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20/07/2008: Reality Denial — Power Dynamics > Media, Propaganda and Free Speech

When do we let our political judgements be swayed not by a rational analysis of the facts, but by self-interest, wishful thinking, superstition or just plain irrational prejudices? Whether rapid climate change is taking place and is caused by human activity is surely a matter of scientific analysis, ... (3047 words) more »

06/07/2008: Breeding Hatred — Power Dynamics > Media, Propaganda and Free Speech

One of the biggest dilemmas for environmental realists is striking the right balance between the potential infringement of human rights required to power down to a more sustainable society on one hand, and the inevitable threat to human rights if we don't take action now. Let's call this ... (2287 words) more »

27/04/2008: Rethinking Autism - Assorted notes — All in the Mind > Sociology

What is Asperger’s Anyway ?Were this personality type promoted as schizophrenia without psychosis, few parents or affected individuals would ever seek diagnosis, yet the history of the emergence of this social construct clearly demonstrates its origins in psychiatry. In little more than a decade Asperger’s has become so ... (10955 words) more »

20/04/2008: Peddling Misery - Letter to the Independent on Sunday — All in the Mind > Sociology

I refer to your piece (IoS 20/04/08) about Depression Awareness Week. We all know Alastair Campbell sold his soul to the military-industrial complex by playing a key role in preparing public opinion for the Iraqi oil grab and acting as spin-doctor-in-chief for one of this country's most mendacious ... (330 words) more »

30/03/2008: Dental Health Scandal: Playing Politics with Genes — All in the Mind > Sociology

Few empiricists would deny that both environmental and genetic factors determine subtle variations in the physical health, performance and behaviour of human beings. After repeatedly telling us that diet and lifestyle are largely to blame for the obesity epidemic, the popular media now inform that genetics plays a ... (2453 words) more »

01/12/2007: Knee Jerk Hysteria — Power Dynamics > Media, Propaganda and Free Speech

Most Sudanese citizens of all religious affiliations are desperately poor. As in most other African countries early deaths through malnutrition and disease are so rife that many just count themselves lucky to be alive, let alone benefit from the wonders of Western consumerism, fun culture and post-modern enlightenment ... (912 words) more »

23/11/2007: Blaming the Messenger — Power Dynamics > Media, Propaganda and Free Speech

Spiked Online are at it again, jumping at the chance to blame common atrocities on the spectre of green fascists. To the likes of Frank Füredi and Brendan O'Neill a green fascist is anyone who doesn't believe in their technocratic vision of unlimited human and material growth, if ... (3533 words) more »

16/11/2007: The Persuasion Industry — Power Dynamics > Media, Propaganda and Free Speech

In one way or another a growing percentage of workers in the UK are engaged in various sectors of the persuasion industry. Call it new media, education, publishing, marketing, sales, customer relations, call centres, advertising, entertainment, legal services, lobbying, consulting, advice bureaux, research institutes, awareness raising charities, they ... (704 words) more »

15/11/2007: Blair concedes Iraq Lies — Power Dynamics > Media, Propaganda and Free Speech

Information Clearing House recently republished extracts from the late Robin Cook's diaries, in which Blair concedes that Iraq could not strike the West or even nearby Israel with weapons of mass destruction. It also reveals how the initial scepticism of some New Labour Cabinet ministers in the run ... (348 words) more »

15/11/2007: On the Wrong Track — Power Dynamics > Media, Propaganda and Free Speech

A good way to dispel concern about an emerging trend is to set up a phoney debate pitting the views of social conservatives rejecting cultural change against progressive change enthusiasts, e.g. only paranoid Daily Mail readers could possibly oppose the growing encroachment of war-themed video games in mainstream ... (1151 words) more »

01/11/2007: A Numerical Paradox — Power Dynamics > Media, Propaganda and Free Speech

If we want to strike a sensible balance between individual freedom, self-realisation, social cohesion, democracy and good community relations, we should be aware these noble aims can only coexist and thrive in optimal socio-environmental conditions that have stood the test of time. For too long we have worshipped ... (4336 words) more »

16/09/2007: Straight from the Horse's Mouth — Power Dynamics > Media, Propaganda and Free Speech

"I am saddened that it is politically inconvenient to acknowledge what everyone knows: the Iraq war is largely about oil." Alan Greenspan in his memoirs. Why did the US and UK invade Iraq? Theories abound, but here are the top four: To get rid of weapons of mass destruction. To overthrow ... (2091 words) more »