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On Civil Society at The Word On The Street
Toronto Public Library is excited to announce that we are trying something new for this year’s The Word On The Street. The festival has decided to expand from their usual Sunday-only programming to a full weekend of events.
We have decided to jump on this opportunity, and we’re programming a full stage on Saturday!
On Saturday, September 22, the library hosts a stage at The Word On The Street Festival, with critical discussions on democracy, media, and urbanism as part of our On Civil Society series:
Are we wired for democracy?
12:45 - 1:45 PM
#OnDemocracy
A discussion on whether the current crisis of democracy has to do with the limitations of our brains. In this age of smartphones and information overload, is politics too complex for most people to make rational, informed choices? Are anti-democratic leaders winning elections because people don't have democratic values, or because people don't understand what they're voting for?
Panelists:
Dave Moscrop, political theorist and postdoctoral fellow in the Scholarly Communications Lab at Simon Fraser University
Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Buzzfeed news editor
Laura Stephenson, Professor of Political Science, Western University
How can we protect ourselves from Facebook?
2:00 - 3:00 PM
#OnTheMedia
As the impact of fake news became evident after Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, voices across the world have argued that social media giants have become a threat to democracy. The Cambridge Analytica scandal added urgency to question of how the big platform companies are reshaping our societies. Governments in Europe are discussing strict regulation of the tech giants, but will this be enough? What is the best solution to deal with the power of these monopolies? Should Facebook become a public utility?
Panelists:
Nasma Ahmed, Director of the Digital Justice Lab
Bianca Wylie, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation and Co-founder of Tech Reset Canada
Jennifer Hollett, Toronto City Council candidate, formerly Twitter's head of news partnerships
Are we building a Toronto for everyone?
3:15 - 4:15 PM
#OnUrbanism
A discussion on the future of the city. As city planners and private developers race to fill the urban landscape with shiny new towers, many citizens are feeling the changes in their communities. Are we creating an inclusive, and welcoming city for all Torontonians? What are the limits of design in reducing inequality and making the city accessible to all? And how can decisions about our city be more democratic and elevate marginalized voices?
Panelists:
Alex Bozikovic, architecture critic for the Globe & Mail
Zahra Ebrahim, Jane's Walk board, Doblin co-lead
Cherise Burda, Executive Director of the Ryerson City Building Institute
Location: all three talks will take place in the Brigantine Room at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West.
Come for all three discussions and treat your brain to new ideas!
All events are free, and no registration is required.
(Source: Toronto Public Library ) |
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