Latest news with #publicdiscourse
BBC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Ex-councillor warns of 'venom' in politics after attacks
A former county councillor has raised concerns over "the venom that has spread in politics" following personal attacks, blackmail attempts and damage to his car during recent Fifield served as the deputy leader of Gloucestershire County Council for the Conservatives before losing his seat earlier this said he had noticed an increase in "political outrage" since standing for election in 2017 – and said support was "non-existent" for councillors and council said it provided councillors with "comprehensive guidance and resources as part of its induction and ongoing training programme". Its leader, Lisa Spivey, said it was "not acceptable" for them to be targeted. Mr Fifield said that, during the 2024 Cheltenham Borough Council elections, his car was keyed twice while canvassing, his car window was smashed, and election leaflets were said he had also received threatening emails and aggressive notes through his letterbox, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Fifield said he believed the quality of public discourse had worsened in recent years."When I got elected in 2021, the attitude was that you must put your address on the website so people know that you're local," he said the county council now recommended its members did not put their private address online."That's indicative of what's happened," he said. 'Toxic environment' Mr Fifield said a more aggressive type of discourse had made its way into council debates."The heightening tone as part of the political outrage has become more common in recent years and it's creating a toxic environment," he Fifield believes this is putting off potential candidates."Would a councillor who was older than me, or may have had mental health challenges in the past, want to put themselves under that sort of duress?" he asked."We talk a lot about the mental health of society, but it seems we've decided that politicians don't have mental health."He said candidates in particular had "no support network" and were simply advised to report abuse issues to the Fifield added: "I think we need to have a bit more of an open discussion if we want a good mixture of people coming in to stand as councillors."
Malay Mail
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Why under-35s fall for conspiracy theories — and how to help them out of the rabbit hole — Jean-Nicolas Bordeleau
JULY 26 — Conspiracy theories are a widespread occurrence in today's hyper connected and polarised world. Events such as Brexit, the 2016 and 2020 United States presidential elections, and the Covid pandemic serve as potent reminders of how easily these narratives can infiltrate public discourse. The consequences for society are significant, given a devotion to conspiracy theories can undermine key democratic norms and weaken citizens' trust in critical institutions. As we know from the January 6 riot at the US Capitol, it can also motivate political violence. But who is most likely to believe these conspiracies? My new study with Daniel Stockemer of the University of Ottawa provides a clear and perhaps surprising answer. Published in Political Psychology, our research shows age is one of the most significant predictors of conspiracy beliefs, but not in the way many might assume. People under 35 are consistently more likely to endorse conspiratorial ideas. This conclusion is built on a solid foundation of evidence. First, we conducted a meta analysis, a 'study of studies', which synthesised the results of 191 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024. This massive dataset, which included over 374,000 participants, revealed a robust association between young age and belief in conspiracies. To confirm this, we ran our own original multinational survey of more than 6,000 people across six diverse countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, the US and South Africa. The results were the same. In fact, age proved to be a more powerful predictor of conspiracy beliefs than any other demographic factor we measured, including a person's gender, income, or level of education. The author argues that low self-esteem can make young people more vulnerable to conspiracy theories, offering simple explanations for complex frustrations. — Pexels pic Why are young people more conspiratorial? Having established conspiracy beliefs are more prevalent among younger people, we set out to understand why. Our project tested several potential factors and found three key reasons why younger generations are more susceptible to conspiracy theories. 1. Political alienation One of the most powerful drivers we identified is a deep sense of political disaffection among young people. A majority of young people feel alienated from political systems run by politicians who are two or three generations older than them. This under representation can lead to frustration and the feeling democracy isn't working for them. In this context, conspiracy theories provide a simple, compelling explanation for this disconnect: the system isn't just failing, it's being secretly controlled and manipulated by nefarious actors. 2. Activist style of participation The way young people choose to take part in politics also plays a significant role. While they may be less likely to engage in traditional practices such as voting, they are often highly engaged in unconventional forms of participation, such as protests, boycotts and online campaigns. These activist environments, particularly online, can become fertile ground for conspiracy theories to germinate and spread. They often rely on similar 'us versus them' narratives that pit a 'righteous' in-group against a 'corrupt' establishment. 3. Low self-esteem Finally, our research confirmed a crucial psychological link to self-esteem. For individuals with lower perceptions of self worth, believing in a conspiracy theory — blaming external, hidden forces for their problems — can be a way of coping with feelings of powerlessness. This is particularly relevant for young people. Research has long shown self esteem tends to be lower in youth, before steadily increasing with age. What can be done? Understanding these root causes is essential because it shows simply debunking false claims is not a sufficient solution. To truly address the rise of conspiracy theories and limit their consequences, we must tackle the underlying issues that make these narratives so appealing in the first place. Given the role played by political alienation, a critical step forward is to make our democracies more representative. This is best illustrated by the recent election of Labor Senator Charlotte Walker, who is barely 21. By actively working to increase the presence of young people in our political institutions, we can help give them faith that the system can work for them, reducing the appeal of theories which claim it is hopelessly corrupt. More inclusive democracy This does not mean discouraging the passion of youth activism. Rather, it is about empowering young people with the tools to navigate today's complex information landscape. Promoting robust media and digital literacy education could help individuals critically evaluate the information they encounter in all circles, including online activist spaces. The link to self-esteem also points to a broader societal responsibility. By investing in the mental health and wellbeing of young people, we can help boost the psychological resilience and sense of agency that makes them less vulnerable to the simplistic blame games offered by conspiracy theories. Ultimately, building a society that is resistant to misinformation is not about finding fault with a particular generation. It is about creating a stronger, more inclusive democracy where all citizens, especially the young, feel represented, empowered, and secure. — Reuters *Jean-Nicolas Bordeleau is a Research Fellow at the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies, Flinders University. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
SGCA 2025 calls on researchers and spokespeople advancing the field of government communication
RELATED TOPICS UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Sharjah: The Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) 2025 is open for submissions and is set to honour individuals shaping the future of public discourse; issuing a special call to those eligible for the following two categories: Best Research in Communication Sciences and Best Official Spokesperson. These categories; part of a diverse award of 23 categories; highlight SGCA's commitment to celebrating academic rigour, exceptional public engagement, and innovative leadership within the vital field of government communication. They recognise both the ideas that push the discipline forward and the authentic voices that build indispensable bridges between institutions and the communities they serve. Now in its 12th edition, SGCA continues to highlight the achievements that are redefining government communication in the region and globally. Winners will be announced during the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), held on September 10–11, 2025, at Expo Centre Sharjah. Best Research in Communication Sciences The Best Research in Communication Sciences category honours original research or published works that demonstrably advance the science and practical application of government communication. Open to academic institutions, scholars, and authors, this award specifically seeks contributions that introduce novel methodologies, technologies, or concepts which have a tangible influence on real-world government communication practices. Work focusing on sustainability, innovation, and quality of life is particularly encouraged. To be eligible, research must be formally endorsed by academic institutions or widely recognised and circulated within the communication field. Submissions will be evaluated based on methodological rigour, originality, adherence to ethical standards, and the demonstrable direct impact of the work on government communication strategy and practice. Applicants must provide a full copy of the research, accompanied by a concise 250-word executive summary, a detailed CV, and supporting materials such as media coverage, expert reviews, and documented evidence of impact within academic or governmental circles. Best Official Spokesperson The Best Official Spokesperson category sheds light on a unique group of communicators, and this award honours a government employee who has consistently demonstrated exceptional communication skills, a strong and effective media presence, and a proven ability to shape public perception. The ideal nominee embodies clarity, credibility, and readiness, especially during critical situations. They must display a clear track record of successfully engaging the public across both traditional and digital media platforms, all while manifesting leadership in communication strategy and response formulation. Key metrics for evaluation will include their skillfulness at handling challenging questions, presenting accurate information under pressure, and managing communication effectively during crises. Nominees should submit a comprehensive 1,000-word narrative outlining their specific achievements and contributions, a 250-word executive summary, their CV, letters of recommendation, relevant media samples, and analytics demonstrating measurable public engagement or media reach. Additional supporting evidence, such as case studies from previous communication campaigns, logs of media appearances, and examples showcasing innovative communication methods, will further strengthen submissions. How to apply SGCA welcomes entries from individuals and institutions around the world. Submissions must reflect work completed or significantly updated within the past two years. All entries must adhere to SGCA's criteria and include all required documentation for eligibility. The submission deadline is July 24, 2025, and entries can be submitted via the official SGCA portal:
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Daily Mail
'Predator' teacher, 30, makes jaw-dropping claim as she is accused of 'raping boy 50 times and sent damning text messages'
An ousted special education teacher who allegedly raped a former student has blamed the accusation on being 'good looking' and now claims she is the victim of misogyny. Christina Formella, 30, has long denied allegations that she engaged in an inappropriate relationship with the unidentified teenage student, whom prosecutors say she sent explicit text messages and raped more than 50 times. She is now facing a total of 55 criminal charges, including criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, indecent solicitation of a child and grooming. But Formella's family is now claiming she is just the victim of 'sexist scrutiny,' the New York Post reports. 'It's a spectacle - a public ritual that publishes women not for what they've done, but for how they're perceived,' a representative for the family told the outlet. 'When men face accusations, we discuss evidence and procedure. When women face accusations, we attack their character, their choices and their worth as human beings,' the family rep continued. 'This isn't justice - it's gender-based persecution disguised as accountability.' The representative for the family went on to explain that the 'public discourse' around Formella's case focuses on her 'appearance, her private life [and] even her lipstick - as if those details bear on guilt or innocence.' He also hit out at 'Internet caricatures' that call Formella a '"predator," "unfaithful wife" [and] "hypocrite,"' and claimed the coverage of the former teacher and soccer coach's alleged crimes have turned into 'real-world stalking' by 'so-called content creators.' Formella was even once followed to church, 'violating the sanctity of worship and terrorizing her family,' the representative said. 'Christina's case isn't being "covered" - she's being hunted,' he continued in a statement, adding that Formella has become the victim of 'bullying.' 'Reckless speculation, misinformation and theatrical coverage do nothing to serve justice and set hard-won respect for women back decades,' the representative concluded. Prosecutors have said Formella began an illicit relationship with the boy when he was just 14 years old and a member of the soccer team she coached at Downers Grove South High School. Formella had taken it upon herself to privately tutor the teen before class after an injury sidelined him. But prosecutors say the arrangement became more sinister when the special education teacher started sending the teenager flirtatious messages using the school's messaging system. Their exchanges eventually moved to text, with the alleged pedophile at one point telling the teen she 'loved' him and that he was 'perfect,' according to messages previously revealed in court. The relationship then allegedly turned physical inside her classroom in December 2023, when she was 28 and the boy was 15. The allegations first came to light in March, after the boy's mother stumbled upon the text messages on his phone, including one in which Formella allegedly wrote: 'I love having sex with you'. DuPage County prosecutors had initially believed the sordid affair culminated in a single sexual encounter following months of their inappropriate messages. But they say further evidence revealed the pair had sex more than 50 times, most of the time in her classroom but also multiple times at the home she shared with her unsuspecting husband, Michael. Formella even allegedly kept a 'memoir' on her phone during the relationship. 'I warned you that we should never have started dating a long long long fking time ago and you gas lit me and convinced me it was fine,' she allegedly said of the teen boy. 'We WILL be in each other's lives forever. We will be able to love each other while also living our own lives,' the diary added. Formella later claimed the writings were part of a therapeutic journaling exercise, and insisted that any sexual references in the entries were about her husband. Yet in a message to the boy, prosecutors say, Formella said she planned to dump her husband and abscond with his family's vast fortune. The couple had tied the knot last year, just weeks before her alleged sordid affair with the teen reportedly fizzled out in September. When the allegations of Formella's relationship then emerged earlier this year, Michael said he was left 'completely blindsided' by the allegations and swore he had no clue his wife was allegedly abusing an underage boy - despite their sexual activities at his house and his wife allegedly texting the teen while they were vacationing in Italy. Still, Michael has been by his wife's side at court hearings, as has his father, Randy Formella. They were even pictured supporting Formella when she appeared in court earlier this week to brazenly ask a judge to slash the distance she must keep from the alleged victim. She has been required to keep a 5,000-foot buffer zone from the boy since her charges were upgraded last month. That meant that she had to leave her marital home, and Christina has been holed up at her parents' $560,000 home on a golf course ever since. But in a bold request on Wednesday, she asked the court to slash that distance in half to just 2,500 feet, arguing the boy often hangs out with friends near her house and even has a job in the area. Judge Mia McPherson ultimately rejected her argument and denied the motion.
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Mamdani aide dreamed of driving 'Mangione Avenue' weeks after brutal killing of health exec in NYC
A campaign aide to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani showed sympathy for alleged United Healthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione in posts online, the Daily Mail has learned. Mamdani's political director, Julian Gerson, posted on December 29th of 2024 on Facebook that he was 'looking forward to driving down Mangione Avenue a few decades from now.' In social media posts obtained by the Daily Mail, Gerson made the remark replying to a comment after he shared a personal essay on the impact Mangione was having on public discourse in the weeks after he allegedly murdered United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. In his essay, Gerson concluded that Manginone 'is adored not only because he dared to target a leader of one of the most vile, self-enriching industries darkening our society today, but because he dared to defy the stasis of nihilistic rejection.' 'The question is not whether he was right or wrong. It's how many others he has shaken loose,' Gerson concluded. Per Gerson's LinkedIn page, which bears the same profile photograph as his Facebook profile, he has worked for Mamdani's mayoral campaign since March. Mamdani's campaign did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Mail about Gerson's post. Mangione became a global phenomena due to the fascination around his privileged background and Hollywood good looks. For many on the left, he morphed into a vessel for radical rebellion against a system of economic injustice. Mangione remains in custody and federal prosecutors have chosen to seek the death penalty if he's convicted. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani attends a campaign rally, calling for the full enforcement of the city's Sanctuary City laws, June 21, 2025, in Diversity Square in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of the borough of Queens, New York City Gerson noted that Mangione could be useful as 'an avatar for understanding millions of Americans growing dangerously aloof, isolating from others and themselves, and increasingly vindictive towards a world that feels more exclusionary and predetermined by the day.' Gerson has previously worked for number of New York Democrats, including as a speechwriter for Governor Kathy Hochul. Gerson also spent time in Washington, DC, working as a staffer for Congressman Jerry Nadler and the House Judiciary Committee. Per polling released by Emerson College Monday, Mamdani closely trails former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary race for mayor, garnering 32% to Cuomo's 35%. However, Mamdani emerged as the ultimate winner in a ranked choice voting simulation of 8 rounds, where voters could rank their top five candidates. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling notes that 'over five months, Mamdani's support has surged from 1% to 32%, while Cuomo finishes near where he began. In the ranked-choice simulation, Mamdani gains 18 points compared to Cuomo's 12, putting him ahead in the final round for the first time in an Emerson poll.' The first day of early voting was June 14th, and Emerson's polling also found that Mamdani holds a 10-point lead over Cuomo among voters who have already cast their ballots. The mayoral primary is Tuesday.
