Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
@drsurekhadavies.bsky.social
Historian of science, art, ideas.🗃
Words: Smithsonian, LA Times, TLS, Aeon, Nature, Science, Reactor.
Buy HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY now: https://www.surekhadavies.org/humans-a-monstrous-history
Newsletter: https://buttondown.com/surekhadavies?tag=bluesky
Words: Smithsonian, LA Times, TLS, Aeon, Nature, Science, Reactor.
Buy HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY now: https://www.surekhadavies.org/humans-a-monstrous-history
Newsletter: https://buttondown.com/surekhadavies?tag=bluesky
Pinned
Humans: A Monstrous History is a year old today! Here’s a 🧵 of some spinoff writings and interviews.
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🧪💙📚 🗃 #ancient #medieval #earlymodern #histsci #histmed #18thCentury #politics #HAMH
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🧪💙📚 🗃 #ancient #medieval #earlymodern #histsci #histmed #18thCentury #politics #HAMH
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Some may be saying, “yes, we knew this”, but we don’t really know know until we see data like these.
And something we may not have known that this paper shows is that once a person gets into the right wing silo, we’ve lost them. Changing to the chronological feed does not bring them back.
And something we may not have known that this paper shows is that once a person gets into the right wing silo, we’ve lost them. Changing to the chronological feed does not bring them back.
www.nature.com
February 19, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Some may be saying, “yes, we knew this”, but we don’t really know know until we see data like these.
And something we may not have known that this paper shows is that once a person gets into the right wing silo, we’ve lost them. Changing to the chronological feed does not bring them back.
And something we may not have known that this paper shows is that once a person gets into the right wing silo, we’ve lost them. Changing to the chronological feed does not bring them back.
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
A new paper shows that less than 2 months of exposure to Twitter’s algorithmic feed significantly shifts people’s political views to the right.
Moving from chronological feed to the algorithmic feed also increases engagement.
This is one of the most concerning papers I’ve read in awhile.
Moving from chronological feed to the algorithmic feed also increases engagement.
This is one of the most concerning papers I’ve read in awhile.
February 19, 2026 at 6:57 PM
A new paper shows that less than 2 months of exposure to Twitter’s algorithmic feed significantly shifts people’s political views to the right.
Moving from chronological feed to the algorithmic feed also increases engagement.
This is one of the most concerning papers I’ve read in awhile.
Moving from chronological feed to the algorithmic feed also increases engagement.
This is one of the most concerning papers I’ve read in awhile.
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Great essay by @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social:
"Like other men with no connection to the real world most of us live in, accountability and exposure remain abstract notions; darkness becoming visible a distant and unlikely turn of events."
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"Like other men with no connection to the real world most of us live in, accountability and exposure remain abstract notions; darkness becoming visible a distant and unlikely turn of events."
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🔴 Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: How Power Protects Itself Through Contempt
"Andrew expected the public to swallow an alternative account, even if he didn't think we would believe it. It is how the powerful protect their impunity through contempt for those they exploit" @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social
"Andrew expected the public to swallow an alternative account, even if he didn't think we would believe it. It is how the powerful protect their impunity through contempt for those they exploit" @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: How Power Protects Itself Through Contempt
As the eighth in line of succession to the British throne is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Hardeep Matharu explores how elite impunity is built on creating a sense of powerless...
bylinetimes.com
February 19, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Great essay by @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social:
"Like other men with no connection to the real world most of us live in, accountability and exposure remain abstract notions; darkness becoming visible a distant and unlikely turn of events."
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"Like other men with no connection to the real world most of us live in, accountability and exposure remain abstract notions; darkness becoming visible a distant and unlikely turn of events."
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Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Have been commenting "Alt-text, please" when big accounts post images without alt-text. No one has eaten me alive - yet.
In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
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In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
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Alt Text Guidelines
press.princeton.edu
February 19, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Have been commenting "Alt-text, please" when big accounts post images without alt-text. No one has eaten me alive - yet.
In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
1/
In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
1/
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
History is never boring. Sort of related: Malmsey Madeira is delicious.
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
What Led to George, Duke of Clarence’s Execution by Wine?
In 1478 George, 1st Duke of Clarence and brother to the King of England, was executed at the Tower of London. He was rumoured to have been drowned in...
www.historyhit.com
February 19, 2026 at 12:19 PM
History is never boring. Sort of related: Malmsey Madeira is delicious.
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Reminder for people who might forget: Ryan is one of the journalists who used a white supremacist as a source for that Mamdani college application story, without revealing that the source was a white supremacist, which is fucking relevant to the privacy breach in the story!!
Benjamin Ryan openly admits that his reporting on trans issues is animated by personal bias against someone who was mean to him online. Ben is not capable of reporting on this issue objectively, and yet the New York Times and other outlets repeatedly let him do just that.
February 19, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Reminder for people who might forget: Ryan is one of the journalists who used a white supremacist as a source for that Mamdani college application story, without revealing that the source was a white supremacist, which is fucking relevant to the privacy breach in the story!!
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Triumphs over fascism and a dissertation committee in the same year, you love to see it
February 19, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Triumphs over fascism and a dissertation committee in the same year, you love to see it
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Herbie Hancock Explains the Big Lesson He Learned From Miles Davis: Every Mistake in Music, as in Life, Is an Opportunity
Herbie Hancock Explains the Big Lesson He Learned From Miles Davis: Every Mistake in Music, as in Life, Is an Opportunity
One thing they don’t teach you in parenting school is how to guide a young child into making fewer mistakes in her homework, while also communicating to her that mistakes are not “bad” but often “good...
www.openculture.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:12 PM
Herbie Hancock Explains the Big Lesson He Learned From Miles Davis: Every Mistake in Music, as in Life, Is an Opportunity
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Sidebar to the OTHER big legal news today:
The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
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The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
1/
The Seoul Guardians (2026) ⭐ 7.8 | Documentary
1h 10m
m.imdb.com
February 19, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Sidebar to the OTHER big legal news today:
The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
1/
The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
1/
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
"There are no monsters, but all of them are real."
Monsters were foundational for biology and the origins of the modern world.
Thurs 5th March, 6-8pm, @linneansociety.bsky.social, London: a lecture on HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY (from @ucpress.bsky.social) + reception, book sales & signing.
🗃
Monsters were foundational for biology and the origins of the modern world.
Thurs 5th March, 6-8pm, @linneansociety.bsky.social, London: a lecture on HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY (from @ucpress.bsky.social) + reception, book sales & signing.
🗃
HUMANS | A Monstrous History
Monsters aren’t fantasy. They built our ideas of race, gender, nations, and ‘normal. This is history through monsters.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 19, 2026 at 11:37 AM
"There are no monsters, but all of them are real."
Monsters were foundational for biology and the origins of the modern world.
Thurs 5th March, 6-8pm, @linneansociety.bsky.social, London: a lecture on HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY (from @ucpress.bsky.social) + reception, book sales & signing.
🗃
Monsters were foundational for biology and the origins of the modern world.
Thurs 5th March, 6-8pm, @linneansociety.bsky.social, London: a lecture on HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY (from @ucpress.bsky.social) + reception, book sales & signing.
🗃
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
it … very much will work, and is not remotely wrong in principle; in fact, a *lot* of the problems we have now are because we go out of our way to not tax the rich
citation: I'm a published research economist and I know what the fuck im talking about
citation: I'm a published research economist and I know what the fuck im talking about
It will not work, and is wrong in principle
Don’t go after the rich to fix broken budgets
It will not work, and is wrong in principle
econ.st
February 19, 2026 at 4:54 PM
it … very much will work, and is not remotely wrong in principle; in fact, a *lot* of the problems we have now are because we go out of our way to not tax the rich
citation: I'm a published research economist and I know what the fuck im talking about
citation: I'm a published research economist and I know what the fuck im talking about
I'm not at #RenSA26 because "waves hands in the air" from across the pond, but if you're hungry for maps or monsters, my buddy Asa Mittman is in the house for once! Go listen to Asa and also to Shanti Giovanetti-Singh, Stephanie Leitch, Kathleen Long (@kplong1616.bsky.social), and Ricardo Padrón.
February 19, 2026 at 5:29 PM
I'm not at #RenSA26 because "waves hands in the air" from across the pond, but if you're hungry for maps or monsters, my buddy Asa Mittman is in the house for once! Go listen to Asa and also to Shanti Giovanetti-Singh, Stephanie Leitch, Kathleen Long (@kplong1616.bsky.social), and Ricardo Padrón.
Another gold-level thread of Bluesky humour. Hell may or may not be empty, but the funniest people are here!
look at my country man, we’re getting out-No Kings’d by the fuckin’ british
King Charles has issued a statement following his brother Andrew’s arrest
February 19, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Another gold-level thread of Bluesky humour. Hell may or may not be empty, but the funniest people are here!
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
I am NOT judging or shaming long time activists with Substacks, the same way I'm not judging actual progressive groups on Twitter and Instagram. Organizing against the horrors in 2025 takes precedent over everything.
But if you're starting from scratch, there are alternatives.
But if you're starting from scratch, there are alternatives.
July 29, 2025 at 3:30 PM
I am NOT judging or shaming long time activists with Substacks, the same way I'm not judging actual progressive groups on Twitter and Instagram. Organizing against the horrors in 2025 takes precedent over everything.
But if you're starting from scratch, there are alternatives.
But if you're starting from scratch, there are alternatives.
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Also too: if you have a NON-SUBSTACK newsletter (that's also not bigoted or MAGA or whatever), please feel free to post about it here and I will try to share! #NonSubstackNewsletterpalooza
July 29, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Also too: if you have a NON-SUBSTACK newsletter (that's also not bigoted or MAGA or whatever), please feel free to post about it here and I will try to share! #NonSubstackNewsletterpalooza
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
So I get it for folks in that donut hole of more-subscribers-than-i-can-afford-on-a-non-substack-service-if-i-keep-this-newsletter-free. It's a problem and I don't have good answers.
But if you're under 5000 subs or if you're GIANT and make lots of money?
You should switch. 🤷
But if you're under 5000 subs or if you're GIANT and make lots of money?
You should switch. 🤷
July 29, 2025 at 2:54 PM
So I get it for folks in that donut hole of more-subscribers-than-i-can-afford-on-a-non-substack-service-if-i-keep-this-newsletter-free. It's a problem and I don't have good answers.
But if you're under 5000 subs or if you're GIANT and make lots of money?
You should switch. 🤷
But if you're under 5000 subs or if you're GIANT and make lots of money?
You should switch. 🤷
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
February 19, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
It is notable that Andrew has been arrested for "misconduct in public office", which is precisely what the US Supreme Court decided no American president can ever be charged with.
So SCOTUS, with its fabricated-out-of-thin-air immunity doctrine, has actually made American presidents less accountable than LITERAL royalty.
Breaking News: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested in Britain on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, the BBC said.
February 19, 2026 at 12:22 PM
It is notable that Andrew has been arrested for "misconduct in public office", which is precisely what the US Supreme Court decided no American president can ever be charged with.
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Getting shown up in the arena of elite impunity by *the British monarchy* is an incredible “America at 250!” achievement
February 19, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Getting shown up in the arena of elite impunity by *the British monarchy* is an incredible “America at 250!” achievement
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
I‘ve read a draft and this book deserves all the praise that’s already rolling in and the accolades to follow when it’s released. @thrasherxy.bsky.social wrote a brilliant and brutal account of complicity with white supremacy.
Publishers Weekly gives a ⭐STARRED REVIEW⭐ to The Overseer Class: a "blistering follow-up to The Viral Underclass...By turns maddening and inspiring, this shines a harsh light on a political dead end in order to illuminate real possibilities for change." (I am now 4/4 for ⭐stars from the trades)
February 19, 2026 at 12:36 PM
I‘ve read a draft and this book deserves all the praise that’s already rolling in and the accolades to follow when it’s released. @thrasherxy.bsky.social wrote a brilliant and brutal account of complicity with white supremacy.
Sidebar to the OTHER big legal news today:
The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
1/
The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
1/
The Seoul Guardians (2026) ⭐ 7.8 | Documentary
1h 10m
m.imdb.com
February 19, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Sidebar to the OTHER big legal news today:
The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
1/
The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
1/
History is never boring. Sort of related: Malmsey Madeira is delicious.
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
What Led to George, Duke of Clarence’s Execution by Wine?
In 1478 George, 1st Duke of Clarence and brother to the King of England, was executed at the Tower of London. He was rumoured to have been drowned in...
www.historyhit.com
February 19, 2026 at 12:19 PM
History is never boring. Sort of related: Malmsey Madeira is delicious.
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Somewhere, somehow, at a right-wing tabloid, the most deranged Meghan story of all time is being birthed
February 19, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Somewhere, somehow, at a right-wing tabloid, the most deranged Meghan story of all time is being birthed
Have been commenting "Alt-text, please" when big accounts post images without alt-text. No one has eaten me alive - yet.
In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
1/
In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
1/
Alt Text Guidelines
press.princeton.edu
February 19, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Have been commenting "Alt-text, please" when big accounts post images without alt-text. No one has eaten me alive - yet.
In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
1/
In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
1/
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
How were humans classified, and why does this still shape our world? Join us on 19 March for the launch of Homo Sapiens | Classifying the Human Animal. Exploring Linnaeus’ Systema naturae and enduring legacies, there'll be a panel discussion, drinks reception and exhibition viewing: buff.ly/apWNsKp
February 19, 2026 at 11:58 AM
How were humans classified, and why does this still shape our world? Join us on 19 March for the launch of Homo Sapiens | Classifying the Human Animal. Exploring Linnaeus’ Systema naturae and enduring legacies, there'll be a panel discussion, drinks reception and exhibition viewing: buff.ly/apWNsKp