I can't quite pinpoint when extremism became the norm. For every instance I consider as a starting point, I can hear the voices of one “team” screaming that it only happened because the “other team” did blah blah blah first, pushing the timeline back, and proving my point with their fierce defense of the extremism from “their side”.

In races for leadership, there's a winner, and some losers. There was a time when the losers would say congratulations, step out of the spotlight, and reassess their plans. They would ask themselves tough questions like what could we have done differently? They would analyse results, reconfigure their plans, and regroup for the next race. Now, teams and their fans double down, call the other side stupid, and keep doing what they're doing. Genius. It only alienates the audience (calling the audience stupid never endears you to them), and ensures no one learns, grows, or changes.

Imagine if that's how teams and races worked in the sports world. The other guy ran faster than you? He's stupid, end of story. The other team kicked your ass? Don't worry, they're stupid. No need to train harder, practice more, or try different plays, let's just scream about it. That path might make you feel better in the moment -- you make friends with the other yelling people, you get a T-shirt that says they're stupid, granting you the sense of identity you needed because you never built a personality -- and then when the next match comes up, you make all the same mistakes and lose again. Brilliant.

The rich, powerful, and corrupt owners of each team love this. They sit in their towers smoking cigars made of rare gems, wearing bespoke clothes made from hand sewn spider webs laughing as they rake in money from the T-shirt sales. They make deals, and compromises amongst themselves while we're fighting amongst ourselves. Our division serves as their distraction, and no one in power is ever held accountable for anything. Our division is driven by the normalization of black and white team thinking.

Gather round those short in years or memory, as I tell you of a time where it was common to say things like, well, I don't usually agree with that guy, but I think he's got a point; I don't root for that team, but that was a nice play. At that time it was also common to discuss philosophies and ideologies, even debate them, and everyone would still be friends, because ideas are meant to expand thinking, not shrink it.

Please know that this essay isn't about what you think it is, whatever that is. Well, I'm sure it's about whatever you're thinking also. But this is also about hating AI so much you don't touch the stuff vs letting it do your thinking for you. (There's a button right there that lets you see the sources, and if you haven't been cross referencing your information all this time, I'm frankly disappointed). It's about abortion: don't want one? Don't have one; that's your choice. But do not stand in the way of others making their own choices. It's about Buddha and Goldilocks both understanding that the middle path is the way to peace, and questioning who benefits when we forget that.

This is about the importance of criticizing your own team, because if you can't challenge your own team, then you can't be counted on to tell your buddy to knock it off when he's creeping on a girl. And if we can't hold “our side” accountable, then it's left to “their side” to do so -- and they're stupid, remember?

This is about so very many things all at once because this black and white / all or nothing / us vs them thinking affects every part of our lives, and society as a whole.

The farther you pull the elastic, the greater the rebound, and the faster the snap. We know that the pendulum swings but now each time it swings it must go just as far in the other direction to create any sense of balance. It's the skinny jeans / wide leg jeans cycle all over again. It takes only a few seasons of dragging puddles across floors before you buy a different cut. It takes only a few seasons of --- well, to be fair, I've never worn skinny jeans, but I imagine the ride up your gitch, and the pockets probably aren't super practical, but your hems would be nice and dry.

We must kill the sacred cows that catch our tongues and make it impossible to ask questions. Odds are, you have no trouble questioning religious theories -- theories that were once so sacred that they were beyond question, and questioning them could get you tossed out of your family or even killed; theories that can never be proven one way or another, and yet people became so committed to them, or to hating them, that there has been a constant flow of bloodshed since they were institutionalized. And yet, you won't question your team? You won't say I like this band, but this album sucks because you already bought the T-shirt? Because you don't want to be kicked out of the fan club? Because you equate change with hypocrisy so you’ve just committed to one perspective for the rest of your life and you protect that by refusing to consider other thoughts? That's wild.

While I’m on religion, I’m against religious extremists who think you're less than for not believing correctly, or hate you for believing something different, or think their beliefs mean you have to act a certain way. I'm against the atheists who think if they don't believe in anything, no one else should either. I've been called stupid by staunch atheists (friends who I thought respected me) because there was no grey zone in their version of what people should think. Pretty rich coming from someone railing against the conformity of thought they think religion requires. Atheism to the extreme is just another ideology demanding your agreement.

If we apply this to politics, it gives free reign to all parties; you will keep wearing their colours regardless of what they do, or what new information comes to light. If you apply this to people, you decide that regardless of how they act, what they do, or how they treat you, you’ll stay because you've decided that's your person, and you're on their team forever, no matter what. That's how abusive relationships are built. That's why people stand silent as their friends abuse others. If we apply this to haircuts, then you didn't just get a mullet, you've been rocking one since the ‘80s, and you’ll be wearing it until you die.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Nobel Prize winner, and Gulag survivor said "The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either—but right through every human heart—and through all human hearts”. We all need to remember that. We need to remember that we are constantly walking the knife's edge as the world swirls around us, as our moods and opinions change. We are each trying to balance what we believe to be right in our hearts with the part of our hearts that is yearning for revenge, seething with anger, ready to burn it all down. We are all holy, and we are all awful. No one needs to remember this more than those who believe that line lies elsewhere, outside of themselves. Those who believe they can do no wrong, who think they are above the missteps of others, are the most dangerous people.

Black and white thinking doesn't serve us, and the faster we can find Buddha’s Middle Path in our hearts, the better. Pantone has 50 different shades of Cool Grey and another 30 Warm Greys, because there's still nuance in the middle, but without eye-for-an-eye extremism. One can imagine that despite their differences, the greys can get along.

Working together is the only way we can live together harmoniously. We already live together; how harmoniously we do so is fundamentally up to each of us, in every moment.

We need a return to critical thinking; to questioning authority even when we like who’s in charge; to telling our friends hey, that's not cool. Because if we can't muster that, then we really are sheep, and they really are leading us to slaughter. We need to read more than just headlines, and we need to listen to things we disagree with to understand multiple points of view. Only then can we take in a fuller picture, build informed opinions, and understand where “the bad guys” are coming from. Pro tip: there are no bad guys, only other humans trying to walk the same fine line, motivated by the same natural urges and fears. Opinions are never changed, and consensus never reached while yelling at each other. Have you ever been swayed by someone calling you stupid? Well, actually, you make a great point; I AM stupid! Lemme sign your petition!

We need to remember that the middle ground is where we agree the most; that hot water scalds, cold water freezes, and choosing one of those extremes for all things across the board for the rest of your life would be lunacy. And if we need anything right now, it's to minimize lunacy.

PAINTING IN FLAVORTOWN

Celebrate Guy Fieri’s birthday by painting a tribute to the Mayor of Flavortown while watching Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives on the big screen!

Dr. Lemco's Creative Club is the perfect place to explore your creative side! No experience necessary, no one's trying to win anything. The idea is to make, mingle, and have fun without being attached to your results. Welcoming and wonderful, this spot will bring you back to yourself. All materials are provided, just bring your sense of exploration.

WHAT: Guy Fieri Paint Party

WHERE: Dr. Lemco's Creative Club, 5271 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, H4A 3K6

WHEN: Thursday, January 22 @ 630 PM

METRO: Vendôme (Orange)

TICKETS: Eventbrite

SOLVE IT

There’s a quote often attributed to Einstein: if I had an hour to solve a problem, I would spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.

Most of us do the opposite. We race to design, prototype, and pitch, then realize later we might not have been solving the right problem, or seeing the full system around it.

If we want solutions that are truly sustainable and built to last, design thinking on its own is not enough. We need to pause, ask better questions, immerse ourselves in communities, and learn to see both the big picture and the lived experience of the people affected.

Join us for an evening with James Stauch (Complex Systems Strategist, ATCO SpaceLab and author of The 55 Minutes), Isabelle Thibault (Executive Director, Esplanade Québec), Natasha Sawh (CEO, McCall MacBain Foundation), and Julie Hamel (Social Innovation Lead, D3), in a conversation on how they apply these ideas in social innovation, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem work.

We’ll explore how pausing and mapping systems can help entrepreneurs and changemakers avoid quick fixes, work with complexity more honestly, and design solutions that actually stick.

Whether you work in tech, health, social innovation, policy, or community work, this session is for anyone who wants to build solutions that are systemic, human-centered, and impactful over the long term.

WHAT: The Power of Pause: Mapping Problems for Lasting Impact

WHERE: District 3 Innovation, 1250 Guy St. #600, Montreal, QC H3H 2L3

WHEN: Thursday, January 22 @ 439 PM

METRO: Guy-Concordia (Green)

REGISTRATION: Eventbrite

A TIMELY TAKE

Geordie Theatre presents a groundbreaking adaptation of Orwell’s classic 1984 for our current age. 2061 explores power, surveillance, censorship, media manipulation, individuality, and the struggle to think freely in a controlled world.

Written by Harry Standjofski, directed by Katey Wattam and Rinchen Dolma.

In the tightly controlled superstate known as the Free West, Winston Smith senses the truth has been erased. When he meets Julia, their forbidden love sparks rebellion and resistance. The cast ranges in age from 12-17, making it ideal for Teens and Young Adults.

A study guide and mental health guide can be downloaded from Geordie’s website.

WHAT: 2061 - Geordie’s Playground Festival 2026

WHERE: La Maison Théâtre, 245 Ontario St. E., Montreal, Quebec H2X 1X6

WHEN: Friday, January 23 & Saturday, January 24 @ 7 PM

METRO: St. Laurent (Green)

TICKETS: MaisonTheatre

GOOOOALS

We are coming into the new year feeling optimistic and ambitious! If you are a creative looking to organize and set goals for 2026, you should join us for our Vision Board & Creative Goal Setting Workshop!

We have invited a special guest artist, Flintyfae, to help us make our Vision Boards using the collage art form.

There are limited spots! If you are interested in participating, please reserve below.

All materials provided. Event by My Friend Frankie.

WHAT: Networking Event: Vision Boards & Creative Goal Setting

WHERE: Nueva Era Papeterie & Café, 301 Émery St. C1, Montreal, H2X 1J2

WHEN: Saturday, January 24 @ 3 PM

METRO: Berri-UQAM

RESERVATIONS: mffcreativenetwork@gmail.com

World’s Smallest Comedy Night has so many cool things happening, so here are their events this week in order!

What Do You Know? Like, Seriously…

Tonight! Come to Hurley's for Trivia Night, and get bonus laughter! Enjoy delicious pub fare, and get ready to show off your trivia skills. Grab your team, and enjoy this night of comedy, friendly competition, and great company!

This edition is hosted by Vance Michel, featuring James Mancini, Peter Bowen, and Quinn Lague!

WHAT: Trivia Night at Hurley's

WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1

WHEN: Every Wednesday @ 8 PM

METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)

DETAILS: Facebook

FEMME-TASTIC

Beat the Monday Blues with WSC’s The World's Smallest Comedy Night Femme Edition!

Enjoy a showcase of the best female comedians in the city! It’ll be a gaggle of giggles, wonderful night of women, a fantastic evening of femmes! Gather your gals, ‘cuz this is gonna rock!

Hosted by Abby Stonehouse featuring Carmina Berbari Daou, Eugenie Nothomb, Flo Penicaud, Isabelle Gaumont, Julie Santini, Ray Resvick, Ceecee Huys, Dawn Mcsweeney, and Elspeth Wright!

WHAT: The World's Smallest Comedy Night Femmes Edition

WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1

WHEN: Every Monday, Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM

METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)

TICKETS: Eventbrite

Dirty Monday

The Monday Night Dirty Mic is the place to be! Hosted by Vance Michel, every show is an unpredictable and unique experience as a hilarious collection of comedians from newbs to pros take the stage. See the best before anyone else, and catch seasoned locals doing their freshest funnies!

Comics: show-up, sign-up.

WHAT: Monday Night Dirty Mic

WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1

WHEN: Every Monday, Sign-up @ 10 PM, Show @ 1030 PM

METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)

DETAILS: Facebook