The paradox of social violence
This week: social media and violence, silly Siri, and, finally, a tweet that will remind you of the beauty of the world. Pitter patter, let’s get at ’er.
Hey there. Welcome to the kites can’t fly newsletter. I’m cory zanoni.
The paradox of social violence
People keep pissing in the pool.
The pool in question is social media. The pool’s owners aren’t doing anything about it.
I've been thinking about this article for a few weeks now. It asks a big question: what is it about social media platforms that facilitate abuse and violence?
In trying to answer it, I argue that sites like Facebook and Twitter dehumanise their users, obscure the relationships that make them work, and let abuse flourish by the very nature of their design.
Maybe it’s time to build a new pool.
Read more: The paradox of social violence
Siri tries
I’m a Siri defender. I have no idea why.
I think it’s because Siri just wants to help, okay. Apple’s AI assistant does its best but its just not very good.
It doesn’t help that Siri is, well, a bit too enthusiastic. I started tracking every time Siri thought I wanted their help but was, alas, totally and unequivocally wrong.
Like, not even close. Total whiff.
Read more: Things that have set off Siri (Part 2)
Vale Ania Walwicz
Ania was my poetry teacher in 2012 and 2013. No one had more energy and passion for the written word and all its creative potential. Every student, and every piece of work they shared, was valid and worthy. She loved poetry and, if you spent some time with her, you would too. Even today, years on, her thoughts on my work can make me feel unassailable as a writer. She just had that effect on you.
And she was an incredible poet herself.
Vale Ania Walwicz.
Read more: “You big ugly. You too empty.”
Good stuff
Watching
I’m obsessed with Letterkenny. We started watching it early this week and, you know, it’s delightful. And hilarious. It’s a Canadian sitcom set in a small rural town (Letterkenny). It focuses on Wayne and Katy, siblings who run a produce stand, and others in their community. It features some of the quickest, sharpest dialogue I’ve heard in a long time. In an effort to subvert the trope of people from small towns being none too bright, every character is a well of wordplay, puns, and deep cuts on niche topics.
This cold open from the start of season three is a good indication of what you’re in for.
Fair warning, though: Letterkenny will introduce a few new terms into your vocab. Pitter patter, let’s get at ’er.
Playing
When I’m not trying to recreate a rural Ontarian accent, I’ve been playing Hades. It’s a masterclass in art, music, writing, and game design — everything blends together to create an ideal whole.
You play as Zagreus, son of Hades, as you try to escape the underworld. The underworld, of course, is notoriously a one-way kind of place. Hades is a rogue-lite: that means you start a "run", die, and start again. Repeat. The game’s story unfolds over dozens of attempts. Even finishing a run — you know, winning — isn’t the end. The genre usually resists linear storytelling but Hades handles it beautifully.
Supergiant, the studio behind Hades, are on a burner. They’ve made four so far and every one has been a winner. If you’re not into games but appreciate artistry and craft, give them a look. They have something for everyone who makes stuff.
There’s wonder in the world
If this TikTok doesn’t make you feel in awe of the world, I don’t know what will.
Thanks for reading.
❤️ cz