The term “woke” has morphed from a call for awareness to a stifling dogma threatening free speech and critical thinking. While fighting for equality is undeniably important, the Wokerati’s brand of social justice has become a divisive force. Let’s dissect why:
Cancel Culture: Disagree with a celebrity’s past tweet? “Cancel” them! This intolerance stifles open discourse and drowns out dissenting voices. We can’t erase the past, but we can learn from it.
Identity Politics: Constantly judging individuals based solely on race, gender, or sexual orientation is not only reductionist, but also breeds resentment. We are all complex individuals – judging people based on group identity undermines that.
Safe Spaces: The constant push for “safe spaces” where nobody is ever offended creates a generation afraid of challenging ideas. True learning comes from open debate, not echo chambers.
Political Correctness Run Amok: Language constantly polices itself, erasing nuance and humour in the name of avoiding offence. This stifles creativity and can lead to unintended consequences.
The core message of “woke” – fighting for equality – is a noble one. But when it becomes an ideology focused on shaming and silencing, it backfires. We need to move beyond divisive labels and have open conversations. Real social progress comes from acceptance, respect, tolerance, unity, understanding, and a willingness to listen, not from performative outrage and public shaming.
Where to from Here?
Let’s reclaim the true meaning of social justice. Let’s focus on common ground and respectful dialogue. Let’s judge individuals based on their merit, actions and ideas, not their race or gender. Only then can we create a truly inclusive and tolerant society.
I have just finished reading Dr Thomas Sowell’s seminal work, “Intellectuals and Society,” in which the author posits a central thesis that challenges the undue influence of contemporary intellectuals on public discourse and policy. Sowell’s critique rests on several key premises:
1. Epistemological Hubris: Intellectuals, particularly those subscribing to specific ideological frameworks, often exhibit an inflated confidence in their knowledge and proposed solutions to societal problems. This overreliance on centralized planning and state intervention, Sowell argues, can have detrimental unforeseen consequences.
2. Empirical Neglect: He emphasizes the importance of grounding intellectual pursuits in robust empirical evidence and historical context. Criticisms are levied against intellectuals for selective data analysis, neglecting opposing viewpoints, and dismissing inconvenient realities that contradict their preferred narratives.
3. Idealistic Abstractions: The book contends that intellectuals are often drawn to utopian visions of social justice without adequately considering the complexities of real-world implementation and potentially negative downstream effects. Sowell champions a more pragmatic approach focused on achievable improvements informed by evidence and existing institutional frameworks.
4. Collectivist Biases: He criticizes the tendency of intellectuals to prioritize collective identities (race, class, gender) over individual agency, often attributing individual struggles solely to pre-existing systemic factors. Sowell advocates for a greater emphasis on personal responsibility and initiative as crucial factors in individual advancement.
While acknowledging the valuable role intellectuals can play in contributing insights and stimulating debate, Sowell ultimately calls for a more measured and evidence-based approach to intellectual discourse and policymaking. His core thesis prioritizes individual agency and pragmatic solutions over grand ideologies and simplistic diagnoses of societal issues.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that “Intellectuals and Society” has generated both praise and criticism. While some celebrate its critique of intellectual arrogance and its focus on historical context and individual agency, others have challenged its broad generalizations about intellectuals, its selective use of evidence, and its perceived ideological bias.
In order to wrap my head around the ides presented, I have written the following parable about an owl who gets rid of all the tree leaves so that the forest floor can receive an equal amount of sunlight.
giant old tree stump
The Parable of the Owl who thought he knew better.
Or (The double edged sword of intellectual arrogance)
In emerald halls where sunlight dared not tread,
where ancient oaks held secrets whispering low,
Hootah the Owl, with wisdom’s crown upon his head,
Preached of shadows where the forest should not grow.
His feathered form, a tapestry of speckled night,
His voice, a siren’s song in boughs of aged might,
He spoke of trees that hoarded golden rays,
And creatures veiled in gloom, denied their rightful days.
The forest stirred, a ripple of discontent,
From timid mouse to stoic, lumbering ox,
Hootah’s words, a firebrand heaven-sent,
Ignited dreams of light beyond the locks.
He promised justice etched in sunlit lines,
A grand utopia where shadows dared not creep,
With shears of justice and with boughs entwined,
He vowed to banish gloom from slumber’s deepest sleep.
The rabbits danced, their fur ablaze with hope,
The squirrels clambered, eager to enforce the decree,
But Sowell the Ox, wise with seasons’ patient scope,
Felt doubt’s first tremor touch his ancient knee.
He’d seen the scars of grand designs laid bare,
The unintended thorn that grew with borrowed light,
The parched earth gasping ‘neath a denuded lair,
Where once the shade had held the sun at bay just right.
But Hootah’s fervor drowned the whispering fear,
His pronouncements rang like gongs upon the breeze,
And doubt was swept away, a tear uncried, unnear,
As branches were chopped, a sacrifice to sunlit ease.
And for a time, the forest shimmered bright,
The undergrowth, a canvas newly spun,
But soon the cracks of error came to light,
As withered branches mocked the rising sun.
The parched earth cracked, a thirsty song,
The rabbits searched for solace in the dust,
The squirrels clung to limbs, skeletal shadows long,
Their dreams of plenty transformed to disgust.
Then Sowell, voice a rumble from the ground,
Spoke truths etched deep in roots and ancient bark,
“Hootah’s grand design, with fetters tightly bound,
Can only steal the dance of darkness and the dark
Of nature’s own design, where sun and shade conspire
To weave a tapestry where life, in balance, thrives,
No single thread, however bathed in fire,
Can mend the broken loom where every creature strives.”
His words, a balm on fevered forest dreams,
Awoke the doubt that Hootah’s vision hid,
Squirrels’ lost their grip and rabbits’ angry screams,
A barrage of questions, unanswered by the whizz-kid
Hootah, perched upon his throne of withered pride,
Saw shadows creeping back to claim their due,
His grand design, by nature’s hand defied,
His promises dissolved like morning dew.
And so the forest healed, with lessons learned at last,
That harmony, not schemes, will guide the light,
That Sowell’s wisdom, whispered on the blast,
Is nature’s truest song, sung clear and bold and bright.
This tale, a whispered echo in the leaves,
A song of shadows woven with the sun,
Reminds that grand designs, like fallen sheaves,
May wither in the soil where balance has begun.
Can you help the Australian Poetry Film Contest?
Oz on Screen: A Poetry Film Feast in Guyra
Calling all poets and film fanatics! Get ready for the 2024 Australian Poetry Film Festival, a November bash celebrating words on screen in Aussie style. Imagine outback landscapes in motion, love poems whispered by waves, and bush ballads brought to life with modern magic.
This Guyra event welcomes everyone – young, old, poets, filmmakers, all! We especially love fresh takes on our rich bush poetry tradition. Think vibrant images, powerful verses, and stories that crackle with Aussie spirit.
Plus, the festival joins forces with “Poets on the Mountain,” so expect workshops, panels, and screenings under starry skies. It’s a creative melting pot where you’ll meet passionate folks and see the future of storytelling unfold.
But to make this poetry party pop, we need your help! We’re crowdfunding to boost prize money for Best Australian Poetry Film, Best Bush Poetry Film, and even Best Student Poetry Film. Every bit fuels filmmakers’ dreams and lets them share their visions with the world.
So, whether you write rhymes, love movies, or just adore Aussie tales, join us! Submit your film, donate to the cause, or simply come to Guyra in November and witness the magic. Let’s bring poetry to life, one frame, one verse, one epic story at a time!
For film submissions and crowdfunding details, visit:
The term “bogan” is a term that originated in Australia and has been used to describe a particular subculture within the country. The word has been in use for several decades and has undergone a number of transformations in meaning over time.
The exact origin of the term is uncertain, but it is thought to have first been used in the 1970s as a slang term to describe a person who was perceived as being unrefined or lacking in taste or cultural awareness. This person was typically seen as being working-class and having a distinctive Australian accent. The term was often used to describe people who lived in the suburbs or outer regions of cities, as well as those who were involved in motor sports or other working-class pursuits.
Over time, the meaning of the term “bogan” has evolved and become more complex. While it still retains its original connotations of being unsophisticated and lacking in taste, it has also come to be associated with a particular subculture that is often seen as being rowdy, loud, and unrefined. This subculture is often associated with heavy drinking, partying, and other forms of reckless behavior.
Despite the negative connotations associated with the term, it has become an important part of Australian cultural identity and is widely used in the country. Many Australians embrace the term and use it in a self-deprecating or humorous manner, while others find it offensive and view it as an insult.
In recent years, the term “bogan” has become more widely known and has been used in other English-speaking countries. While its meaning and usage can vary in different countries, it remains a key part of Australian cultural identity and continues to be a subject of interest and debate.
In conclusion, the term “bogan” has a complex and evolving history in Australia. While it continues to be associated with negative stereotypes, it is also an important part of the country’s cultural identity and is widely used in a variety of different contexts.
Barry is a bogan known to his mates as Bazza
Bazza’s shag is a sheila called Sharon aka Shazza
They have a daughter named Karen, nicknamed Kazza
Daren is their son, often called Dazza
Now Bazza, Shazza, Kazza and Dazza live in Logan
Shazza has a loud voice, is never quietly spoken
Dazza loves billies but Kazza loves tokin’
Joints, VB, Commodores and Winnie Blue smokin’
Every night you’ll find Bazza at the pub
With his best mate known as “Grub”
Who walks along the street pickin’ up ciggie butts
Grub has this habit of playing with his nuts
Grub likes bare feet and Bazza wears thongs
When they’re pissed they love singing AC/DC songs
Cooking snags on the barbie with a pair of tongs
While Shazza and her girlfriends pack the fellas’ bongs
Dazza drifts his commodore around street bends
Kazza is always swearing and often offends
Bazza loves the massage parlour with his Asian girl-friends
An extra fifty bucks always ensures happy ends
By Thundercloud Repairian
This poem is meant as pure satire and if anyone takes offence, eat a bag of cement and harden up.
I’ve just been playing around with ChatGPT, an Artificial Intelligence app which writes pretty much whatever you ask it. I’ve had it create a 3 day poetry festival event management plan, and a draft program, a marketing and advertising plan, a list of 10 Australian Poetry Societies and organisations and more.
I decided to get it to do more complex tasks and ended up with the following two questions and associated answers. :
Create a list of topics to cover in a 2 hour workshop on poetry performance
Create a list of topics to cover in a 2 hour workshop about “Writing from Personal Experience”
Next I wanted to see if it could research and “write 1000 word essay about the history of surrealism poetry” and sure enough right before my very eyes it began to write the following 1000 word essay. The following 1000 words were created at https://chat.openai.com/chat by asking the following question.
Surrealism is a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century. It is characterised by a focus on the subconscious, the irrational, and the fantastical, and is known for its use of symbolism, metaphor, and other literary devices to create a sense of disorientation and dreamlike imagery. In poetry, surrealism is known for its use of free association, symbolism, and a disregard for traditional forms, syntax and grammar.
The origins of surrealism can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the publication of the French poet André Breton’s “Surrealism and Painting” in 1924. In this book, Breton defined surrealism as “pure psychic automatism, by which one proposes to express, either verbally, in writing, or by any other manner, the real functioning of thought.” This definition was a rejection of traditional forms of poetry and art, which Breton felt were too limited in their ability to express the full range of human experience.
One of the key figures in the early days of surrealism was the poet and artist Guillaume Apollinaire. Apollinaire was a major influence on the development of surrealism, and his work was characterised by its use of free association, symbolism, and a disregard for traditional forms. His poem “The Joy of Life” is considered to be one of the earliest examples of surrealist poetry.
Another key figure in the early days of surrealism was the poet Paul Eluard. Eluard’s poetry is characterised by its use of symbolism and metaphor, and its focus on the subconscious and the irrational. He is considered to be one of the most important poets of the surrealist movement, and his work continues to be widely read and studied today.
The first official Surrealist group was founded in Paris in 1924, led by André Breton. The group was composed of poets, artists, and intellectuals who shared a common interest in the subconscious, the irrational, and the fantastical. The group held regular meetings and exhibitions, and their work was characterised by its use of free association, symbolism, and a disregard for traditional forms.
Surrealism quickly spread beyond France and became a global movement, with groups forming in countries such as Belgium, Spain, and the United States. In the United States, the poet and artist Wallace Stevens is considered to be one of the major figures of the American Surrealist movement. His poetry is characterised by its use of symbolism, metaphor, and a disregard for traditional forms, and it continues to be widely read and studied today.
Surrealism had a profound impact on the world of poetry, and it continues to be a major influence on poets today. The focus on the subconscious, the irrational, and the fantastical has led to a renewed interest in the power of symbolism and metaphor in poetry, and many poets continue to explore these themes in their work. The use of free association, symbolism, and a disregard for traditional forms has also led to a renewed interest in experimental forms of poetry, such as concrete poetry and visual poetry.
In conclusion, Surrealism poetry is a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century characterised by a focus on the subconscious, the irrational, and the fantastical, and is known for its use of symbolism, metaphor, and other literary devices to create a sense of disorientation and dreamlike imagery. The movement was led by André Breton in France, and quickly spread globally to have a profound impact on the world of poetry, influencing poets and artists to this day. With its disregard for traditional forms and syntax, it has led to a renewed interest in experimental forms of poetry.
Now for the bit that you are waiting for: Actual Surrealism poetry. Last week I wrote a bit about a psychedelic cow and I think thats about the most surreal thing that I’ve written recently.
She was a cow
In the here and now
Ate a lot of grass
Let it pass out her ass
Every day she ruminated
As she was so fated
She’d walk to the shed
Milked, and fed
But her world went BOOM
One day when she found and ate a mushroom
Became a psychedelic cow
Didn’t understand how
Life became so great
She began to create
Cow poetry, and art
Continued to fart
And belch methane
But inside her brain
We’re so many thoughts
Like, “why don’t cows play ball sports?”
A psychedelic cow
Had horns on her brow
Loved to surf
Farmed her own turf
Enslaved the farmer
For a Hindu cow… Karma
Made him work the field
To increase the turf yeild
And also pull the plough
The psychedelic Hindu turf farm owning cow
An interesting cow
Sat on a tree bough
Thinking, “I’m woke”
“Just one more toke
Of this DMT
Experienced oneness and extasy
And the Source of creation
All is mind and vibration
As above, so below
On all cows, farmers and farms, the winds blow
She was a cow
Fell in love with a sow
Their love crossed species
They have different faeces
Eat different food
They can’t have a brood
But they’re great friends
Cow and Pig lesbians
Who both love to fart
Plus eat mushrooms and create art.
Somehow I manage to keep up my writing of poetry regardless of the fact that I am running the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame full time. This includes my weekly “Chillin’ Tuesday Poetcast” and Wednesday Words Open Mic where new poets are always welcome. See the the YouTube channel for the Australian poetry Hall of Fame.
Wednesday Words Open Mic Night is every week at the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame and walk ups and new poets and readers are always welcome.
We are currently experiencing Guyra’s Lamb and Potato Festival for 2023 and every day I am also doing a poetry show at 2pm.
There are times especially when I meditate that poetry downloads occur which present basic truths in their simplicity. In fact it seems to me that most fundamental truths are simple, such as the hermetic principle of cause and effect. Often the statements and poetry are transformational realisations that come when I am meditating on someone with “stuck” thinking patterns that are causing pain. Recently there have been a few poems which are this way so I’m just going to dump them below in no particular order for your pondering pleasure.
De-pollution “Contrails or chem-trails the humidity is high Here in the mountains as jets cross the sky
Streaky like bacon in a sky cyan and azure
Whether contrails or chem-trails, neither are pure
Condensate clouds form to droplets of rain
With la Nina this rain brings flood and pain
Thunderclouds rolling across the down under
Desert plains greened after storm thunder
Washing away garbage, change left behind
Baggage is lost for a new state of mind
Normal never was exposed by rat test
Stress brings opportunity to become your best
Mooganar Thundercloud Lightning and rain
Rainbows bring opportunity for growth again” Thundercloud quotes
Fear of fear
Is fear of avocadoes called avophobia?
Did someone locked in a closet get claustrophobia?
Androphobia is fear of men, not only Andrew. Angropbobia is fear of anger but fear of thunder and fear of lightning is astraphobia not thunderphobia or lightningphobia.
What about fear of door-knockers? Jehovahphobia?Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia is obviously fear of long words. Invented by a troll.
Where’s my phone? Nomophobia. Fear of not having your phone…….. Venustraphobia is not as it seems but fear of beautiful women. While witches and witchcraft are obviously wiccaphobia.
Zuigerphobia isn’t quite so self explanatory, it kind of sucks, like fear of vacuum cleaners.
What about a fear of fear? Phobiaphobia…
Or does it cancel itself out because it is a double negative and become
Love
All
“There is no beginning because something always happened before.
There is no end because something will always happen after the end
If you close a door, you’re on one side of the door
When you walk around a corner you have gone around a bend
We can see only a fraction of the whole spectrum of light
We can only hear a fraction of the whole spectrum of sound
Without our filters it would be a bright and noisy nigh
We are connected as one with everything and all the energy around”
And now for something completely different
Life is about spirit
some won’t want to listen or hear it
but you can lift yourself up if you employ
a new attitude to life of acceptance, bliss, peace, joy
Decide get up from the lower negative emotional vibration
Release trauma from within and relax into Iration
Connect your heart and third eye to begin creation
Do everything or nothing with this information
Man, woman, other, girl or boy
POET
Poet once tried to describe the beauty of the entire Earth
Every day Poet wrote of poetry of lush green mountains filled with cotton wool Mist
Valleys filled with raging rivers and puffy clouds
Great walls and tiny fleas,
Rocks
Pebbles
Stones crystals and jewels
The flight of a raven
A murder of crows
Pyramids, Pythagoras and pixies
Brumbies and ponies running though the snow
Poet awoke each day in amazement and when Poet read their own poetry they thought of more beauty of the Earth that had not yet been written
Waterwalls tall and narrow, wide and raging
Autum colours
Bare skeletal branches in winter
Daffodils in spring
A golden sand beach with footprints
Walking along a path with sand between the toes
The taste of rain water
When poet though of how incredible the Earth is,
Poet’s heart was so filed with love for Earth that tears of joy welled up
often
This only inspired Poet more
For many years Poet wrote
But every day there was more
Jungles with vines, jaguars, anaconda
Pandas eating bamboo
Deserts, tundra and plains
Jagged peaks, gentle rolling green hills
White, red, yellow, brown cliffs
And more
But each day Poet awoke
Began to write
With gratitude
Thankyou for this planet
With the fresh blue air
For the water and the sun
The ocean to wash my hair
The rivers forests trees
Monkey, rainbows and bumble bees
Rivers rocks, fjords and lochs
Poet traveled far and wide to see the Earth
This only inspired Port more
Poet climbed hills swam oceans, reefs and with colourful coral fish
And wrote about it all.
One day Poet awoke
Poet walked out side
Poet had no pen or paper
Walked into the green field
Lay down
Watched a butterfly emerge from a cocoon
It was large, black with shimmerimg green, blues and violet patches in its wings
Poet closed their eyes
And relaxed
The ants and crows quickly devoured
Most of the flesh
And the maggots the rest
Poet lived a very very long life
More than 900 years
But Poet’s poetry lasted
… Forever.
Progress
“If you keep doing the same thing every day, very little about you will change, There will be minimal progress, improvement or personal development without habit change.
Your life will become mediocre, with resentment, self loathing and hate, but if you set a goal with passion and take action everyone can be great” Thundercloud Quotes, 2022
Extra Comments on Progress: “If you don’t imagine a better life and change your situation, then you’ll be resentful, angry, and live life in frustration”
“Every human has potential for continuous growth and creation, if they’d believe in themselves they can create any situation”
“The words we use to describe ourselves are true from our own perspective, so we must change the things we say about ourselves if we want to be self directive.”
2022
Thundercloud Repairian 