Ben Dickenson
@benjitoon.bsky.social
Dad. Hat wearer. Creative type. Lesser half of Nathalie. Grownup who annoys teenage son.
MD @bylinesnetwork.co.uk
Associate @alphabettitheatre.bsky.social
Trustee @bohoarts.bsky.social
Read my “50 by 50” here: https://substack.com/@bendickenson
MD @bylinesnetwork.co.uk
Associate @alphabettitheatre.bsky.social
Trustee @bohoarts.bsky.social
Read my “50 by 50” here: https://substack.com/@bendickenson
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
The irony of ICE detaining and disappearing the original Americans should stop everyone cold.
As a Lakota proverb says, when you discover you’re riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount. This system isn’t broken. It’s dead.
As a Lakota proverb says, when you discover you’re riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount. This system isn’t broken. It’s dead.
January 20, 2026 at 1:40 AM
The irony of ICE detaining and disappearing the original Americans should stop everyone cold.
As a Lakota proverb says, when you discover you’re riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount. This system isn’t broken. It’s dead.
As a Lakota proverb says, when you discover you’re riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount. This system isn’t broken. It’s dead.
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
“My rule as a social psychologist is: If one person does something really bad, that might be a bad person; if everybody in a situation is doing something bad, that’s guaranteed to be a bad situation”
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/p...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/p...
Jonathan Haidt Brings New Evidence to the Battle Against Social Media
www.nytimes.com
January 17, 2026 at 6:24 AM
“My rule as a social psychologist is: If one person does something really bad, that might be a bad person; if everybody in a situation is doing something bad, that’s guaranteed to be a bad situation”
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/p...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/p...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
🚨By-elections to be called automatically when MPs defect to another party - lets get this to the 100,000 signatures needed
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...
Petition: By-elections to be called automatically when MPs defect to another party
When an MP decides they want to defect to another party a by-election should be automatically triggered to allow the constituents the opportunity have their democratic right to agree or not with their...
petition.parliament.uk
January 17, 2026 at 9:07 AM
🚨By-elections to be called automatically when MPs defect to another party - lets get this to the 100,000 signatures needed
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Robert DeNiro: «Voy a decir una sola cosa: ¡Fuck Trump!»
January 7, 2026 at 9:38 AM
Robert DeNiro: «Voy a decir una sola cosa: ¡Fuck Trump!»
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
A dominant theme of Hitler's speeches in the late 1930s is that Germany was surrounded by threats. These threats were imaginary: it was Nazi Germany that threatened other nations. But they were used to justify pre-emptive attacks. Trump is following this script.
January 10, 2026 at 10:51 AM
A dominant theme of Hitler's speeches in the late 1930s is that Germany was surrounded by threats. These threats were imaginary: it was Nazi Germany that threatened other nations. But they were used to justify pre-emptive attacks. Trump is following this script.
Come over and read about my wedding...
...and why I'm calling on us all to put love first this year.
After what happened in Minneapolis, it feels even more important to fight for connection, community and humanity. We can't let hate and repression win.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-9...
...and why I'm calling on us all to put love first this year.
After what happened in Minneapolis, it feels even more important to fight for connection, community and humanity. We can't let hate and repression win.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-9...
January 8, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Come over and read about my wedding...
...and why I'm calling on us all to put love first this year.
After what happened in Minneapolis, it feels even more important to fight for connection, community and humanity. We can't let hate and repression win.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-9...
...and why I'm calling on us all to put love first this year.
After what happened in Minneapolis, it feels even more important to fight for connection, community and humanity. We can't let hate and repression win.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-9...
Everyone should watch the NYT video.
"An analysis of footage from three camera angles shows that the motorist was driving away from—not toward—a federal officer when he opened fire."
Great video analysis of Minneapolis shooting from NYT. These frames show drawing of gun and exact moment of first shot.
www.nytimes.com/video/us/100...
Great video analysis of Minneapolis shooting from NYT. These frames show drawing of gun and exact moment of first shot.
www.nytimes.com/video/us/100...
January 8, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Everyone should watch the NYT video.
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
This is genuinely shocking on so many levels. @louisehaighmp.bsky.social can you add this to your demand as to why the government should stop using X.
Just seen Grok putting the body of the victim of the ICE shooting in Minneapolis into a bikini. Digital corpse desecration now available to the public.
January 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM
This is genuinely shocking on so many levels. @louisehaighmp.bsky.social can you add this to your demand as to why the government should stop using X.
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Jacob Frey: "To ICE -- get the fuck out of Minneapolis"
January 7, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Jacob Frey: "To ICE -- get the fuck out of Minneapolis"
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Chicago stands in solidarity with Minneapolis.
January 7, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Chicago stands in solidarity with Minneapolis.
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
My latest 50 by 50 post…it’s about to get emotional. Did I mention I got married on New Year’s Eve?
A day of humanity, community and love. This is my wedding speech, calling for more of all this in 2026 - my do we need it.
There’s a wee wedding video in the post too.
A day of humanity, community and love. This is my wedding speech, calling for more of all this in 2026 - my do we need it.
There’s a wee wedding video in the post too.
50 by 50 #9: Make this a year of love
A frightening start to 2026 makes global hope feel thin on the ground, but my rule-breaking wedding proves that love, community and connection are alive and kicking...and worth fighting for this year.
open.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:29 PM
My latest 50 by 50 post…it’s about to get emotional. Did I mention I got married on New Year’s Eve?
A day of humanity, community and love. This is my wedding speech, calling for more of all this in 2026 - my do we need it.
There’s a wee wedding video in the post too.
A day of humanity, community and love. This is my wedding speech, calling for more of all this in 2026 - my do we need it.
There’s a wee wedding video in the post too.
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Show up, create chaos, scare the shit out of the citizens, and when one freaks out and tries to run, shoot her. The death penalty for disobeying ICE.
Then, when you go to court, lie about how "in danger" you felt.
Didn't we just claim we rescued Venezuela from a dictator attacking his own citizens?
Then, when you go to court, lie about how "in danger" you felt.
Didn't we just claim we rescued Venezuela from a dictator attacking his own citizens?
January 7, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Show up, create chaos, scare the shit out of the citizens, and when one freaks out and tries to run, shoot her. The death penalty for disobeying ICE.
Then, when you go to court, lie about how "in danger" you felt.
Didn't we just claim we rescued Venezuela from a dictator attacking his own citizens?
Then, when you go to court, lie about how "in danger" you felt.
Didn't we just claim we rescued Venezuela from a dictator attacking his own citizens?
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
Today, a U.S. citizen was murdered by an ICE agent in Minnesota. This is horrific. Every Democrat running in November must publicly commit to hearings on abuses by ICE — and to prosecuting any ICE agents who committed criminal acts. No silence. No excuses.
January 7, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Today, a U.S. citizen was murdered by an ICE agent in Minnesota. This is horrific. Every Democrat running in November must publicly commit to hearings on abuses by ICE — and to prosecuting any ICE agents who committed criminal acts. No silence. No excuses.
My latest 50 by 50 post…it’s about to get emotional. Did I mention I got married on New Year’s Eve?
A day of humanity, community and love. This is my wedding speech, calling for more of all this in 2026 - my do we need it.
There’s a wee wedding video in the post too.
A day of humanity, community and love. This is my wedding speech, calling for more of all this in 2026 - my do we need it.
There’s a wee wedding video in the post too.
50 by 50 #9: Make this a year of love
A frightening start to 2026 makes global hope feel thin on the ground, but my rule-breaking wedding proves that love, community and connection are alive and kicking...and worth fighting for this year.
open.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:29 PM
My latest 50 by 50 post…it’s about to get emotional. Did I mention I got married on New Year’s Eve?
A day of humanity, community and love. This is my wedding speech, calling for more of all this in 2026 - my do we need it.
There’s a wee wedding video in the post too.
A day of humanity, community and love. This is my wedding speech, calling for more of all this in 2026 - my do we need it.
There’s a wee wedding video in the post too.
Job done.
2026 has started pretty well.
2026 has started pretty well.
January 2, 2026 at 1:11 AM
Job done.
2026 has started pretty well.
2026 has started pretty well.
Last evening living in sin.
Wedding bells tomorrow.
Wedding bells tomorrow.
December 30, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Last evening living in sin.
Wedding bells tomorrow.
Wedding bells tomorrow.
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
The new Bylines Network gazette is out!
Theme is Environment - with a hefty dose of George Monbiot.
Have a quick look! 👇👀
Theme is Environment - with a hefty dose of George Monbiot.
Have a quick look! 👇👀
December Bylines Network Gazette now available - and a Monbiot-shaped Boxing Day gift
As 2025 draws to an end, we're focusing on the future of our planet in a Gazette packed with fantastic citizen writing on climate change – and free access to our most popular podcast of the year.
open.substack.com
December 28, 2025 at 6:27 PM
The new Bylines Network gazette is out!
Theme is Environment - with a hefty dose of George Monbiot.
Have a quick look! 👇👀
Theme is Environment - with a hefty dose of George Monbiot.
Have a quick look! 👇👀
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
December 28, 2025 at 11:21 PM
My latest post is about my wedding (which is in 3 days, eek!) and will be the happiest moment of my life.
It will be missing one person - my cousin, who was murdered in 2011. Today would have been her 53rd birthday. I wish she could be there when I get married.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
It will be missing one person - my cousin, who was murdered in 2011. Today would have been her 53rd birthday. I wish she could be there when I get married.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
December 28, 2025 at 9:35 PM
My latest post is about my wedding (which is in 3 days, eek!) and will be the happiest moment of my life.
It will be missing one person - my cousin, who was murdered in 2011. Today would have been her 53rd birthday. I wish she could be there when I get married.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
It will be missing one person - my cousin, who was murdered in 2011. Today would have been her 53rd birthday. I wish she could be there when I get married.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
What films have you been watching this festive season? If they're present-day Hollywood, they're unlikely to challenge the Trump world order. It wasn't always like this – it doesn't have to be!
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
December 26, 2025 at 5:25 PM
What films have you been watching this festive season? If they're present-day Hollywood, they're unlikely to challenge the Trump world order. It wasn't always like this – it doesn't have to be!
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
What films have you been watching this festive season? If they're present-day Hollywood, they're unlikely to challenge the Trump world order. It wasn't always like this – it doesn't have to be!
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
December 26, 2025 at 5:25 PM
What films have you been watching this festive season? If they're present-day Hollywood, they're unlikely to challenge the Trump world order. It wasn't always like this – it doesn't have to be!
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me.
bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...
Hanukkah ended yesterday. The Bondi shooting was over a week ago. Unity and connection across cultural divisions feels more immediately relevant than ever.
Come and read my take: open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
Come and read my take: open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
December 23, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Hanukkah ended yesterday. The Bondi shooting was over a week ago. Unity and connection across cultural divisions feels more immediately relevant than ever.
Come and read my take: open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
Come and read my take: open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
"Bondi filled me with fear and darkness. I felt it as a Jew.. But Ahmed’s act illuminated something else. Resistance to hate isn’t always slogans..Sometimes it’s running forward when everything says run away..Hanukkah doesn’t promise darkness will vanish. It promises light can be carried."
A reflection on what happened in Bondi Beach a week ago, and an appeal - from this Jew - for humanity over hate and persecution of all kinds.
With memories of holocaust survivors, and Muslims who crossed boundaries of division as the brave Ahmed al-Ahmed did.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
With memories of holocaust survivors, and Muslims who crossed boundaries of division as the brave Ahmed al-Ahmed did.
open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...
50 by 60 #6: Light, After Bondi – fear, humanity, and the bravery to connect
From Bondi Beach to East London, a meditation on murder, memory, Hanukkah, and the bravery to resist hate – not with slogans or purity tests, but humanity, connection, and the light we carry together.
open.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:50 AM
"Bondi filled me with fear and darkness. I felt it as a Jew.. But Ahmed’s act illuminated something else. Resistance to hate isn’t always slogans..Sometimes it’s running forward when everything says run away..Hanukkah doesn’t promise darkness will vanish. It promises light can be carried."
Reposted by Ben Dickenson
"Resistance to hate isn’t always slogans or policy. Sometimes it’s running forward when everything says run away. Sometimes it’s reaching across the division to say: We are human"
December 22, 2025 at 12:20 PM
"Resistance to hate isn’t always slogans or policy. Sometimes it’s running forward when everything says run away. Sometimes it’s reaching across the division to say: We are human"