TV/Movies Megathread

[jimmy olsen]

An even wider point of course is the general effort by many people to destroy language and make words devoid of meaning. My opinion on those people is a negative one, but, I think, not a racist one.

Thought worth speaking directly to this bit. Language isn't static and meanings evolve. And understandable in this sense when religious identity isn't always readily available, so the intolerant look for proxies like the brown skinned appearance common to many Muslims. A terrible proxy to my mind, given that brown skin is common to many non-Muslim identities but then I'm not the one directing the intolerant.

This is true, but blurring the meaning of language is often used by authoritarians in order to white wash their crimes and ill intentions. Just look at Donald Trump and his cronies, by making language meaningless they advance their racist and bigoted agenda.

Ok?

I'm saying that people who want to fight against prejudice and bigotry would be better served to demand precise use of language rather than undermine it.

[Valmy]

I'm saying that people who want to fight against prejudice and bigotry would be better served to demand precise use of language rather than undermine it.

No, I am pretty sure the best way to advance a cause is to have every conversation to devolve into semantic discussions. Look what wonders it created on Languish!

[garbon]

An even wider point of course is the general effort by many people to destroy language and make words devoid of meaning. My opinion on those people is a negative one, but, I think, not a racist one.

Thought worth speaking directly to this bit. Language isn't static and meanings evolve. And understandable in this sense when religious identity isn't always readily available, so the intolerant look for proxies like the brown skinned appearance common to many Muslims. A terrible proxy to my mind, given that brown skin is common to many non-Muslim identities but then I'm not the one directing the intolerant.

This is true, but blurring the meaning of language is often used by authoritarians in order to white wash their crimes and ill intentions. Just look at Donald Trump and his cronies, by making language meaningless they advance their racist and bigoted agenda.

Ok?

I'm saying that people who want to fight against prejudice and bigotry would be better served to demand precise use of language rather than undermine it.

That is a very silly conclusion.

[Valmy]

That is a very silly conclusion.

Is it? What advantage does vagueness provide? I mean generally when you want to have a productive and important discussion there has to be some common agreement, especially when it comes to language. One of the biggest problems with regards to having a decent conversation these days is there is little agreement on the facts.

[Berkut]

That is a very silly conclusion.

Is it? What advantage does vagueness provide?

Thinly veiled outrage of course.

Some people really like to be offended, and sloppy language allows them to be offended.

[Eddie Teach]

That is a very silly conclusion.

Is it? What advantage does vagueness provide? I mean generally when you want to have a productive and important discussion there has to be some common agreement, especially when it comes to language. One of the biggest problems with regards to having a decent conversation these days is there is little agreement on the facts.

Stop using alternative facts and people might agree with you more. Harumph.

[garbon]

That is a very silly conclusion.

Is it? What advantage does vagueness provide? I mean generally when you want to have a productive and important discussion there has to be some common agreement, especially when it comes to language. One of the biggest problems with regards to having a decent conversation these days is there is little agreement on the facts.

Busy now, but I've flagged this as something I need to reply to.

[Valmy]

Busy now, but I've flagged this as something I need to reply to.

No worries

Stop using alternative facts and people might agree with you more. Harumph.

But they keep using fake news 

[Sophie Scholl]

Where's a mod when you need one to break this conversation off into its own thread?

[katmai]

Mods? We ain't got no Mods! We don't need no mods! I don't have to show you any stinking Mods!

[mongers]

Mods? We ain't got no Mods! We don't need no mods! I don't have to show you any stinking Mods!

Pete Townsend breaking free from the confines of their early success?

[Savonarola]

The Square (2017)

A Swedish film that seems to be a wonderfully wicked satire on the art world.  The plot deals with an installation; a square on ground with the words "The Square is a sanctuary of trust and caring. Within it we all share equal rights and obligations. " on a plaque next to it.  With such a banal work the museum's media group struggles to promote it.  They comes up with a novel way to promote the film, a Youtube video called "Blonde homeless beggar girl child explodes in the square."  I wont' give away what happens in the video; but it's one of the funniest things I've seen in film.

The director said that the film is actually about toxic masculinity.  I guess it could be.  To me most of the protagonists problems seem to stem from the fact that he's a colossal weenie.  In the moment of catharsis our protagonist experiences personal growth by becoming an even bigger weenie.  So I gather that, like the Buddhist quest for enlightenment, the quest to become a weenie can never truly be fulfilled; you can always be a bigger weenie.

[Eddie Teach]

That is no way to achieve Valhalla. 

[celedhring]

Ash vs the Evil Dead is great dumb gory fun. Always have had a soft spot for the movies, but didn't think this show could actually turn out to be good (I mean, "from the makers of Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules" isn't the best tagline).

[Sophie Scholl]

Future Man on Hulu is pretty darn entertaining so far through 6 episodes.  I'd definitely give it a solid recommendation to anyone looking for a short scfi-fi/comedy/craziness series to work through.