Our 41st prompt comes from Kaggzie. She asks:
Do you think there’s a difference between parallel universes and alternate universes? I’m yet to get a conclusive answer to this 🙂
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Kaggzie,
Fantastic question! For those who are new to the concept of space-time, here’s a primer: #7: Are there other dimensions out there?
To begin with, I think we have to define the Many Worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics by Hugh Everett III. Continue reading “#41: Parallel vs Alternate Universes”
Our 40th prompt comes from B. They ask:
Feminist Porn?
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B,
What an interesting question. This is yet another divisive subject within the feminist movement, with many feminists either identifying as anti-porn or pro-porn. [This is the sixth in a series of posts about feminism, so for anyone looking for background/Feminism 101, check them out.] Continue reading “#40: Musings on Feminist Porn”
Our 39th prompt comes from Sir Pie. He says:
Slave trade was in reverse, Africans trading Caucasians and Arabs, describe the world today.
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Sir Pie,
You are in luck. When we were learning about slave trade during history class in high school, I spent a lot of my time imagining alternative scenarios because our history teacher was boring as hell, and one of those was “What if Africans instigated the slave trade instead?” Here’s how I think the world would look today if that happened. Continue reading “#39: What if slave trade happened in reverse?”
Our 38th prompt comes from Caudex. They ask:
What are some magnificent nonfiction, non-management, non-self-help books you’d recommend?
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Caudex,
It’s as if you know how much I love reading and recommending books to people. This is a pretty solid reading list that should last you a year or two depending on your reading pace. The books are listed in no particular order, and span a wide range of topics, from big data, behavioural science, physics, decolonization, humour, feminism, economics, autobiographies, philosophy and identity. Continue reading “#38: 50 Must Read Nonfiction Books”
Our 37th prompt comes from Pumpkin. They ask:
Which system are you for: capitalism, socialism/communism? Why? (Sustainability in Kenya and what not)
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Pumpkin,
Welcome back! Most of us are deeply aware that we live in a capitalist society, and more and more, the drawbacks are proving to be greater than the benefits. Continue reading “#37: Capitalism vs Socialism vs Communism”
Our 36th prompt comes from Dude. He says:
delivery.jo.ke, and other short stories
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Dude (and other Kenyans),
Hello, we hope this message finds you well. Four years ago, we were sworn in as your new government. We asked you to elect us based on three pillars: Umoja (Unity), Uchumi (Economy), and Uwazi (Openness). Continue reading “#36: Delivery.Jo.ke”
Our 35th prompt comes from NA. They ask:
Do you think it’s possible to identify as feminist and still be friends with someone who’s a misogynist?
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NA,
Good question. I think this is something you ask yourself earlier on in your journey as a feminist, when it occurs to you that people who are dear to you – your family and friends – don’t share your system of belief (see #3: Musings on Kenyan Feminism(s) #19: Can men be feminists? and #23: Musings on Political Lesbianism for more on feminism). Continue reading “#35: Can feminists be friends with misogynists?”
Our 34th prompt comes from Pumpkin. They ask:
Is it possible to be too woke? Are we becoming too sensitive? Say comedians, should they have to apologize for fat people jokes?
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Pumpkin,
Hello! I’m assuming that this question was prompted by this post: #18: Is being woke a blessing or a burden? In which case, it is a great follow-up question. It has been asked by comedians, politicians (usually conservative/right leaning ones) and many other people who abhor political correctness. Continue reading “#34: Is it possible to be too woke?”
Our 33rd prompt comes from AK. They ask:
Can affirmative action and meritocracy exist on the same page? Or does it have to be one or the other?
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AK,
Great question. It tends to be brought up whenever people encounter programs to increase the representation of marginalized peoples in places of power. For example, when girls have a lower entry requirements for university as compared to boys to increase the number of girls that go to university. Or when girls receive free sanitary towels so that they don’t have to miss school when they are on their period. Continue reading “#33: Can Affirmative Action and Meritocracy exist side by side?”
Our 32nd prompt comes from Mo. They ask:
Why are people so steeped in ignorance even in the face of fact and information?
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Mo,
Great question. Before the spirit of teaching people left me in 2016, I constantly asked myself this question. Someone would say something that was flat out wrong/stupid and I’d have this perplexed look on my face, after which I’d ask to see their phone. 9 out of 10 times they had a smartphone, so I’d ask them what they had against search engines. As you can imagine this rarely ended well, because people do not like discovering or accepting that they are wrong. Continue reading “#32: Why are people so ignorant?”