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Bristol Students Walk Out Of ‘racist’ Professor Kaufman’s Talk

On April 4th 2019, University of Bristol Students walked out on professor Eric Kaufman’s speech claiming that he “is an apologist for racism”.

Eric Peter Kaufmann is a Canadian professor of politics at Birkbeck College, University of London. He’s specialist on Orangeism in Northern Ireland, nationalism, political demography and demography of the religious/irreligious.


In his book ‘White Shift, Populism, Immigration and The Future of White Majorities’, he speaks on how western politics is being engineered through demographic changes and a “the tug of war between white ethno-traditionalism and anti-racist moralism”.

Two controversial topics which the Bristol students are not ready to hear, as proclaimed racisms are immediately shut down from conversation with comments on twitter such as :
“Racism and hate does not need a voice and we should not lend our ears. Let it go back under a rock to live silently in darkness where it belongs”.

Kaufmann recently released his book ‘White Shift, Populism, Immigration and The Future of White Majorities’.

This is the beginning of an issue, covert racism underground is more pernicious than overt racism if the claims are true of Kaufman’s work.

Is Our liberal ideology so fragile that we can’t let him speak?

Is Progressive Social Liberalism The Vaccine To Societies Ill’s?

Kaufman proposes that white identity is under threat from non-white immigration, which has created a sense of resentment that is aiding a resurgence in right-wing populism. White people, Kaufmann argues, should be able to assert their own “racial self-interest” like any ethnic group. Kaufman like many who dare to speak on white majorities is ordained a “racist”.

Quick and Unfair Judgements?

Kaufman isn’t the only one that has recently been by ‘society’ as being discriminatory.
Former Wimbledon Champion Martina Navartilova who been criticised for “disturbing, upsetting, and deeply transphobic” comments, when she argued allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sporting tournaments was “insane and cheating”. She was immediately labelled as “transphobic”.

Secondly in response to Liam Neeson’s comments about his friend who was raped. He stated: “I went up and down areas with a cosh [crowbar], hoping I’d be approached by somebody. I’m ashamed to say that, and I did it for maybe a week — hoping some [Neeson gestured air quotes with his fingers, ] ‘black bastard’ would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.”

Liam Neeson has been diagnosed as a racist. Martina Navratilova a transphobic. Eric Peter Kaufman a racist. Are these labels that are powerful statements all too easy to dish out?

Politics, racism, xenophobia, transphobia and sexism are being challenged at every corner. Racism is being called out everywhere, sexist scandals is the front page of many national newspapers and hot on the topic are the rights of those who are transgender. Are we over-diagnosing these issues or is this the start of a society that will finally allow everyone that cohabits it with a sense of tolerance, love and respect?

What is a Social Justice?

Modern liberalism can be best explained as, “a viewpoint that all people, regardless of race, gender, sexuality or religion (amongst other things), should be entitled to the same basic rights and freedoms.These rights and freedoms namely being the right to freedom of expression, right to freedom of speech, equal treatment under the law, and a protection from prejudice and discrimination”.

A Social justice warrior (SJW) is an individual who promotes socially progressive views, including feminism, civil rights, and multiculturalism, as well as identity politics. They tend to side to the left of the political spectrum.

Previously, social justice warriors used to be praised for the changes they made in society, but now they are becoming more like soft dictators. This can be otherwise known to be a form of soft fascism. Fascism is typically associated with the far right. It has now been co-opted by the left. Left wing, right wing, they are both wings on the very same bird. However, the bird of the social justice warrior is an all too different bird.

Are We Raising A Weak Generation?

We are in a time of soft fascism with the policing of language. Fascism has taken the new form of progressive liberalism. Society has become a china shop of fragility, you have to be careful because you may offend someone. Offence is everywhere.

A worrying example of this fragility is how university lecturers have been told not to use capital letters when setting assignments because it might frighten students into failure. Staff at Leeds Trinity’s school of journalism have also been told to “write in a helpful, warm tone, avoiding officious language and negative instructions”. It is clear that political correctness is going too far. Social justice warriors have gone too far.

What does the future look like?

The students performed their right to walk out the room. The walking out of Bristol students further cements the liberal ideology entrenched in a net of echo chambers. Calling Kaufman a racist does nothing beneficial to the political conversation. Labels do not help when a professor is outlining his research and what he has observed. Nor does it make him a racist.

Yet Kaufman speaks to a sense of nationalism the white population are not afforded to the supposed anti-racists fighting against ideologies that have served to destroy countries. Whilst the liberal ideology serves to be a repugnant form of anti-racist moralism.

To associate SJW’s with liberalism is an insult. Instead, they are part of a greater problem in our society; the continuing developing and emerging widespread movement intentionally undermining sensible, moderate and intelligent discourse. To invade spaces oversensitively is a personal problem, not a political one.
The shift of self-identification will continue to polarize the nation. The corruption of language has only just begun. Progressivism has a place in society but it’s for the people to decide, not to be entrenched in law or forced upon the masses. If progressive politics continue to go on at the rate they are going now, we are in for uncertain political future.

Former Prince of Veganism Tim Shieff wants to kill an animal

Tim Shieff has announced “he plans to kill an animal himself”, In an interview with “This Morning”, on the 15th April.

Tim Shieff appearing on This Morning Show

The anti-vegan message he now proposes will continue to split vegan audiences worldwide. He felt his body was “shutting down”, suffering from “chronic fatigue” and “mild depression”.

Proposing he is in the “avant-garde realm of healing” hoping to “find simple natural solutions”.

Shieff and his methods are questionable, from urine drinking to eat raw sweet potatoes and eat only a raw fruit diet. He speaks his truth, but where did it all go downhill for Shieff?

Who is Tim Shieff?

YouTuber and Athlete, Tim Shieff in a YouTube video on 15th March, announced he has left veganism after 6 years. In an honest video, he said it was right to return to eating meat after first turning vegan in 2012.

Timothy Shieff is an English freerunner. He won the Barclaycard World Freerun Championship in 2009 and participated in the television programme MTV’s Ultimate Parkour Challenge. He rose to fame with the vegan clothing company ETHCS who also created the popular ‘NAGEV’ and ‘VGANG’ designs.T

Tim Shieff “If I have to wear clothes, I wear ethical clothing in-line with my beliefs”.

The Beginning Of Tim Shieff’s Decline

Tim was experimenting with his diet since he became vegan from junk food, a whole food diet, then he consumed only raw foods, mainly fruits.

Tim Shieff after his competition spotted in Vegan runners outfit.

Tim Shieff also drank his own urine for 2 years, which he claimed “has saved him” and “healed him”.

Tim went on a 35-day water fast, where he only consumed distilled water, previously he was on what he believed was the “optimal vegan diet”, a raw vegan diet. It was originally intended to be 7 days.

Tim Shieff breaking his 35 day fast.

Tim Shieff’s departure from veganism has exposed veganism for its radical, extremist far-left sentiments. He has been victim to a barrage of online insults such as “manipulating his vegan audience”, and “not thinking of the animals”. The vegan moral crusaders have created a massive divide in the community between those who appreciate Tim for his honesty, doing what was right for him compared to those who deem him “selfish” for eating animal products again.

Tish Wonders is another one of the latest stars to leave veganism, alongside other stars such as Tim Shieff a mass exodus of vegan YouTubers have followed.

Tish Wonders with 94k followers on Youtube and 32k followers on Insta announced on the 17th March on her youtube channel, she will be leaving veganism and will be incorporating animal products into her diet.

Chef and youtube sensation Tish Wonders

Wonders has released 3 e-books which have also been a hit in the vegan community. The YouTube sensation has been accelerated to vegan stardom, but her decision has split the vegan community. Many have supported her decision to do what is in her best interest, whilst others have immediately unsubscribed and ‘cancelled’ her as she no longer identifies as a vegan.

This has called veganism into question. Why are so many vegans leaving the movement that is proposed to be the epitome of morality, environmental consciousness and adding to the betterment of society?

Is Veganism As Moral As Vegans Say It is?

In the dominant narrative surrounding veganism, it’s one of morality and accountability as we buy meat or animal products. The use of brutal, cruel and very hard-hitting truths.

In the words of Paul Mc Cartney, “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian.”

Morality does not work in such a linear way; many cultures and environments allow for a greater access to flora and fauna. This has to be brought into the discourse surrounding the political social justice movement that is veganism. Morality in veganism has a tunnel vision that is only extended to the morality of animals and not necessarily to the humans. Veganism, as reported by The Guardian, has grown exponentially by 360% over the last 10 years. This shows the power and cultural, social and political capital veganism has garnered over the years.

Without overstating the far-reaching implications of veganism, the inter-sectional approach of the vegan movement and those who promote it is needed at the human level as well.

Ethiopia heralded as the place where civilization started is being drained of the world’s smallest grain Teff, a nutrition powerhouse. Quinoa a new staple in the vegan diet is hurting the Bolivian farmers. Avocado is harming the Chilean and Mexican farmers.

Not everything that glitters vegan is gold. Many enter the diet and lifestyle change without understanding the nutritional implications or the wider implications, even thinking about where bananas, chickpeas and tofu come from as an example. The agricultural impact and more. It is important to come into dietary and political lifestyle changes well informed.

The plethora of food we have access to comes at the cost of those in third world countries. This is due to globalization within the capitalist market that promises a better life and variety for us in the juggernaut West.

Future of Veganism

If we can not classify it as a religion and its community devout followers of the message perhaps it should be a cult of sorts, demonised and denigrated upon exit of the vegan movement.

Balance in light of the issues surrounding veganism is imperative. Tish and Tim made decisions that they needed to make. Both individuals should not face the moral vegan police to add more pressure. If veganism is as loving as it supposed?

Whilst Joey Carbstrong has solidified the notion that veganism transforms lives and morally, emotionally and spiritually incentives people who follows its human doctrines of compassion, and living. It’s evident more than a lifestyle choice, but a inherent belief some will argue has been divorced out of our being, by dissaciative capitalist mechanisms.

In conclusion, my belief is that Tim Shieff, alongside Tish Wonders are both brave. Vegans have gone to protesting extremes outside fashion stores such as Moncler and Canada Goose, protests in supermarkets and restaurants, stopping trucks on the way to slaughterhouses, and soaking themselves in blood to rain home the message of animal cruelty. Both Tim and Tish have done something almost outside of the vegan revolutionary parameters. To do what was right by themselves and not the vegan collective identity takes strength more than meat eaters or some vegans could imagine. Tim and Tish have unearthed a dangerously radical vegan community which has been and is continuing to alienate those within it and outside of it.

Is the Premier League Managerial Merry-Go-Round About to Kick Into Gear?

It’s been a relatively tame season in terms of Premier League manager sackings, however with the latest casualty at Leicester City in Claude Puel receiving the axe, this trend could be fast changing.

In the biggest games with the tightest margins, the team to come out victorious are often lauded for tactical genius and out thinking their opposition number. At Stamford Bridge on Monday night, this proved to be the case, with Manchester United producing a perfect away performance, albeit the tactics were far from revolutionary. Man mark Jorginho out of the game with an attacking midfielder; stop any of Chelsea’s creative supply lines; hit them on the break; score; repeat. It is an incredibly simple set up that teams have used to nullify the so-called ‘Sarriball’ system all season long. A system that means Chelsea have now played four games against the top six in 2019, losing all four, conceding 13 goals and scoring zero.

https://twitter.com/Football__Tweet/status/1097616095450664961

It’s been a quiet season so far in terms of Premier League sackings but it seems somewhat fitting that Chelsea, so often credit for popularising the trend, will now surely be the ones to kick start this year’s sack race. If Sarri is to leave, he would become only the sixth Premier League managerial casualty this season. A growing trend has been bucked in 2018/19, but how did it come to this and why have there been so few departures since the summer?

A job of increasing difficulty

Football has always been a results driven game, but it is a fairly recent phenomenon which means it is also now treated for what it is; a lucrative business. Roman Abramovic’s £140 million takeover at Chelsea in 2003, the biggest in British history at the time, was a watershed moment for football. Along with his billions of pounds in Russian money, he brought a sheer ruthlessness to England, which clearly said to all; if I don’t get a return of success on my investment, the manager must pay the price. 16 years on and the footballing landscape has totally changed, with foreign owners now making up a huge percentage of clubs in English football.

Percentage of foreign owned clubs in the 2017-18 season.
Credit: Football Stadiums

But has this really lead to an increase in Premier League managerial sackings? Well, bar a freak season in 1994-95, when an astonishing 15 managers left their positions, it certainly seems that way. Since 2004-05, there has only been one season in which less than nine managers have lost their jobs (eight in 2009-10). From that year up until 2017/18, at least 10 managers have departed each season, with 13 sackings in four of the last five. There was an average of 11.2 managerial changes per season between 2004-05 and 2017-18, compared with just 7.1 between the first Premier League season in 1992-93 and 2003-04.

Of course this tells it’s own story of just how much the Premier League itself has played in all this. With only four sackings in its first season, this shot up to seven the following year and then to 15 the next as the true force of television money began to infect the British game. It’s an infection which has since gone viral and engulfed the EFL as well, with the 2015-16 setting a new unwanted record. With all this in mind, what makes this year’s Premier League a different animal?

A result of circumstance
The first casualty of the season
Credit: Reuters/Eddie Keogh

It’s not a case that owners and fans have become more charitable overnight, but most likely just a result of circumstance and coincidence. The nature of low managerial job security means those at either end of the table are most at risk of facing the axe. If you look at the top of this season’s Premier League however, it is hardly surprising that only one side has changed their manager.

Manchester City and Liverpool possess managers who have now both fully implemented their own ‘projects’ at their respective clubs and any change at this stage would risk a severe loss of progress and damage to future performances. Arsenal and Chelsea meanwhile, are starting processes of mass upheaval, so their managers need time; although admittedly this may not be given to either. Bar a catastrophe from one of these teams, only Manchester United – languishing under Mourinho’s third season syndrome – were ever realistically going to change their manager by this stage.

At the bottom, it’s been more a case of loyalty and expectation. Fulham’s, Slavisa Jokanovic, was the first to be sacked in November, but the club held off for so long after his outstanding work the year before in getting them out of the Championship in the first place. It was a similar story with David Wagner at Huddersfield, who managed to survive all the way until January, thanks to his now legendary status at the club.

That being said though, with Claude Puel’s sacking earlier today after only 16 months in charge, again we see the cut-throat nature of Premier League management. Albeit Leicester have lost four consecutive home games – the latest a 1-4 thrashing to Crystal Palace – they are now looking to appoint a third manager in just over two years. Leicester sit mid table in 12th, only three places off their last season finish in 9th, and on target to replicate their 12th place finish in the 2016/17 season.

Claude Puel is latest casualty at Leicester City. Source: Daily Mail

With just over ten games remaining this season, should Puel have been given more time to turn things around? It seems the Leicester City board are still clinching to the days of that extraordinary 2015/16 season, forgetting their span as a mid-table side. It’s undeniable that Premier League owners, fans and even players now are becoming more and more critical in their dissection of managers.

Have Man United provided a glimpse of the future?
Changing face of management?
Credit: Getty Images

Few could have predicted the dramatic and instant impact Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had on United. What looked like being a season to totally write off when Mourinho was sacked, now could bear some real fruit for the club. More than this however, it may have given us all a taste into the future of management.

Before his departure, Mourinho and Paul Pogba were trading very public blows causing the club to choose between player or manager. Traditionally, the view has been that ‘no player is bigger than the club’ but this isn’t the dialogue we saw in December. With high-level football now a business, so dependant on stocks and shares, it felt like Pogba’s huge social media following and bankable appeal won him this round.

A club like Man United, so dependent on their global brand, just couldn’t bare anymore of the Mourinho PR nightmare. Now, in Solskjaer they have a club legend at the helm, who is excellent when facing the media and who seems to respect his most important players. A political spin doctor couldn’t have written the script better themselves. Is this the future way forward? Time will tell, but Arsenal’s under-pressure manager Unai Emery already appears to be facing his own troubles against star man Mesut Ozil. If social media shares begin to outweigh the value of club shares, he and many others could already be on borrowed time.

Its The Remix To Conviction

by Benedicta Denteh

What’s Happened So Far? The Facts 

On Friday 22nd 2019 reports concluded that after months of anticipation following the release of the docuseries “Surviving R Kelly” the singer R Kelly, has been formally charged and arrested by the Chicago police department after having issued a warrant for his arrest.

Robert Kelly has been accused of 10 counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse against 4 females, three of which are between the ages of 13 and 17. The allegations include battery under common assault, both force or the threat of force and most shockingly sexual intercourse with a minor, all dating between 1998 and 2010.

If found guilty, R. Kelly could be facing up to 70 years in prison.

Attorney Michel Avenatti at Press conference responding to the charges against R Kelly

Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represents two of the victims and survivors of R. Kelly, is confident that the tapes containing sexual content between R Kelly and an under-aged girl, (which was handed in just a week before his arrest) will leave no question of whether he is guilty of multiple sexual illegal acts, especially when compared with the video used in the 2008 child pornography charges, in which he was acquitted as it contains more clear footage, according to several reports.

Attorney Avenatti also has announced that he has a further two videos in waiting, proving R Kelly guilty of all the allegations he has been accused of. And he is determined to not let this new trial be rigged using methods such as witness intimidation.

The following day on 23rd of Feburary, Kelly’s bail, set by a Judge in Chicago, amounts to US $1 million ($250,000 for each woman). His Attorney Steve Greenberg is currently in the process of gathering the money. In addition, Kelly will have his passport confiscated and will be unable to be in contact with any girl under the age of 18 until his trial, which is currently set to take place on March 8th.

R Kelly mug shot 22nd February at Chicago Police Station

Will R Kelly get justice?

Following the wealth of evidence through public testimonials and the release of documentaries including “Surviving R Kelly”, BBC’s “R Kelly: Sex, Girls and Scandals” and “R Kelly: The Sex Scandal Continues” it was evident that eventually R Kelly would have to face up to many of the accusations. 

But the question still stands of whether R Kelly will be brought to justice or whether he has a plan to slip through and be found innocent of all charges despite the body of proof, again.

One must ask how after decades of allegation but little media attention it is taken so long for R Kelly to show up in court again. Whether it has been through bribery or other forms of manipulations from within and outside the judicial system (like delaying the trial for so long that by the time the trial continued the minors were no longer minors and so the jury could not imagine them to be abused underage). Will he be able to evade justice again?

Following this is several other questions which have yet to be answered. According to several reports R Kelly has been accused of 10s perhaps 100s of acts of sexual abuse, physical abuse and manipulation of both underage girls and women, will everybody be satisfied if he is only charged with a fraction of his crimes, could this be the makings of justice for all who have been sexually harassed and manipulated but a known predator? What about the other people involved in his scandal, the part-takers in his inner circle?

Docu-series “Surviving R Kelly” which in 6 episodes examines old sexual misconduct allegations entangled with stories of the survivors of R. Kelly and their family members, previous members of his inner circle, and famous personalities such as Tarana Burke (founder of the #MeToo), Toure and Wendy Williams.

In addition will he be able to continue producing music behind bars? Will people continue to listen despite offences of violation against women and how his music covertly but explicitly admit this? 

The Case of Black Women

One thing that one can be certain about is that R Kelly’s case is special due to the typecasting of his victims. It is evident that to some extent race was undeniably a factor in his previous exoneration. These black females of the previous trials of 2008 (six years after the allegations were first brought to court) were victims of much more than the case against R Kelly, and were part of the history against black American women which has been codified unconsciously into institutions and individuals.

Here is the issue. Black women are sexualised, and this type of objectification has existed since slavery. In the modern day this can be seen in the way black bodies are used in them media and film as sexual objects (amongst of course, female bodies as a whole, but to an arguably larger extent). Due to this, the same innocence we often give to other children aren’t awarded to black girls. According to a study by Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality“adults view black girls as less innocent and more adult-like than their white peers, especially in the age range 5-14.” 

There is a level of vulnerability that isn’t given to young black females and this can be seen in the case of Serena Williams who was bedridden for weeks following the birth of her child due to her being “strong” enough to deal with overwhelming levels of pain. Again it could be argued that the image of the “strong black women” does more bad than it does good.

Faith Rodgers who appeared in the “Surviving R. Kelly” series, one of R Kelly previous victims/survivors

In relation to the R Kelly case we must question why according some jury members who were part of the previous case, the way the victims “looked”meant they must have been lying. Why these girls were believed to be unintelligent instead of victims of manipulation just like the victims/survivors of the Harvey Weisten case or the case of Bill Cosby, who’s victims included white females.

Of course it is part of the bigger question of why, as a whole, females are let down by the judicial system time and time again when it involves accusations of sexual assault.

Controversial I know. Currently we are awaiting the trail, convictions, confessions and to see whether R Kelly will finally find himself behind bars. 

Benedicta is currently studying Arabic and French at the University of Manchester and hopes to become a linguist and broadcast journalist in the future. In her free time, she enjoys learning about African development and issues to do with race, society and culture. Benedicta also takes pleasure in pole fitness, travelling and promoting plant-based eating.

The Main Problem With The Independent Group

After Chuka Umunna was unable to detail issues that he had with the 2017 Labour manifesto – the formation, direction and even duration of The Independent Group is worrying.

Earlier this week, Ian Austin, former MP of Dudley North, became the ninth MP to quit the Labour Party. According to BBC News, “A Labour spokesman suggested Mr Austin should stand down and call a by-election in his West Midlands seat, which he won by only 22 votes in 2017”. Austin told the BBC: “One of the main reasons I joined the Labour Party as a teenager here in Dudley more than 35 years ago, was to fight racism and I could never have believed I would be leaving the Labour party because of racism too.” Austin also states that he was too ’embarrassed’ to remain under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership for allegedly “creating a culture of extremism and intolerance”.


Most interestingly about this resignation however, is that Ian Austin does not intend to join The Independent Group (TIG) but to sit as an independent member, which could be a dangerous catalyst for the Labour Party. This could likely motivate many other Labour Party MPs to defect and channel their reason for leaving into one of two issues, or both: anti-semitism and/or Brexit, as Chuka Umunna exemplified in a BBC Radio interview with Nick Robinson.


This brings rise to the many issues facing TIG. According to The Spectator, “The Independent Group is not your standard political party. It has no manifesto, no popular base, no memory of struggles, victories or defeats. Rather than a movement in search of political representation, it is a group of elected representatives in search of a movement”.


The Independent Group considers itself to be a new political power disturbing the manner in which old legislative issues works. The Group seeks to “occupy a space in the centre that traditional party politics divides have left empty”, urging individuals to make a change and take a stand. Members of The Independent Group, otherwise known as ‘Tiggers’, have had to prompt Brexiteers to their cause or they risk becoming irrelevant once the UK leaves the European Union – which is definitely happening.


Though TIG is still “new on the scene” and further resignations are likely to follow, the Group has to face the necessity of providing clarity on who they actually are, what they stand for and what they intend to change – and most importantly, their post-Brexit plan, since it can no longer be their scapegoat.

Islamic State Recruiters: The New Motivational Speakers

In light of the recent case of Shamima Begum, the 19 year old from Bethnal Green in East London, who fled to Syria at the age of 15, one must question how the Islamic State successfully recruit young Westerners?

With promises of helping people fulfil a greater purpose, benefiting their community, and doing what is viewed as God’s work, the Islamic State have turned to the internet to radicalize the vulnerable and ostracized individuals in the West. The growth of social media has become a vital tool for Islamic State recruiters to target predominantly young Westerners with the hopes of motivating them to join the Jihad.

According to the Washington Post,  “The presence of young Western militants in Iraq and Syria signals a profound generational divide between ISIS and the older and now diminished al-Qaida,” So is it fair assume that the lack of connection with Al-Qaida’s greatest success, the September 11 attacks, are now pushing Islamic state recruiters to adopt innovative ways of attracting members? The answer is yes. How? With the use of social media platforms ranging from Kik to Instagram; recruiters are now relentless in their efforts to increase membership.

There are commonalities within the individuals that the Islamic State recruit. They are individuals who feel inadequate and disrespected.  Several case studies support this theory such as 17-year-old Australian Abdullah Elmir, who became known as the Ginger Jihadi’ in 2014 due to his red hair by women from the West who call themselves  “lionesses of Allah” and who are, according to The New York Post, ‘bearing the next generation of terrorists, whom they call “cubs of the caliphate.” The Islamic State reach is wide, and their audience varied, and the Islamic State recruitment technique is proving effective.

Imagine spending an afternoon at ease in the mountains with new friends, after some hours they being to ask questions about your future and your purpose. At first, the questions appear harmless but soon their persistence becomes suspicious.

You question what their intentions may be, and sensing your growing discomfort. As time together comes to close, they insist on meeting up again, a commitment you agree to but have no intention of honoring. You leave the mountains knowing that you just escaped Part One of the Islamic State recruitment process. This story was recalled by Mark Juergensmeyer, professor of global and religious studies at University College Santa Barbara, as he outlined the Islamic State motivational talk technique.

‘If you can get someone to kill themselves, you can get them to do anything’ said Juergensmeyer; explaining how the use of religion is an effective way to promote violence, while suggesting to potential recruiters that the violent acts are part of a greater purpose. Juergensmeyer alluded to the effectiveness of the message of Islamic State recruiters – through the promise of martyrdom for a greater purpose, the recruited believe in their cause so strongly that death seems like worthy price to pay.

Some may argue that the use of motivational speaking is one of many methods used by Islamic State recruiters to attract members and many state that their methods are still incredibly violent. From taking pictures next to decapitated heads, to prayers for the murders they plan to carry out, as written by The Washington Post, the Islamic State recruitment social media pages are a reminder that alongside the motivation there is a history of brutal violence.

Considering the imagery of explicit violence, the act of selling potential Islamic State recruits a promise of fulfilment of purpose seems counterintuitive when considering why Westerners join the jihad. Some call it brainwashing, others call it a means of survival, but non-violent recruiting techniques speak to the innermost part of all of us, the part that wants to be seen, heard and ultimately to matter.

It is estimated 4,000 people have left their homes in the West to migrate to ISIS’ according to The Atlantic. This number could potentially grow, so in addition to questioning why Westerners commit themselves to terrorist groups, it is crucial to understand what it is about society in the West that renders people invisible and consequently more susceptible to IS recruitment.

Climate Change School Protests…. What a climate we are trying to change

On February 15th 2019 there was a protest against climate change led by hundreds of young people. The protest was organised by a group called Youth Stike 4 Climate. It took place opposite the Houses of Parliament in Central London.

“Save our planet”, chanted the crowds of young people, as they held up placards. There were several young people from all walks of life. Climate change, it seems, is a bridge between races, religions, genders and sexualities. It was refreshing to see so many young people who care about making their planet sustainable and ethical.

Young Protestors last weekend in London.

London was disrupted in the name of climate change, will this change the current climate we are evidently destroying?

The protests were sparked from 15-year-old Greta Thunberg who skipped class and chose in protest to sit outside government buildings accusing her country of not following the Paris Climate Agreement. There were protests across Europe in Sweden, Belgium and also across the world in Australia. Climate change has caught on and has caught the attention of the world. Parents also attended the protests in support of their children, showing the generational support from a generation who otherwise may not have understood the impact of climate change. Climate change in the past decade has come to the forefront of our attention. From the movements such as veganism highlighting the impact of climate change in the agriculture business.As well as the BP Oil spill and the use of non-renewable energy. Climate change has become something that is widely discussed.

Some may say that students should have a right to protest against something they feel passionate about, but on a “Saturday or a Sunday”? The protestors have deliberately marched on a Friday when they are aware it would disturb the centre of London to gain attention. Attention is at the very centrepiece of what is happening, attention and to show that young people care, what other means can the young use for parliament to take them seriously? Or are protests part of the illusion of democracy? It is beautiful to see young people use their political autonomy, even though they have no legal voice.

Are we raising a generation where the culture will become one of students striking whenever they feel passionate about something? Could we see the change of the voting laws which could prevent protests? It is inspiring to see young people who care about the environment protesting for the cause, but is there ever a right way to protest? This will not be the end as there is another protest planned for the 15th March.

The Problematic Tabloid Narrative of Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry began dating in the Summer of 2016, and married in Spring 2018. Since their early days, Meghan has been under constant defamatory abuse, often with racist and sexist undertones. From photographers’ attempts to enter her home, to substantial bribe offers to ex-boyfriends, Meghan has been under constant harassment. So much so that Prince Harry released a formal statement condemning the behaviour of mass media, in Winter 2016.

Some may argue that this narrative is simply a custom of the Royal Family; an ongoing dissection of every choice, gesture and action. But in many ways, the treatment of Meghan has surpassed this ‘norm’. Princess Diana remained subject to similar global media scrutiny during and after her marriage, which ended in divorce in 1996. The media narrative of the two women may not be identical, but they are not dissimilar. It seems to be a trend that the women of the Royal Family receive the most criticism.

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Just last week, George Clooney released a statement in defence of Meghan.

“She’s a woman who is seven months pregnant and she has been pursued and vilified and chased in the same way that Diana was and its history repeating itself. We’ve seen how this ends”.

This is the first time someone close to her, has publically responded to the mistreatment she has received.

Clooney also responded to Thomas Markle’s engagement with the tabloids, concerning personal communications with Meghan following the wedding.

“I can’t tell you how frustrating that is, just seeing them broadcast a letter from a daughter to a father, she’s getting a raw deal there and I think it’s irresponsible and I’m surprised by that”.

The Daily Mail’s exploitation of a clearly unstable and emotionally unsettled man is beyond irresponsible. But responsibility and the Daily Mail are hardly synonymous.

British tabloids and media, act exactly as you would expect them to, through traditional British traits. Perhaps there’s something to be admired from the traits of the American. In America, if a news outlet is racist, they will undoubtedly let you know. But the British tabloids do things differently, they are subtle, implicit and polite. They will tip-toe around the real ‘issues’.

There are countless articles, tweets and reports that portray the relentless pursuit against Meghan Markle.

One of the more recent conversations is in regard to her non-conformance to royal protocol. All hell broke loose when Meghan wore an off-the-shoulder black dress and black nail varnish at the Fashion Awards. But I don’t remember this same energy when Kate Middleton wore a one-shouldered dress (on countless occasions). A number of viewers also took to Twitter, to express anger and genuine irritation at Meghan, for holding her baby bump.

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The problem these media outlets have with Meghan is not that she violates dated traditions, it’s not that she cradles her unborn child. From the perspective of places such as The Daily Mail and The Sun, her nails aren’t the only problematic shade that Meghan wears.

The problem is that Meghan Markle is a mixed-race woman, occupying a space which was presumed for a white woman, in a notoriously white institution.

Silence Please, This Is a University !

“Silence please, this is a university” – a common stereotype perpetuated by young people, inferring that they’re more open-minded and liberal than their conservative, old-fashioned and dogmatic forefathers. Such a stereotype however, is not confirmed by the behaviour of some universities.

It’s paradoxical to think that those of the younger generation who claim a modern lifestyle and support the idea of free-thought would stop the right of anyone from expressing their views merely because they disagree with them. Once a bastion of liberalism, free speech and progress, Universities have historically mobilised youths far and wide for important demonstrations on issues ranging from apartheid to incumbent communist regimes.

Today, universities can no longer be held in the same light. Instead of preparing young people for the trials and tribulations of the real world, focusing on a well-rounded education we find them littered with safe spaces, intolerance and social justice warriors. It is these social justice warriors in particular that behave in a dictatorial manner, enforcing their supposed superior moral opinions onto others without any consideration for the consequences of what they believe are good intentions. All the while believing that their altruistic actions represent the will of popular opinion.

In 2016, Imogen Wilson a student at the University of Edinburgh was accused of violating the preconceived rules of the safe space she participated in for raising her hand. Only when a vote was casted with 33 students voting for her to stay against 18 for her to leave was she allowed to remain. Unfortunately, another complaint was lodged against her for shaking her head; tut-tut.

When what others may name as ‘petty issues’ such as this are deemed to be worthy of a place in a debate or in vote, it becomes evident that things have gone too far. This has no place on campuses or in liberal thought. The attempts by these students to disguise their pseudo-liberal actions by representing minority groups conceals their self righteous exercise of power over groups who have opinions not aligned with their own.

Most recently claims by the University of Portsmouth Student’s Union that Peter Hitchens’ talk was postponed due to LGBTQ History Month, it was in effect cancelled. The talk was agreed in full knowledge that it would take place during the celebration of the month, but as the date approached, it was decided by the student body that Peter Hitchens’ controversial presence and opinions would be upsetting. This is all too convenient. If people are to let the celebration of month get in the way of individuals voicing their beliefs, it questions their propensity to listen and tolerate others in the first place.

The Irish News

Peter Hitchens is not the controversial character he is made out to be unless you wish this to be the case. He expresses and holds Christian beliefs about homosexuality and marriage being that he is entitled to do so -no more or less than a member of the LGBTQ community is at liberty to voice their opinions. In a world full of contradictions and hypocrisy, it easy to accept and tolerate the views one agrees with. A true barometer of our status as a free society is our willingness to listen to the voices of those we oppose. In the case of Peter Hitchens, religious bigotry is not compatible with the claims by Student Unions that they are a broad church.

It seems that a distinction is to be made between freedom of speech and hate speech. Increasingly, we see opinions that are opposed by specific groups – being classified under the latter. This is their only means of curtailing an individuals freedom of speech. This is further compounded by a victimhood mentality of people who let their own personal offence to take precedence over someones right to express their views. This in itself allows others such as myself to take offence. I for one wish to talk to about our differences.

Echo chambers are being propagated by students at Universities who retreat into their identity groups, satisfied with living back-to-back with each other without any meaningful dialogue. This isn’t a thriving coexistence nor is it one that anyone belonging to an apparent free society would like to be part of. Through listening to different opinions we broaden our understanding of each other; there isn’t a point of talking about how diverse we are when instances such as these show how divisive we are.

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Unfortunately there are no “safe spaces” in the real world and I doubt many would willingly sentence themselves to house arrest. From time to time, we may seem offended but it is the beauty of freedom of speech that permits us to defend ourselves. I therefore refuse to accept that we are beyond talking civilly.

Rather than being universally safe, safe spaces are clearly not safe for everyone. Liberalism and its freedom of speech component can only be protected if it is practised – not policed. I fear those who call themselves liberal are becoming akin to the authoritarians that they despise. I long for the days when people complained about students being noisy, I never thought that one day I would be arguing against my fellow students about their own impositions of silence and censorship. Pesky students indeed.

Joshua Raj is a journalist for TCS scribe. A student at Loughborough University, he also plays various sports. Well he tries to. Having lived most of his life in South-East Asia, Joshua is interested in comparative politics and finance after being fascinated with how ‘governance’ has been applied by the rising economies in the region. Particularly, how they differ from the Western in which they seek to reconcile their own brand of rigid politics with fluid free-market economic principles.

Di Grassi win in Mexico City shows Formula E is more than racing

Former Formula E Champion, Lucas Di Grassi, put together a mature and cunning drive to outsmart younger opponents Oliver Rowland and ex-F1 driver, Pascal Wehrlein of Mahindra Racing, to take a win after a breathtaking overtake on the final lap.

With a few laps remaining on the board, Nissan E.Dams made a race losing error that saw Sebastian Buemi and Oliver Rowland run out of usable charge.

This meant Di Grassi ran behind race long leader, Wehrlein, who displayed an admirable defense with all he could muster before he also ran out of charge.

“I knew Wehrlein was running out of energy,” Di Grassi said after the race. “I was putting on pressure, trying to overtake and over the last five laps, I knew I had more energy.” 

“In the last chicane, I could see that he was closing the door and I was going to the outside. In the last lap I was behind him, pretend to go around the outside, he opened a small door, just enough for the car to fit in – between the wall and the car and I went there.”

One of the most exciting finishes in Formula E history, a series that has shown a knack to produce some entertaining racing.

Surprise of the season, Jerome D’Ambrosio, produced a fighting drive vaulting from 19th place to 5th – thereafter being promoted to 4th, taking full advantage of the red flags given out in a chaotic start.

Formula E making a statement

Formula E is a fully electric series aimed at proving electric car-based racing can be exciting and run in city centres – something conventional motorsports failed at. With a lot of fan engagement, taking cues from American series, Indycar and NASACR, Formula E is staking it’s claim as a top motorsport series to watch.

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The start of the Marrakesh E Prix (Source: The Daily Express)

Formula E sees the highest number of manufacturers involved across all single-seater racing, and a strong second after the Intercontinental GT Series and the World Endurance Championships overall. The largest countries in the world by population, China and India, also have teams representing them that are performing extremely well at the moment- Indian Road car giants Mahindra lead the teams championship.

Formula E: more than racing

Formula E leads the way in displaying and capitalising on what electric technology is capable of doing as also shown by Tesla. It represents sustainability in all forms that we desperately need in automobiles usage.

Source: Disruption Summit Europe

The social impact of Formula E can’t be ignore either. In a country where women live extremely restricted lifestyles, the race staged in Saudi Arabia saw women dominate the post-race test, with Alfa Romeo’s test driver, Tatiana Calderon, hot on the heels of frontrunner, Sebastian Buemi.

The next race is scheduled to be held on 10th March, at the picturesque Hong Kong harbourfront. TV schedules for UK and Worldwide audiences can be found on the ABB FIA Formula E championship website.

by Rutvik Bhaskar Perepa
Rutvik Bhaskar Perepa is a student at The University of Manchester working towards a MEng in Mechanical Engineering hoping to be on a placement after Year 3. He has had the privilege to travel around his home country, India and discover the rich heritage and diversity. His personal interests include Food and travel, history, Sport among many others. Often found in discourse on various issues ranging Engineering to Religious Practices, he never shy’s away from being expressive. He believes in being open minded, empathetic and analytical is the key to problems posed on a daily basis.

Can Emery Reverse Growing Concerns at Arsenal?

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With Arsenal’s dreadful loss to BATE Borisov last week in Belgium, questions are beginning to be raised about this new era of Arsenal football under Unai Emery. After a scintillating run of form going 18-games unbeaten early in the season, Arsenal fans are now starting the face the reality that this team still has a very long way to go.

Arsenal slump to defeat against BATE Borisov. Source: Depor

Since Arsenal’s last Europa League game, Emery has lost six matches alongside of being knocked out of the FA Cup, so there were certainly high hopes of turning things around in the match up against the Belarusian champions

Arsenal’s Contract Déjà vu

Currently, Arsenal is sitting 5th in the Premier League with most of their games against the other top six out of the way. However, their lack of cohesion at the back, coupled with a lack of tactical awareness from Emery and underwhelming activity in the January transfer window, doesn’t cast much hope into the hearts of desperate Arsenal fans.

Aaron Ramsey leaving for Juventus at the end of the season to become the highest paid British player and star alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin, highlights the lack of direction in the Arsenal camp. A player of Ramsey’s quality being allowed to leave on a free transfer is astounding in itself, especially with Emery calling on Ramsey in multiple games this season, even giving him the captain’s armband against Manchester United back in December.

Source: Mirror

It is possible that Emery is looking to completely do away with legacy players from the Wenger Era before starting his overhaul and implementing his vision for the club, but is this coming at the high price of Arsenal’s top four chances?

The freezing out of 30- year- old Mesut Ozil isn’t helping matters either. Ozil has only featured 14 times in the Premier League campaign, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Having been rewarded with a new contract worth £350,000-a-week, fans have been left scratching their heads at Ozil’s lack of playing time under Emery.

Arsenal financial woes continue

Sven Mislintat, the head of recruitment at Arsenal is also set to leave the club, which is even more unsettling news. Mislintat was a key figure in appointing Emery to succeed Wenger. Formerly at Borussia Dortmund 14 months ago, he’s been dubbed as ‘Diamond Eye’ for recruiting the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Pierre Emerick-Aubemeyang and Robert Lewandowski at Borussia Dortmund. His speciality for profiling players and picking the right targets will be a massive loss for Arsenal.

With the lack of Arsenal’s financial powers said to frustrate him, it was only a matter of time before Mislintat found the door. It’s understood that former Arsenal midfielder, Edu, will replace Mislintat as the club’s technical director.

Hopes for the future?

With Arsenal’s form in the Premier League rising and dipping it looks like another spell in Europa League is on the cards for Emery’s men next season. Arsenal owner, Stan Kroenke, certainly isn’t prepared to heavily invest into the club as his NFL side, LA Rams, look like a more lucrative way to increase his profits, especially since they made it to a shock Superbowl final this year.

Lack of funding is definitely going to stagnate Arsenal’s chances of silverware in the comign seasons. They are in drastic need of getting competent defenders and midfielders that can dictate play alongside Torreira.

Source: Getty Images

Emery must make impactful changes and the board members must realign their attention to winning trophies as opposed to increasing revenue.

Where all this will leave Unai Emery in terms of job security in this present time is a question to be asked at the end of the season. But the bigger question of Arsenal’s hope for a return to their former glory days looks even more daunting.

Arsenal play BATE Borisov on Thursday 21st February at the Emirates Stadium, kicking off at 5:55pm

Keep up with TCS Sport for more of the football season.

Shamima Begum has her British citizenship revoked.

Isis bride Shamima Begum who wanted a return to the UK has had her british citizenship revoked in a letter from the home office.

On Tuesday the letter was received by Shamima Begum’s mother and obtained by ITV news.

The letter is as follows:

“Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship,” the letter read. “In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretary’s decision has been served of file today (19th February), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made.”

Due to Ms Begums dual nationality it means she will not be left stateless.

The family’s lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, posted on a statement on Twitter that said: ” The family are very disappointed with the Home Office’s intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship. We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision.”

The Begum saga continues and I wonder what will happen next.

Does Chuka Umunna Have More to Say?

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Seven MPs have resigned from the Labour Party amid disagreements regarding Brexit and anti-Semitism accusations to form an Independent Group. Chuka Umunna predicts that the group will become an official political party by the end of the year, but is he being honest about why he has resigned?

Recent Labour Party resignations

Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Gavin Shuker, Ann Coffey, Luciana Berger and Chuka Umunna – these seven MPs have resigned from the Labour Party in protest of Jeremy Corbyn’s approach to anti-Semitism as well as his approach to Brexit.
These MPs have called for other disillusioned members of the House of Commons to join them, including the tories and opposed any comparisons with the “Social Democratic Party, which was founded by the Gang of four breakaway Labour MPs in 1981” according to the Telegraph.  The seven MPs, who all back a further EU referendum, are not launching a new political party – for now they will sit in Parliament as the Independent Group.


Something Umunna isn’t telling us?

Chuka Umunna, who has been a member of the labour party for over 22 years, predicts that the Independent Group will be established as a political party by the end of the year.
In a statement, Chuka Umunna stated at a launch event in central London:  “It is time we dumped this country’s old-fashioned politics and created an alternative that does justice to who we are today and gives this country a politics fit for the here and now – the 21st Century.” 

According to Express, in an interview with BBC host Nick Robinson, Ummuna was left “speechless” when confronted about his position on the policies mentioned in the 2017 Labour manifesto. When asked: “Which parts of the Labour manifesto that you stood on in 2017, other than Europe, what part of that manifesto do you disavow and disagree with?”, he responded with “Well, Brexit is the biggest issue since the Second World War”. He then went on to say: “On Brexit I actually, with a group of other colleagues, including those who are now part of the Independent Group, we’ve put out an alternative Brexit prospective during that election. So people knew that we were standing on something different”

Though the resignations seem like a ‘noble’ act of political integrity, the interview between Chuka Umunna and Nick Robinson compels us to question why it is that he has chosen to resign and form a separate ‘political party to be’.


This does not take away from the fact that Brexit and anti-semitism are two major issues that have been dividing MPs for a significant amount of time. Though there are still conversations on the division of MPs, according to the interview, other long standing issues prompted his resignation. Umunna’s struggle to name a Labour policy he disagrees with came across awkward, to which BBC presenter Nick Robinson stated that his excuses were simply an “elegant way of saying you don’t like Jeremy Corbyn”, according to the Mirror.


Though the news of the resignations are quite and still developing, it is safe to assume that this may most likely be the first of many. 

Blackface Has Found Its New Successor In Gucci

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Luxury fashion brand Gucci has faced enormous backlash over its $890 balaclava knit top, resembling “Blackface”. The black community is enraged. Hundreds of celebrities have boycotted the luxury fashion brand. Gucci has ensued a war on social media and it continues the trend of brands seemingly insensitive to the deeply racist history black people have faced.

Blackface is a form of theatrical make-up used previously and predominantly by non-black performers to represent a caricature of a black person. During the 19th century, it gained popularity and contributed to the spread of racial stereotypes including the “happy-go-lucky darky on the plantation” or the “dandifiedcoon“.

Thus illustrating this could not have been a mere oversight by Gucci, how could a company like this make such a massive mistake?

Gucci has since removed the balaclava and publicly apologised.

“We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make,” the company said in a statement last week.

“We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organisation and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond.”

Those defending Gucci are asking if the black community just take offence at everything. It is as if the black community want to find a racism element in everything. It could have just been an innocent misunderstanding by Gucci, it must be remembered that we live in a time where the darkness from the past is only just being uncovered.

Gucci should consider hiring a diversity manager in light of this scandal and perhaps could run risk management into what could be considered racially insensitive in the current political climate.

Not The First Clothing Scandal

Another argument has has arisen is with regards to H&M. why is it that the luxury brand Gucci has been boycotted but H&M still remains flourishing .

January 2018 saw the release from H&M of the green hoody with a black child with the words on the front “Coolest Monkey in the jungle”. The same outroar ensued, but the hype died down. It should be noted that there has been no boycotting of H&M, will this be the same for Gucci?

It seems as if the black community are yet again divided on this issue: those who see race in all its epochs and those who believe it was a genuine mistake. If the community decides to boycott brands, should the majority of brands be boycotted as many make money of the back of black labourers? There is no seemingly sustainable boycotting when the boycotting is seasonal.

Boycotting should and must be permanent.The loss of revenue alongside the backlash will implore Gucci to rethink their branding strategy. Maybe next time they will get it right and the Gucci gang will return. Or will the boycotters stay loyal to their moral standpoint.