The shocking rise of identity politics has shattered social unity, which seems to be unraveling like a cheap carpet. And that led to self-centred white identity
Jesus said it first but Abraham Lincoln said it best: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” We live in divisive times, with multiple challenges. But the greatest threat to our civilization is not climate change (as damaging as that may be), nor is it growing inequality or reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The astonishing divide…
What’s in a name? Apparently plenty when it comes to sports teams and imaginary slights
Irving Berlin’s song White Christmas is a classic. But if the logic of a special interest group in Winnipeg prevails, the song’s name would have to be changed to something like Grey Christmas. Black Space Winnipeg, a non-profit organization that lobbies for safe spaces for Winnipeg's black community, argues that the popular Whiteout event put…
Modern progressives see proof of social oppression around every corner. They believe society in general is to blame
The breaking point for me was Pittsburgh. This murderous act of anti-Semitic horror, when combined with the relentless breakdown in social civility, has made me face an unpalatable truth: something has gone very wrong with modern society. Our entire civilization is speeding to toward fragmentation and decay – Brexit, Donald Trump, warring political partisanship, rising…
The #MeToo movement has ushered in a revolution that discards hard-won concepts like the presumption of innocence and due process
If anyone doubted that the #MeToo movement has ushered in a revolution, the political execution of Patrick Brown should put those doubts to rest. As in all revolutions, not all the heads that fall into the basket deserve to be there – but the Madame Defarges of this world will gleefully stand by and watch.…
Emily Murphy should be celebrated for her accomplishments and how they changed Canadian society for the better, not reviled for her shortcomings
Decades ago, I remember my father complaining about “the new fashion for debunking.” But imbued with the certainty of a university freshman, I wasn’t particularly sympathetic. In retrospect, though, he had a point. I was reminded of this the other day when I came across my research notes for a decade-old historical journal essay on…
There are powerful men on Parliament Hill who are sexual predators. The #MeToo campaign should be exposing their sins
It’s hit Hollywood. It’s taken down big names in the media. All over Capitol Hill in Washington, too. So why hasn’t the #MeToo movement claimed any of the creeps crawling through Ottawa’s corridor of power? Because, God knows, there’s plenty of dirty old (and young) men up there. The stories are legion. So where is…
A recent incident at the University provides a glimpse of what the future may hold for Canadian post-secondary education – and it ain’t pretty
At one time, universities respected free speech and the exchange of different ideas. Intellectual discourse and thought-provoking debates were viewed as healthy, vibrant and treasured. Unfortunately, speech isn’t nearly as free on today’s university campuses. Intolerance of opposing philosophies, and hurt feelings among the hordes of special interest groups, have come to define modern institutions…
We must avoid using prejudicial labels against those who express opinions we may disagree with
“Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship,” said the great spiritual leader Baha’u’llah. These are certainly high ideals for any society or institution. While we’re making progress, we still have a long way to go.…
Righteous indignation and claims to victimhood are instant and valuable weapons in a world driven by social media
Once they were big. Really big. Kings of Hollywood, producers of movies that were nominated for more than 300 Oscars. But when their founder was outed as the captain of the American freestyle groping team, The Weinstein Company’s name became toxic: board members resigned, industry players rushed to disassociate themselves from the firm, and the…
With a whole industry made up of people ready to points fingers, it is getting harder and harder to pick one
Halloween is fast approaching and it’s time for parents to ask themselves an important question: How offensive do I want my child’s costume to be? As children prepare to take to the streets to beg for obesity-producing and tooth-decaying treats, they should also be prepared to be judged on their political correctness. There’s a whole…
Jesus said it first but Abraham Lincoln said it best: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” We live in divisive times, with multiple challenges. But the greatest threat to our civilization is not climate change (as damaging as that may be), nor is it growing inequality or reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The astonishing divide…
