‘Pseudocommunity’ is when a group is characterised by formal politeness and etiquette. In working past this ‘nice’ formality, chaos ensues. In his book, A Different Drum, Scott Peck argues that the idea of ’emptying’ is an essential prerequisite to peace in any ‘community’. . Nigel Pocock . With major possible […]

At risk of social opprobrium every member of the public wing of the UK BBC staff ―especially presenters and newsreaders and the like― will be compelled to wear a red poppy―the symbol of glorious death or serious injury in defence of the nation.   Nigel Pocock   War has always […]

There was a documentary released on BBC TV on Picasso, in October 2023. It focussed primarily on Picasso and his relationships with women. What came out was the failure of the various commentators and interviewees to reconcile the two (alleged) sides to Picasso, his ‘great’ art, and his controlling behaviour […]

Abolition Acts continued to be re-written and re-applied right up until the early 1900s. The effects are still with us.   Nigel Pocock   African-Caribbean slaves are the largest group that have not been compensated for the suffering and abuse they underwent for 400 years (c. 1450-1850). This might seem […]