In her second “free speech pub night” Lindsay Shepherd of The Laurier Society For Open Inquiry introduced Andrew Lawton to speak on Ideological Conformity in Politics and the Media.
Andrew Lawton is a writer, columnist, broadcaster, and former radio talk show host. With a quick wit, entertaining speaking skills, and personal anecdotes he reveals the lunacy of post-modernism and the problem with politics in both Canada and the United States.
Need to shine a light on today’s most important political and social controversies? Apparently the place to go is to the intellectual ‘dark web’ or perhaps even to the critical ‘darker’ web where disagreements abound, but honesty, a respect for free speech, and a general sincere desire to improve humanity’s condition seem to be the common ground on which its debaters stand.
In their quick review of a veritable ‘Who’s Who’ on the ‘dark web,’ Robert and Danielle highlight the contrasts and similarities among its most notable representatives – whether on the Left or Right. They include Gad Saad, Joe Rogan, Camille Paglia, Owen Benjamin, Lindsay Shepherd, Christina Hoff Somers, Douglas Murray, Dave Rubin, Jordan Peterson, Sam Harris, Ben Shapiro, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Steven Crowder, Matt Christensen – and of course, Eric Weinstein.
In his recent conversation with Dave Rubin and Jordan Peterson (Rubin Report, June 29/18), Weinstein proposed “hermaphroditic parties” that ‘combine’ elements of right and left. Of course, such a notion is one that can only emanate from the Left. But his is a ‘Left’ largely disassociated from its namesake (where no debate or discussion is permitted) – and thus finds itself, like the Right, on the so-called ‘dark web.’
Whether on the Left or Right, members of the ‘dark web’ generally tend to be united in a search for ‘truth’ through open and honest debate and discussion.
The irony of all this of course, is that in order to create the free speech environment where true alternative viewpoints can be freely discussed, it was necessary to move toward the side of the political polarity that is Just Right.
Outrageous assertions and protests surrounding the metaphysically impossible act of ‘appropriation of culture’ have recently surfaced. They range from the BBC announcement that Monty Python is ‘too white’ for today’s British TV, to the cancellation of a Montreal play (SLAV) that featured songs ‘composed by slave cultures,’ something Leftists deemed ‘an appropriation of black culture.’
Meanwhile, the Left has now invented a collective called ‘intersectional’ feminism, a form of feminism that’s all about racism. This movement has led a charge against the classic television series Sex And The City, denigrating it for portraying ‘white’ women of ‘privilege,’ and for portraying a sexual orientation that was ‘orthodox’ – meaning heterosexual.
The arts and entertainment industry is but one target on a long list under attack by political correctness. It’s a list that has included university and college campuses, now intolerant environments where challenging viewpoints are no longer being heard.
‘Cultural appropriation’ is an anti-concept used as a weapon in the Left’s arsenal of political correctness, itself yet another anti-concept. Continue reading »
Professor Rick Mehta of Acadia University recounts his concerns with feminism on campus, the “decolonization” issue, and the actions his university administrators have taken regarding his outspoken views.
We interview Professor David Haskell of Wilfrid Laurier University about his quitting a University task force created to make recommendations regarding freedom of speech on campus to the Administrators of Laurier University.
This interview followed his presentation, along with Lindsay Shepherd, to the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship’s 2018 AGM at Western University. This presentation can be found on our Youtube channel.
Lindsay Shepherd recounts her story to the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship.
With a bit of humour and a lot of grace she details the deplorable harassment she received at the hands of those who should have been her objective mentors. The personal consequences she has had to endure for standing up to her tormentors have been substantial.
In this Just Right Media exclusive video Lindsay Shepherd is interviewed by Professor David Haskell on the finer particulars of her predicament at Wilfred Laurier University. The discussion took place at the 2018 AGM of the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship and is followed by a question and answer period.
As part of a series of video presentations dealing with academic freedom and freedom of speech we present Dr. Mark Mercer, President of The Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship.
Dr. Mercer introduces SAFS, its mission, beliefs, and goals, and follows with “Honest rudeness or insincere civility.”
He is the first of four presenters at the Annual General Meeting of SAFS which took place at the University of Western Ontario on May 5, 2018.