Mark Doidge
@markdoidge.bsky.social
Sociologist at Loughborough researching sport, environmental sustainability, antiracism & refugees. Member @fanseurope, trustee @britsoci
Pinned
Mark Doidge
@markdoidge.bsky.social
· Oct 17
One of the hardest things to do in academia is to try new skills and make yourself uncomfortable. We tried new creative methodologies with football fans and, for me at least, fear of looking stupid was a big thing.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Mark Doidge
Universities embracing generative AI be like:
another robot highlight for 2025: man wearing humanoid mocap suit kicks himself in the balls
December 27, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Universities embracing generative AI be like:
Reposted by Mark Doidge
All of this thread.
I understand the self interest that AI salesmen have to push their product, but the grasping way they’re doing it — the internet version of a traveling salesmen putting his foot in the door so you can’t close it — is only going to drive more people away.
I understand the self interest that AI salesmen have to push their product, but the grasping way they’re doing it — the internet version of a traveling salesmen putting his foot in the door so you can’t close it — is only going to drive more people away.
You absolutely will not convince a bunch of historians and sociologists and whoever else is in this thread that you know more than we do about this and we should use it. I wish you AI enthusiasts would stop wading into our conversations. You have nothing helpful to contribute and are snarky.
December 21, 2025 at 2:21 PM
All of this thread.
I understand the self interest that AI salesmen have to push their product, but the grasping way they’re doing it — the internet version of a traveling salesmen putting his foot in the door so you can’t close it — is only going to drive more people away.
I understand the self interest that AI salesmen have to push their product, but the grasping way they’re doing it — the internet version of a traveling salesmen putting his foot in the door so you can’t close it — is only going to drive more people away.
Reposted by Mark Doidge
"Academics literally cannot make genAI go away" we also can't make underage drinking go away and we're not advocating for installing bar carts in every classroom.
December 27, 2025 at 11:46 PM
"Academics literally cannot make genAI go away" we also can't make underage drinking go away and we're not advocating for installing bar carts in every classroom.
Reposted by Mark Doidge
This is an excellent thread and post on the disaster that looms with the 2026 World Cup, due to the Trump administration’s cruel, racist and unlawful attacks on people it suspects or claims to suspect of being undocumented immigrants.
How U.S. immigration policies and visa reforms spell disaster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A thread. 🧵
A thread. 🧵
December 27, 2025 at 2:14 PM
This is an excellent thread and post on the disaster that looms with the 2026 World Cup, due to the Trump administration’s cruel, racist and unlawful attacks on people it suspects or claims to suspect of being undocumented immigrants.
Reposted by Mark Doidge
It's very telling that this discourse always puts the onus on the kids to tolerate their parents vile views and never asks the parents to moderate said views for the sake of their kids
"I worry that we are rapidly moving towards a society of self-absorbed and entitled individuals who have no time, affection or care for their parents." Letter in the Times from a 'relationship and family therapist' in response to Sarah Ditum's article attacking kids who have cut off abusive parents
December 27, 2025 at 1:15 PM
It's very telling that this discourse always puts the onus on the kids to tolerate their parents vile views and never asks the parents to moderate said views for the sake of their kids
Reposted by Mark Doidge
🗣️ “I think #LGBTQ people don't feel represented or comfortable in men's football stadiums. I have a lot of friends I've invited to matches who haven't wanted to come” - Hector Bellerin
✍️ Charo Lagares, El Mundo
#LGBTQfootball #FvH2026
@prideinfootball.bsky.social @footballvhomophobia.com
✍️ Charo Lagares, El Mundo
#LGBTQfootball #FvH2026
@prideinfootball.bsky.social @footballvhomophobia.com
Héctor Bellerín: "Comprendo los memes del macho performativo, pero hay hombres que buscan un espacio fuera de la masculinidad hegemónica tradicional y la mofa puede asustar"
www.elmundo.es
December 27, 2025 at 10:07 AM
🗣️ “I think #LGBTQ people don't feel represented or comfortable in men's football stadiums. I have a lot of friends I've invited to matches who haven't wanted to come” - Hector Bellerin
✍️ Charo Lagares, El Mundo
#LGBTQfootball #FvH2026
@prideinfootball.bsky.social @footballvhomophobia.com
✍️ Charo Lagares, El Mundo
#LGBTQfootball #FvH2026
@prideinfootball.bsky.social @footballvhomophobia.com
Reposted by Mark Doidge
Thousand of bulldozers on the way to flatten over 5 million acres of forest in West Papua and this is just one ship
Such is the rush that even the Indonesia army has been brought in to speed up the deforestation
A shameful day for Indonesia and the world
Such is the rush that even the Indonesia army has been brought in to speed up the deforestation
A shameful day for Indonesia and the world
December 26, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Thousand of bulldozers on the way to flatten over 5 million acres of forest in West Papua and this is just one ship
Such is the rush that even the Indonesia army has been brought in to speed up the deforestation
A shameful day for Indonesia and the world
Such is the rush that even the Indonesia army has been brought in to speed up the deforestation
A shameful day for Indonesia and the world
The Guardian alienating potential Guardian readers with uncritical PR for Countryside Alliance
Labour ‘alienating rural people’ with plan to ban trail hunting, says Countryside Alliance
Labour ‘alienating rural people’ with plan to ban trail hunting, says Countryside Alliance
Poll released by group as people gather for traditional Boxing Day hunts finds 76% of voters believe Labour prioritises urban issues over rural ones
Keir Starmer’s government has been told it has “alienated rural people” as traditional Boxing Day hunts gathered across the UK ahead of plans to ban trail hunting.
The warning came from the Countryside Alliance pressure group, which released a poll suggesting 65% of voters think the Labour administration unfairly neglects country communities. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 27, 2025 at 10:55 AM
The Guardian alienating potential Guardian readers with uncritical PR for Countryside Alliance
Reposted by Mark Doidge
This is literally what the Telegraph campaigned for.
December 27, 2025 at 9:42 AM
This is literally what the Telegraph campaigned for.
Reposted by Mark Doidge
This is actually a really interesting phenomenon well worth in-depth reporting:(1) What is the idea of diversity and identity of the incredibly diverse, migrant-origin elite that seems to embrace nativism? and(2) How do they feel about so many in their movement regarding THEM as part of the problem?
The attacks on diversity in the U.K. come from quite surprising people. Ms Braverman is a Buddhist with two Indian parents, Mr Braverman is a migrant from South Africa. They are a model example of U.K. diversity.
"Read the bloody room" tweets Mr Braverman, who opposes the King's message of togetherness, but strongly approves of President Trump!
December 26, 2025 at 5:02 PM
This is actually a really interesting phenomenon well worth in-depth reporting:(1) What is the idea of diversity and identity of the incredibly diverse, migrant-origin elite that seems to embrace nativism? and(2) How do they feel about so many in their movement regarding THEM as part of the problem?
The Right, who used to defend the monarchy and Church, are now pulling down everything they used to support, including the rule of law. They simultaneously claim that Britain is broken whilst ignoring that it’s Right-wing policies that created this Britain.
"Give it a rest" posted podcaster Connor Tomlinson at 3.15pm on Christmas Day about the King's message
Tomlinson advocates bamning all British citizens who are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist from parliament & civil service, along with ethnic minorities who lack white British ancestors.
Tomlinson advocates bamning all British citizens who are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist from parliament & civil service, along with ethnic minorities who lack white British ancestors.
December 26, 2025 at 5:31 PM
The Right, who used to defend the monarchy and Church, are now pulling down everything they used to support, including the rule of law. They simultaneously claim that Britain is broken whilst ignoring that it’s Right-wing policies that created this Britain.
Reposted by Mark Doidge
We've always had these dead-eyed socipaths around. It's just a few years ago they were ignored and now they're "senior fellow" at places funded by evil millionaires + going on podcasts with a brain-rotted ex-PM.
Harrison Pitt accuses the King of treachery. Pitt is a Senior Policy Fellow for Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain, who also regularly co-hosts podcasts with his ally Tomlinson (who advocates banning all ethnic and faith minorities from public office). Like Lowe, Pitt is keen to dissolve boundaries/norms
December 26, 2025 at 9:08 AM
We've always had these dead-eyed socipaths around. It's just a few years ago they were ignored and now they're "senior fellow" at places funded by evil millionaires + going on podcasts with a brain-rotted ex-PM.
The world has never needed humanities and social sciences more than now, just as our governments enact policies that strip them away.
In addition to how deeply wrong I believe this to be, it makes clear how complex our fight for the future will be.
We all need to REALLY understand why this is wrong and dangerous. And this is not only about people with dementia.
We all need to REALLY understand why this is wrong and dangerous. And this is not only about people with dementia.
The comments on this are all about how sweet it is and I feel insane. Using AI to make fake memories of your grandma with dementia and telling her they happened and then filming her reaction
December 26, 2025 at 7:38 AM
The world has never needed humanities and social sciences more than now, just as our governments enact policies that strip them away.
Reposted by Mark Doidge
Extremely funny to call the pope “holier-than-thou”
December 25, 2025 at 4:05 AM
Extremely funny to call the pope “holier-than-thou”
Reposted by Mark Doidge
Matthew 2:13: an angel of the lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him”
Shabana: To Stop the Donkeys we need to address enabling angels like this
Shabana: To Stop the Donkeys we need to address enabling angels like this
Luke 2:1 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus that all the world should be taxed."
Morgan McSweeney: "Focus groups are going to fucking hate this"
Morgan McSweeney: "Focus groups are going to fucking hate this"
December 24, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Matthew 2:13: an angel of the lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him”
Shabana: To Stop the Donkeys we need to address enabling angels like this
Shabana: To Stop the Donkeys we need to address enabling angels like this
Maybe Steve Reed (no, me neither), could have a look at his boss - who was a human rights lawyer who is now trying to remove human rights so he can demonise other human - and ask if Starmer is a con artist
A Christmas Day tale in 3 parts.
1) Steve Reed - Housing Minister - launches a Xmas Day attack.
2) It's the Labour Governments usual shit.
3) join.greenparty.org.uk
Merry Xmas!
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/exclus...
1) Steve Reed - Housing Minister - launches a Xmas Day attack.
2) It's the Labour Governments usual shit.
3) join.greenparty.org.uk
Merry Xmas!
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/exclus...
Exclusive: Cabinet Minister Brands Zack Polanski A 'Con Artist' In Outspoken Attack
Steve Reed also suggested the Green Party leader is immoral.
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
December 25, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Maybe Steve Reed (no, me neither), could have a look at his boss - who was a human rights lawyer who is now trying to remove human rights so he can demonise other human - and ask if Starmer is a con artist
Let’s not forget that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees who fled from Bethlehem to Egypt due to the threat of King Herod.
Oh GB News. Have a day off and enjoy a mince pie.
How dare I talk positively about migration & refugee rights at this time of year that should be about *checks notes* good tidings and warm wishes.
Tune in at 3pm to watch and judge for yourself.
Merry Christmas everyone!
How dare I talk positively about migration & refugee rights at this time of year that should be about *checks notes* good tidings and warm wishes.
Tune in at 3pm to watch and judge for yourself.
Merry Christmas everyone!
December 25, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Let’s not forget that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees who fled from Bethlehem to Egypt due to the threat of King Herod.
Reposted by Mark Doidge
Oh GB News. Have a day off and enjoy a mince pie.
How dare I talk positively about migration & refugee rights at this time of year that should be about *checks notes* good tidings and warm wishes.
Tune in at 3pm to watch and judge for yourself.
Merry Christmas everyone!
How dare I talk positively about migration & refugee rights at this time of year that should be about *checks notes* good tidings and warm wishes.
Tune in at 3pm to watch and judge for yourself.
Merry Christmas everyone!
December 24, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Oh GB News. Have a day off and enjoy a mince pie.
How dare I talk positively about migration & refugee rights at this time of year that should be about *checks notes* good tidings and warm wishes.
Tune in at 3pm to watch and judge for yourself.
Merry Christmas everyone!
How dare I talk positively about migration & refugee rights at this time of year that should be about *checks notes* good tidings and warm wishes.
Tune in at 3pm to watch and judge for yourself.
Merry Christmas everyone!
The French police have been tear gassing migrants in Calais for at least ten years. Glad someone is highlighting this
Yes. We're spending £476m on the militarisation of Calais - where babies are being tear gassed.
The fact people are hearing this for the first time is exactly why I made it the subject of the Christmas Day message.
We could be spending that money instead on a fair and managed migration system.
The fact people are hearing this for the first time is exactly why I made it the subject of the Christmas Day message.
We could be spending that money instead on a fair and managed migration system.
The UK government is spending £476m tear-gassing babies?
Someone needs to get real if they're to be taken seriously.
Someone needs to get real if they're to be taken seriously.
December 24, 2025 at 4:28 PM
The French police have been tear gassing migrants in Calais for at least ten years. Glad someone is highlighting this
Reposted by Mark Doidge
Yes. We're spending £476m on the militarisation of Calais - where babies are being tear gassed.
The fact people are hearing this for the first time is exactly why I made it the subject of the Christmas Day message.
We could be spending that money instead on a fair and managed migration system.
The fact people are hearing this for the first time is exactly why I made it the subject of the Christmas Day message.
We could be spending that money instead on a fair and managed migration system.
The UK government is spending £476m tear-gassing babies?
Someone needs to get real if they're to be taken seriously.
Someone needs to get real if they're to be taken seriously.
The Telegraph highlighting - yet missing - two vital points here.
1) We're not calling for £476m to be spent. It already is - this is about diverting it to actually helping.
2) Why "cruelty" in question? The £476m we're spending is part of an operation tear gassing babies.
1) We're not calling for £476m to be spent. It already is - this is about diverting it to actually helping.
2) Why "cruelty" in question? The £476m we're spending is part of an operation tear gassing babies.
December 24, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Yes. We're spending £476m on the militarisation of Calais - where babies are being tear gassed.
The fact people are hearing this for the first time is exactly why I made it the subject of the Christmas Day message.
We could be spending that money instead on a fair and managed migration system.
The fact people are hearing this for the first time is exactly why I made it the subject of the Christmas Day message.
We could be spending that money instead on a fair and managed migration system.
I’m very glad to learn of the word apanthropy. It explains so much of what I desire at Christmas
A little selection of my favourite words for the season. Some beautiful, others potentially necessary. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
twowords2.page.link/play
twowords2.page.link/play
December 24, 2025 at 4:26 PM
I’m very glad to learn of the word apanthropy. It explains so much of what I desire at Christmas
Reposted by Mark Doidge
Person with a criminal conviction for obstruction of justice and perjury in connection with insider trading and who served a five-year ban as a company director to become minority owner of a British football club.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Martha Stewart joins Snoop Dogg and Luka Modric as Swansea City co-owner
The 84-year-old American businesswoman has become the latest celebrity owner of Swansea City.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 24, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Person with a criminal conviction for obstruction of justice and perjury in connection with insider trading and who served a five-year ban as a company director to become minority owner of a British football club.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
That the Labour Party is repeatedly said to be the natural progressive party is a myth
Labour supporters are the most homophobic and almost the most transphobic.
December 24, 2025 at 8:18 AM
That the Labour Party is repeatedly said to be the natural progressive party is a myth
Reposted by Mark Doidge
Some of you have forgotten that only three years ago you were perfectly capable of writing a text, writing an email, telling a bedtime story to a child, and it should worry you that powerful companies have convinced us we can’t do things we’ve been doing since the dawn of time.
December 23, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Some of you have forgotten that only three years ago you were perfectly capable of writing a text, writing an email, telling a bedtime story to a child, and it should worry you that powerful companies have convinced us we can’t do things we’ve been doing since the dawn of time.
Reposted by Mark Doidge
The “free speech” and “cancel culture” panics have led to overt state censorship because that was always their purpose. (Gift link) www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
December 23, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The “free speech” and “cancel culture” panics have led to overt state censorship because that was always their purpose. (Gift link) www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...