The Metaphysics of Utopia and Ideology

  Anthony Frajman writing for the BBC quotes Director Ken Loach articulating the themes of Mr. Loach’s film, The Old Oak . Firstly, the importance of setting the film in “…. the area where the old industries have died….” affecting English communities “…. who'd been abandoned” after defeat in the 1984 miner’s strike who, years down the track are still struggling economically. Secondly, the depiction of the “plight of refugees” that “…. had suffered the trauma of war” , taking the form of torture and destruction of homes resulting in these people being housed within the aforementioned deprived English communities . Thirdly, Mr. Frajman, quotes Mr. Loach asking the critical question: “Could these two communities find a way of living side by side, or would the potential that racism could emerge, would that occur, and would that dominate?" In the Film the spectre of racism did emerge, but it did not, for me dominate as a theme. The reason can be found in the power of ...

  The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday 26 th January 2023 delivered orders related to South Africa’s complaint concerning the ongoing Hamas-Israeli war in Gaza. It is clear from the ICJ orders that the risk of Genocide being committed against Palestinians living in Gaza is a plausible one and merits further investigation. The ICJ consequently ruled that Israel must take action to prevent such an outcome. This is a devasting blow to the Israeli State and no amount of spin can detract from this. We need to carefully read this Order to understand how this is the situation. It is clear from this that the ICJ has ordered the Israeli State to stop killing Palestinians. The need for protection is urgently needed if the serious risk of the Israeli State committing genocide is to be avoided. The ICJ has effectively called for the immediate halting of Israeli military operations. It is these operations that are causing the death and mental trauma of Palestinian civilians in ...