The other pandemic
There has been another racist attack on property in Galway, where I live: Arsonists have burned down a house that the local council was preparing for new residents. A family … Continue Reading The other pandemic
Two takes on the expensive, unproven, and childishly-named quackery known as the Lightning Process
I have recently been quoted in not just one, but two recent articles about the controversial psychotherapy, the Lightning Process (insert your own “lightning-never-strikes-twice” joke here). Quite apart from my … Continue Reading Two takes on the expensive, unproven, and childishly-named quackery known as the Lightning Process
Post-Covid syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, and the recurring pseudoscience of mass hysteria
The people who want you to think that everything is “all in your mind” are back, their schtick now revised and updated for a COVID-19 world. Here’s the Daily Telegraph: … Continue Reading Post-Covid syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, and the recurring pseudoscience of mass hysteria
Things to do in Chernobyl when you’re alive
Given the current global lockdown scenario, I thought it was high time I posted some photographs from my (pre-Covid) visit to Chernobyl and the now deserted nearby city of Pripyat. … Continue Reading Things to do in Chernobyl when you’re alive
Covid-19, Psychology, and the Politics of Life-and-Death Science
[This article appeared in the June 2020 issue of the ‘Irish Psychologist’] As we all know by now, contagion is a matter of behaviour as well as biology. What we … Continue Reading Covid-19, Psychology, and the Politics of Life-and-Death Science
“Proud to be maladjusted”
[I am currently writing a book on the history of psychological concepts. Here is an extract from the chapter on “Insanity”] * * * Efforts to suppress dissent are, obviously, … Continue Reading “Proud to be maladjusted”
Why the British really voted for Brexit
It’s Brexit Day. It’s done. And right on cue, I have a piece in today’s Irish Times: It was as early as July 2016 when one British national broadsheet warned … Continue Reading Why the British really voted for Brexit
Please don’t vote for racists. Vote AGAINST them
So Ireland is having yet another vote, this time — of all things — to elect its government. As international readers might be aware, for this type of election, Ireland … Continue Reading Please don’t vote for racists. Vote AGAINST them
I get mail
As an academic, I have written works and given lectures on the psychological aspects of many social issues, including fascism and racism. Over the years, I have worked with several … Continue Reading I get mail
“The Psychology of Brexit” is now available!
“excellent and clearly written…in the vanguard of the area” “timely, insightful and brave…a lesson for all” “a penetrating analysis…written with energy and style. One that I think will earn an … Continue Reading “The Psychology of Brexit” is now available!
On “celebratory racism”
Social controversies are frequently seized upon by bigots. In Britain, for example, the immediate aftermath of the Brexit referendum saw a sharp increase in racist incidents, with reports of people … Continue Reading On “celebratory racism”
Fact-checking the racists: A look at the psychological approach of Ireland’s alt-right
Releasing the Genie Notwithstanding frantic after-the-fact efforts to rehabilitate the town’s reputation, there is little doubt that alt-right/far-right extremists successfully infiltrated that public meeting in Oughterard. The townspeople currently protesting the … Continue Reading Fact-checking the racists: A look at the psychological approach of Ireland’s alt-right
Michael Collins is the new Noel Grealish (who is the new Peter Casey (etc. (etc.)))
This guy: It’s like that episode of Father Ted, where the farmer shouts at the priest: “Should we all be racists now?” There’s an election coming. Ireland has multi-seat constituencies. … Continue Reading Michael Collins is the new Noel Grealish (who is the new Peter Casey (etc. (etc.)))
Podcasting Brexit
It’s podcast time again — I am delighted to have contributed to the first podcast of the Psychological Society of Ireland, along with Professor Ian Robertson and host Máire Treasa … Continue Reading Podcasting Brexit
What the alt-right are privately saying about their “important work” in Oughterard
Mainstream media in Ireland continue to report on the protests in Oughterard without referencing the involvement of leading hard-right/alt-right activists, who are quite clearly engaged in a national campaign of … Continue Reading What the alt-right are privately saying about their “important work” in Oughterard
Oughterard
[I ripped this audio file from a tweet by one of Ireland’s alt-right anti-immigrant underbelly accounts. I don’t feel obliged to give credit here. Fair usage etc. You can find … Continue Reading Oughterard
