These days I feel blessed. It’s been ten or twelve years since the global financial crash and although there is still the memory of its worst days in my mind, mostly it’s only a shadow now. The roads as I drove around the city over the last few days, reminded me of that time. Although […]
Welcome to the article category society and culture. Read articles and essays on the the role of work in society and culture over the centuries
Coronavirus: The Human Game Has Irrevocably Changed
I’ve had a problem with crowds as long as I can remember — I can’t stand them. Football matches, supermarkets, cinemas, shopping centres, etc. They drive me crazy. Not because I’m anxious around people or socially awkward, but rather because masses of people in crowds seem to forgo their individuality and behave like automatons. On the […]
Things You Can Do In A Crisis
These are strange times — or rather, they are unfamiliar. Current economic and social conditions stand out from what we would call normality, like a pimple on the end of a nose.
Engineering Consent, Eating Paleo & The New Studio
This week on Sunday Letters I’m discussing the subject of propaganda, of public relations. I’m looking at the practice undertaken by corporations and governments the world over to engineer the consent of the masses towards their aims. Download the 1928 book titled; Propaganda, by the controversial figure, Edward L. Bernays.
Fuck: Linguistic Taboo Or Legitimate Expression?
The word “fuck” is emotive. Associations people hold with the word often mean it causes an affront to their morality and ethical ideas around the proper use of language. I heard it said that writers who use fuck in their work have little inherent ability.
Challenging Authority: The Creative Imperative
Challenging authority at all levels is vital in our building of a healthy society. And for the creative, there is hardly a greater imperative. In systems of education, national and local government, in work environments, sports clubs and organisations. Wherever there are those who would assume authority over others there must be those who are willing to challenge them no matter what.
The New Religion & The Righteous Menace
There’s a new religion taking hold. In fact, there are many of them, lurking in the minds of righteous and well-meaning people. In my country, Ireland, the unobstructed march of the righteous, initially well-meaning in their pursuits, ultimately brought about the exact opposite to that which they preached. The Catholic church and their unconscious disciples held high the moral benchmark for society. So high, in fact, none of us could reach it.