Sci-Fi’s Lessons in Neutrality

By Suspending Reality, We Can Better See What Is Possible

Can we, and should we, ever really be neutral? In a new series, Zócalo explores the idea of neutrality—in politics, sports, gender, journalism, international law, and more. In this essay, philosopher Matías Graffigna explains how science fiction and fantasy can help us contemplate a wider range of possibilities.

“I just wanted to be honest. I don’t want to get mixed up in this conflict. I want to remain neutral,” Geralt of Rivia tells his good friend Yarpen, a dwarf. “It’s impossible!” yells Yarpen in response. …

by Matías Graffigna | September 23, 2024

Why Journalists Shouldn’t Be Neutral on Climate Change

Calls to Keep Politics Out of Science Reporting Ignore a Core Responsibility: Minimize Harm

by Perry Parks | August 12, 2024

Can we, and should we, ever really be neutral? In a new series, Zócalo explores the idea of neutrality—in politics, sports, gender, journalism, and …

Parenting Beyond the Gender Binary

Neutrality Guided Me Through Their Childhood. But Did I Prepare My Trans Kid for Life Outside Our Family’s Orbit?

by Erinn M. Eichinger | August 5, 2024

Can we, and should we, ever really be neutral? In a new series, Zócalo explores the idea of neutrality—in politics, sports, gender, journalism, international …

When the U.S.A. Was Neutral

For 150 Years, America Didn’t Take Sides—But the Nation Still Fought Plenty of Wars

by Pascal Lottaz | July 22, 2024

Can we, and should we, ever really be neutral? In a new series, Zócalo explores the idea of neutrality—in politics, sports, gender, journalism, international …

A Baseball Umpire’s Guide to Neutrality

Be Invisible, Defuse Conflict, and Value Safety Above All Else

by Calvin Wells | July 8, 2024

Can we, and should we, ever really be neutral? In a new series, Zócalo explores the idea of neutrality—in politics, sports, gender, journalism, international …

How Does a Therapist Stay Neutral?

Counseling Couples or Families Is About Empathy, Not Objectivity

by Craig Libman | June 17, 2024

Can we, and should we, ever really be neutral? In a new series, Zócalo explores the idea of neutrality—in politics, sports, gender, journalism, international …

neutrality series

Sci-Fi’s Lessons in Neutrality

By Suspending Reality, We Can Better See What Is Possible

Why Journalists Shouldn’t Be Neutral on Climate Change

Calls to Keep Politics Out of Science Reporting Ignore a Core Responsibility: Minimize Harm

Parenting Beyond the Gender Binary

Neutrality Guided Me Through Their Childhood. But Did I Prepare My Trans Kid for Life Outside Our Family’s Orbit?

When the U.S.A. Was Neutral

For 150 Years, America Didn’t Take Sides—But the Nation Still Fought Plenty of Wars

A Baseball Umpire’s Guide to Neutrality

Be Invisible, Defuse Conflict, and Value Safety Above All Else

How Does a Therapist Stay Neutral?

Counseling Couples or Families Is About Empathy, Not Objectivity

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