Latest news with #JudithButler
Middle East Eye
4 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Leading global academics denounce UK's Palestine Action ban
Scores of leading global academics have signed an open letter denouncing the British government's ban on direct action group Palestine Action as an "attack on fundamental freedoms". The letter, published in the Guardian on Wednesday, was signed by 52 intellectuals including Judith Butler, Tariq Ali, Angela Davis, Naomi Klein, Rashid Khalidi, Avi Shlaim and Ilan Pappe among others. "As scholars dedicated to questions of justice and ethics, we believe that Yvette Cooper's recent proscription of Palestine Action represents an attack both on the entire pro-Palestine movement and on fundamental freedoms of expression, association, assembly and protest," the letter reads. "We deplore the repressive consequences that this ban has already had, and are especially concerned about the likely impact of Cooper's ban on universities across the UK and beyond." The letter further says: "We therefore applaud the growing campaign of collective defiance that aims to overturn the ban." New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters British officials proscribed Palestine Action under anti-terror laws on 4 July. The move followed an incident in which members broke into RAF Brize Norton and spray-painted two planes they said were 'used for military operations in Gaza and across the Middle East". 'Ending flow of weapons' Since Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation, more than 200 people have been arrested - including priests, vicars and former magistrates - after they were deemed by police officers to have expressed support for the group. Supporting the group is now a criminal offence, as is inviting or "recklessly" expressing "support for the group'. Those found guilty of supporting or inviting support for the group can face up to 14 years in prison under the Terrorism Act 2000. The letter praises those campaigning against Palestine Action's proscription, saying: "In alliance with thousands of trade unionists, teachers and students throughout the UK and abroad, we affirm our own solidarity with all those who are campaigning against the proscription. Peer sought to 'influence' Palestine Action case on behalf of US company Read More » "We fully share the aim of ending the flow of weapons from Britain to Israel and the belief that all participants in the pro-Palestine movement should be free to make our own decisions about how best to achieve that goal." Last week a High Court Judge ruled in favour of Palestine Action and granted the direct action group a judicial review to oppose the UK government's ban on the group. The ruling marks a setback for the government, which has faced escalating criticism over its handling of the proscription and concerns that the ban on the group could be used to stifle criticism of Israel and the right to protest. The letter declares: "As the organisers of massive national demonstrations face prosecution, as hundreds of people again risk arrest by joining street protests on 9 August, and as students and teachers prepare for the start of another turbulent academic year, we express our full solidarity with those mobilising on their campuses or in their workplaces and communities to put an immediate stop to the escalating genocide and to end all UK complicity with Israel's crimes."
The Guardian
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Blind date: ‘He told me off for looking at my phone'
What were you hoping for? A lot of good food and for the evening not to turn into an edition of Dining Across the impressions? Blond! Blue eyes!What did you talk about? The Bible. Judith Butler. Susan Sontag. Patti LuPone. Poetry. Squash. Musicals. Deciding whether or not to name our Pokémon (I'm pro). The cookbook club I'm in. The scavenger hunt I went on before our date. The awkward moment? When we exchanged numbers, I glimpsed his contact list. The moniker that was above my name is not suitable for publication. (We laughed about it!)Good table manners? Faultless. We ordered lots and shared thing about Eden? He has a poet's you introduce Eden to your friends? Eden in three words Cool, calm and do you think Eden made of you? Probably that I'm excitable and garrulous. He said I was 'erudite'. Blind date is Saturday's dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at every Saturday. It's been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together questions will I be asked?We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what's on your mind. Can I choose who I match with?No, it's a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be. Can I pick the photograph?No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones. What personal details will appear?Your first name, job and age. How should I answer?Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online. Will I see the other person's answers?No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details. Will you find me The One?We'll try! Marriage! Babies! Can I do it in my home town?Only if it's in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere. How to applyEmail Did you go on somewhere? He had to get up early the next day to go on a boat trip, so we didn't. And … did you kiss? On the street? If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be? Eden was trying to remember one of Stephen Sondheim's songs (Could I Leave You? from Follies). Despite me insisting, he'd only do bits of the tune, and sotto voce, so I could hardly hear him! We'll need to turn the volume up next time. Marks out of 10? 7. Would you meet again? We plan to. What were you hoping for? I would've been happy with a free meal, but I was hoping for a new connection. First impressions? Good hug when I arrived. He wanted to order nearly everything on the menu, so we did, and I liked that. He seemed a bit nervous at first, but I was too, so that wasn't a problem. What did you talk about? Lorde. Mitski. Susan Sontag. Performance poetry. The concept of self-esteem. And a nice bit of gossiping. Most awkward moment? Probably when he told me off for looking at my phone. Good table manners? No criticisms here. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Best thing about Tope? His laugh. I liked his sense of humour; I couldn't predict when he would find something funny, but when he did he really did. Would you introduce Tope to your friends?I would. In fact, I texted a friend on the way home saying I think they'd get on. Describe Tope in three wordsInterested and interesting. What do you think Tope made of you? I think he'd like to get to know me better. I don't think he fancies me that much though. Did you go on somewhere? No, but we stayed talking in the restaurant until very late. And … did you kiss? I never kiss on a first date … If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be? I wouldn't have ordered the prawns. Marks out of 10? 8. Would you meet again? Yes. Tope and Eden ate at Kricket Shoreditch, London EC2. Fancy a blind date? Email
The Guardian
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Blind date: ‘He told me off for looking at my phone'
What were you hoping for? A lot of good food and for the evening not to turn into an edition of Dining Across the impressions? Blond! Blue eyes!What did you talk about? The Bible. Judith Butler. Susan Sontag. Patti LuPone. Poetry. Squash. Musicals. Deciding whether or not to name our Pokémon (I'm pro). The cookbook club I'm in. The scavenger hunt I went on before our date. The awkward moment? When we exchanged numbers, I glimpsed his contact list. The moniker that was above my name is not suitable for publication. (We laughed about it!)Good table manners? Faultless. We ordered lots and shared thing about Eden? He has a poet's you introduce Eden to your friends? Eden in three words Cool, calm and do you think Eden made of you? Probably that I'm excitable and garrulous. He said I was 'erudite'. Blind date is Saturday's dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at every Saturday. It's been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together questions will I be asked?We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what's on your mind. Can I choose who I match with?No, it's a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be. Can I pick the photograph?No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones. What personal details will appear?Your first name, job and age. How should I answer?Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online. Will I see the other person's answers?No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details. Will you find me The One?We'll try! Marriage! Babies! Can I do it in my home town?Only if it's in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere. How to applyEmail Did you go on somewhere? He had to get up early the next day to go on a boat trip, so we didn't. And … did you kiss? On the street? If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be? Eden was trying to remember one of Stephen Sondheim's songs (Could I Leave You? from Follies). Despite me insisting, he'd only do bits of the tune, and sotto voce, so I could hardly hear him! We'll need to turn the volume up next time. Marks out of 10? 7. Would you meet again? We plan to. What were you hoping for? I would've been happy with a free meal, but I was hoping for a new connection. First impressions? Good hug when I arrived. He wanted to order nearly everything on the menu, so we did, and I liked that. He seemed a bit nervous at first, but I was too, so that wasn't a problem. What did you talk about? Lorde. Mitski. Susan Sontag. Performance poetry. The concept of self-esteem. And a nice bit of gossiping. Most awkward moment? Probably when he told me off for looking at my phone. Good table manners? No criticisms here. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Best thing about Tope? His laugh. I liked his sense of humour; I couldn't predict when he would find something funny, but when he did he really did. Would you introduce Tope to your friends?I would. In fact, I texted a friend on the way home saying I think they'd get on. Describe Tope in three wordsInterested and interesting. What do you think Tope made of you? I think he'd like to get to know me better. I don't think he fancies me that much though. Did you go on somewhere? No, but we stayed talking in the restaurant until very late. And … did you kiss? I never kiss on a first date … If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be? I wouldn't have ordered the prawns. Marks out of 10? 8. Would you meet again? Yes. Tope and Eden ate at Kricket Shoreditch, London EC2. Fancy a blind date? Email
CBS News
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Bay Area Book Festival holds Bookworm Block Party for second day in Berkeley
The 2025 Bay Area Book Festival kicked off its last day on Sunday in downtown Berkeley. Here's what to know The festival begins at 11 a.m. in downtown Berkeley and will have several free events for people to attend until 5 p.m. The two big events of the day, which will each have several things for attendees to see and do throughout the day, are the Bookworm Block Party and Inside Ideas. The Bookworm Block Party, formerly the outdoor fair, spreads across five areas, including three stages. There will be live presentations, local food trucks, and literary-themed exhibitors BART Plaza Stage, 2170 Shattuck Avenue Poetry Stage Kittredge, Street and Harold Way Family Stage Allston Way, and Milvia Street Health in Community Row, Allston Way Small Press Alley, Allston Way Inside Ideas has six indoor stages where there will be a variety of panels with topics such as fiction, essay discussions, tech, and romantasy. Brown Center, 2150 Allston Way. Two stages: the Goldman Theater and Tamalpais Room Hotel Shattuck Ballroom, Crystal Ballroom and Courtyard, 2086 Allston Way The Marsh Berkeley 2120 Allston Way. Also has two stages The headliners will speak at two ticketed events that take place at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Ticketed events Who's Afraid of Gender with Judith Butler, Micha Cardenas and MK Chavez takes place at 5:30 at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison Street. The 7:30 p.m. event, Portable Intersectionality: Roxane Gay in conversation with Alicia Garza, will also be at Freight and Salvage. How to get to the Bay Area Book Festival Taking BART to the Downtown Berkeley station will drop riders off right next to the festival. There are also other transit options, with the 51B, 79 , 67 and 7 line all near the festival.
Irish Examiner
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Suzanne Harrington: Trans women are not a threat — there is plenty of room for all
Outside the Houses of Parliament in London last weekend, an unplanned gathering happened. It was huge. Police weren't prepared, roads hadn't been closed off, yet people were pouring out of Westminster station in their hundreds, their thousands. Pink blue and white flags fluttered in the breeze, as trans people gathered, surrounded by their allies. There were a lot of allies — friends, families, loved ones, gay people, straight people, non-binary people — with not as much as a microphone between them. There'd been no time to organise. Just a shout-out on social media to turn up, to show support for the fact that two days earlier, a judge had decided that in the UK, trans people no longer legally exist. People who have been living peacefully as women were now legally men, and vice versa. Like the lady standing in front of me, whose passport, driving licence, health and credit records are all registered as female, because she's lived as a woman for decades. Except now she's legally a man. She might as well be legally a hatstand or a banana. Other women, who identify as TERFs, have been celebrating this judgment. They have been worried that women like the trans woman standing in front of me, in her floral dress with her legal paperwork, will bombard and overrun female spaces, posing a danger to all women. That trans women are dangerous and invasive to cis women, like Japanese knotweed in gardens. A genuine threat. This is genuinely baffling. Trans men and women are estimated to be between 0.44% and 0.55% of any given population. They are a micro minority. Yet these other women, the ones who identify as TERFs, are overjoyed to have caused the legal erasure of this tiny group, a minority statistically far more likely to be on the wrong end of discrimination and male violence than cis women. How is this a cause for celebration? TERF stands for Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist, but there is nothing radical or feminist about othering and excluding, about making another person a non-being. It's not feminism, says feminist philosopher Judith Butler — it's fascism: 'Once you decide that a single vulnerable minority can be sacrificed, you're operating within a fascist logic. That means there might be a second one you're willing to sacrifice, and a third, a fourth. Then what happens?' Perhaps women who identify as TERFs are getting trans women confused with the real threat to all women; the violent men who assault, rape and murder us all, day in, day out, year in, year out. Also – and here again is the utter illogicality of the UK's legal ruling — do TERFs want trans men in the Ladies, as we send trans women to the Gents? Who polices this? Who gatekeeps? Will they be scanning genitalia at the door? Because that's what this ruling decrees. Outside the Houses of Parliament, amid the fluttering flags and people hugging each other, a large square of turf is surrounded by crash barriers, so that everyone is squashed onto narrow pavements. In a moment of exquisite symbolism, a lone woman carrying a trans flag moves a barrier, opening the space for everyone. Everyone files peacefully onto the turf. Nothing bad happens. There is plenty of room for all.
