Arete Roper
@areteroper.bsky.social
Dutch, love ( my 5) cats, English, books, science and crochet.
Pinned
Arete Roper
@areteroper.bsky.social
· Nov 21
"Wisdom is better than wit, and in the long run certainly has the laugh on her side"
Jane Austen
Jane Austen
Reposted by Arete Roper
"When assumptions are tested, nearly every core stereotype about autistic people is wrong."
"Instead of empathy deficit, autistic people demonstrate a broader moral concern, extending fairness beyond their tribes."
*looks around*
... Honestly, I think the world could use a bit more of that!
"Instead of empathy deficit, autistic people demonstrate a broader moral concern, extending fairness beyond their tribes."
*looks around*
... Honestly, I think the world could use a bit more of that!
No, autistics do not “lack empathy”: “Where researchers had assumed impairment, they found autistic people applying moral principles more consistently—even to strangers, even when costly.” By Ludmila Pradlova.
**This includes non-speakers &/or peeps w/ID**
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/posi...
**This includes non-speakers &/or peeps w/ID**
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/posi...
What the World Got Wrong About Autistic People
For decades, autism research compared autistic people to animals, denied them moral sensitivity, and assumed autistic traits made them miserable. All wrong.
www.psychologytoday.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:09 PM
"When assumptions are tested, nearly every core stereotype about autistic people is wrong."
"Instead of empathy deficit, autistic people demonstrate a broader moral concern, extending fairness beyond their tribes."
*looks around*
... Honestly, I think the world could use a bit more of that!
"Instead of empathy deficit, autistic people demonstrate a broader moral concern, extending fairness beyond their tribes."
*looks around*
... Honestly, I think the world could use a bit more of that!
Reposted by Arete Roper
Hi @royalsociety.org, you might find this thread interesting. “Now consider the system that allows him to exist, that created him and protected him and rewarded him.”
Elon musk, the world's richest man, just finished a stint as part of the US government where he oversaw the murder of hundreds of thousands of children and counting, and now is overseeing a website producing the most CSAM per minute in history.
January 9, 2026 at 6:22 AM
Hi @royalsociety.org, you might find this thread interesting. “Now consider the system that allows him to exist, that created him and protected him and rewarded him.”
Reposted by Arete Roper
ICE shoots another 2 people today in portland And they wonder why we call the Gestapo and MAGA fascists This is why #Voices4Victory #DemVoice1 #USDemocracy #ProudBlue
abcnews.go.com/US/2-shot-fe...
abcnews.go.com/US/2-shot-fe...
Man, woman shot by federal agent in Portland during 'targeted' vehicle stop: Officials
Two people were injured in a shooting involving a federal agent in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, authorities said.
abcnews.go.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:23 AM
ICE shoots another 2 people today in portland And they wonder why we call the Gestapo and MAGA fascists This is why #Voices4Victory #DemVoice1 #USDemocracy #ProudBlue
abcnews.go.com/US/2-shot-fe...
abcnews.go.com/US/2-shot-fe...
Reposted by Arete Roper
Expect to see a surge of proud ignorance and proplawganda about what you can say about ICE agent Jonathan Ross, identified by local media as the person who shot and killed Renee Good.
In particular, expect a repeat of Rittenhouse-era “accusing him of murder is defamation” rhetoric.
It’s not.
/1
In particular, expect a repeat of Rittenhouse-era “accusing him of murder is defamation” rhetoric.
It’s not.
/1
January 9, 2026 at 2:07 AM
Expect to see a surge of proud ignorance and proplawganda about what you can say about ICE agent Jonathan Ross, identified by local media as the person who shot and killed Renee Good.
In particular, expect a repeat of Rittenhouse-era “accusing him of murder is defamation” rhetoric.
It’s not.
/1
In particular, expect a repeat of Rittenhouse-era “accusing him of murder is defamation” rhetoric.
It’s not.
/1
Reposted by Arete Roper
NEW: Data released by ICE shows that virtually the entire growth of detention in the last few months has been among people with no criminal record at all - no prior convictions (no matter how minor) and no pending criminal charges.
January 9, 2026 at 12:55 AM
NEW: Data released by ICE shows that virtually the entire growth of detention in the last few months has been among people with no criminal record at all - no prior convictions (no matter how minor) and no pending criminal charges.
Reposted by Arete Roper
As the yellow snow starts to fall and the vicious wind of Storm Goretti whips it into a blizzard, Snowman is right in his element with a [now unseasonal] Shakin’ Stevens number. “Only 350 days to go” he says.
January 8, 2026 at 11:50 PM
As the yellow snow starts to fall and the vicious wind of Storm Goretti whips it into a blizzard, Snowman is right in his element with a [now unseasonal] Shakin’ Stevens number. “Only 350 days to go” he says.
Reposted by Arete Roper
We've removed the paywall from this guide so everyone can access it. 👇 Stay safe.
Just days into 2026, the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has sparked protests around the US.
If you’re planning to protest, here’s how to safeguard your digital security.
If you’re planning to protest, here’s how to safeguard your digital security.
How to Protest Safely in the Age of Surveillance
Law enforcement has more tools than ever to track your movements and access your communications. Here’s how to protect your privacy if you plan to protest.
www.wired.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:35 PM
We've removed the paywall from this guide so everyone can access it. 👇 Stay safe.
Reposted by Arete Roper
The world feels rough right now
So please enjoy this shrimp, filmed off Cozumel, Mexico. It may be a larval reef shrimp, but we don’t know what species or how long it lives or what it eats. The world is still full of wonder and beauty and mystery.
🎥 @pedrovalenciam scuba diver on Insta
So please enjoy this shrimp, filmed off Cozumel, Mexico. It may be a larval reef shrimp, but we don’t know what species or how long it lives or what it eats. The world is still full of wonder and beauty and mystery.
🎥 @pedrovalenciam scuba diver on Insta
January 8, 2026 at 8:20 PM
The world feels rough right now
So please enjoy this shrimp, filmed off Cozumel, Mexico. It may be a larval reef shrimp, but we don’t know what species or how long it lives or what it eats. The world is still full of wonder and beauty and mystery.
🎥 @pedrovalenciam scuba diver on Insta
So please enjoy this shrimp, filmed off Cozumel, Mexico. It may be a larval reef shrimp, but we don’t know what species or how long it lives or what it eats. The world is still full of wonder and beauty and mystery.
🎥 @pedrovalenciam scuba diver on Insta
Reposted by Arete Roper
Elektrische rolstoelen van het merk Whill waren over te nemen, omdat de rolstoelen geen authenticatie op de bluetooth-verbinding forceerden. Een aangepaste versie van een getroffen rolstoel is in gebruik op Schiphol en het is onbekend of die ook kwetsbaar was of is. #Tweakers
Rolstoelen Whill hadden geen bluetooth-beveiliging, besturing was over te nemen
Elektrische rolstoelen van het merk Whill waren over te nemen, omdat de rolstoelen geen authenticatie op de bluetooth-verbinding forceerden. Een aangepaste versie van een getroffen rolstoel is in gebruik op Schiphol en het is onbekend of die ook kwetsbaar was of is.
tweakers.net
January 8, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Elektrische rolstoelen van het merk Whill waren over te nemen, omdat de rolstoelen geen authenticatie op de bluetooth-verbinding forceerden. Een aangepaste versie van een getroffen rolstoel is in gebruik op Schiphol en het is onbekend of die ook kwetsbaar was of is. #Tweakers
Reposted by Arete Roper
Ameen.
Universal child care is coming to New York.
January 8, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Ameen.
Reposted by Arete Roper
Non-sciencey background people please -
what's more 'obvious' to you - I want to describe a turn from forwards to the side (like the corner of a square)
a 90 degree bend
an elbow bend
right angle
Or are they all similar?
Thanks!
what's more 'obvious' to you - I want to describe a turn from forwards to the side (like the corner of a square)
a 90 degree bend
an elbow bend
right angle
Or are they all similar?
Thanks!
January 8, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Non-sciencey background people please -
what's more 'obvious' to you - I want to describe a turn from forwards to the side (like the corner of a square)
a 90 degree bend
an elbow bend
right angle
Or are they all similar?
Thanks!
what's more 'obvious' to you - I want to describe a turn from forwards to the side (like the corner of a square)
a 90 degree bend
an elbow bend
right angle
Or are they all similar?
Thanks!
Reposted by Arete Roper
Er is geen 'polarisatie'. Er is niets anders gebeurd dan dat mensen wiens politiek gebaseerd is op haat voor 'de ander' steeds luidruchtiger en agressiever zijn geworden.
Ik ben deze misleidende frame zo totaal zat. En het midden dat 'een beetje haat' een fijn compromis vindt kan ook doodvallen. 1/
Ik ben deze misleidende frame zo totaal zat. En het midden dat 'een beetje haat' een fijn compromis vindt kan ook doodvallen. 1/
Boeiend interview in @trouw.nl met polarisatie-expert Bart Brandsma over z’n werk.Depolariseren doe je door het midden te versterken, door elke liefdevolle overtuiging kracht bij te zetten en door niet bij de standpunten te blijven, maar naar ervaringsverhalen te luisteren en deze door te vertellen.
January 8, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Er is geen 'polarisatie'. Er is niets anders gebeurd dan dat mensen wiens politiek gebaseerd is op haat voor 'de ander' steeds luidruchtiger en agressiever zijn geworden.
Ik ben deze misleidende frame zo totaal zat. En het midden dat 'een beetje haat' een fijn compromis vindt kan ook doodvallen. 1/
Ik ben deze misleidende frame zo totaal zat. En het midden dat 'een beetje haat' een fijn compromis vindt kan ook doodvallen. 1/
Reposted by Arete Roper
Some thoughts about the murder by ICE in Minnesota.
This is the time for all of us to demand much better and to show what’s right.
This is the time for all of us to demand much better and to show what’s right.
January 8, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Some thoughts about the murder by ICE in Minnesota.
This is the time for all of us to demand much better and to show what’s right.
This is the time for all of us to demand much better and to show what’s right.
Reposted by Arete Roper
Effin' Birds once again captures the zeitgeist
January 8, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Effin' Birds once again captures the zeitgeist
Reposted by Arete Roper
Reposted by Arete Roper
To the discerning eye there is a reason certain ancient woodland floor is void of any visible sign of life
But below the surface hundreds of thousands of wildflowers are waking up
Not just any flower, these are English Bluebells
Ten thousand years of cyclical wonder & beauty
But below the surface hundreds of thousands of wildflowers are waking up
Not just any flower, these are English Bluebells
Ten thousand years of cyclical wonder & beauty
January 7, 2026 at 6:49 PM
To the discerning eye there is a reason certain ancient woodland floor is void of any visible sign of life
But below the surface hundreds of thousands of wildflowers are waking up
Not just any flower, these are English Bluebells
Ten thousand years of cyclical wonder & beauty
But below the surface hundreds of thousands of wildflowers are waking up
Not just any flower, these are English Bluebells
Ten thousand years of cyclical wonder & beauty
Reposted by Arete Roper
No Adelaide Writers Week for me. I can’t in any good conscience now appear at a festival seeking to mute a very necessary public conversation … Randa Abdel-Fattah is an important voice. Here’s something I published from her on, guess what, Palestinian marginalisation. meanjin.com.au/latest/the-g...
The Great Palestinian Silence
It seems everyone is tweeting about freedom of speech. So let me tell you a story about freedom of speech and the exceptional case of Palestine. In the days leading up to Israel’s proposed annexati…
meanjin.com.au
January 8, 2026 at 7:33 AM
No Adelaide Writers Week for me. I can’t in any good conscience now appear at a festival seeking to mute a very necessary public conversation … Randa Abdel-Fattah is an important voice. Here’s something I published from her on, guess what, Palestinian marginalisation. meanjin.com.au/latest/the-g...
Reposted by Arete Roper
Everything about Brexit was a lie.
January 8, 2026 at 8:18 AM
Everything about Brexit was a lie.
Reposted by Arete Roper
Don't hide your laughter from the world.
Be the inappropriate snicker in a crowded elevator, the hushed giggle in a darkened house, or the haunting cackle drifting across an empty playground at night, sending a shiver down the spine of all who hear it.
Be the inappropriate snicker in a crowded elevator, the hushed giggle in a darkened house, or the haunting cackle drifting across an empty playground at night, sending a shiver down the spine of all who hear it.
January 8, 2026 at 3:29 AM
Don't hide your laughter from the world.
Be the inappropriate snicker in a crowded elevator, the hushed giggle in a darkened house, or the haunting cackle drifting across an empty playground at night, sending a shiver down the spine of all who hear it.
Be the inappropriate snicker in a crowded elevator, the hushed giggle in a darkened house, or the haunting cackle drifting across an empty playground at night, sending a shiver down the spine of all who hear it.
Reposted by Arete Roper
Fox Producer: Jesse Watters would like to invite you on his show
AOC: He has sexualized and harassed me on his show.
FP: That’s not true
AOC: He accused me of wanting to sleep with Stephen Miller. So why don’t you tell me what you think is acceptable to tell a woman.
AOC: He has sexualized and harassed me on his show.
FP: That’s not true
AOC: He accused me of wanting to sleep with Stephen Miller. So why don’t you tell me what you think is acceptable to tell a woman.
January 7, 2026 at 11:42 PM
Fox Producer: Jesse Watters would like to invite you on his show
AOC: He has sexualized and harassed me on his show.
FP: That’s not true
AOC: He accused me of wanting to sleep with Stephen Miller. So why don’t you tell me what you think is acceptable to tell a woman.
AOC: He has sexualized and harassed me on his show.
FP: That’s not true
AOC: He accused me of wanting to sleep with Stephen Miller. So why don’t you tell me what you think is acceptable to tell a woman.
Reposted by Arete Roper
January 8, 2026 at 4:29 AM
Reposted by Arete Roper
Anyone posting on X now that it is documented as being a site for serious image based abuse, including CSAM risks being seen as complicit in that abuse. Everyone should be off the platform as a matter of urgency
NEW: Commons women & equalities committee says it will stop using X. Chair Sarah Owen says given preventing violence against women and girls is among its key areas, “X is not an appropriate platform to be using for our communications”. Ministers next?
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Commons women and equalities committee to stop using X amid AI-altered images row
Exclusive: Move follows outcry over use of Grok to digitally remove clothing from images of women and children
www.theguardian.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Anyone posting on X now that it is documented as being a site for serious image based abuse, including CSAM risks being seen as complicit in that abuse. Everyone should be off the platform as a matter of urgency
Reposted by Arete Roper
In case that needs expanding a bit, it’s not just that you risk helping monetise abuse, you are also a potential audience for abuse images, compounding harms to the victims
January 7, 2026 at 5:18 PM
In case that needs expanding a bit, it’s not just that you risk helping monetise abuse, you are also a potential audience for abuse images, compounding harms to the victims
Reposted by Arete Roper
Prove it then. Sue them.
Nigel Farage dismisses racist and antisemitic school bullying claims as ‘made-up fantasies’
Reform UK leader says accusations about his behaviour at Dulwich college were politically motivated
www.theguardian.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Prove it then. Sue them.