Mindless respect for all points of view is not an element of critical thinking. … Read the rest
Welcome to our archive of news stories relevant to the project of fighting fashionable nonsense. The stories are drawn from the electronic pages of the world’s media. On this page, you’ll find links to those stories that have been featured on Butterflies and Wheels during the current year. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find links to separate archives of stories from previous years.
We’re always pleased to hear about news stories that you think should be featured on Butterflies and Wheels. Just send an email here, if you want to point one out to us.
A note about links
Inevitably links go out of date. We suggest, therefore, that you make hard-copies of the stories that particularly interest you.
Civility Code or Loyalty Oath? 
Jan 17th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The words “inclusiveness and diversity” are used in academia these days virtually as religious incantations.’… Read the rest
How Journalism Talks About Women
Jan 17th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Coverage of male candidates is about issues, of female candidates about appearance and family.… Read the rest
Rushdie: Ignore the 25 Goondas at the Gate
Jan 17th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Whether it’s India or UK or US, we cannot allow religious hooligans to place limiting points on thought.… Read the rest
Dinesh D’Souza Wins NH Bad Faith Award
Jan 16th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Edges out pope, Archbishop Francisco Chimoio, Westboro Baptist Church. Congrats Dinesh!… Read the rest
Pope Cancels Visit to Rome University
Jan 16th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He is accused of despising science and defending the Inquisition’s condemnation of Galileo.… Read the rest
Carlin Romano on John Gray
Jan 16th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
His opinion is not entirely favourable.… Read the rest
One Woman’s Story of Manipulated Marriage
Jan 16th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘We are taught to be submissive and stay silent. But staying silent can kill you.’… Read the rest
Nigel Warburton on ‘The Grasshopper’
Jan 16th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A brilliant and witty book, superbly written and with serious and original contributions to make. … Read the rest
BBC1 Documentary on Forced Marriage
Jan 16th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Jasvinder ran away to escape a forced marriage. Her sister committed suicide by setting herself on fire.… Read the rest
Cathleen Schine Reads Katha Pollitt
Jan 16th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
She is too inquisitive, too enchanted by the unexpected, to be a really proper ideologue.… Read the rest
Citroen Apologizes for Mao Ad ‘Insult’
Jan 15th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Mao is still revered despite policies which ended in the deaths of millions. Nobody’s perfect.… Read the rest
Bishop of Oxford Urges Relaxation and Respect
Jan 15th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘It is good that we should be reminded of the faithfulness of many members of the community.’… Read the rest
Fariba Amini on Human Rights in Iran
Jan 15th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The Islamic regime has trampled on its citizens and insulted the intellect and wisdom of its own people.… Read the rest
MPs to Probe Abuse and ‘Honour’ Crime
Jan 15th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Labour MP says the voices of victims of forced marriage and ‘honour’ crimes are not heard often enough.… Read the rest
Aziza Abdel-Halim Plans Coalition to End Abuse
Jan 15th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Some victims felt helpless because when they sought the advice of their imam he sided with the abuser. … Read the rest
Gina Khan Interview Part 3
Jan 14th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Islamists would disable half the body of Islam by reversing the rights of women.… Read the rest
Gina Khan Interview Part 4
Jan 14th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Inayat Bunglawala is a good example of what I mean by the extreme version of Islam.… Read the rest
Loudspeaker Plan for Oxford Mosque Not Popular
Jan 14th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Neighbours think it might be a tad noisy and intrusive. And theological.… Read the rest
Brian Whitaker on HRW and Honour Killings
Jan 14th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Many governments that sign up to treaties such as CEDAW face resistance from conservatives at home.… Read the rest
