What most infuriates me about sociopathic media personalities is their use of safe spaces. They say the most inflammatory things possible, vile statements carefully calculated to be cruel, and hide behind the rule of law from mob justice; they hide behind free speech laws to spread intolerance while joyfully attacking and suppressing the speech of everyone they dislike. They produce fact-free, blithe opinions that they can churn at out thousands of times the speed of someone who painstakingly assembles a piece from known or unknown knowns; and count on the mass media's bias for conflict and hegemony-worship to give them a platform - which always works.
Perhaps oddly, it's not the sociopaths I take issue with. I think they're inevitable; the sociopaths will always be with us. My problem is with the media who give these people platforms. The correct course of action when confronted with someone who writes for your publication cheering on or denying a genocide (or ethnic cleansing, or mass murder via "targeted" munition; I'm trying to forestall people who love to quibble the terminology, when a simpler solution is just to agree that indiscriminate mass murder of innocents is *wrong*) is to go "welp, no more column for you." Media love to hide in their free speech safe space when confronted with this, but this lofty superiority evaporates when confronted with the fact that there are many, many things that fall under the banner of "free speech" that they absolutely will not deign to print. Let's see them give a column to a die-hard Stalinist, or a paedophilia advocate! They won't, even though it's free speech, and (obviously) I agree with them; such views do exist, but they don't deserve airtime. The uncomfortable conclusion, which media resolutely avoid coming to, is that *some* mass murder is okay to cheer on; *some* people are worthy of constant denigration. The better, almost inevitably, if these people are the brown citizens of a geopolitically inconvenient polity, or members of a scapegoated gender minority who have the temerity to plead for their continued existence. In short, it's the media's fault. No one is making them do this, and yet, here we are.
In a better world, we would organise society on the principle of identifying sociopaths and making sure they got a nice little house and the best possible mental health care while carefully denying them platforms or power. And we don't need unethical, invasive Minority Report-style systems to identify them; all we need is the continued existence of Twitter. Given the opportunity, these people will hang out their whole arse and paint a target on it. "Look at me! Look at me! I'm a total creep." They can't resist.
One of the things which shits me about the freezepeach sociopaths is that their utilitarian view of the world is so myopic they miss all the rich detail of life as a human, like, oh… I don’t know… that being an absolute cunnnnt is objectively a Bad Thing and does have impacts on those they deride and that issues are complex and perhaps debate and discourse and discussion are moot because they’re being an absolute cunnnnce and not really approaching anything in good faith.
The other thing which shits me about DG being platformed so prominently on stuff dot co dot en zed is that sometimes his screeds are linked to on the front page of the site with a seemingly reasonable headline and then you click through and see his byline and doughy ex-fraudster face and you curse the web editor because you’ve just given him a god damn click thereby ensuring that he retains his column.
Excellent comment. However, the appalling thing is that people get the media that they want. They prefer to be entertained and excited, rather than educated and informed. Homo sapiens? Don't make me laugh.
Perfectly put as usual! I personally have a problem with the concept of "free speech" being inviolable ... I know the problem lies with "who decides what is acceptable" if there are limitations that are legally defined, as opposed to what "media" CHOOSES to limit (perfect example of pedophilia BTW 👏) but I don't see that as a reason not to put limits. My suggestion is a permanent standing Jury (similar to the idea of a Grand Jury in the US) but made up of a mix of citizens & perhaps retired legal people, who get called together at shortish notice to adjudicate WHEN things arise i.e. the examples in David's piece would be referred to a specific entity who had the authority to convene the people to decide whether things have crossed the legal line & then obviously actual Judges deciding any penalty or punishment. The "normal" legal system takes too long & is too clunky when people are continually potentially breaching what would be any legal boundaries covering legitimate "free speech". To me freedom to speak is a privilege NOT a right - but I am old school about what is fair & right about truth & balance that seems to have completely gone out of the window since social media emboldening & raising up these terrible people who used to have a very small sphere of influence.
Absolutely agree with you. However just want to add that as a CONSUMER of news, I’m desperate to find the good reliable facts and thoughtful opinions, and I suspect I’m not the only one. NZ based, but I’m now sourcing news snippets from all over the world. One thing that this has taught me is how ‘sheltered’ and patronising our local media is. If anybody in editorial is reading, I don’t want to read ANYTHING about Trump court case I can’t get from the headline, ditto car accidents, coroner inquests and British royal family. And so, whilst we love David ( and by association all of his journo mates incl you) and this sharing forum, it doesn’t encompass all of our news needs (because as we know David’s interests are quirky in the best possible way) but it isn’t really feasible for me to be a paid subscriber to every journalist individually, so I can consume a decent broad array of ‘happenings’. So I know creating a new model Isn’t easy, but there must be a way. As you say, at the highest level right and wrong is no harder than it was in the playground, and if you’re conflicted as author, you can trust us to hear and consider that- as you did above. Personally I don’t want to be spoon fed. Hopefully you don’t take this as a criticism of yourself… it’s just a nudge to say; your audience is ready!
I've been reading some information about how Sean Plunkett is actually a robot alien who eats children, and no-one is stopping him. I've been spreading this to my most suggestible, impulsive, excitable friends. It's a laugh
Can we start some kind of grassroots social media slander campaigns for these people? Weird rumours? Terrible, disgusting, shameful rumours? I'm sick to death of taking the upper hand, I feel like getting down and dirty in the trenches and doing things that make them feel shit.
David, at least you’re DOING something. Even if it’s just donating to Doctors Without Borders, like you are, at least you’re doing something. You’re a man of principles and I really admire that. I often wonder how much more of a difference could be made in the world if we all did SOMETHING. Even if it’s just helping our families or neighbours. It all helps.
Every column by Damien Grant promotes the current well-orchestrated message from "our" government. This week, it was lies and distortions about Kainga Ora, our public housing entity. Which the ruthless govt plans to kneecap.
Faaarrkk I love how you can articulate this all in published form. And to have a 'white man' using that very descriptor in your own text is heartening. What's happening is sickening. Thank you for writing, this is exactly why I'm a subscriber, to support this work you do.
I’m so grateful for Webworm, Emily Writes, and Bad Hasbara! You guys make me feel less crazy, and it’s comforting to know that not everyone on this fucked up planet is a sadistic maniac 😮💨❤️🩹
Thanks for being white man speaking truth to power. but also, thanks even more for sharing what and who you're supporting - it reminds me that I can take positive steps to help eliminate he'll on earth
I have such a weird relationship with people like Damien Grant et al (there are a few on LinkedIn that fall into this category too!)
I am usually at diometric opposites of opinion with their work and feel gratified that we don't share the same views, but I also force myself to keep reading them, which gives them success??, as the one thing more dangeours than opposing views is living in an echo chamber.
DG is a bit of a tit, 100% agree - but he does also give you the types of things the near and alt right are thinking and to ignore that would also be folly. I can't bring myself to listen to Plunkett though, I have too much care for my eardrums.
So, whilst I absolutely think he's at the opposite end of the spectrum to me - along with the likes of Plunkett, Ashely Church, Todd Scott etc - it's important for me to know what they're saying and thinking as they really do represent a demographic (of thinking) that I'm not a part of, despite being a white, late forties, UK born male who has definitely enjoyed the privlidges and advantages that come with those things - no doubt.
As an aside - I too did a stint in news media here in NZ (APN at the time and not as a journo - but in sales, then mgt - which taught me a tonne about how journo's think and act!!) and one of the things I always remember is a still very well respected Editor in Chief (who was a bit more junior at the time) telling me a good columnist should make you agree 50% of the time and iunfuriate you the. other 50%. Looks like Damien Grant is batting above that average right now - but there you go!
Keep up the great writing - it's always a good day when the webworm drops in the inbox.
I mean...I can't summon up the words, except to state how valuable people like you, David (people who can summon the words), are in times like we are facing. You've beautifully articulated the frustration so many of us feel at these old white fucktards and their smugness. Please keep going! Kia kaha.
I have to say it again: this is not a hellhole of a planet, this is a super-destructive species working hard to turn this beautiful planet into a hellhole.
As well as all the poor people being slaughtered in Gaza - and the IDF are killing people in the ground, while I'm including the bombardments, so I believe the 30,000+ figures - people are being slaughtered in Ukraine, Sudan and other parts of Africa and in the Amazon. The self-described greatest country on earth appears to regard shooting one another as a sport. However all this carnage is a drop in the ocean compared with what we are doing to the other species on the planet, continuing the process of ecocide that we have been practising from time immemorial.
Think of the carbon from all these wars. Think how much more will be produced in all the steel and concrete that will be used to rebuild these countries, assuming this ever happens. Think of our beautiful, unique planet being every day brought closer to the brink by the out-of-control actions of one horrendous species. But don't malign this wondrous planet.
Thank you for keeping on trying. Watching the genocide in Gaza is horrific, and watching the world's politicians and assorted 'commentators' either supporting it or rubbishing those who want it to stop is nauseating. It's good to read posts like yours that actually display the humanity our supposed leaders should be engaging in.
I've felt that while a few of these types may actually believe what they say, a strong majority of them instead are using it as a "character" to push for greater visibility and thus financial returns to them. That they have no true vested interest in anything other than the financial returns, and are looking for the next thing they can do which will get more attention and thus value, regardless of the actual underlying content.
My reference for this style of "lifelong character portrayal" is the magician, who created a Chinese character in 1900 and stuck with that 24/7: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chung_Ling_Soo I think some of these characters are doing the same thing, because it gives them the attention, notoriety, fame, and money they crave.
Yes, I was thinking of that as well. It makes me feel a little bit better to believe that these are just charlatans putting on a show rather than speaking their true and honest feelings. But only a little bit, because I know they're trying to speak to those who are the true believers, and that means that those people exist out there.
You only need to look at Donald Trump to see the truth of this. I doubt the man has ever held a thought in his head that wasn't entirely self interested.
Ms du Plessis-Allan can join THAT "crowd" (along with her best friend Kate Hawkesby). Their use of language and then try and defend their insults is "F'd up". This group encourages discrimination (and they know that) - they can get around it all they like with "Free speech" and "The right to freedom of expression" but It is always deliberate: from their choice of words and the element of malice and nastiness yet they still given a spot on air or the likes of Stuff?! (And hearing excuses by NZME who then talk about "councelling" - to avoid similar conduct.. Its defitnetly not working when they play into the stereotypes over and over again 🤣. )
As one of the groups that's always in the firing line from these dog whistlers ... I thank you David for speaking out on this. I was born and raised in this country- but at times I feel like we are treated and spoken of as being marginalised. I have seen and heard it all. It is Samoan Language week - fun fact: it is the 3rd most spoken language in NZ :)
Ia lototele ma tautala atu (be brave and speak out) against these antisemitism that promote bigotry and racism
As an Australia we have plenty of white men who love to bait us while swimming in their privilege. You want to ignore them, but feel if you don’t fight then you don’t care enough. They get a fat over your anger.
Donate, share, boycott. Do something. All eyes on Rafah!
Thank you, David. What you are doing is worthwhile. It's right to point out how the assholes work and who enables them.
It's also the right thing to do, to choose an organisation like Doctors Without Borders, in order to channel that impotent sense of rage that we share with you into something constructive.
What most infuriates me about sociopathic media personalities is their use of safe spaces. They say the most inflammatory things possible, vile statements carefully calculated to be cruel, and hide behind the rule of law from mob justice; they hide behind free speech laws to spread intolerance while joyfully attacking and suppressing the speech of everyone they dislike. They produce fact-free, blithe opinions that they can churn at out thousands of times the speed of someone who painstakingly assembles a piece from known or unknown knowns; and count on the mass media's bias for conflict and hegemony-worship to give them a platform - which always works.
Perhaps oddly, it's not the sociopaths I take issue with. I think they're inevitable; the sociopaths will always be with us. My problem is with the media who give these people platforms. The correct course of action when confronted with someone who writes for your publication cheering on or denying a genocide (or ethnic cleansing, or mass murder via "targeted" munition; I'm trying to forestall people who love to quibble the terminology, when a simpler solution is just to agree that indiscriminate mass murder of innocents is *wrong*) is to go "welp, no more column for you." Media love to hide in their free speech safe space when confronted with this, but this lofty superiority evaporates when confronted with the fact that there are many, many things that fall under the banner of "free speech" that they absolutely will not deign to print. Let's see them give a column to a die-hard Stalinist, or a paedophilia advocate! They won't, even though it's free speech, and (obviously) I agree with them; such views do exist, but they don't deserve airtime. The uncomfortable conclusion, which media resolutely avoid coming to, is that *some* mass murder is okay to cheer on; *some* people are worthy of constant denigration. The better, almost inevitably, if these people are the brown citizens of a geopolitically inconvenient polity, or members of a scapegoated gender minority who have the temerity to plead for their continued existence. In short, it's the media's fault. No one is making them do this, and yet, here we are.
In a better world, we would organise society on the principle of identifying sociopaths and making sure they got a nice little house and the best possible mental health care while carefully denying them platforms or power. And we don't need unethical, invasive Minority Report-style systems to identify them; all we need is the continued existence of Twitter. Given the opportunity, these people will hang out their whole arse and paint a target on it. "Look at me! Look at me! I'm a total creep." They can't resist.
One of the things which shits me about the freezepeach sociopaths is that their utilitarian view of the world is so myopic they miss all the rich detail of life as a human, like, oh… I don’t know… that being an absolute cunnnnt is objectively a Bad Thing and does have impacts on those they deride and that issues are complex and perhaps debate and discourse and discussion are moot because they’re being an absolute cunnnnce and not really approaching anything in good faith.
The other thing which shits me about DG being platformed so prominently on stuff dot co dot en zed is that sometimes his screeds are linked to on the front page of the site with a seemingly reasonable headline and then you click through and see his byline and doughy ex-fraudster face and you curse the web editor because you’ve just given him a god damn click thereby ensuring that he retains his column.
Excellent comment. However, the appalling thing is that people get the media that they want. They prefer to be entertained and excited, rather than educated and informed. Homo sapiens? Don't make me laugh.
Perfectly put as usual! I personally have a problem with the concept of "free speech" being inviolable ... I know the problem lies with "who decides what is acceptable" if there are limitations that are legally defined, as opposed to what "media" CHOOSES to limit (perfect example of pedophilia BTW 👏) but I don't see that as a reason not to put limits. My suggestion is a permanent standing Jury (similar to the idea of a Grand Jury in the US) but made up of a mix of citizens & perhaps retired legal people, who get called together at shortish notice to adjudicate WHEN things arise i.e. the examples in David's piece would be referred to a specific entity who had the authority to convene the people to decide whether things have crossed the legal line & then obviously actual Judges deciding any penalty or punishment. The "normal" legal system takes too long & is too clunky when people are continually potentially breaching what would be any legal boundaries covering legitimate "free speech". To me freedom to speak is a privilege NOT a right - but I am old school about what is fair & right about truth & balance that seems to have completely gone out of the window since social media emboldening & raising up these terrible people who used to have a very small sphere of influence.
Absolutely agree with you. However just want to add that as a CONSUMER of news, I’m desperate to find the good reliable facts and thoughtful opinions, and I suspect I’m not the only one. NZ based, but I’m now sourcing news snippets from all over the world. One thing that this has taught me is how ‘sheltered’ and patronising our local media is. If anybody in editorial is reading, I don’t want to read ANYTHING about Trump court case I can’t get from the headline, ditto car accidents, coroner inquests and British royal family. And so, whilst we love David ( and by association all of his journo mates incl you) and this sharing forum, it doesn’t encompass all of our news needs (because as we know David’s interests are quirky in the best possible way) but it isn’t really feasible for me to be a paid subscriber to every journalist individually, so I can consume a decent broad array of ‘happenings’. So I know creating a new model Isn’t easy, but there must be a way. As you say, at the highest level right and wrong is no harder than it was in the playground, and if you’re conflicted as author, you can trust us to hear and consider that- as you did above. Personally I don’t want to be spoon fed. Hopefully you don’t take this as a criticism of yourself… it’s just a nudge to say; your audience is ready!
I've been reading some information about how Sean Plunkett is actually a robot alien who eats children, and no-one is stopping him. I've been spreading this to my most suggestible, impulsive, excitable friends. It's a laugh
Can we start some kind of grassroots social media slander campaigns for these people? Weird rumours? Terrible, disgusting, shameful rumours? I'm sick to death of taking the upper hand, I feel like getting down and dirty in the trenches and doing things that make them feel shit.
David, at least you’re DOING something. Even if it’s just donating to Doctors Without Borders, like you are, at least you’re doing something. You’re a man of principles and I really admire that. I often wonder how much more of a difference could be made in the world if we all did SOMETHING. Even if it’s just helping our families or neighbours. It all helps.
He is shining a light on evil. That is not a trivial task.
Every column by Damien Grant promotes the current well-orchestrated message from "our" government. This week, it was lies and distortions about Kainga Ora, our public housing entity. Which the ruthless govt plans to kneecap.
Faaarrkk I love how you can articulate this all in published form. And to have a 'white man' using that very descriptor in your own text is heartening. What's happening is sickening. Thank you for writing, this is exactly why I'm a subscriber, to support this work you do.
I’m so grateful for Webworm, Emily Writes, and Bad Hasbara! You guys make me feel less crazy, and it’s comforting to know that not everyone on this fucked up planet is a sadistic maniac 😮💨❤️🩹
Thanks for being white man speaking truth to power. but also, thanks even more for sharing what and who you're supporting - it reminds me that I can take positive steps to help eliminate he'll on earth
I have such a weird relationship with people like Damien Grant et al (there are a few on LinkedIn that fall into this category too!)
I am usually at diometric opposites of opinion with their work and feel gratified that we don't share the same views, but I also force myself to keep reading them, which gives them success??, as the one thing more dangeours than opposing views is living in an echo chamber.
DG is a bit of a tit, 100% agree - but he does also give you the types of things the near and alt right are thinking and to ignore that would also be folly. I can't bring myself to listen to Plunkett though, I have too much care for my eardrums.
So, whilst I absolutely think he's at the opposite end of the spectrum to me - along with the likes of Plunkett, Ashely Church, Todd Scott etc - it's important for me to know what they're saying and thinking as they really do represent a demographic (of thinking) that I'm not a part of, despite being a white, late forties, UK born male who has definitely enjoyed the privlidges and advantages that come with those things - no doubt.
As an aside - I too did a stint in news media here in NZ (APN at the time and not as a journo - but in sales, then mgt - which taught me a tonne about how journo's think and act!!) and one of the things I always remember is a still very well respected Editor in Chief (who was a bit more junior at the time) telling me a good columnist should make you agree 50% of the time and iunfuriate you the. other 50%. Looks like Damien Grant is batting above that average right now - but there you go!
Keep up the great writing - it's always a good day when the webworm drops in the inbox.
Kia kaha, David, we care about you xxx
I mean...I can't summon up the words, except to state how valuable people like you, David (people who can summon the words), are in times like we are facing. You've beautifully articulated the frustration so many of us feel at these old white fucktards and their smugness. Please keep going! Kia kaha.
I have to say it again: this is not a hellhole of a planet, this is a super-destructive species working hard to turn this beautiful planet into a hellhole.
As well as all the poor people being slaughtered in Gaza - and the IDF are killing people in the ground, while I'm including the bombardments, so I believe the 30,000+ figures - people are being slaughtered in Ukraine, Sudan and other parts of Africa and in the Amazon. The self-described greatest country on earth appears to regard shooting one another as a sport. However all this carnage is a drop in the ocean compared with what we are doing to the other species on the planet, continuing the process of ecocide that we have been practising from time immemorial.
Think of the carbon from all these wars. Think how much more will be produced in all the steel and concrete that will be used to rebuild these countries, assuming this ever happens. Think of our beautiful, unique planet being every day brought closer to the brink by the out-of-control actions of one horrendous species. But don't malign this wondrous planet.
Thank you for keeping on trying. Watching the genocide in Gaza is horrific, and watching the world's politicians and assorted 'commentators' either supporting it or rubbishing those who want it to stop is nauseating. It's good to read posts like yours that actually display the humanity our supposed leaders should be engaging in.
I've felt that while a few of these types may actually believe what they say, a strong majority of them instead are using it as a "character" to push for greater visibility and thus financial returns to them. That they have no true vested interest in anything other than the financial returns, and are looking for the next thing they can do which will get more attention and thus value, regardless of the actual underlying content.
My reference for this style of "lifelong character portrayal" is the magician, who created a Chinese character in 1900 and stuck with that 24/7: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chung_Ling_Soo I think some of these characters are doing the same thing, because it gives them the attention, notoriety, fame, and money they crave.
Oh, big time - in case you missed it, Josh wrote a really compelling bit about, well, people doing "a bit": https://www.webworm.co/p/masterbaiters
It's a really good read.
Yes, I was thinking of that as well. It makes me feel a little bit better to believe that these are just charlatans putting on a show rather than speaking their true and honest feelings. But only a little bit, because I know they're trying to speak to those who are the true believers, and that means that those people exist out there.
You only need to look at Donald Trump to see the truth of this. I doubt the man has ever held a thought in his head that wasn't entirely self interested.
Outrage mongers
Ms du Plessis-Allan can join THAT "crowd" (along with her best friend Kate Hawkesby). Their use of language and then try and defend their insults is "F'd up". This group encourages discrimination (and they know that) - they can get around it all they like with "Free speech" and "The right to freedom of expression" but It is always deliberate: from their choice of words and the element of malice and nastiness yet they still given a spot on air or the likes of Stuff?! (And hearing excuses by NZME who then talk about "councelling" - to avoid similar conduct.. Its defitnetly not working when they play into the stereotypes over and over again 🤣. )
As one of the groups that's always in the firing line from these dog whistlers ... I thank you David for speaking out on this. I was born and raised in this country- but at times I feel like we are treated and spoken of as being marginalised. I have seen and heard it all. It is Samoan Language week - fun fact: it is the 3rd most spoken language in NZ :)
Ia lototele ma tautala atu (be brave and speak out) against these antisemitism that promote bigotry and racism
Manuia lou aso! (Have a good day)
As an Australia we have plenty of white men who love to bait us while swimming in their privilege. You want to ignore them, but feel if you don’t fight then you don’t care enough. They get a fat over your anger.
Donate, share, boycott. Do something. All eyes on Rafah!
Thank you, David. What you are doing is worthwhile. It's right to point out how the assholes work and who enables them.
It's also the right thing to do, to choose an organisation like Doctors Without Borders, in order to channel that impotent sense of rage that we share with you into something constructive.