Quick articles...

I stuck in Devon, and there is not much internet here (this bout of blogging is sponsored by Weatherspoons, Exeter, and their amazing 'all the coffee you can drink before 2pm' challenge). There are several articles I want to write - not that they matter, but they might give some clarity to the context of my ponderings on theatre and life and that. 

I don't have time, so I shall slap up the headlines and a brief summary here. 

THE STATUE OF RHODES IN OXFORD BETTER NOT BE REMOVED
That way, it can be a daily reminder to students and academics that their privilege is based on the activities of shady geezers. Removing it only serves to white-wash history and allow the establishment to pretend that it is either neutral or unalloyed philanthropy.

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO CLASS ANALYSIS?
The SWP is currently obsessed with Islamophobia - an odd preoccupation for an organisation that hasn't had time for religion in the past. Class analysis ispainfully unfashionable, even as the Marxism of the Frankfurters is dominant in establishment cultural theory.

WHY I LOVE THOUSAND FLOWERS.

STOP USING THE PHRASE 'RAPE CULTURE' CASUALLY
As it goes, I believe that rape cultures exist, and are defined by a society that does not recognise rape as a crime, or as a minor matter. However, it is not an alternative term for patriarchy, and using rape to mean anything other than sexual activity without the consent of any single person involved undermines the severity of the crime. Would contain references to actual rape cultures that exist. 

FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS NOT UNDER ATTACK BY 'SNOWFLAKES'
Yes, I know, I am all about freedom of speech. But the plethora of articles about individuals no-platforming or banning speakers at Universities are anecdotes, not data. For example, the no-platforming of Peter Thatchell (a really great chap, all round), was actually one student complaining. Trying to connect this into a narrative might be an attempt by the right wing to polarise opinion, and helps create the embattled mentality that leads to extremism.

YOU ARE WRONG
Just that. So am I, for that matter.