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The Loneliness of Herds

by Toby Young
20 July 2021 1:53 PM

We’re publishing an original piece on the Daily Sceptic today by Dr. Sinéad Murphy, a Research Associate in Philosophy at Newcastle University and a regular Lockdown Sceptics contributor. She starts by teasing out the implications of a new bench on St Thomas Street in Newcastle, which advertises itself as being for people who are “happy to chat”, and from there draws some gloomy conclusions about the gradual elimination of spontaneous, un-signposted social interaction. Here is an extract:

Has the person sitting on the “Happy to chat bench” sat there on purpose to chat and are they completely indiscriminate about whom they chat to? Did they see the sign before they slumped onto the seat? If they are sitting on the section of the bench with the sign posted to it, then they are at least partially obscuring the sign from the view of passers-by. Does that mean they’d prefer not to chat to complete strangers, thank you very much? The difficulties abound.

The irony is that we are much more sure of ourselves in implicit human interactions than we are in explicit centrally-administered interactions.

Things can go wrong, of course, even in the implicit human mode. We can turn to talk to someone and find that they are not in the mood to talk, or cannot speak English, or have earphones in and cannot hear us. But the mortifying effect of these errors in judgment reveals just how rarely they happen.

We are practised at casual human encounters. They arise for us in contexts in which almost everything is already clear. We read their cues without effort, mostly even without knowing that we’re doing it.

By contrast, we are wrong-footed by centrally-administered encounters; the number of directives required for our easy negotiation of them is impossible to generate. And anyway, there is neither room on the back of a bench to post them nor time as you pass it by to read them.

Worth reading in full.

Tags: BenchesCasual EncountersSocial Control

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37 Comments
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NonCompliant
NonCompliant
3 years ago

Hopefully the still sane members of the public in Newcastle will just rip these off. I know I would.

23
0
Lockdown Sceptic
Lockdown Sceptic
3 years ago
Reply to  NonCompliant

Lonliness Kills

We Have To Make Mandatory Jab Passports Politically Impossible To Implement & New Petition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYICpHm1VNA

Outlaw Jab Passport Petition petition parliament uk petiti…
Contact MP Link 1 : writetothem com

Stand in South Hill Park Bracknell every Sunday from 10am meet fellow anti lockdown freedom lovers, keep yourself sane, make new friends and have a laugh.

Join our Stand in the Park – Bracknell – Telegram Group
http://t.me/astandintheparkbracknell

Home Schooling – Ex-Primary School Teacher on Resistance GB YouTube Channel: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ5oS2ejye0
https://www.hopesussex.co.uk/our-mission

3
0
Trabant
Trabant
3 years ago

There’s so many things wrong with this. But the first is the complete User Experience / Engineering Design fail of the fact that as soon as you sit on the bench you are obscuring the “Happy to Chat” sign.
I despair of the fucktardery in modern production design 🤦

24
0
Julian
Julian
3 years ago

Whoever thought it was a good idea to put that sign there is either infantile themselves or thinks the world is full of infantile people (they are probably right).

Increasingly, role models seem to be simpering, wishy washy nincompoops rather than serious adults who face life’s challenges stoically.

33
0
TheyLiveAndWeLockdown
TheyLiveAndWeLockdown
3 years ago

What next? Mandating all Students get plastic surgery?

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-07-favor-university-vaccine-mandate.html

US Junta Judge of notoriously dodgy South Bend say OK to mandate risky vaccines on students at zero risk from COVID.

8
0
rtaylor
rtaylor
3 years ago

One can imagine what private information the QR code sends to Collaborative Newcastle and third party affiliates.

Am getting the feeling discourse will only allowed when tracked. I used to live in a land of communities, its now a land of networks.

6
0
Jess
Jess
3 years ago

Looks like the plastic clips would dig into your back. Just to go to the park now you have to carry a pair of scissors and go looking for a bin.

4
0
Rowan
Rowan
3 years ago
Reply to  Jess

People in my area have been ripping down and defacing Covid warning signs for many months, which I find quite reassuring. Quite close to my house though, is one of those road side digital devices, which pre-Covid used to give useful travel information. Since last year though, it’s become an almost full time purveyor of puerile Covid advice which usually finishes with the infantile admonition about how, “We’re all in this (the shit) together”. I occasionally lie awake at night, wondering just how nice it would be if something very nasty was to happen to that sodding device.

Last edited 3 years ago by Rowan
6
0
Nessimmersion
Nessimmersion
3 years ago
Reply to  Rowan

I”s rather see someone hack the bleeding things and put some reality based messages up.
Even better a random non covidian pop up message.

5
0
Rowan
Rowan
3 years ago
Reply to  Nessimmersion

Yes, that would be a major improvement.

1
0
Annie
Annie
3 years ago
Reply to  Rowan

We have two of those fatuity boards on the main approaches to Tenby. I would love, love, love to hack into them. Though at the moment they are merely warning about town-centre pedestrianisation.

0
0
steve_z
steve_z
3 years ago

just went to town and had lunch in the pub – no masks on anyone

supermarket was about 20% mask free

we will look back and laugh at how these stupid masks were supposed to prevent disease spread – lol

18
-3
Rowan
Rowan
3 years ago
Reply to  steve_z

Got a letter a couple of weeks ago from the surgery saying that my routine “bloods” were due and the appointment was today

Unlike, up to very recently, when I have driven past, today the surgery door was fully open. There was though, a notice telling arrivals that it was still a masked up area and that exempt people were to ring the number given before entering. I decided to dispense with the phone call and walked straight in, smiling at the unmasked receptionist, sitting behind her virus proof screen. I went further on up to outside of the “bloods” room and sat down five minutes early.

It’s been a couple of years since I was last at the surgery and it took me a short while to remember, that new arrivals were supposed to announce themselves via the terminal device on the wall, but it wasn’t working and an attached notice directed me to reception.

I was prepared to do battle over masks, but no, the receptionist was not bothered by my bare-faced cheeks and she logged me in quite cheerfully. I went back to “bloods”and sat down. After a minute or so, a middle aged unmasked lady exited “bloods” and we exchanged a quick smile. Her unmasked face lifted my spirits.

The masked up “bloods” nurse called me in and once in the “bloods” room a severe chill swept full over me, it was so strong you could almost touch it. The shock lasted only a second or so as that almost frosty chill was just the room’s air conditioning, working on full blast, doing its utmost to keep the bloods in good condition, was the refrigerator was broken, I don’t know and didn’t ask.

The “bloods” nurse was also at ease with my masklessness and while she got on with the “bloods”, we chatted about the weather, her room in the arctic and the joys of dog walking in the midday sun. She wished me a cheery goodbye and I went on my way, passing a half dozen or more masked up “customers” who were scattered about the unchilled and very hot waiting room.

I had been expecting the “bloods” nurse to ask me about Covid vaccination, as “bloods” nurses have sometimes pushed flu vaccines at me in the past, which I just push back politely and firmly. Covd jabs, weren’t mentioned today though, I wonder whether will the subject will rear its ugly head, if I have to talk to someone about the “bloods” results, well maybe it might, but I won’t be asking about them and I’ll let them ring me.

Last edited 3 years ago by Rowan
12
0
Annie
Annie
3 years ago
Reply to  Rowan

Bare-faced cheeks.
Great phrase.

2
0
davews
davews
3 years ago
Reply to  Rowan

Our surgery front gate was still firmly locked when I passed this morning with its rather tatty arrow pointing you to the back door.

1
0
RickH
RickH
3 years ago

“… are we reframed as autistics …?”

Or, more accurately as automatons – incapable of undirected thought in the most basic definition of living and being?

Those who have autistic characteristics, by and large, do not have it imposed upon them. It just is. And, despite recognition of different psychological characterisics, the massive downsides are acknowledged (at best) with empathy. If the characteristics are induced, as it may be for some rare and unfortunate individuals who have suffered the effects of sociopathy, we recognise it as abuse.

But now, a sociopathic frame is seen as a natural reference for the very ordinary risks inherent in life. Tolerant empathy and comprehension of the individual freedom to be are brushed aside as of no account in this descent into the hell of totalitarian dehumanization.

No, 1930s Germany is no longer a rare aberration.

8
-3
TheyLiveAndWeLockdown
TheyLiveAndWeLockdown
3 years ago
Reply to  RickH

“But now, a sociopathic frame is seen as a natural reference”

It seems to be the frame of those promoted on Twatter/Hollywierd and “our” political classes.

5
0
J4mes
J4mes
3 years ago

Notice the picture shows room for two people to sit, but in reality, there’s only enough room for one person. Another example of psychological manipulation.

Also, in British culture, it is not polite to leave your guest standing without offering a seat. And anyone who does stop to talk are not going to hang around long while they’re made to stand.

Add to this is the obvious anti-social distancing rules people have had instilled into their conscience for 16 months.

Anyone who sits in that seat are not likely to find many people ‘happy to chat’. They’ll be left feeling more lonely… and that’s the aim.

Ultimately, it’ll just resume it’s old purpose and act as a chair, and the twat who made the sign will be the loser.

8
0
Lockdown Sceptic
Lockdown Sceptic
3 years ago

Lonliness Kills

We Have To Make Mandatory Jab Passports Politically Impossible To Implement & New Petition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYICpHm1VNA

Outlaw Jab Passport Petition https://petition.parliament.uk/petiti…
Contact MP Link 1 : https://www.writetothem.com/

Stand in South Hill Park Bracknell every Sunday from 10am meet fellow anti lockdown freedom lovers, keep yourself sane, make new friends and have a laugh.

Join our Stand in the Park – Bracknell – Telegram Group
http://t.me/astandintheparkbracknell

Home Schooling – Ex-Primary School Teacher on Resistance GB YouTube Channel: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ5oS2ejye0
https://www.hopesussex.co.uk/our-mission

0
0
HelenaHancart
HelenaHancart
3 years ago

I feel as though I’ve been chatting to many more people than I would have done normally. In our park and around town, I’ve been striking up conversations and people have been coming up to me, napped and unapped, usually to ask the time, but to also linger a bit longer. Maybe it’s because I don’t wear a face mask. How is it we now have to be told how and where to start up a conversation?

8
0
Annie
Annie
3 years ago
Reply to  HelenaHancart

Zombies have to be told how to pull their knickers up correctly.
Their face knickers, at least.

1
0
steve_z
steve_z
3 years ago

“Defending the discussions about removing the democratically elected Mr Johnson, Mr Cummings said: “He [the prime minister] doesn’t have a plan, he doesn’t know how to be prime minister and we only got him in there because we had to solve a certain problem not because he was the right person to be running the country.””

lol! what a twat. throwing away the pandemic response plan and replacing it with this clown’s whiteboard scribblings was a particularly ridiculous part of this whole charade

Cummings must have the wettest mattress on planet earth

6
0
Julian
Julian
3 years ago
Reply to  steve_z

Well the PM wasn’t the right person to be running the country but neither is/was Cummings, and it’s not up to Cummings who runs the country (though it’s pretty obvious he thinks it should be him, or he should get to decide, because he is superior to us).

5
0
steve_z
steve_z
3 years ago
Reply to  Julian

“He also said: “The situation we found ourselves in is that, within days… the prime minister’s girlfriend is trying to get rid of us and appoint complete clowns to certain key jobs.””

lack of self-awareness

It feels like there are parallels between Cummings’ ravings and Harry’s over the pond. Like watching personalities unravel in real time.

5
0
steve_z
steve_z
3 years ago
Reply to  steve_z

Laura K – you think that you trying to get rid of an elected prime minister within days of him getting elected is ok?

Cummings – That’s politics

lol – what a moron

3
0
Julian
Julian
3 years ago
Reply to  steve_z

Yeah that made me laugh too – sauce for the goose.

0
0
RickH
RickH
3 years ago

The unnatural embedded as the normal is so dangerous. So sociopathic.

One of my grand daughters has a somewhat anxious disposition – as some children do. We work on counteracting it.She confessed to her Gran today that she was a bit down because she was worried about getting ill and doctors not being able to help her.

She attends a school which has very, very good basic framework for supporting children, and has dealt with the shit-show as well as any in avoiding the total absurdity.

But the kids were sent home for the holidays with the message ‘STAY SAFE‘.

What does that do in subliminally screwing developing brains, FFS?

8
0
TheyLiveAndWeLockdown
TheyLiveAndWeLockdown
3 years ago
Reply to  RickH

A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.

1928 John A. Shedd “Salt from My Attic”

One of my favourite sayings.

6
0
Free Cumbria
Free Cumbria
3 years ago
Reply to  TheyLiveAndWeLockdown

My sister used to have a poster in her bedroom with that saying on it. I always liked that too!

Was never aware of the source of the quote though

3
0
Julian
Julian
3 years ago
Reply to  RickH

The psychological damage inflicted on young and old alike will last for years and that alone ought to be sufficient to condemn those responsible to severe punishment.

2
0
thefoostybadger
thefoostybadger
3 years ago
Reply to  RickH

50+ years ago, as Western Europe’s largest housing scheme was being constructed around us, I was a primary school pupil at the 1st of the 6 schools constructed to service the estate.

I fondly remember at each break up of school at holiday time, the headmaster would address us in the assembly hall and solemly warn us not to “play in any cement mixers”.

Quaint and uneccessary? Maybe, but a million more times appropriate and relevant than frightening the life out of children by suggesting to them that they are somehow at risk from Covid19.

Sad and sick in equal measure.

1
0
Free Cumbria
Free Cumbria
3 years ago

Really interesting and brilliantly written article by Sinead as always.

But is it just me that wants to deface the sign to ‘happy to shag’ bench?

3
0
J4mes
J4mes
3 years ago

Collaborative… this word is sprouting up all over the place recently.

1
0
Annie
Annie
3 years ago
Reply to  J4mes

‘Collaborator’ was the worst title you could have in post-occupation Europe.

1
0
imp66
imp66
3 years ago

Soon all benches will be removed…

0
0
Puddleglum
Puddleglum
3 years ago

What happened to “Morning, lovely day…” as an opening gambit to see if someone is up for a chat?

0
0
Lockdown Sceptic
Lockdown Sceptic
3 years ago

Tyrants We’re At War.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8uDjO-qkp8
Stand in South Hill Park Bracknell every Sunday from 10am meet fellow anti lockdown freedom lovers, keep yourself sane, make new friends and have a laugh.

Join our Stand in the Park – Bracknell – Telegram Group
http://t.me/astandintheparkbracknell

Home Education – Ex-Primary School Teacher on Resistance GB YouTube Channel: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ5oS2ejye0
https://www.hopesussex.co.uk/our-mission

0
0

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