the fear that stifles the trans debate

Arty Morty: Graham Linehan’s gender blasphemy exposes the fear that stifles the trans debate

ARTICLE

Arty MortyOne side — my side — starts with the foundational assumption that everyone, trans or not, is first and foremost to be treated as an individual, no more or less equally deserving of respect than any other individual, and then builds from there. Of course I understand how much sensitivity there is in the transgender community about, say, pronouns. I’m a gay man; I’m deeply embedded in the gay community. I even worked at a trans bar back in the day. But I don’t take it as religious doctrine that anyone who simply claims to be a transgender woman is one — I don’t believe in gender religion and I reserve the right to have my own beliefs about anyone — and I don’t take it as law that I have to abide anyone’s pronouns. I aim to be respectful, but it’s case-by-case, and I’m the judge.