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Day: 27 October 2017

University of Manchester professor in ‘sexist’ twitter row

Written by Cameron Broome on . Posted in News.

A University of Manchester professor has been accused of sexism after tweeting about waking up next to the University of Cambridge’s Students’ Union Women’s Officer.

The tweet has since been deleted but screenshots show that it was sent at 7:30PM on the 25th of October to Lola Olufemi by Robin Marshall, University of Manchester Professor of Physics and Biology.

It read: “Imagine what it must feel like to wake up in the morning and realise you are @CUSUWO [Lola Olufemi] OR worse waking up to realise you’re lying next to her.”

Lola Olufemi has recently led a call for the University of Cambridge English Literature department to “decolonise” its curriculum by introducing more non-white male authors and authors from the Global South to its reading lists.

The tweet caused a backlash on Twitter, with one user calling the professor “a sexist arse.”

In addition to the tweet sent out on the 25th of October, the professor has sent out other controversial tweets including one which read: “If you do not like facts and you are PC, LGBTIDK, vegan,flat earthist or whatever do not read this thread. Nor am I interested in yr thinks” followed by a threat in which he  said “… please shut the fuck up. You really piss me off”, attacking “parents of Ch.”

https://twitter.com/TheProfRobin/status/890992603809927168

https://twitter.com/TheProfRobin/status/890993566545326081

https://twitter.com/TheProfRobin/status/890994430370619392

When asked for comment, the University of Manchester said “the academic in question has since made a full and unreserved public apology for the inappropriate comments and any offence caused.”

He also also liked several controversial tweets, one of which read, “White men see: something beautiful to cherish & protect. Muslim men see: something to hate, violate, & desecrate. Stand by our men.” alongside a photo of a male and female on a bike.

 

https://twitter.com/CarolynEmerick/status/913239831936946182

Some more controversial tweets that the Professor has liked include one which read: ” Has anyone ever seen Jews in Europe marching in the streets, demanding to force Jewish law? England wake up you have a serious problem” and another that said “The war against the Nazis was over in just a few years. We were smarter then.”

https://twitter.com/EngageTheRebels/status/893311852683427842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthetab.com%2Fuk%2Fmanchester%2F2017%2F10%2F26%2Fexclusive-university-of-manchester-professor-comes-under-fire-for-sexist-tweet-30411

A University spokesman said: “The University of Manchester would like to make it clear that we have a zero tolerance approach to any form of bullying and harassment.

“We are aware of this issue and, after looking into it, found the comments were made by a former member of staff who holds Professor Emeritus status.”

 

Live: Loyle Carner

Written by Calum Pinder on . Posted in Music.

Thursday the 12th of October

O2 Ritz

This year Benjamin Coyle-Larner a.k.a Loyle Carner put his first album out. After generating a significant fan-base from the few singles he released prior to Yesterday’s Gone he visited Manchester for a number of small shows. Now with a debut album and a Mercury nomination under his belt, he returns to Manchester to pack out the O2 Ritz.

Loyle Carner’s family-oriented brand of confessional hip-hop is reflected in the staging at the Ritz. A lamp illuminates the decks from where Carner’s longtime friend and producer Rebel Kleff provides the beats. An armchair sits off-centre next to a whiskey cabinet and potted plants are dotted around.

The effect that you’ve entered Loyle Carner’s London home seems at odds with the fifteen hundred yelling fans as Carner walks onstage. Nevertheless, as the show gets underway it’s hard not to feel a sense of familiarity with the grinning 23-year-old. His continuous bantering with the crowd and genuine warmth are infectious and are reciprocated by an attentive and eager crowd.

Loyle Carner works his way through the material from Yesterday’s Gone as Rebel Kleff lays down simple yet groove filled beats. There’s nothing too complicated about the production but that simplicity works well mixed with Carner’s intelligent lyricism and energetic delivery. In the absence of layers upon layers of instrumentation what remains is stripped back hip-hop that’s refreshing and fun.

If there’s any major issue with the show it’s the lack of material. With only one album to his name, Carner doesn’t have much variety in the tracks he plays. However, with stories and jokes woven between tracks it never becomes too noticeable and on ‘Damselfly’ Tom Misch’s rich backing vocals provide a welcome change of pace.

On ‘No Worries’, Rebel Kleff emerges from his corner to join Carner on stage. Although he doesn’t detract from the performance his flow is a little too similar to Loyle’s to make his rapping feel necessary. However, consistent with the album version Loyle Carner ends the track in fantastic fashion with a brilliant freestyle.

The show closes with Carner and Kleff jumping across the stage and the crowd singing along to ‘NO CD’. The two walk offstage and the crowd begins to filter out. It’s certain that Loyle Carner has celebrated great success this year and it’s easy to see he deserves it.

With his abundant supply of enthusiasm and energy, it is clear Carner won’t be showing any signs of slowing down. It will be exciting to see where the next year takes him. Hopefully, back up to Manchester.

7/10