In reality, the left is the target of political violence

[JamesWales]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

It's pointless Jon. Just seeing his response to Bob suggests that. I didn't even get a response even though I quoted an example of what 'should' be a compelling argument. Conveniently swerved that one.

So, my issue with the article, is that I don't think it's based in reality. They have a website to fill, some advertising to sell and they need articles shared. That's not just a guardian thing of course, but I do think it means that many (now primarily online) articles are less balanced than they may be; they'll come up with a rather jazzy headline and construct a not entirely truthful reality around that.

In this case, do we have some protesters being oppressed? I'm sure there's examples of it. Do left-wingers get abused online? Of course some do. Are left-wing protesters smeared as an angry mob? I don't actually think they are, but no doubt some people will do so, citing some protests or online behaviour etc.

But just like an article that talks about crime and illustrated it only with crimes committed by (for example) immigrants and tries to say that there is a link between the two is disengenuous, so too is this. article. Every example given may be true, but if you fail to mention that it happens across the spectrum then the analysis is fundamentally flawed, just like ignoring crimes committed by 'non immigrants' means you would have a false interpretation of the links between immigration and crime.

In this particular article, I'm not even sure how accurate the examples are.

It starts with some stuff about Tony Benn from 40 years ago, saying prominent British socialists have always received death threats. Unfortunately I suspect that is true, but haven't all MPs? I'm pretty sure there were attempts on many MPs lives in the 80s, the most famous being the Brighton bomb.

It then talks about the Tory doners awful comments. But it fails to reference that the recent shadow chancellor proclaimed in a speech that an MP should be lynched. Lynched! Again, when you look in the whole, then the headline and thrust of the argument gets weaker.

It talks about MPs being physically assaulted, citing egg throwing etc. Now I don't think that's on. I remember calling it out when Farage and others had milkshake poured on them (at a time of prominent acid attacks btw). Let's see how the guardian talked about that:

When it's Corbyn and an egg:

"In 2019, Jeremy Corbyn had an egg smashed on his head by a Brexit supporter. Such incidents have generally been treated by the media as minor, almost meaningless. Yet they form part of an ominous pattern"

When it's Farage and milkshake:

"This Milkshake Spring isn’t political violence – it’s political theatre"

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/21/far-right-milkshake-nigel-farage-tommy-robinson

I could conclude the Left have a monopoly on hypocrisy, but I won't, as I know it's not like that, just as I suspect the author here knows the reality is quite different to what he's presented.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

So, my issue with the article, is that I don't think it's based in reality. They have a website to fill, some advertising to sell and they need articles shared. That's not just a guardian thing of course, but I do think it means that many (now primarily online) articles are less balanced than they may be; they'll come up with a rather jazzy headline and construct a not entirely truthful reality around that.

In this case, do we have some protesters being oppressed? I'm sure there's examples of it. Do left-wingers get abused online? Of course some do. Are left-wing protesters smeared as an angry mob? I don't actually think they are, but no doubt some people will do so, citing some protests or online behaviour etc.

But just like an article that talks about crime and illustrated it only with crimes committed by (for example) immigrants and tries to say that there is a link between the two is disengenuous, so too is this. article. Every example given may be true, but if you fail to mention that it happens across the spectrum then the analysis is fundamentally flawed, just like ignoring crimes committed by 'non immigrants' means you would have a false interpretation of the links between immigration and crime.

In this particular article, I'm not even sure how accurate the examples are.

It starts with some stuff about Tony Benn from 40 years ago, saying prominent British socialists have always received death threats. Unfortunately I suspect that is true, but haven't all MPs? I'm pretty sure there were attempts on many MPs lives in the 80s, the most famous being the Brighton bomb.

It then talks about the Tory doners awful comments. But it fails to reference that the recent shadow chancellor proclaimed in a speech that an MP should be lynched. Lynched! Again, when you look in the whole, then the headline and thrust of the argument gets weaker.

It talks about MPs being physically assaulted, citing egg throwing etc. Now I don't think that's on. I remember calling it out when Farage and others had milkshake poured on them (at a time of prominent acid attacks btw). Let's see how the guardian talked about that:

When it's Corbyn and an egg:

"In 2019, Jeremy Corbyn had an egg smashed on his head by a Brexit supporter. Such incidents have generally been treated by the media as minor, almost meaningless. Yet they form part of an ominous pattern"

When it's Farage and milkshake:

"This Milkshake Spring isn’t political violence – it’s political theatre"

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/21/far-right-milkshake-nigel-farage-tommy-robinson

I could conclude the Left have a monopoly on hypocrisy, but I won't, as I know it's not like that, just as I suspect the author here knows the reality is quite different to what he's presented.

Never mind all that pseudo intellectual nonsense

The Economic League persecuted people and prevented them from getting jobs because they were left wing or believed to be left wing

The Economic League was FUNDED by Conservative donors and big business

Directly and indirectly

Thatcher knew about this

State sponsored intimidation

Your lot

It wasn't just a few eggs thrown sonny

[JamesWales]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

Never mind all that pseudo intellectual nonsense

The Economic League persecuted people and prevented them from getting jobs because they were left wing or believed to be left wing

The Economic League was FUNDED by Conservative donors and big business

Directly and indirectly

Thatcher knew about this

State sponsored intimidation

Your lot

It wasn't just a few eggs thrown sonny

I don't doubt it. It is 2024 though.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

It's pointless Jon. Just seeing his response to Bob suggests that. I didn't even get a response even though I quoted an example of what 'should' be a compelling argument. Conveniently swerved that one.

You are right it's absolutely pointless

Even if he's wrong he's right

And if he's caught in a corner he will take a week off hoping nobody notices

[JamesWales]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

You are right it's absolutely pointless

Even if he's wrong he's right

And if he's caught in a corner he will take a week off hoping nobody notices

I gave a long response explaining why I think the guardian article is incorrect in its conclusions (same reason it often is; the pursuit of ad revenue instead of the pursuit of truth) which you dismissed as "pseudo intellectual nonsense" and then started talking about something from nearly half a century ago.

Before that, I simply said I think the article is wrong

Cant win with some of you! I guess the oppression and persecution has messed you up?! 😉

[jon1959]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

I gave a long response explaining why I think the guardian article is incorrect in its conclusions (same reason it often is; the pursuit of ad revenue instead of the pursuit of truth) which you dismissed as "pseudo intellectual nonsense" and then started talking about something from nearly half a century ago.

Before that, I simply said I think the article is wrong

Cant win with some of you! I guess the oppression and persecution has messed you up?! ��

The Economic League was running its blacklist until it wound up in 1993. A lot more recent than 'nearly half a century ago'. Some of us had personal experience of the blacklist in operation. It was an integral part of 'the establishment' with its tendrils in both the private and the public sector. Blacklists were not the main target of the Andy Beckett piece but they were certainly part of the picture.

[JamesWales]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

The Economic League was running its blacklist until it wound up in 1993. A lot more recent than 'nearly half a century ago'. Some of us had personal experience of the blacklist in operation. It was an integral part of 'the establishment' with its tendrils in both the private and the public sector. Blacklists were not the main target of the Andy Beckett piece but they were certainly part of the picture.

Appreciate that Jon and no one would justify it. There are numerous reports of people in academia and the like being denied work due to conversative views. Equally unacceptable, and based on political intolerance which as you may have noticed is a huge bugbear of mine. It's not right.

But I thought we were having a conversation about contemporary Britain, and as I say, I don't think the evidence stacks up to support the conclusion made in that article tbh

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

Appreciate that Jon and no one would justify it. There are numerous reports of people in academia and the like being denied work due to conversative views. Equally unacceptable, and based on political intolerance which as you may have noticed is a huge bugbear of mine. It's not right.

But I thought we were having a conversation about contemporary Britain, and as I say, I don't think the evidence stacks up to support the conclusion made in that article tbh

It's like clubbing a seal

[Elwood Blues]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

It's like clubbing a seal

What on earth are you on about, Sludge???

It is about time I started responding again to more posts I think.

If I can be bothered I will get my laptop out and give a fuller response to this thread later.

I know you have all missed my incisive political posts.................

[Citizen's Nephew]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

So, my issue with the article, is that I don't think it's based in reality. They have a website to fill, some advertising to sell and they need articles shared. That's not just a guardian thing of course, but I do think it means that many (now primarily online) articles are less balanced than they may be; they'll come up with a rather jazzy headline and construct a not entirely truthful reality around that.

In this case, do we have some protesters being oppressed? I'm sure there's examples of it. Do left-wingers get abused online? Of course some do. Are left-wing protesters smeared as an angry mob? I don't actually think they are, but no doubt some people will do so, citing some protests or online behaviour etc.

But just like an article that talks about crime and illustrated it only with crimes committed by (for example) immigrants and tries to say that there is a link between the two is disengenuous, so too is this. article. Every example given may be true, but if you fail to mention that it happens across the spectrum then the analysis is fundamentally flawed, just like ignoring crimes committed by 'non immigrants' means you would have a false interpretation of the links between immigration and crime.

In this particular article, I'm not even sure how accurate the examples are.

It starts with some stuff about Tony Benn from 40 years ago, saying prominent British socialists have always received death threats. Unfortunately I suspect that is true, but haven't all MPs? I'm pretty sure there were attempts on many MPs lives in the 80s, the most famous being the Brighton bomb.

It then talks about the Tory doners awful comments. But it fails to reference that the recent shadow chancellor proclaimed in a speech that an MP should be lynched. Lynched! Again, when you look in the whole, then the headline and thrust of the argument gets weaker.

It talks about MPs being physically assaulted, citing egg throwing etc. Now I don't think that's on. I remember calling it out when Farage and others had milkshake poured on them (at a time of prominent acid attacks btw). Let's see how the guardian talked about that:

When it's Corbyn and an egg:

"In 2019, Jeremy Corbyn had an egg smashed on his head by a Brexit supporter. Such incidents have generally been treated by the media as minor, almost meaningless. Yet they form part of an ominous pattern"

When it's Farage and milkshake:

"This Milkshake Spring isn’t political violence – it’s political theatre"

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/21/far-right-milkshake-nigel-farage-tommy-robinson

I could conclude the Left has a monopoly on hypocrisy, but I won't, as I know it's not like that, just as I suspect the author here knows the reality is quite different to what he's presented.

Let’s cut to the chase here. What you’re talking about - this frustration with how the media, including outlets like The Guardian, spin stories with flashy headlines and sometimes shaky grounds in reality - isn’t just a one-off thing. It’s the norm, not the exception, and it’s everywhere. From left to right, online or print, every publication out there is playing the same game. They’ve got space to fill, ads to sell, and clicks to get. Truth? Balance? That often takes a backseat to whatever gets people fired up enough to share an article.

Hoping for academic-level neutrality from these guys is like expecting a shark not to bite; it’s just not in their nature. They’re not in the business of giving you a well-rounded lecture; they’re in the business of keeping your eyes glued to their page at any cost. Sensationalism sells, and subtlety doesn’t pay the bills.

Your points on bias, selective storytelling, and playing favorites with facts are spot-on. If a story only tells one side or hypes up certain examples while ignoring others, it’s not just bending the truth - it’s warping it. And yeah, every example they use might be legit, but when they cherry-pick only the bits that suit their angle, we’re getting a distorted picture of reality.

The problem I have with your reply is calling out one publication for this kind of thing. It’s like yelling at a single raindrop for getting you wet in a storm. This is a widespread problem. It’s about the entire system that prioritises scandal over substance and outrage over accuracy.

I'd argue that media like The Daily Mail, The Sun, and The Express are much worse at doing this. Some of the material published in those 'news' outlets constitutes hate speech IMO. So, The Guardian, by no means exempt from the issues you mention, is far more readable IMO than the other media I've mentioned. Though, I acknowledge, it's getting harder and harder to find reliable sources.

What you're asking for is academic writing. But you also acknowledge that it's not going to happen. So, in summary, what you also seem to be acknowledging is that none of us should read any news outlet and cite it in any thread unless it is of the academic standard you're expecting.

Bottom line: You’re right to be f*cked off about the lack of balance and the blatant bias. But let’s not kid ourselves that this is a problem with just one article or one outlet. It’s the whole media landscape that’s skewed.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

The UK media is incredibly top heavy with right wing crap

There are more outlets to peddle right wing nonsense ......and they are very active

Anyone who thinks the Guardian and the BBC ......both of whom are wishy washy but essentially liberal and moderate come anywhere near the right wing rubbish this country spews out is deluded or lying or both

Daily Mail , The Sun , Express , Times , Telegraph , Evening Standard , ITN , Sky , Talk TV, GB News

That's just for starters when it comes to tory and right wing cobblers

Absolutely overloaded with it

I am not even going to wait for the yeah but no but yeah gibberish from the usual tory suspect or suspects

[Dorcus]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

Only Gammons read trash like the Mail, Express and Sun.

[JamesWales]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

Let’s cut to the chase here. What you’re talking about - this frustration with how the media, including outlets like The Guardian, spin stories with flashy headlines and sometimes shaky grounds in reality - isn’t just a one-off thing. It’s the norm, not the exception, and it’s everywhere. From left to right, online or print, every publication out there is playing the same game. They’ve got space to fill, ads to sell, and clicks to get. Truth? Balance? That often takes a backseat to whatever gets people fired up enough to share an article.

Hoping for academic-level neutrality from these guys is like expecting a shark not to bite; it’s just not in their nature. They’re not in the business of giving you a well-rounded lecture; they’re in the business of keeping your eyes glued to their page at any cost. Sensationalism sells, and subtlety doesn’t pay the bills.

Your points on bias, selective storytelling, and playing favorites with facts are spot-on. If a story only tells one side or hypes up certain examples while ignoring others, it’s not just bending the truth - it’s warping it. And yeah, every example they use might be legit, but when they cherry-pick only the bits that suit their angle, we’re getting a distorted picture of reality.

The problem I have with your reply is calling out one publication for this kind of thing. It’s like yelling at a single raindrop for getting you wet in a storm. This is a widespread problem. It’s about the entire system that prioritises scandal over substance and outrage over accuracy.

I'd argue that media like The Daily Mail, The Sun, and The Express are much worse at doing this. Some of the material published in those 'news' outlets constitutes hate speech IMO. So, The Guardian, by no means exempt from the issues you mention, is far more readable IMO than the other media I've mentioned. Though, I acknowledge, it's getting harder and harder to find reliable sources.

What you're asking for is academic writing. But you also acknowledge that it's not going to happen. So, in summary, what you also seem to be acknowledging is that none of us should read any news outlet and cite it in any thread unless it is of the academic standard you're expecting.

Bottom line: You’re right to be f*cked off about the lack of balance and the blatant bias. But let’s not kid ourselves that this is a problem with just one article or one outlet. It’s the whole media landscape that’s skewed.

I largely agree with you too. I probably could express it more evenly, but on CCMB at least we really don't see many 'right wing' threads really, and I just don't engage on some of the more conspiratorial ones.

I think our issues are things as we've discussed, poor news values, people getting their news from twitter and phones which can never properly portray issues, political intolerance, some issues on free speech, a lack of understanding of different views etc. It's got worse in the last 15 years or so, perhaps since the global financial crisis but I blame social media more than anything.

I really don't like political pigeon holes, I really think there is good and bad across the spectrum and we should question and listen to everything. When I hear differently I tend to push against it and as I say on CCMB I generally see the issues come more from a left wing perspective, but I entirely agree it's across the spectrum. That, deep down is what I am usually trying to say, not always worded as well as I would like.

[life on mars]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

I've been targetted by vile left wing commentary on ere

[+ the native hipster]

Re: In reality, the left is the target of political violence

The UK media is incredibly top heavy with right wing crap

There are more outlets to peddle right wing nonsense ......and they are very active

Anyone who thinks the Guardian and the BBC ......both of whom are wishy washy but essentially liberal and moderate come anywhere near the right wing rubbish this country spews out is deluded or lying or both

Daily Mail , The Sun , Express , Times , Telegraph , Evening Standard , ITN , Sky , Talk TV, GB News

That's just for starters when it comes to tory and right wing cobblers

Absolutely overloaded with it

I am not even going to wait for the yeah but no but yeah gibberish from the usual tory suspect or suspects

titania you're back!! and of course i agree the economic league are worse than stonewall and hate not hope, coz it's ok when we do it