Blog Archives

Walter's Blog

"But how can you live and have no story to tell?" Fyodor Dostoevsky

Reflections on recent events, plus the occasional fact free rant unfiltered by rational argument.

"If you want to read a blog to get a sense of what is going on in Hong Kong these days or a blog that would tell you what life was like living in colonial Hong Kong, this blog, WALTER'S BLOG, fits the bill." Hong Kong Blog Review

Hong Kong weather

30/12/2017 2 Comments

The Victim Game

A lovely SJW.

Without a hint of irony, a strident feminist is ranting at me from the TV “All white men are racist”. By now most of us are familiar with the type. The social justice warriors (SJWs). Intolerant types: who scream sexist, misogynist, or racist at anyone who expresses a different viewpoint. They’re all over the media and social media. They’re also stepping up their presence in dictating policy.

They shut down free-speech with no platform policies, or turn hostile when their worldview gets challenged. They don't like hard facts and cogent argument. Then, I learnt this week there is a victimhood hierarchy that our SJW friends apply to situations. This scale allows them to decide who are the bad guys and who are the good guys. Meanwhile, lost on them is the inherent prejudice in their system.

Most of us read ‘Animal Farm’ at school. You may recall that towards the end of the book the animals are seeking to redefine their revolution after things went a bit haywire. Thus, we got “All animals are equal … but some animals are more equal than others.” Starting with a promise of equality, they end up with an authoritarian caste system.

Well, that’s what the SJWs want also. In their world, some folks are automatically victims. Another group defined by their skin colour and gender are culprits and the cause of all the problems. They excuse victims specific behaviours, such as blowing up innocent children, rape and the repression of women. If you top the SJW scale of victimhood, you’re absolved of these crimes.

Victimhood is a strange, disjointed concept. A Palestinian is a victim of Israel by default. But what about the Israeli child killed by a Palestinian rocket? In the SJW canon, that child is ‘collateral damage’. That’s an actual statement from a member of the British Labour Party.

Let's be clear, SJWs are not liberals. Neither are they much interested in liberal ideas, science or tolerance. They are zealots with an agenda. They seek to replace one prejudiced-based system with another of their creation.

There are a couple of things that you need to understand. Actual suffering is not the prime factor for the SJWs to assign you victim status. For example, in the UK the most disadvantaged group is young working-class white males. These guys score lowest on educational achievement, life expectancy and top the suicide rate. However, they merit no mention in the SJWs world.

Being white makes them privileged, while being poor is tough luck. It’s important to note that most SJWs are middle-class types. You need that background to fund your feckless lifestyle. The bank of Mum and Dad cover your esoteric studies and provide shelter when the real world intervenes. Plus, having a proper job doesn’t give you the time to fight these important causes.

So how does one earn a leading position on the SJW victimhood scale? As I’ve said, actual suffering is not necessary, neither is real justice. SJWs lack the intellectual rigour for a profound history lesson, thus its best to side-step that stuff. You earn your place by being disruptive. In other words, the more noise and clamour you make, the higher the SJWs rate you. If you’ve got a bleeding sore that you can pick in the process, even better.

In broad terms, Muslims and feminists are currently uncomfortable bedfellows at the top of the league. Trans-genders are behind them, but ahead of the blacks and traditional gays (you know what I mean). Womenfolk are hovering about the middle, especially ladies from minority groups. Sliding down the scale are the Chinese. At one time the Chinese and Asians would have rated a higher score. Unfortunately, their success, with its economic clout has pushed them downhill.

Likewise, the Jews. This group has slipped so much it's nearly as bad as those awful white guys at the bottom of the scale. The fact that Israel isn’t taking crap from anyone relegates them. Sometimes the fluidity of the scale means a group can give up it's standing. The gays have seen that happen.

This scale throws into focus the problematic complexities SJWs face in passing judgment on others. For example, how does a feminist reconcile her victim status with the fact she won’t talk about the repression of her Saudi sisters.

In the same manner, Muslim countries are not tolerant of gays or trans-genders. You rarely hear the SJWs mention that. I have to say that in broad terms, the word ‘truth’ appears to be missing from the SJW lexicon.

The distinctions the SJW make about victimhood have terrible consequences. They are not prepared to address terrorism, granting the perpetrators a free pass. When an attack takes place against young teenage girls enjoying a night out in Manchester, England, the SJWs remain silent. In the process, they become the passive perpetrators by creating the space for these evildoers to go unchallenged. Assisting is a cowed mass media and political parties that cite nonsense … “We stand firm”.

Who is a victim gets politicised and is competitive. Once you gain that status, the Police and Politicians will step around you. And that’s one of the levers that the SJW use to gain advantage for their divisive culture of hate. This approach is all part of the process that seizes linguistic space to propagate their ideology. Some of this comes from the Marxist theory.

At the same time, patriotism is racist. New Labour under Tony Blair drove that message home. The Labour Party today struggles to reconcile itself with its past.

“Solidarity isn’t always a good thing in itself. The old industrial communities had a strong sense of togetherness – but in a very male, white way.” asserts Labour darling Owen Jones in the Guardian.

He can’t resist having a dig at white working folk from his metropolitan London domain. Imagine switching ‘black’ for ‘white’ in that statement. Every SJW from here to Hampstead would be protesting. And that’s my point; white folks are fair game because they're perceived to be lower on the victimhood ladder.

This recent article in the UK Daily Mirror is typical of SJW hate of white men. Apply the same bland sweeping arguments to any other group, then watch the uproar.

This artificial victimhood construct serves many of the SJW agendas. People pigeonholed by race, then ascribed prejudices based on that. Next, line them up in a pecking order. It's all strange. Those intent on this path are the people who decry any form of discrimination - except against white men.

All this would be mildly entertaining except for the consequences. I’d be prepared to ignore the SJWs given that most eventually grow up. Unfortunately, there is growing evidence that this discrimination is influencing legal decisions. A white man attacked on US TV by a self-proclaimed trans-gender and the police investigate. Legal advice recommends no prosecution on the grounds the culprit is a minority. The British police remove a man from the street in England because his views may upset some. He happens to be a white man. Meanwhile, the police ignore people inciting his murder. These are Asians.

The victimhood hierarchy appears to have entered the legal process. So much for justice being blind. Why can’t we just be nice to everyone.

2 Comments

26/12/2017 0 Comments

We need to talk.

How do you like them apples?

Half of UK women report sexual harassment in the workplace. Similar figures arise in other places. In Asian societies, it’s doubtless under-reported.

And the trouble is, you are up against a deeply ingrained culture. Boys will be boys is the attitude. But get those boys to imagine it's their sister or wife who is on the receiving end of the sexual harassment. Then watch attitudes change.

The current furore is having an impact beyond Hollywood. As a man in a workplace populated by females, I’ve curtailed my jocular behaviour with female staff. I fear a misunderstanding leading to an accusation. The whole tone of my discourse with ladies has become less personal, more formal and guarded. I’m not sure that’s healthy.

The #Me Too movement that sprang up on the back of the Weinstein saga proved cathartic. It shone a light on unacceptable conduct, empowering women to speak out. And that’s a good thing. However, it's derailed to some extent by what are frivolous claims. A woman alleging a man holding a door open is committing sexual harassment (true story) detracts from the serious stuff.

I’ve seen my fair share of harassment, recognising that I’ve engaged in banter that some would find uncomfortable to hear. Much of that was alcohol-fueled bravado. It’s conduct I’d not join-in now. Times have changed.

For a new work-place climate men need to be involved. There’s not much sign that’s happening at the moment. We are still in the throws of an emerging story that is swallowing up the offenders on a daily basis. It’s too early to move into the neutral ground for a reasoned debate about how we redefine the conduct of both sexes.

Before that happens, both men and women need a consensus on what constitutes sexual harassment. Flirtation by either sex is now a high-risk activity because you don’t know how the other side will react. Exposure as an alleged culprit is a threatening situation. That does nothing to ease male/female relations.

I’ve seen many office romances, with a good number leading to happy marriages. I’ve also seen what can happen when an affair turns sour. Vitriolic imputation, allegations and general nastiness. None of this is pleasant. By imposing a blanket ban on workplace liaison, you may impact legitimate love. Is that something we’d like to see?

Without wishing to mitigate against the offensive conduct of some men, ladies are not above behaviours that are a concern. I've seen men chasing women, and by the same token, women chasing men in the workplace. In one case I saw a young lady transfer to work with a married boss. She then relentlessly pursued him. Such was her behaviour that it became a standing joke in the office.

She created situations to be alone with him, making signs that she was available, including dressing in a provocative manner. Her Friday ‘slut-look’ was awaited with glee. A warning from HR about her appearance failed to register. She caused a divorce. Her blatant actions, while extreme, laid bare the lie that only men are guilty of such behaviours. Granted she did not harass; her approach was seduction and teasing.

Ben Shapiro brought into sharp focus the double standards that permeate this issue. Ellen DeGeneres, a prominent lesbian, released a Twitter photo of herself ogling a women’s breasts. That this act raised no outcry, gets cited as hypocrisy.

Poor Matt Damon. He tried to start a discussion by suggesting that sexual harassment is a spectrum. What he missed is that as a ‘privileged white male’ his views are invalid. The feminist mafia immediately sought to shut him down by attacking him as a man. The validity of his argument doesn’t matter

Meanwhile, there is evidence that much of the sexual harassment training provided by companies is ineffective. Staff understand the issues, stride through the mandatory training, and then go about their business. The underlying culture remains unchanged.

What I would focus on is not discouraging workplace relationships, that’s an impossible task. Instead, sex between people in a direct reporting relationship needs addressing. The difference in rank and power amounts to coercion. Exploiting the hierarchy for sexual gain is the issue. Because, with a predominance of men in senior positions, women are placed at a distinct risk.

A taboo against supervisor-supervised sex would render the working relationship a neutral affair. Uncharged by any possibility. That’s the discussion we need to have.

To change behaviour, men and women need to work in concert. Giving men a kicking is easy, although ultimately this may prove unproductive. After all, nothing will change the culture quicker than having the men policing other men.

0 Comments

24/12/2017 0 Comments

Sun Tzu and the Pan-Dems

Claudia Mo has done her bit to split the Pan-Dems.

Somebody should tell the Hong Kong Pan-Dems to go away to study Sun Tzu’s ‘The Art of War’. Perhaps then, they’ll stop getting their bums kicked at every turn. Locked within Sun Tzu are secrets applying to any business, struggle or your personal life. Strategist Liddell Hart comments: “Sun Tzu has clear vision, profound insights, and eternal freshness.” These are qualities that evade the Pan-Dems.

The principles of strategy are the same for all people, all times, and in all situations. Sometimes the tactics change as circumstances dictate. We define Strategy as ‘doing the right thing,’ while tactics are about ‘doing things right.’ A subtle difference. Admiral Mahan in his seminal work on sea power noted that the point of ‘contact’ separates strategy from tactics. Contact with the enemy or a customer is the dividing line when you move from strategy to tactics. All the Pan-Dems know is tactics.

Using Sun Tzu, they’d do better. My favourite quote is: No victory is gained in the same manner as another. This crucial observation gets lost on the Pan-Dems, who have won some successes. But they then apply the same formula to each situation. Repetition is pure folly. One answer or response does not cover all cases. Customising approaches to conditions is crucial, especially when your opponents adapt. Filibustering is a classic example. The Pan-Dems deployed this with relentless passion. Then the opposition changed the rules. In a flash, your tactics are redundant!

What is difficult is to make a devious route the most direct, and to turn disadvantage into advantage. In other words, don’t attack head-on. That’s all the Pan Dems do. Charge, head-down at the opposition, all guns blazing. There’s no finesse, subtleness nor nuance.

To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence. There’s no chance of that. Even those with moderate intelligence know not to fight every battle; you must pick your moments. Yet, the Pan-Dems are fighting on all fronts at once. As a consequence, they have no focus, little effective coordination and soon exhaust themselves. On a related point, Sun Tzu asserts: Fight only battles you can win. The stunning simplicity of this advice is resounding. But the Pan-Dem’s aren’t listening. Wrapped in their hubris, they’ve lost the plot.

Form a single united body in one place. This is the most significant failing of the Pan-Dems. They remain un-united, distrustful of each other; as well as lacking a unified strategy. Coming together for coffee mornings, lunch groups or forums cannot replace the utility of a single command. Add to that the fact that they are in a constant state flux. Parties form, then break up, as fractions detach to move on. Time and energy get wasted on internal struggles, with minor details mulled over in endless debate. That’s why the ‘united front’ forces of the pro-government camp will always defeat them.

Irrational dogma hangs like stale cigarette smoke over the Pan-Dems. Their every move tainted by stupidity. CHU Hoi-dick introduces a motion to ban the press from LegCo, announcing he’ll vote against it. Then, we have a disgusting exploitive act by Chan Chi-chuen of the radical group People Power.

On this week’s 80th anniversary of the Nanking massacre, in a sudden he seeks to introduce a motion to debate the historical tragedy. This is a guy who has decried China time and time again. It’s not that he is an instant patriot. His aim made clear; he sought to delay debating the LegCo rulebook change. This is a man who would use the rape of women, the massacre of children and the destruction of a city, to score a political point.

On second thoughts, the Pan-Dems don’t need Sun Tze. They need a lesson in common human decency.

0 Comments

17/12/2017 0 Comments

The Last Jedi - Clearly Not!

Process Leia bows out in style.

Disclaimer: Plot spoiler alert. Plus, you need to know that I’m a Star War’s fanboy. If you’re looking for an unbiased critique, go elsewhere. Just saying. The Last Jedi shakes up the Star Wars genre. Some of the die-hard fans don’t like that. More on their reaction later.

For openers, a couple of moments took my breath away. Luke tossing the lightsaber over his shoulder, down a cliff, is priceless. This flipped the mood of the whole scene, in an instant evaporating the solemnness of Rey’s actions. Then you’ve got R2D2 replaying Princess Leia’s original hologram: “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.” Luke unimpressed, “That’s a cheap move.”

The plot unfolds as the Skywalkers fight their dark side while dashing across the void. A compelling multi-layered generational angst, with a few twists. Plus, they don’t always win.

It's well acted - Mark Hamill absolutely kills it. Daisy Ridley starts off weak, but when bouncing off Adam Driver, she’s electric. Carrie Fisher in her final role is every bit the Leia we've come to know and love, and then some. She’s regal, aloof at times, but always poised. Although it has to be said, I didn’t appreciate the ‘Mary Poppins’ scene - watch it, and you’ll understand. This farcical moment needs deleting from the movie and my memory.

New character Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) steals scenes all over the place. She’s no beauty, although an inner strength allied to basic decency shines through. She’s captivating to watch. Meanwhile, Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren has grown into the role. He’s a worthy successor to Darth Vader. For me, Benicio del Toro as DJ didn’t shine. He mumbled his lines.

Inevitably, speculation is rife that Rey is Luke’s daughter, the secret child of Han and Leia, or even a descendant of the Emperor Palpatine. Kylo Ren tells her otherwise, but is that the truth? We don’t get an answer.

John William’s score shines as always. The two suns scene still brings a lump to my throat. The music is fantastic, underscored by the use of silence. This works well in the destruction of the dreadnaught spaceship. I’ll always love a film that knows how to use its quiet moments. The homage to Kurosawa that has echoed throughout the Star Wars films reverbs again. Luke exiting the base on Planet Crait is a direct steal from Ran - as the King leaves the burning palace. The lightsaber fight in Snoke’s throne-room borrows from Kurosawa’s style, colouration and pacing.

It’s obvious they created set pieces designed to launch new toys. The big-eyed Porgs will go down well with the kids. The Ewoks became a pop-culture sensation; Porgs are on the same trajectory. But is there a dark side here? The question is, does Chewie eat them? An adult Wookiee requires between 3,500 and 6,000 calories a day, so you can’t exactly blame Chewbacca. Why do I know that?

A couple of amusing moments of humour work well. Watch out for the exchange between General Hux and Kylo Ren in the Walker. Kylo Ren looks like he’s about to break the fourth wall. I couldn't stop laughing.

Some fanboys are less than impressed. Check out their reviews on IMDB. For them 'The Last Jedi' breaks the Star War’s canon, although how is never quite explained. The negative opinions seem to come from old, hardcore fans, who are never satisfied. They complained about George Lucas' prequels, and now they complain about the latest offerings. (Except I agree, JaJa Binks was a travesty). Frankly, I don't think they know what they want. In their world nothing can evolve, time stopped with the ‘Empire Strikes Back’. They’d do well to reflect on Lukes line "This is not going to go the way you think."

Granted there a couple of massive plot holes, big enough to drive the Death Star through. Why didn’t Vice Admiral Holdo turn the spaceship earlier to defend her escaping transports? How come Rey is a qualified Jedi having done the equivalent of the short course? How come Leia can fly like Mary Poppins through space - sorry that really did bug me!

There are a few deviations the story could take that would trim the movie without losing a whole lot of necessary plot points or character progression. For starters, the entire casino thing on Canto Bight is redundant. Some of the long-distance chat between Rey and Kylo Ren is protracted. Nonetheless, the pacing is frantic.

So, this story brings the unexpected, shifts the profile of the saga and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Which is what it shares in common with ‘The Empire Strikes Back’, and that's every bit a good thing. Here’s a Star Wars movie that is a genuine evolution of canon.

0 Comments

<<Previous

YOUR CART

Walter's Blog

The Victim Game

We need to talk.

Sun Tzu and the Pan-Dems

The Last Jedi - Clearly Not!

Author

Archives

Home

Introduction

Contact Walter