Every Monday on Global Comment, we share the slow, thoughtful, considerate words that our brains – and souls – need but that it’s easy to miss in our busy world. We distil the best of the web and recommend just three links every week that you absolutely must see.
No fluff, no fuss, just three exceptional reads.
Here are this week’s recommendations:
Bible Banned in Schools as Book Censorship Backfires Big Time (Dan Foster / Medium)
The recent decision to ban the Bible from elementary and middle schools in Utah has sparked controversy and debate. Those who support the decision argue that the Bible contains grotesque violence and pornographic material, making its presence unsuitable for young students. Meanwhile, critics of the decision predictably claim that removing the Bible from schools infringes upon religious freedom and limits access to important cultural and historical texts.
This was always going to be the logical end of a book-censorship war that was primarily instigated by Christian parents trying to protect their children from the “evil leftist agenda” and its apparent attempts to indoctrinate their children with horrible things like tolerance, acceptance of difference, and the value of “live-and-let-live.”
But now the chickens have come home to roost.
A.I. Poses ‘Risk of Extinction,’ Industry Leaders Warn (Kevin Roose / NY Times)
Eventually, some believe, A.I. could become powerful enough that it could create societal-scale disruptions within a few years if nothing is done to slow it down, though researchers sometimes stop short of explaining how that would happen.
These fears are shared by numerous industry leaders, putting them in the unusual position of arguing that a technology they are building — and, in many cases, are furiously racing to build faster than their competitors — poses grave risks and should be regulated more tightly.
Wise words from Graeme Souness
@pinknews #GraemeSouness is being celebrated for his #LGBTQ+ #allyship after stepping down as a #SkySports pundit after 15 years. The 69-year-old retired #Scottish #footballer, who has been a regular on Sky Sports for more than a decade, announced his departure to viewers after #Liverpool’s 4-3 win over #Tottenham on Sunday (30 April). “I was given an opportunity to do this and it was magnificent,” he said in an interview with the broadcaster. “It has been the most fantastic time for me. I love #football, I care about football and I worry about it going forward, but in Sky’s hands it is in good hands, it is in safe hands. “Nothing goes on forever, I have got lots of things coming up. It has been great, so thank you to everyone.” Souness, who started his football career playing for Tottenham before he captained Liverpool in the 1980s and later played for and managed the Rangers, has been an open and vocal supporter of the #LGBTQcommunity. A clip of Souness speaking about #LGBTQrights and football has since been shared widely, with many praising his outspoken #advocacy for #queer people. One social media user praised Souness for his participation in LGBTQ+ events, such as the #RainbowLacesCampaign and #BrightonPride, which they said was “impactful” and “reached people that others couldn’t”. Another celebrated Souness for opening his mind on LGBTQ+ issues, saying “the mark of someone is if they can change their mind and admit it”. While others simply celebrated his “honest” journey from homophobic changing rooms to becoming a firm LGBTQ+ #ally. ‘We have to create an environment where they feel comfortable’. #queernews #queertok #queerathletes #premierleague #footballuk ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic
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Image: Josh Hild