Moving Australia Forward? Why young people are disengaged with politics
Young people feel increasingly disengaged with politics. There was a real push to get them to enrol to vote in time for this election. And with this election coverage being swamped in spin and about nothing of substance, it is not surprising that young people aren’t engaged. But why? The general thrust of this election [...]
Penny Wong, same-sex marriage and why you can’t change things within the Labor party
I haven’t said much about politics since the election campaign until now, mainly because it’s been sterile and boring, the debate being the pinnacle of politicians waffling on without actually saying anything of substance. But the defence of Penny Wong’s position on same-sex marriage really needs to be countered. Penny Wong has enraged advocates of [...]
Hypocritical Taboos and the Banning of LA Zombie
The Age is running a story this morning around the banning of zombie film LA Zombie mostly on the basis of the ‘sexual content’ of the film. This is outrageous, but beyond just the problem of censorship it’s a clear example of how society views sex as more offensive than violence. The film was banned [...]
Gillard and Labor on asylum seekers and why not being the Liberals is not good enough
Julia Gillard’s appointment as Prime Minster has been followed by policies and rhetoric that indicates she’s not as great as commentators seem to think she is. She’s made it clear she does not support same-sex marriage rights, she’s backed down on the mining tax and now her comments in regards to asylum seekers show that [...]
Writing Goals: June to July
Heading into June, the main thing on my mind was getting things done and preparing before I started writing my Chinese Whisperings short story. I mentioned that I was using Google Calendar and Tasks more but I went into overdrive with it and planned spaced out deadlines and steps along the way to each goal. [...]
Don’t be so surprised, Gillard is a homophobe like all the others
Just in case the numerous quotes and inaction hadn’t convinced your idealistic dreamy little heads that thought because our new Prime Minster, Julia Gillard is a women and/or an atheist she might be for progressive things such as removing the ban on same-sex marriage rights – she’s gone and proved you wrong again. She said [...]
Movie Review: Paranormal Activity
I finally got around to watching Paranormal Activity last night. There was a lot of talk about it when it was released in cinemas, and I really wanted to go then but never got the chance. Opinion is so divided on this movie. People either think it’s fucking scary or fucking shit. I tend to [...]
Akermanis should shut up and gay players should come out
With a campaign against homophobia within AFL still in some people’s memories, it’s enraging that Jason Akermanis confirmed that homophobia is still a long way from being gotten rid of in AFL, sport and wider society. Akermanis has responded to calls for gay AFL players to come out with comments that they should stay in [...]
Thousands Rally for Same-Sex Marriage on International Day Against Homophobia
Almost 5,000 people rallied in Melbourne on International Day Against Homophobia to call for same-sex marriage rights as we head closer to the federal election. Once again younger people kept the atmosphere energetic with numbers buoyed by the appearance of actor, Ian McKellen. The announcement that McKellen was speaking, alongside the rest of the cast [...]
Linkshout: May 13
Link collection posts aren’t anything particularly new. I feel slightly guilty as it really is heavily based on Lisa Dempster’s ‘linktown’ posts. Think of my ‘linkshouts’ as me standing on the street corner of the blogosphere and shouting out what I think worth’s reading on current issues and debates around the web. Jessica Au tackles [...]
Is Rudd attacking refugees to get votes from racist workers?
While it seems Rudd has copped a fair amount if criticism in the media over his latest attack on refugees, I’ve noticed a worrying trend in the way writers have tackled the issue, claiming Rudd is just capitulating to racist voters. It is undeniable that Rudd’s timing is everything to do with the election. The [...]
Writing Goals: March to April
I’m returning to the blogosphere after four inspiring and non-stop days at the Marxism 2010 conference, with a public holiday yesterday in which I was letting my brain rest and relax before heading back to work today. The Marxism conference always triggers a multitude of thoughts, inspiration, motivation to learn more about politics, and to [...]
What is Marxist Horror?
‘What the hell is Marxist Horror?’ is one of the most common questions people ask me. I’m not really surprised. There is no ‘Marxist Horror’ section at your local book store and I dare say you’d struggle to find another member of this genre – though a lot horror is left-wing and possibly Marxist, and [...]
Commenting Policy
Comments are welcome and encouraged. Lively debate and discussion add real value to posts and are essential to the success of a blog. I want to be as open about people’s comments and feedback as possible, but for various reasons I have to set some ground rules and guidelines in order for discussion to remain [...]
On Women, Sexism, Literature, Awards and Why Male Writers Don’t Benefit
There’s been a bit of debate and discussion around the blogosphere of late concerning women and their position within the literary world, particularly in regards to being shortlisted for prizes. Kill Your Darlings: On Women’s Writing Politics Daily: Same Old Story: Best-Books List Snubs Women Writers the thinkings of a lili: Rant. Women. Writing. Chicklit [...]
365: Day 187 to 198
Nothing much to blog about at the moment, but I have been writing which is good. Here’s the latest lot of 365 challenge photos for you to enjoy. Day 187: Had drinks at Troika in the city for a friend’s birthday (see edible print-out that’s meant to go on cake) Day 188: Marched with thousands [...]
Book Review: Sexuality and Socialism – Sherry Wolf
Sexuality and Socialism by Sherry Wolf is described as the ‘History, Politics and Theory of LGBT Liberation.’ A book like this that covers the issues of sexuality and homophobia under capitalism is a long overdue contribution to socialist politics, but especially timely given the struggles all over the world for same-sex marriage rights. The book [...]
Thousands March for Same-Sex Marriage in Melbourne
Yesterday, up to 2,000 people marched through the streets of Melbourne to demand same-sex marriage rights in an inspiring continuation of Equal Love’s National Year of Action for same-sex marriage leading up to this year’s Federal Election. It was refreshing to see so many young people chanting loud and angry against Rudd’s homophobia and there [...]
365: Day 176 to 186
Day 176: Took the day off sick, and it was also my first day off caffeine so had a massive headache all day. Day 177: Second day off sick, this time with a fever so curled up with a dooner and watched TV and played PS3. Day 178: Third day off sick. Green tea is [...]
On Lara Bingle and the Media Assault on Victims of Sexual Assault
I think it’s worth commenting on the current media attention around Lara Bingle at the moment, because it’s clear that the issues at stake are much more serious than the trivial celebrity scandal that some media outlets are portraying it as. This is particularly following articles like the one from Peter Roebuck. I was seething [...]
