Alec Hogg’s Inbox: We believe in continually questioning the existing order
Those who profit from the status quo are incentivised to retain the existing order. It is those from outside that sanctum who drive change – and the chaos which often accompanies it. At BizNews, we believe in continually questioning the existing order – not just to keep it honest, but to expose our community to alternative thinking which may lead to a better way. That's my nutshell response to an email from Lorelei Hallam, who serves as the chief operating officer of a Cape-based renewable energy company. She wrote:
I would like to hear your views on how DOGMA as it's creeping into the social fabric of our existence.
This is not Dogma of the religious nature, but interestingly it's even usurping the dogma of religion. This is that which is silencing any debate, any intelligent questioning, in fact it's stymying any questioning at all.
As one of the few journalists that still question, I'd be interested to hear your views on this topic, as Ricky Gervais says if you're asked not to question, then damn well question everything as well. Comically, he was asked not to talk about his atheism when getting to the US, well… he proceeded to grand-stand this topic. I watched a vlog documentary of unsolved murders… the words murder, drugs, sex, and even beer was bleeped out by Facebook. Are we becoming so impressionable, that these words either highly offend our sensibilities or that they may just lead us astray. This dogma is not only silencing us, silencing debate, but sanitising our existence.
Yesterday's newsletter generated a number of interesting responses. Here's Pierre-Yves Maurel's contribution:
Greetings Alec, although I have a great respect for scientists, I must debunk the theory Roger Cook expounds on. Forget about the theories concerning humanity preserving itself during difficult periods of history. The simple truth is that when we are financially challenged or under stress, like in war situations, there is really little thought given to the possible consequences of what may well be our last opportunity at love-making and birth control is the furthest thing from our minds. There you have it.
Short and sweet with a Japanese twist from Tony Sanders…..
Some Haiku for you:
Richard Cook, John Payne
I see a case of 'dèja vu'
Doc Susan Vosloo
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