Traci's Testimonials

  "Can there ever be a case for censoring racist or sexist humour? Is this a good idea, especially when such  jokes allegedly do not mirror reality in any significant way?" Traci-Lynn Timony PHIL-1013-(40)-23W Dr. Edward Matthews March 5, 2023                 One must always begin with basics when deciding on which side of an argument to stand; I cannot think of a more basic beginning than defining the terms in the question to be considered. In the case of determining the validity of censorship in the context of ethics (as it relates to racist or sexist humor), one should begin with the meaning of censorship. Oxford Languages describes censorship as suppressing or prohibiting things considered obscene or unacceptable. The ACLU goes further, using the word “offensive," and discusses “imposing personal (emphasis mine) political or moral values on others.” The next term to define is ethics. Dictionary.com defines it this way; “moral principles that govern a per

  "Consider some of the ways in which humour can be rebellious. How might humour work to challenge authority, and what examples of this can you identify" Traci-Lynn Timony PHIL-1013-(40)-23W Dr. Edward Matthews February 12, 2023               It appears the political fruit of the twenty-first century is ripe with material for mockery. History tends to repeat itself. It is interesting to delve into the stories of historical comedy and satire and understand that authoritarian figures have quite often been the source of ridicule. From Aristophanes’ Lysistrata in which the women of Greece withhold marital relations until their husbands kiss and make up with each other to (my personal favourite) This Hour has 22 Minutes mocking Justin Trudeau’s lack of integrity in the sketch “Broken Promises Memorial Forest”, we common folk love to poke fun at our leaders. We understand that they hold authority (typically because we gave it to them willingly); however, when we view th

  "Most people would argue that an ability to be funny is often desirable when it comes to public speaking: why  do you think that is? Also, you occasionally hear people speak about “truth” being revealed through humour:  in what sense might this be possible" Traci-Lynn Timony PHIL-1013-(40)-23W Dr. Edward Matthews  January 29, 2023   As a corporate facilitator, the call to speak publicly is a standing appointment in my Outlook calendar. It is my mandate to speak frequently and unabashedly to the expectations, eventualities, and (sometimes) errors of my audiences’ chosen field. The content of some courses I offer can be bland; Effective Documentation, while not without its charms, is best taken before the afternoon slump. Other sessions have a more ominous tone; Respect, Disrespect, and Abuse has some heavy subject matter. However, small injections of appropriately placed wit tend to liven the room and can cause listeners to perk up and pay attention. Additionally, some tru