Ok, so I said "danger", and the first thing you might think of is misinformation or even fake news, but it's not really that.  I'm referring to the perceived danger felt by authority, and the real danger a cartoonist who offends authority might be in.  We might remember some unpleasantness a few years ago when a certain religious figure was put on paper.  We might not be aware of government silencing of cartoonists, particularly in Asia.  Most American cartoonists have only had to worry about losing their jobs, e.g. Ann Telnaes, although these days they probably receive death threats on the regular.  I have quite a few articles to share this time, so make some time in your schedule:
https://www.toonsmag.com/the-role-of-editorial-cartoons-in-shaping-history/

https://www.toonsmag.com/how-editorial-cartoons-have-evolved-over-time/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-s-so-funny/201712/political-humor-gone-wrong

https://thewire.in/world/when-cartoonists-are-censored-we-all-need-to-be-concerned

https://blog.cartoonmovement.com/2023/10/the-steve-bell-case-political-cartoons-versus-censorship-and-propaganda-a-lost-battle-.html

https://thediplomat.com/2021/08/red-lines-political-cartoons-and-the-struggle-against-censorship/

And the story that reminded me of this whole messy topic:
https://san.com/cc/turkey-arrests-cartoonist-over-alleged-depiction-of-muhammad-amid-protests/

There are many angles to look at: we have the censorship angle, of course; there's a respect and propriety angle; humor and its strengths and weaknesses; satire and caricature.  How far should comedy be allowed to go?  This applies not only to editorial cartoons, but stand-up, sitcoms, parodies, etc.  We all know that guy who says something offensive and tries to get away with it by claiming it's just a "joke".  There's no obligation to be tickled by everything, but are there topics that are simply not in the realm of acceptable jokes?  Are there figures that are simply to sacred or revered for a takedown?  What punishments, if any, are acceptable for cartoonists that break any of these rules (assuming we've established rules)?

The Danger Of Political Cartoons

This is for those who have attended a Goal-Setting Session* in Buddytree and would like to join an accountability group that meets at intervals during the year (the frequency is whatever the group wants but so far it's approximately every 4 weeks). The intention for these sessions is to support each other with making progress with our goals. 

These sessions will include:

1- some time to review your goals, adjust if needed, and ask any questions on the goal-setting process
2- sharing/exchanging tips for success on achieving goals throughout the session 
3- sharing how we are doing with our goals with the group   

Discussion topics may include:
a) where you've made progress and what helped you progress
b) where you hoped to make progress (but didn't) and what got in the way 
c) support if you wish to share/explore what's getting in your way and how to work around that
d) sharing what you want to commit to achieve by the next meeting

These sessions are open to anyone who has done a Buddytree goal-setting session. First-timers are welcome! 
*If you would like to do (or re-do) a goal-setting session, please indicate in the comments. I can schedule another one if a few people are interested. 

It will be held on Zoom so we have a chat feature and can share our screens if we wish. Please check the comments before the session to get the Zoom link. 

Hope to see you there! 

Goal-Setters Accountability Group

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/what-is-your-worldview

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

What is Your Worldview?

2-part podcast:
https://www.theallusionist.org/allusionist/lexicat1

https://www.theallusionist.org/allusionist/lexicat2

Videos:
Animal grammar playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc4s09N3L2h2lYeVD6pmax3f7qiHxyq3k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1FY5kL_zXU (4:54)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYWSXRUGxDQ (7:42)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8LepYR8v9A (3:37)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktIgM1qN4Lo (3:51)

Theory of Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTt-8QpWfJ4 (6:22)

Questions:
1. How would you define animal communication?  What distinguishes it from human communication?

2. How complex does a form of communication need to be before we can consider it a language?

3. Can animals understand human words with nuance and feeling?

4. Should it be easier for humans to learn simpler animal communication strategies than for animals to learn human vocabulary and, we imagine, syntax?  Is the use of sign language, word boards and speech human centered privilege that actually prevents us from understanding animals better?

5. Is Theory of Mind necessary for language?

6. Do you think the experiments with apes were useful, or do they seem unethical to you?  If they are unethical, are there any ways to ethically do experiments with animals?

7. Are there any animals, individuals or species, that you wish you could communicate with?  What kind of conversations do you wish you could have? 

Animal Communication

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/The-Wealth-Gap

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

The Wealth Gap

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/meaning-purpose-passion

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

Meaning, Purpose & Passion

Videos:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t44-uHyzvCw&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=161s   (11:04)

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BAYWCXgSrE  (6:52)

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BcqE-Ez1Lg   (2:37)

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDeMzg31T2I&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;t=61s  (5:36)

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyHLLzmNje0  (5:54)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouDdiJ0ey00 (18:29)

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2au0B5j6ji8 (11:31)

8. https://www.pbs.org/video/high-tech-dystopia-and-utopia-d5nvyg/ (27:11)


Reading: 

1. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/08/when-utopia-looked-real/373460/

2. https://www.economist.com/prospero/2016/12/29/500-years-on-are-we-living-in-thomas-mores-utopia

3. https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2022/07/21/latin-american-politicians-yearn-for-utopia


Spanish (Optional):

1. https://elpais.com/eps/2022-06-25/ubicacion-exacta-de-la-utopia.html

2. https://elpais.com/cultura/2024-11-05/steven-pinker-entender-que-la-utopia-es-imposible-es-lo-que-permite-que-haya-tolerancia-y-democracia.html


Italian (Optional):

1. https://www.internazionale.it/notizie/h-g-wells/2024/01/22/wells-intervista-lenin

2. https://www.internazionale.it/reportage/drago-jancar/2021/08/30/fine-jugoslavia-slovenia



Questions:


1. How can we balance individual freedom with the need for social welfare and economic security?

2. How can we create a more inclusive and equitable society for marginalized communities?

3. How can we transition to a more sustainable and renewable energy-based economy?

4. What role can individual actions and collective movements play in promoting environmental sustainability.

5.  How can we ensure that technological advancements serve the public interest and promote social good?

6.  What would a Utopian society look like in practice, and how can we work towards achieving it?


In Collaboration with Ceit Hustedde (Longtime Member of Buddytree)

Achieving Utopia

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout:
https://buddytree.org/topic/fear-confidence

Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin.

Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic.

Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships.

As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.

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