Michel Martin, NPR; Slave Bible From The 1800s Omitted Key Passages That Could Incite Rebellion
[Kip Currier: Recently I've been recalling a phrase my wise late grandmother, Esther Hughes Currier, used and which has--thankfully--stuck with me through the years: "Consider the source". The way she used it meant considering the character of the person saying or doing something, often with an implication that the source was of, shall we say, questionable quality or less than sterling character.
Throughout the analog era, information professionals have habitually "considered the source" in making decisions about what to collect for libraries and what to curate for archives and museums. In the digital era, those and whole new kinds of information professionals (--as well as, increasingly, tech companies and "black box" algorithms and AI bots!), are making thorny decisions about what information and data to collect, curate, and provide access to--now and for future posterity.
This story about bowdlerized Bibles in the 1800's that were used as a tool of oppression is a powerful reminder that we must always "consider the source"--exercising critical thinking--when determining the veracity and intentions of a speaker or information object.]
"On display now at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., is a
special exhibit centered on a rare Bible from the 1800s that was used by
British missionaries to convert and educate slaves.
What's
notable about this Bible is not just its rarity, but its content, or
rather the lack of content. It excludes any portion of text that might
inspire rebellion or liberation."
Issues and developments related to ethics, information, and technologies, examined in the ethics and intellectual property graduate courses I teach at the University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information. My Bloomsbury book "Ethics, Information, and Technology" will be published in Summer 2025. Kip Currier, PhD, JD
Showing posts with label freedom of religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom of religion. Show all posts
Monday, December 10, 2018
Slave Bible From The 1800s Omitted Key Passages That Could Incite Rebellion; NPR, December 9, 2018
Monday, October 22, 2018
National Conference on the First Amendment; Duquesne University, October 21 - October 22, 2018
"National Conference on the First Amendment
Sunday, October 21 - Monday, October 22, 2018
Duquesne University Power Center Ballroom
[Kip Currier: Just listened virtually (see the link at the bottom of this post!) to the National Conference on the First Amendment's
Monday morning panels comprised of a diverse array of newspaper editors
(New York Times, Washington Post, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette), university
presidents (Morehouse College, University of Chicago, University of
Virginia), and other 1st Amendment and national security experts from
government, industry, and the academy.
Hearing the thoughts of these impressive thought leaders was
enlightening, thought-provoking, AND energizing. I'll be blogging about
some of the sessions in the near future. Hopefully, the videos of these
sessions will be made available--and transcripts would be a great
resource as well!]
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."The National Conference on the First Amendment: Bedrock of American Freedoms will shine a light on the critical importance of the First Amendment in a free and democratic society, to open a dialogue with Americans about the First Amendment and its central role in maintaining the viability of our democratic institutions and to help diverse audiences recognize that we, as Americans, still share foundational values. At a time when incivility and disregard for foundational principles have become the norm in our society, all Americans—regardless of ideology or politics—can find common ground in a national celebration of the First Amendment.
- The First Amendment to the United States Constitution
This conference will devote attention to all aspects of our basic freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, the right to peaceably assemble and to government petition. The conference also will cover modern technology, social media and more. With the help of some of the best minds in the country, the conference will challenge us to rediscover the central role that the First Amendment plays in our American democracy.
Speakers and panelists include nationally known experts in journalism, politics, law, higher education and civic advocacy. For complete details, see the conference agenda.
Live Webcast
In addition, the conference will be webcast live on Oct. 21-22 for those unable to attend in person."Monday, August 29, 2016
Colin Kaepernick protest has 49ers fans burning their jerseys; Washington Post, 8/28/16
Cindy Boren, Washington Post; Colin Kaepernick protest has 49ers fans burning their jerseys:
"Kaepernick’s team spoke of the symbolism of the anthem while also pointing out that Kaepernick’s protest was in keeping with “such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression.” His coach, Chip Kelly, supported his right to protest. The NFL, in a statement, said that players are “encouraged but not required” to stand for the anthem and O’Connor, among others, defended Kaepernick, writing: “This is what American servicemen and women have defended here and abroad — Kaepernick’s right to sing the national anthem at the top of his lungs, and to refuse honor it altogether. As long as he’s not interfering with his teammates’ right to make their own red, white and blue choices, what’s the problem here?”"
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