Two talks on emotions and politics
Thanks to the miracle of broadband I can recommend videos of two excellent talks, both on the subject of emotions and politics. Martha Nussbaum's talk is based on her book
Hiding from Humanity: Disgust, Shame, and the Law
. You'll need Realplayer of Windows Media Player for this:
Martha Nussbaum on Shame, Stigma and PunishmentThe second talk is by Professor Tom Scheff, on emotions and politics. It is based on his work over many decades in sociology, psychology and psychiatry. You'll need Quicktime for this. (Free from apple).
Thomas Scheff on Emotions and Politics
Myers on Geldof, sheer ignorance
Kevin Myers continues in his reactionary vein by today attacking those he associates with 'Project Africa' who he accuses of self-righteousness. (This from the self righteous attacker of mothers of bastards, and more recently, of sexual libertinism).
His article brings up the usual canards about mis-spent aid, and corrupt regimes, but it is based on prejudice rather than facts. He takes on Geldof after some paragraphs of high dudgeon about the Ugandan regime. This is despite the fact that a
Mob besieged the British mission in Kampala after Geldof attacked the Ugandan regime. Myers says Geldof is not capable of discussing Africa rationally. Really? Did I mention that Geldof made his remarks on Uganda at the launch of the
Commission for Africa report, full of facts and rational coherent argument. Myers would do well to read that. It is not as simple as corruption, though this is of course an important issue to be addressed. But when the lives of millions are at stake, (when you are a journalist with a national platform) it behoves you to research some of the facts, and find out what Geldof is actuallly proposing.
Geldof was speaking the otherday at the scottish Holyrood parliament. By the miracle of broadband
available on video, once again he is inspiring.
