New Culture Forum

Masculinity has reached a moment of crisis. From the erosion of unifying institutions such as marriage to a rise in male suicide rates, these are particularly turbulent times to be a man. Increasing numbers of men are finding themselves anchorless, uprooted from the conventions and certainties of their forefathers. Today masculinity itself has come under attack, relentlessly maligned in the media. Now, more than ever, the long and perilous journey from infant to old age is fraught with strange complexities, moral dichotomies and maddening contradictions. So, what does it mean to be a man in the twenty-first century? How can today's men lead a more fulfilling existence? Joining Peter Whittle on this week's "So What You're Saying is..." to discuss these subjects is James Innes-Smith, author of the new book "The Seven Ages of Man: How To Live A Meaningful Life". (https://www.amazon.co.uk/War-Masculin...) James Innes-Smith is a British author and journalist. He has written for a number of publications including the Daily Telegraph, Spectator, The Times, Evening Standard, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Standpoint and The Oldie. --------------- SUBSCRIBE: If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe to our channel on YouTube (click the Subscribe Button underneath the video and then Click on the Bell icon next to it to make sure you Receive All Notifications) AUDIO: If you prefer Audio you can subscribe on itunes or Soundcloud. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-923838732 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... SUPPORT/DONATE: "So What You're Saying Is.." is still very new and to continue to produce quality programming we need your support. Your donations will help ensure the show not only continues but can grow into a major online platform challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in our institutions, public life and media. PAYPAL/ CARD PAYMENTS - ONE TIME & MONTHLY: You can donate in a variety of ways via our website: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/#do... It is set up to accept one time and monthly donations. ABOUT THE SHOW: So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) is a weekly discussion show with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds. The host is Peter Whittle (@PRWhittle), Founder & Director of The New Culture Forum, a Westminster-based think tank that seeks to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, and British culture / society at large. JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Web: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk F: https://www.facebook.com/NCultureForum/ Y: http://www.youtube.com/c/NewCultureForum T: http://www.twitter.com/NewCultureForum (@NewCultureForum)

On this week's #SWYSI, Peter Whittle is joined by Paul Embery a firefighter, trade union activist, pro-Brexit campaigner. columnist and 'Blue Labour' thinker from Dagengham. Paul may be followed on Twitter: @PaulEmbery --------------- SUBSCRIBE: If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe to our channel on YouTube (click the Subscribe Button underneath the video and then Click on the Bell icon next to it to make sure you Receive All Notifications) AUDIO: If you prefer Audio you can subscribe on itunes or Soundcloud. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-923838732 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... SUPPORT/DONATE: "So What You're Saying Is.." is still very new and to continue to produce quality programming we need your support. Your donations will help ensure the show not only continues but can grow into a major online platform challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in our institutions, public life and media. PAYPAL/ CARD PAYMENTS - ONE TIME & MONTHLY: You can donate in a variety of ways via our website: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/#do... It is set up to accept one time and monthly donations. ABOUT THE SHOW: So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) is a weekly discussion show with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds. The host is Peter Whittle (@PRWhittle), Founder & Director of The New Culture Forum, a Westminster-based think tank that seeks to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, and British culture / society at large. JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Web: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk F: https://www.facebook.com/NCultureForum/ Y: http://www.youtube.com/c/NewCultureForum T: http://www.twitter.com/NewCultureForum (@NewCultureForum)

On this week's #SWYSI, Prof. Matthew Goodwin joins Peter Whittle to discuss topics including: * academic freedom & free speech / cancel culture * "White Privilege" v the poor educational outcomes of "left behind" white working-class Britons * populism as a reaction to "liberal over-reach" * the culture wars & the UK's new, values-based political divide * potential paths to finding a political settlement/compromise to unite the nation * the US presidential election and America's political polarisation * the economic and health consequences of the pandemic over the next decade * the ongoing problems of immigration, economic divergence, and political leadership * public perceptions of the degree to which Boris Johnson and the Government are truly "conservative". "National Populism: The Revolt Against Liberal Democracy" by Matthew Goodwin and Roger Eatwell: https://www.amazon.co.uk/National-Pop... --------------- SUBSCRIBE: If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe to our channel on YouTube (click the Subscribe Button underneath the video and then Click on the Bell icon next to it to make sure you Receive All Notifications) AUDIO: If you prefer Audio you can subscribe on itunes or Soundcloud. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-923838732 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... SUPPORT/DONATE: "So What You're Saying Is.." is still very new and to continue to produce quality programming we need your support. Your donations will help ensure the show not only continues but can grow into a major online platform challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in our institutions, public life and media. PAYPAL/ CARD PAYMENTS - ONE TIME & MONTHLY: You can donate in a variety of ways via our website: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/#do... It is set up to accept one time and monthly donations. ABOUT THE SHOW: So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) is a weekly discussion show with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds. The host is Peter Whittle (@PRWhittle), Founder & Director of The New Culture Forum, a Westminster-based think tank that seeks to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, and British culture / society at large. JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Web: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk F: https://www.facebook.com/NCultureForum/ Y: http://www.youtube.com/c/NewCultureForum T: http://www.twitter.com/NewCultureForum (@NewCultureForum)

On the eve of the 2020 US Presidential Election, #NCFCounterCulture brings together 4 experts to discuss the significance of the election and what a Trump or Biden victory might mean for the USA and the rest of the world -- including the culture wars currently engulfing the Anglosphere. The panel: * Tim Stanley, historian, columnist and leader writer for The Telegraph * Sarah Elliott, Chairman of Republicans Overseas UK * Oliver Wiseman, US Editor of The Critic magazine * Rafe Heydel-Mankoo of the New Culture Forum, historian & commentator --------------- SUBSCRIBE: If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe to our channel on YouTube (click the Subscribe Button underneath the video and then Click on the Bell icon next to it to make sure you Receive All Notifications) AUDIO: If you prefer Audio you can subscribe on itunes or Soundcloud. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-923838732 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... SUPPORT/DONATE: The New Culture Forum channel is still very new and to continue to produce quality programming we need your support. Your donations will help ensure the show not only continues but can grow into a major online platform challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in our institutions, public life and media. PAYPAL/ CARD PAYMENTS - ONE TIME & MONTHLY: You can donate in a variety of ways via our website: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/#do... It is set up to accept one time and monthly donations. ABOUT THE SHOWS: So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) & NCF CounterCulture are weekly discussion showss with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds. The host is Peter Whittle (@PRWhittle), Founder & Director of The New Culture Forum, a Westminster-based think tank that seeks to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, and British culture / society at large. The resident guest is Rafal Heydel-Mankoo. JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Web: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk F: https://www.facebook.com/NCultureForum/ Y: http://www.youtube.com/c/NewCultureForum T: http://www.twitter.com/NewCultureForum (@NewCultureForum)

The erosion of civil liberties such as freedom of speech was a great concern to some prior to the Covid-19 pandemic -- however the actions of governments since the outbreak, including curtailing freedom of movement and freedom of assembly, have caused a much wider swathe of society to express extreme concern about Britain's direction of travel. Are people right to be concerned or is this an over-reaction? Should we be prepared to give up some civli liberties for the greater good or do we need to defend these above all else? If lost, are they gone forever or can they be retrieved in their full form? This week's panel on #NCFNewspeak: * Nigel Jones, historian & author * Dr. Kevin Corbett, health scientist and retired nurse * Rafe Heydel-Mankoo of the New Culture Forum, historian & broadcaster * Marc Sidwell, journalist, Deputy Editor of "Smith" Magazine and author of "The Long March Through The Institutions" (published by the New Culture Forum) --------------- SUBSCRIBE: If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe to our channel on YouTube (click the Subscribe Button underneath the video and then Click on the Bell icon next to it to make sure you Receive All Notifications) AUDIO: If you prefer Audio you can subscribe on itunes or Soundcloud. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-923838732 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... SUPPORT/DONATE: "So What You're Saying Is.." is still very new and to continue to produce quality programming we need your support. Your donations will help ensure the show not only continues but can grow into a major online platform challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in our institutions, public life and media. PAYPAL/ CARD PAYMENTS - ONE TIME & MONTHLY: You can donate in a variety of ways via our website: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/#do... It is set up to accept one time and monthly donations. ABOUT THE SHOW: So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) is a weekly discussion show with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds. The host is Peter Whittle (@PRWhittle), Founder & Director of The New Culture Forum, a Westminster-based think tank that seeks to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, and British culture / society at large. JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Web: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk F: https://www.facebook.com/NCultureForum/ Y: http://www.youtube.com/c/NewCultureForum T: http://www.twitter.com/NewCultureForum (@NewCultureForum)

On this week's #SWYSI, Peter Whittle is joined by his London Assembly colleague David Kurten, leader of the newly launched Heritage Party (https://www.heritageparty.org/). They discuss the London police's selective approach to policing protests -- apparently turning a blind eye to Black Lives Matter & Extinction Rebellion whilst coming down hard on anti-Lockdown protestors. For David, it seems as if we have "political policing": those causes Mayor Sadiq Khan supports get a free pass whereas those that he dislikes get the full force of the law. David Kurten, a scientist with a Master's degree in chemistry, questions a lot of the Covid information that the mainstream media are reporting. He also provides an insight into the mindset that pervades the London Assembly and what he thinks of the policies of Mayor Khan, whom he hopes to replace at the next election. --------------- SUBSCRIBE: If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe to our channel on YouTube (click the Subscribe Button underneath the video and then Click on the Bell icon next to it to make sure you Receive All Notifications) AUDIO: If you prefer Audio you can subscribe on itunes or Soundcloud. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-923838732 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... SUPPORT/DONATE: "So What You're Saying Is.." is still very new and to continue to produce quality programming we need your support. Your donations will help ensure the show not only continues but can grow into a major online platform challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in our institutions, public life and media. PAYPAL/ CARD PAYMENTS - ONE TIME & MONTHLY: You can donate in a variety of ways via our website: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/#do... It is set up to accept one time and monthly donations. ABOUT THE SHOW: So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) is a weekly discussion show with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds. The host is Peter Whittle (@PRWhittle), Founder & Director of The New Culture Forum, a Westminster-based think tank that seeks to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, and British culture / society at large. JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Web: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk F: https://www.facebook.com/NCultureForum/ Y: http://www.youtube.com/c/NewCultureForum T: http://www.twitter.com/NewCultureForum (@NewCultureForum)

Joining Peter Whittle on this week's #NCFCounterCulture Panel: * Austin Williams, Associate Professor of Architecture at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China and Director of the Future Cities Project * Rafe Heydel-Mankoo, Historian, Broadcaster & Author of the best-selling book "A London Peculiar" * Rob Poll, architect, property developer and committee member of the Save Our Statues campaign --------------- SUBSCRIBE: If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe to our channel on YouTube (click the Subscribe Button underneath the video and then Click on the Bell icon next to it to make sure you Receive All Notifications) AUDIO: If you prefer Audio you can subscribe on itunes or Soundcloud. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-923838732 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... SUPPORT/DONATE: "So What You're Saying Is.." is still very new and to continue to produce quality programming we need your support. Your donations will help ensure the show not only continues but can grow into a major online platform challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in our institutions, public life and media. PAYPAL/ CARD PAYMENTS - ONE TIME & MONTHLY: You can donate in a variety of ways via our website: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/#do... It is set up to accept one time and monthly donations. ABOUT THE SHOW: So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) is a weekly discussion show with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds. The host is Peter Whittle (@PRWhittle), Founder & Director of The New Culture Forum, a Westminster-based think tank that seeks to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, and British culture / society at large. JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Web: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk F: https://www.facebook.com/NCultureForum/ Y: http://www.youtube.com/c/NewCultureForum T: http://www.twitter.com/NewCultureForum (@NewCultureForum)

On this week's SWYSI we speak with an eminent expert on the morality of empire and nationalism who has personal experience of cancel culture and public denunciation, after both students and other professors condemned his "Ethics & Empire" project at the University of Oxford. Prof. Nigel Biggar is Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford and canon of Christ Church Cathedral. He is an expert in the ethics of nationalism and empire; the ethics of individual rights and of jurisprudence about them; ‘just war’ reasoning; the concept of proportionality; and the moral vocation of universities. Prof. Biggar rebuts many of the hackneyed tropes we hear about Britain, the British Empire and historical figures. He explains that Cecil Rhodes was not the colonial racist many in the BLM movmement perceive him to have been. He also argues at length for a balanced view of the British Empire and its historical legacy -- one that accepts the positive benefits it brought rather than focussing exclusively on its negative aspects. --------------- SUBSCRIBE: If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe to our channel on YouTube (click the Subscribe Button underneath the video and then Click on the Bell icon next to it to make sure you Receive All Notifications) AUDIO: If you prefer Audio you can subscribe on itunes or Soundcloud. Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-923838732 itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... SUPPORT/DONATE: "So What You're Saying Is.." is still very new and to continue to produce quality programming we need your support. Your donations will help ensure the show not only continues but can grow into a major online platform challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in our institutions, public life and media. PAYPAL/ CARD PAYMENTS - ONE TIME & MONTHLY: You can donate in a variety of ways via our website: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk/#do... It is set up to accept one time and monthly donations. ABOUT THE SHOW: So What You're Saying Is... (SWYSI) is a weekly discussion show with experts and significant figures from the political, cultural and academic worlds. The host is Peter Whittle (@PRWhittle), Founder & Director of The New Culture Forum, a Westminster-based think tank that seeks to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, and British culture / society at large. JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Web: http://www.newcultureforum.org.uk F: https://www.facebook.com/NCultureForum/ Y: http://www.youtube.com/c/NewCultureForum T: http://www.twitter.com/NewCultureForum (@NewCultureForum)

On this week's #NCFNewspeak, Benjamin Loughnane, communications consultant and theologian, argues that England's sacred choral music is also a victim of the long march through the institutions and needs to be defended/protected. To quote: "Our culture is under attack. And not just from the vandals who pull down our statues There is a quiet, pernicious threat throughout our institutions – every area of our culture is in danger. "Sacred music is the new battleground. And it is the churches themselves who are engaged in this vandalism. Such as Sheffield Cathedral who have elected to drop their choir. Throughout the country many churches and cathedrals are doing the same. On what grounds? Well, we know their excuses – it is deemed elitist and not diverse enough. "These integral parts of British culture and history are being scrapped for the most tenuous, farcical reasons. Such as those who claimed that people singing in church will spread coronavirus. "Whatever the reason, it is nonsense. The real reason is that those who hate our culture and our christian heritage will stop at nothing to obliterate it in all forms. Choral music is not going to spread plague. "English choral music is under attack because it is part of the cultural fabric of the nation. It is an awkward reminder that we are a Christian country. Now, whether you believe in god or not, england’s culture and history is inextricably Christian. Honest people understand this and they take history as it is. "Attempts to destroy this must be resisted, and those who try to destroy it are tyrants. They wish to force their world view on you. Something as simple as a group of people singing in a church is an act of resistance against these tyrants. "We must protect and preserve our choral tradition, our culture depends on it. Not just because the music is pleasant. But because it is how ordinary people can rebel against the cultural vampires who wish to suck the life out of our society. "We do not need a revolution to protect our culture, we just need to continue to engage in that culture and pass it on to the next generation. That which was entrusted to us by previous generations is not the property of this generation to squander "We do not have the right to sit idly by as insurgents tear to the ground everything which ties us to our past. One of the attacks launched against choral music is that it is ‘elitist’ and not ‘inclusive’ enough. "Tell that to all those who have escaped poverty on choir scholarships at top schools and universities. Such scholarships which for hundreds of years have driven social mobility, as did the grammar schools which faced similar attacks under successive governments twenty years ago. "Nothing is more elitist than politicians, journalists, and bishops demolishing paths out of poverty and telling ordinary people that they cannot appreciate traditional music. Choral music is for everyone, it serves an important social function, and above all is exceptionally beautiful. "You may feel powerless against the cultural vandals. But you are not. By continuing to support your local church choir you are rebelling – righteously, and in style."

Overshadowed by Covid-19 and BLM, another issue has been causing great concern in many quarters for some time: sex education. As of Sept 2020, sex education is now compulsory in our state schools [while parents can withdraw their children, in practice this is meaningless as most parents are unaware they have such a right and, indeed, unaware of what is being taught]. From trans rights to Muslim parents picketing a school in Birmingham, sex ed is dividing opinion and causing great controversy. But why? That is the subject of this week's episode of #NCFCounterCulture. The panel: * Belinda Brown, Campaigner and Journalist * Susan Mason, Founder of the School Gate campaign * Caroline Ffiske, former Conservative Councillor & Journalist * The Rev'd Linda Rose, CEO of Voice for Justice UK * Benjamin Loughnane, Theologian and Communications Consultant Members of the panel have recommended the following sources for further information on the issues raised in this discussion: Susan Mason's School Gate campaign organisation: https://schoolgatecampaign.org/ Respect Yourself: https://archive.is/nJBxV This website was taken down in 2019 following campaigning. All About Me website has similarly been withdrawn https://rsereview.org/resources/all-a... The Proud Trust https://rsereview.org/resources/the-p... For general information about RSE resources please see https://rsereview.org/resources And for more detailed analyses of the information see the following downloads from Transgender Trend: https://www.transgendertrend.com/prod... Caroline Ffiske highlights how this material has been mainstreamed. You can click through to see materials: https://www.conservativewoman.co.uk/s... At this link the PSHE Association clearly indicates that the Government Equalities Offices backs and funds this material. https://www.pshe-association.org.uk/c... Ellie Barnes' stated objective to "smash heteronormativity" through her Educate and Celebrate programme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g1YN... The Too Much, Too Young booklet published by The Christian Institute a few years ago, shows some of the materials already in use for sex education in schools. N.B. The black, blocked out sections are for our benefit, and are not present when the images are presented to children: https://www.christian.org.uk/resource... The Dept for Education's declaration of war on parents in the form of guidance to LAs, instructing schools to oppose parents who object to RSE. Roger Kiska's article has good commentary and links: https://christianconcern.com/comment/...