In this episode M.T. Is joined my podcaster, Chris Williamson. They talk about maintaining authenticity as you navigate an increasingly complex world! They discuss, productivity, personal development and politics Join in the conversation using the hashtag #CommonSensePod Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/
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We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
M.T. is joined by award-winning poet, rapper, author and podcaster Nego True as they discuss the weeks biggest news and creativity. You can join the conversation using the hashtag #LTCS Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/
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We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
A long-awaited report commissioned in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement has concluded, controversially, that there is no evidence of “institutional racism” in the UK. While the study, led by Dr Tony Sewell, chair of the Commission on Race and Ethnic disparities, found there was evidence that “overt” prejudice exists, it ruled that there was no proof that it was structural. Mike is joined by Political commentator Femi Sorry as they discuss whether the UK is Institutionally Racist Join in the conversation online using #LTCS Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/
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We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
In this episode, Mike is joined by political commentator DISUNOMICS as they look at the Governments vaccine roll-out programme, Black conservatism and Labour leadership Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/
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We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
As we approach the one year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, Mike is joined by Policy Officer, Social Action Youth Worker and campaigner Busayo Twins to explore how things have progressed in the UK, one year on! Join the conversation online using the hashtag #LTCS Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/
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We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
In this episode, M.T. is joined by A tinkerer and strategist who traded Corporate Law for tech. David Elikwu is a serial-entrepreneur unreasonably obsessed with learning more and living better. They discuss personal development in lockdown and being better! Join the conversation online using the hashtag #LTCS Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/
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We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
Digital Strategist and YouTuber Josiah Hyacinth (mr200m) has been on our screens for years now. in this episode, we talk about the pros and cons of living a life online and the future of the influencer economy Join the discussion online with the hashtag #LTCS Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/
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We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
For many of us, Lockdown wasn’t just a government policy, it was a direct attack on our wallets. Today Mike is joined by Lockdown has Author & Financial Wellness Coach Bola Sol as they talk current affairs and all things personal finance. You can join in the conversation online using the hashtag #LTCS Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/
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We are an independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
The chief medical officer for England, Prof Chris Whitty, warns the next few weeks will be “the worst” of the pandemic. Expects have been making the argument that we need tougher COVID restrictions like closing nurseries, limiting exercise to 1 hour a day and more! Today Mike is joined by Student Torrin Joshua as they consider what to make of these potential tougher lockdowns. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #LTCS Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/ _____________
We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
Happy New Year folks! In this special episode of Lets Talk Common Sense, we take a look at some of the exciting developments that could happen this year in the world of news. Mike is joined by Common Sense editor Afshan D’souza-Lodhi. They also discuss whether we need the police today. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #LTCS Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/
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We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
This is a very important week for countries around the world as we all hold our breath and watch the inauguration of Joe Biden! This week Mike is joined by DISUNOMICS to discuss current affairs, foreign affairs and food. runs a platform all about making economics relevant, relatable & entertaining to the general public! Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free – https://csnetwork.substack.com/
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We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
In this episode, Mike is joined by social media personality and broadcaster MannyAde. They discuss growing up, social media and value. We also take a look at a new memo written by Gordon Brown which says he fears that the UK may become a failed state You can join the conversation online using the hashtag #LTCS Like what you watched?
We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story….
The purpose behind activism is to bring about political or social change for an array of causes.
Over the last 12 months, we have seen an uptake of such action, having been sparked by the protests of the Black Lives Matter movement after the death of George Floyd.
Many took to the streets across the world to fight for black lives to matter, and it was estimated that between 15 to 25 million people in the United States took part in such demonstrations.
However, online forms of activism were also very noticeable during such times, and some could argue these forms of activism were more central than the protests themselves. These forms of activism can be seen through the spreading of infographics on social media platforms. Since June 2020, more and more issues have come into the spotlight through such means. These issues include SARS in Nigeria, the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana, the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. The way we have seen these issues enter the public conscious has showcased a massive change in the way activism operates.
Before social media and even to the extent of technology, activism was very one dimensional. If you wanted to encourage political or social change before social media, this was generally through protests, strikes and stage ins. The most notable types of movements that used these methods were the Civil Rights Movement during the 50s and 60s, aiming to gain equal rights for Black Americans. Before that, we had the Suffragette movement using various ways to try and achieve the vote for women in the United Kingdom.
Decades later, we now live in a completely different time regarding the way activism operates. As social media has grown in its prominence, all aspects of our lives are becoming digitalised, and this includes our activism. Activism is no longer one dimensional, as there are now various new ways to promote change within a particular issue. Gil Scott-Heron, a musician and poet, said back in 1971 that “the revolution will not be televised”. But because we are seeing more and more activism becoming televised, potentially his words are being disproven. We are now witnessing camera footage at protests, online petitions gaining lots of signatures and infographics on social media, suggesting that potentially this “revolution” is being televised.
In doing so, it has made a significant impact on activism and the ideas surrounding it.
The question then becomes what is the effect of such a transition of activism?
Daneille Guthrie, Co-Founder of IN.Society, which advocates for racial equality and promotes activism within the United Kingdom, had this to say when asked about the use of infographics and how this has affected activism.
“Digital activism, particularly social media, played an important role in enabling people affected by societal, political and economic issues to create international awareness and even international response. Whilst digital activism is not a new form of activism, there was an international trend of infographics used during the pandemic to not only educate but present call-to-actions, which appeared to be quite impactful when done so responsibly. The thing is, activism will never stop where there is an issue affecting communities which requires attention and response. Digital media is a powerful tool today to connect globally and immediately. The growth in digital activism symbolises how activism can be done in various ways, especially as traditional protesting worldwide is under attack, including in the UK with the Policing Bill.”
Daneille Guthrie, Co-Founder of IN.Society
Because of this transition to online means, anyone with a social media account can participate in political and social change, as there is zero cost of setting up a social media account. There is also no cost in creating infographics and creating posts about issues that the person may feel needs to be addressed. In that sense, one could argue we see this democratisation of activism where anyone can be an activist. It also changes the original purpose behind social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. These platforms were seen as apolitical spaces, but have now become politicised thanks to online activism. Some would argue that this is beneficial for those who want to advocate for change, but others would disagree. Critics could say that these social media platforms are not designed for such purposes, some going as far as to suggest that online platforms do not have the suitable functions to operate as a political platform.
There is also the danger that some forms of online activism like infographics can run the risk of oversimplifying complex issues. Last summer, when there was masses of information about racism and social inequality being shared, Eve Ewing, a writer and sociologist, did a post about people behind these infographics oversimplifying complex ideas. She noted that doing so misses critical elements of information that people should be aware of when advocating for a particular issue. Not only that but there is a higher chance of such infographics spreading misinformation.
Jack Street, the co-director at the Demographica Network, an independent media outlet in the United Kingdom, suggested that “whilst infographics can be powerful and provide an accessible way for people to share information, it is crucial that organisations present information that is accurate and constructive.”
As much as there is debate around the use of infographics and any other forms of activism that is becoming used online, what is for sure is that we are in a new age of activism.
But we are left wondering if this type of activism addresses society’s political and social issues or if this kind of activism is just virtue signalling with limited impact.
As we enter this new age of activism, these kinds of questions are important to maintaining the integrity of not only activism, but the issues.
A bill has been proposed to fine universities if they fail to protect free speech on their grounds.
The Freedom of Speech Bill is one of the many pieces of legislation announced in the recent Queen’s Speech in parliament last week. This bill has considerable consequences around the subject of free speech on university grounds. There has been a debate about if right-wing thought has been restricted on university grounds, with some suggesting that this has occurred while some dispute this. The government has been on the side of suggesting that there has been a crisis in free speech within these institutions and that right-wing thought has been under attack.
Under this proposed bill, there will be new freedom of speech and academic duties placed on universities and, for the first time, student unions. This means that if students, academics or visiting speakers feel that their right to free speech has been breached, they can seek compensation through legal action. The Office for Students would then have the power to impose fines on these institutions if they have breached these rules.
Our legal system allows us to articulate views which others may disagree with as long as they don’t meet the threshold of hate speech or inciting violence – this must be defended, nowhere more so than within our world-renowned universities. Holding universities to account on the importance of freedom of speech in higher education is a milestone moment in fulfilling our manifesto commitment, protecting the rights of students and academics, and countering the chilling effect of censorship on campus once and for all.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson
These proposals come after there has been an upsurge in reporting of speakers not being allowed on campuses. Selina Todd, Carl Benjamin, Amber Rudd and Jordon Peterson have either been sacked, expelled, de-platformed, or physically intimated due to their views. Students have also been bullied because of their viewpoints. In December 2017, a student from Kent said on a radio interview that it was harder to come out as a Tory than to come out as gay. The government hopes that these proposals can strengthen current regulations on speech and help students and staff put forward their viewpoints without the risk of them losing their jobs and feeling intimidated.
However, many of those associated with universities feel there are already guidelines that protect free speech on these complexes. The National Union of Students has said that there is “no evidence” of a crisis in free speech on university campuses. Gavin Williamson has recently received a letter from the leaders of Index on Censorship, English PEN and Article 19 saying that the proposed changes “may have the inverse effect of further limiting what is deemed ‘acceptable’ speech on campus.”
I'm appalled that yesterday on Radio 4, the Universities Minister Michelle Donelan explicitly stated that Holocaust denial would be protected under new campus free speech proposals.
Today, I raised a Point of Order in the house: Holocaust denial should never be protected speech. pic.twitter.com/XCbZ5rAm45
The announcement law has created controversy, and the question is, what do our journalists think about this proposed law and the broader debate about if right-wing thought is being censored on university campuses.
Free speech on university campuses has been dwindling for years, and it’s about time that ‘cancel culture’ is challenged and proactively fought against.
Whilst the law isn’t perfect by any means, this landmark legislation should help to combat increasingly intolerant attitudes towards university students and invited speakers, who dare to make remarks that do not fit the ‘woke’ status quo.
It would be a dangerous misnomer to suggest or imply that free speech on university campuses isn’t under attack. There have been several – in fact over one hundred – cases where students and speakers have been ‘no-platformed.
Professor Jordan Peterson, clinical psychologist, had an offer of visiting fellowship rescinded in 2019 after the student union complained his views ‘were not representative of the student body.’
Jordan Peterson resists Bill C-16, which would mandate chosen gender pronoun recognition in Canada.
Peterson rose to fame when he challenged Canadian legislators over compelled speech laws, which would require people on campus to use a trans person’s preferred pronouns.
Dame Jenni Murray, former Women’s Hour presenter, was forced to pull out of an Oxford University talk after she made ‘transphobic’ comments in 2017. She said ‘be trans, be proud – but don’t call yourself a real woman’.
Fundamentally, to ‘cancel’ somebody because they do not conform to a certain ideology or belief system is censorship. Ironically, the very people who claim to be ‘tolerant’ morph into the most bigoted and intolerant people when it comes to ideas they don’t like.
‘If we lose the right to have an opinion, the right to respect other opinions, then ultimately democracy dies. It’s the bedrock of democracy…..you then become something different, you become a totalitarian state run by an illiberal mob, who are the new fascists. Is that what anybody wants? Do liberals want that?
Piers Morgan, journalist and former Good Morning Britain presenter, talking to Tucker Carlson on FOX News
There is a laughable irony about a culture, which prides itself on being morally superior to others by labelling itself ‘tolerant’ and ‘anti-fascist’, that deploys tactics used by actual fascists to shut down debate and discussion.
It’s also important to remember that cancel culture respects no political affiliation. For the time being, it seems to be conservative voices being stifled, but the nature of cancel culture is that it will eventually come for the left too.
Journalist Peter Hitchens and author Nels Abbey debate cancel culture. Video credit: Channel 4 News
If there was ever a place for a person to go where their ideas and perspectives are scrutinised, challenged and questioned, it’s university. University is supposed to teach you HOW to think, not WHAT to think.
Therefore, to ban ideas that do not fit in to a certain narrative defeats the purpose of a university in the first place.
Consequently, a place where you’re taught what to think – as opposed to how to think – can no longer be called a place of education, but rather indoctrination.
It’s a shame that such a law needs to exist in the first place, but it’s necessary. As a society, we cannot idly sit by and watch our universities cease to be.
Freedom of speech needs to be safeguarded; therefore cancel culture is due a reckoning.
The real crisis in university is health, not free speech.
Universities are grand institutions that allow a marketplace of ideas. Over the last few years, there have been stories about this ideal coming under attack from a wave of de-platforming, censorship and wokeism. But the question we should all be asking ourselves is, do these stories equate to a crisis in free speech, or is this all overblown?
The answer is the latter.
In 2017-2018, out of more than 62,000 requests by students for external speakers, only 53 were rejected by a student union or university. That is less than 0.1%. In 2018, a joint committee of MP’s found that the claims of a free speech crisis on campus had been “exaggerated” and that the inquiry did not find “the wholesale censorship of debate” that the media was suggesting. But somehow, the likes of the government and the media think that university campuses have turned into authoritarian regimes. This is despite there being a higher chance of being hit a car than a speaker being rejected to speak on university grounds.
And while the government tries to propose this new free speech law, an actual crisis is going on within university grounds. That crisis is the well-being of students. Students have been experiencing suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety and burnout for many years, and these experiences have been compounded even more by the pandemic. Dr Tim Bono spoke about this crisis in his recent TEDx talk and how there is an urgent need to address this issue. But governments like ourselves spend more time making up a crisis about free speech to please the right-wing intellect of the so-called “culture war” over the wellbeing of students.
If the government cares about the student experience, it should spend more time addressing the health concerns of students, not speech.
TEDX Talk done by Dr. Tim Bono about student mental health
