Squelching Thought
Hedges and Chomsky both complain about the education system of the universities being neo-liberal proponents of the free market schema that tell students what to think instead of how to…
Marie Snyder
On Thinking
I’m not even talking about critical thinking here, just plain ol’ thinking. It’s funny how many seem unable or unwilling to do it. While I was in a discussion group…
Cassandra’s Curse
Climate scientists are reporting higher incidents of depression. It could be from living like the mythological Cassandra, who had the gift of prophecy but was cursed by Apollo for refusing…
Mad Max: Reality Road
It was so close. First, a mini-comparison: It wasn’t as gripping and shocking as the original Road Warrior, and my son called it before we went in: more explosions and…
On Privilege
I saw Chris Hedges speak again at the Tommy Douglas Institute / Community Worker Program followed by smaller discussion groups. I was so pleased that he doesn’t have a set…
Either Side of the Fence
This brief video compilation shows Harper’s views when he was Leader of the Opposition only just over a decade ago, and at a recent press conference. Opposition Leader Stephen Harper…
On Progress
If you’re walking towards a meeting point far away, every step is progress. But if you happened to take a wrong turn, and now you’re getting further from your meeting…
It’s Just a Joke
This week wasn’t the first time I talked to my class about the FHRITP phenomenon. But the fact that one guy lost his job and another was fined $400 has…
If I May But Touch His Garment
I went to see Chris Hedges speak last night. His words brought forth a mix of devastation and elation, with some in the congregation compelled to applaud after every few…
Sex Ed Redux
The papers are full of stories about the fight for and against new sex education legislation. Wynne seems to be holding her ground this time, though, so I’m not sure…
On Misinformation
What do we do when people build their beliefs on misinformation? At least some of the people protesting the new sex ed curriculum have some shocking ideas of what Wynne…
On Helping People Get Outraged
John Oliver’s show about surveillance is a must see: Amazing, right!?! But what sticks with me most, as a teacher and an environmentalist, is this line: “Is this a conversation…
On Final Exams
A recent article in the National Post suggests that exams are passé. Joseph Brean writes, Psychologists have a quip about IQ tests — the only thing they measure is your…
The Religious Extremism of New Atheists
I wrote a tiny blurb about this over a month ago. This one is much longer and leans heavily on solid arguments from many critics – letting their words speak…
On Free Speech and Safe Spaces
Pathologizing disagreement is an intellectually dishonest way to cope with challenging arguments. It certainly doesn’t support critical thinking. It also creates a culture wherein people are afraid to express dissenting…
Criminalizing Protest
Now, legitimate protest is under threat once again. Not just overseas, in some far-off dictatorship with cockroach-infested prisons, but here, where the divide is economic and political and increasingly bitter.…
On Teaching Topics Instead of Subjects
Finland’s got one of the best education systems in the world. But it doesn’t follow that every idea they have is necessarily and entirely a good idea. And this newest…
Changing the Curriculum
Months ago, Kathleen Wynne proposed guidelines for sex ed in Ontario, and many parents are still furious. A group called Campaign Life Coalition has put quite a spin on it…
The Danger of New Atheists
I’ll be busy for the next few weeks, so this will be quick, but something I’ve been looking at in depth is a total take-down of the Sam Harris style…
This Changes Nothing
The US Senate voted that climate change is real, and many of my Facebook friends are celebrating. But I don’t think they actually read beyond the headlines on this one.…