Chimpanzee Politics
Mar 21, 2010 Politics and Society
The generally accepted image of a group of social animals involves a pack structure, with a strict pecking order. The toughest are firmly in charge, and challenges are settled with either a show of strength or outright battle.
Human societies are (usually) not quite as simple as this, so when you think about it, it’s not surprising that chimpanzee groups aren’t quite that cut-and-dried either. Chimpanzee Politics gives us an intimate look at the alliances, rebellions and Machiavellian scheming of a captive colony of chimpanzees. Butch lesbians, angry matriarchs, double-dealing leaders and more cliques than an American high school all play their parts, and you might even pick up some tips for your own office machinations if you’re that way incllined. If not, it’s still an informative and fun look at chimpanzee behaviour.
Cosmos
Mar 7, 2010 Philosophy & Thinking, Politics and Society, Science and Technology
A journey through the history of the universe, our own human perspective on it and a look into the possible futures of mankind amongst the stars – Cosmos is a beautiful book that conveys Carl Sagan’s constant awe and wonder at the sheer size and strangeness of the cosmic ocean in which we are merely a floating speck.
The thirteen chapters in the book correspond to the 13 episodes of the original TV series, and the content ranges from philosophy and cultural history to hard physics and astronomy, and the book as a whole is both a celebration of the wonders of the universe, and a plea for us to come together as a species to explore it before we tear ourselves apart.
Nineteen Eighty-Four
Mar 3, 2010 Politics and Society
1984 may seem like an awfully old chestnut for a review, but I’ve come across a shocking number of people who have never read it, despite having enough of a concept of “Big Brother” to not question the name of the reality TV show/wreck, and have a tendency to repeat the phrase “Orwellian Nightmare” whenever the government does something. That being the case, I suppose we all need to persuade more people to read it.
1984’s sheer realism makes it terrifying – whereas in Brave New World we don’t really have the dystopian technology described, there’s really not much in 1984 that couldn’t theoretically be carried out right now, and the use of language to control society has interesting implications.
Get your tinfoil hat on, break out the Victory Gin and pick a hidden corner of your room to read this in, and learn to love Big Brother.
Design for Obama: Posters for Change
Nov 5, 2009 Biography, Image based, Politics and Society
Perhaps one of the most prominent images of the Obama campaign was the Obey poster that is now ingrained in everyones minds. Along with this was a growing trend to create images that represented a leader who is both powerful and in control but comes across as actually quite cool and approachable.
Finally America has a leader with a good image both in the US and abroad and he’s hopefully someone who can redirect the countries obviously troubled path. They want “change”.
So it comes as no surprise that the graphic design following this word and Obama’s image is intelligent, well formed and pretty funky too. Tashen shine when it comes to image based books and this one is no different. There’s a 176 page preview here where you’ll see the vast array of different styles and imagery occurring both before and after the election.
What’s interesting this time round is that everything from street styled graffiti to super cool illustration has been a part of the process. Graphic design has officially landed on the political platform and the fact it’s message is so strong and seen by so many puts it in to a new perspective.
Another great Tashen release.
Freedom Next Time
Nov 1, 2009 History, Politics and Society
I was lucky enough to get my copy of freedom next time at a Pilger talk in London. He’s is both well spoken and confident and this very much comes across in his writing. Pilger tends to focus a lot of his material on the US, yet in this release he focuses on 5 locations around the world and how western policies have affected them.
In the US Pilger is often branded as an extreme left-winger and thrown in with the likes of Chomsky, however Pilgers solid understanding of world politics and big business is well thought out and rigorously researched. There’s no pushing of political idealism just rigorous analysis of the events that have occurred, reflected against how our media chooses to report these issues and the possible reasoning behind it.
Whilst it’s not an easy read, this book will leave you feeling a little dejected, it’s an important read and is no doubt the focus of much debate. The book contains missing headlines and unreported stories and leaves you questioning why our media fails to cover these obviously important issues.
Description: In “Freedom Next Time”, Pilger looks at five countries, in each of which a long struggle for freedom has taken place; in each the people, having shed blood and dreams, are still waiting. In Afghanistan, Iraq and South Africa, there has been the promise of hope, and even an ‘official’ freedom, but the reality of these divided societies is that they are still waiting for real freedom. In Palestine, the cycle of violence continues with no resolution in sight. And the island of Diego Garcia, in the Indian Ocean, is a microcosm of the ruthlessness of great powers.
The island was sold by the British to the American military in the 1960s. The indigenous population, descended from slaves, were forcibly removed to the slums of Port Louis in Mauritius. They have continued to fight for the return of their homeland ever since – three years ago the High Court granted them the right of return, but this has subsequently been blocked. The island remains the US’s third biggest military base; a base from which they are able to launch attacks against the Middle East. Once again, John Pilger gives a voice to the people living through these momentous times and, in gripping detail, shows us the lives behind the headlines.
