Premium: Battle At The Anarchist Book Fair

May 30, 2025

Listeners delve into a chaotic anarchist book fair in Montreal that sparked a cancel culture debate over vendors selling tarot. The hosts tackle the ethics of AI infiltrating social media, including a study using bots to sway Reddit discussions. They also navigate the complexities of inclusivity in computer science textbooks, weighing humor against critical feedback from sensitivity readers. Plus, personal anecdotes bring light to the serious implications of digital discourse and community dynamics in today's contentious environment.

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ADVICE

Balance Sensitivity Reviews Carefully

If a sensitivity review demands unreasonable changes, authors should refuse and consider removing their name.
Authors must balance inclusivity efforts with preserving meaningful and practical content.

ANECDOTE

Anarchist Book Fair Split

The Montreal Anarchist Book Fair was canceled due to disputes over cultural appropriation involving tarot card vendors.
A new fair called the Constellation Anarchist Book Fair arose, allowing anyone to table without policing.

ANECDOTE

Harassment of Clementine Morgan

Clementine Morgan, an anti-cancel culture anarchist, had her zines destroyed at the Constellation Book Fair.
She and her partner faced ongoing harassment and smear campaigns in the Montreal anarchist scene.

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Blackout, How Black America Can Make Its Second Escape from the Democrat Plantation

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Crazy Like Us

The Globalization of the American Psyche

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In 'Crazy Like Us', Ethan Watters critiques the globalization of Western mental health concepts, arguing that these ideas often displace indigenous understandings of mental illness. Through case studies in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Zanzibar, and Japan, Watters highlights the cultural homogenization of mental health and its consequences. The book challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about mental illness and its cultural context.

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Moby Dick

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City in the Desert

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Mora Rogers

Cinderella at War

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Mora Rogers

Nunchuck City

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Brian Asman