Verbal violence

"Violence" can have many modifiers, like physical; "physical violence" is not a tautology. Can words be violent? I'd argue yes. Here's a bit of why

Problems with “stupid”

Stupid. A word I have used so many times for many years. It's easy, simple, versatile and vitriolic if you want it to be. Dismissive and gratifying. But these are also things that can be wrong with it. It's a hard habit to shake, but I think it's worth trying, or at the very least …

International Women’s Day: action

I see a lot of people and orgs starting their posts with "Happy International women's day!" (or... that's the whole post) and, well... what? The "happy!" imperative unsettles me, because, while we absolutely can and should celebrate women and women's achievements on this day, that part is a bit of a distraction/not the point, to …

“Don’t make everything political”

The BBC has decided that certain current-events reporters should not be seen to attend or tweet about certain events/issues/movements lest their "impartiality" apparently be compromised. Let's see where this goes - hopefully swiftly to the bin once unions and lawyers are through with it - but also let's talk about what impartial really means when it comes to identity.

Let’s dispose of the gender reveal party

Yet another "gender reveal party" explosion has caused massive damage to the surrounding area. Not the first, second or even fifth time - and while none have died yet, others have in similar incidents. Let's end this ridiculous trend.