Anti-LGBT Lego

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Global Recap
February 06, 2025 • Read in: 13 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

Today, we are trying something a bit different.

Yes, Global Recap is usually a geopolitics newsletter. However, with social issues across countries becoming increasingly synced through the internet, which inevitably impacts each country’s ideological personality and geopolitical stance, I figured I’d dive into some of these issues.

This includes topics like LGBT, freedom of expression and speech, and the dangers of giving central authority control over choice and reasoning.

First, let’s discuss a claim that LEGO blocks are hostile to the LGBT community. 👇️ 

🏳️‍🌈 LGBT
Lego Can Be Anti-LGBT. Yes.

Lego, the beloved toy bricks, might not be as innocent as they seem (apparently). Because you know… one side of a LEGO brick fits right into another.

The Science Museum's "Seeing Things Queerly" tour claims that people view Lego bricks as “gendered,” which could reinforce the idea that “heterosexuality is the norm.”

🤔 Thoughts: Being a creator, I have to deal with microphones all day. Yes, Microphone cables are also “gendered” in the sense that they have male and female connectors, but that’s just standard engineering terminology for how parts fit together.

Does this reinforce “heterosexual normality”? Personally, that seems like a stretch.

Science Museum's Bold Statement

The museum argues that these toy bricks have inherent gender biases.

  • The "Seeing Things Queerly" tour at the Science Museum presents the idea that Lego bricks are seen as gender-specific toys.

  • They believe that this perception could perpetuate the notion that heterosexuality is the default.

📊 Stats: In fact, the 2023 Ipsos Survey found that about 9% of people across 30 countries identify as LGBTQ. Statistically speaking, heterosexuality remains “the norm” in terms of sheer numbers.

Gender Bias in Toys

According to the museum, Lego's gender bias might influence children's perceptions of gender roles.

  • The museum suggests that by seeing Lego as a gendered toy, children may internalize traditional gender roles.

  • This could impact how they view gender and sexual orientation in the future.

Public Reaction

The public's response to this claim has been mixed, with some agreeing and others skeptical.

  • Some believe that the claim is a step towards more inclusive representation in toys.

  • Others think that it overcomplicates the simple joy of building with Lego bricks.

📊 Poll

I truly think all this over-complication and agenda-pushing is driving people away from supporting LGBT causes.

Even folks around me who were indifferent all their lives are now openly frustrated, seeing the community stir up problems that don’t seem to exist. I even have many gay friends who are unhappy it all.

It’s the classic issue—NGOs and organizations need to keep the cause alive as an ongoing crisis to secure funding, a controversy that’s been debated for ages.

Do you think Legos are perpetuating a bias? Even if so, is it harmful or dangerous?

(Live poll)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
UK Takes Lead in Ukraine

UK Defense Secretary John Healey

The UK is set to take over from the US in leading the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG).

First UK-Led Meeting

Next week, UK Defense Secretary John Healey will convene the 26th UDCG in Brussels next week.

  • This meeting will be the first time the UK leads the group, following instructions from the US to boost Ukraine's security within NATO.

  • The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the UDCG will meet ahead of the NATO defense ministers’ meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

US Steps Back

The US is stepping back in Europe, with Trump pushing NATO allies to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP—far above the original 2% target that many still miss.

Here’s where some countries stand:

• Spain: 1.28% of GDP ($20.5 B)

• Slovenia: 1.29% of GDP ($917 M )

• Luxembourg: 1.29% of GDP ($759 M)

• Belgium: 1.3% of GDP ($8.24 B)

• Canada: 1.37% of GDP ($28.45 B)

• Italy: 1.49% of GDP ($33.32 B)

• Portugal: 1.55% of GDP ($4.47 B)

• Croatia: 1.81% of GDP ($1.57 B)

  • The UK spends 2.3% but plans to hit 2.5% by spring 2025.

  • The US leads in total dollars at ~3% of GDP, but Poland tops the list in GDP percentage.

Defense spending varies with exchange rates—check NATO’s latest figures.

UK Shows Leadership

A senior defense source emphasized the UK’s leadership role.

  • Healey’s central role in next week’s meeting shows UK leadership on Ukraine.

  • This is an opportunity to demonstrate that European nations are ready to do more, working alongside US allies.

Attendance and Impact

Up to 50 nations will attend the UDCG meeting.

  • Pete Hegseth, the new US Defense Secretary, will attend along with representatives from up to 50 nations.

  • The international community will discuss priorities for Ukraine as they continue to support the country against Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion.

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA
Nazi Salute
Lands You in Jail

Members of the National Socialist Network doing Nazi salutes during a protest in Melbourne, Australia, on June 4, 2023.

On Thursday, Australia has passed new laws that WILL land you in jail for performing a Nazi salute.

This tough stance is part of an effort to crack down on a surge of antisemitic attacks.

New Hate Crime Laws

Australia has introduced anti-hate crime laws with mandatory jail terms.

  • If caught giving a Nazi salute in public, you could face a minimum of 12 months behind bars.

  • The laws also impose up to six years for terrorism-related hate crimes.

Watch your hands in Australia—don’t be too animated or enthusiastic, as Musk just found out the hard way…

Rising Antisemitic Attacks

The laws respond to a wave of antisemitic incidents targeting Australian Jews.

  • Attacks on synagogues and Jewish community properties are rising, with arson and vandalism becoming increasingly frequent.

  • A caravan loaded with explosives aimed at Jewish targets was recently found in Sydney, as we’ve reported a few days ago.

Prime Minister’s Stance

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizes holding antisemitic offenders accountable.

  • Albanese, initially opposed to mandatory sentences, stated on Sky News: “I want people who are engaged in antisemitism to be held to account, to be charged, to be incarcerated.”

Recent Convictions

Recent legal cases highlight the enforcement of these new laws.

  • Self-described Nazi Jacob Hersant was the first to be convicted in Victoria for giving the Nazi salute.

  • Three men were convicted in New South Wales for performing the salute at a soccer match in June 2024, appealing against their fines.

🇩🇪 GERMANY
Election Manipulation
Fears Surge (Supposedly)

Germans are getting anxious about possible election meddling.

According to a new poll, nearly 90% of voters fear foreign actors will pull sneaky tricks in the upcoming elections on February 23.

Who's on their radar? Russia, the US, and China are topping the list.

The Survey Speaks

To be precise, it’s 88% of German voters.

  • The survey involved over 1,000 eligible voters and highlighted concerns about interference from governments, groups, or individuals.

  • Russia (45%), the US (42%), and China (26%) are the main suspects.

Concerns of Disinformation

Disinformation is a top concern, with deepfakes and misinformation causing jitters.

  • One-third of internet users have already encountered election-related misinformation online.

  • 56% believe Germany is ill-prepared to counter these threats.

Calls for Action

Germans are calling for digital policies to combat “misinformation.”

  • 80% of respondents want the next government to prioritize tackling internet and social media misinformation.

  • 71% support creating a new independent ministry to address digital issues.

Russian, US Meddling Suspicions

Russia and the US are seen as the primary meddlers in Germany's political affairs.

  • Russia's troll farms and bots are well-documented, with interests in EU disunity.

  • Elon Musk, with his 216 million followers, has been vocal in his support for Germany’s “far-right” AfD party.

Threats

China also garners suspicion for its digital activities and infiltration of political parties.

  • Concerns about Chinese influence within the AfD have been voiced, with 66% worried about their aggressive social media campaigns.

  • 87% believe society must do more to confront “far-right” voices online.

🌊 The real slippery slope here is—who decides what counts as “misinformation?” Handing the government the role of “arbiter of truth” feels eerily reminiscent of 1984. Letting a central authority control the truth risks injecting its own bias and agenda. In a perfect world, that wouldn’t happen, but reality is messy—beautifully so in my view.

For instance, can we trust this poll? Polls are famously unreliable. Remember when they predicted Kamala Harris would win in a landslide?

• The issue is, this poll could fuel a harmful “me vs. them” narrative.

• Plus, the respondents might have already been swayed by media pushing that narrative, which then influences others through their responses, shaping the poll results even further.

It’s an endless feedback loop, either creating or reinforcing a manufactured story. That’s why I argue it’s dangerous to hand over that kind of central power.

Am I alone in thinking this?

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
Stagflation Worries Hit the UK

The Bank of England dropped a bombshell by cutting its growth forecast and warning of price hikes.

UK is expected to grow by a measly 0.75% this year.

Grim Growth Forecast

The Bank slashed its growth prediction from 1.5% to a mere 0.75% for 2025.

  • Interest rates were cut by a quarter-point to 4.5%, marking the third cut in six months.

  • The new forecast is a massive blow to confidence in Reeves's plans for economic revival.

Interest rate cuts “loosen” economic conditions by encouraging borrowing and spending. However, they can also be inflationary, particularly when inflation expectations rise alongside them. It’s a vicious cycle.

Inflation on the Rise

lo and behold, inflation is set to rise from 2.5% to 3.7% by the summer.

  • Household energy prices, water bills, and bus fares are all expected to jump.

  • Despite the interest rate cuts, inflationary pressures are piling up, adding to the squeeze on living standards.

Business Confidence Drops

Businesses are losing faith, and for good reason.

  • Employer national insurance contributions are set to rise by £25 billion from April.

  • Global outlook concerns are growing with Donald Trump launching a tariff war (possibly).

Stagflation Threat

Experts warn of potential stagflation – weak growth paired with high inflation. It’s basically the worst case scenario.

  • Jonathan Haskel, a former Bank rate-setter, warns, “I’m afraid it’s not very pretty, OK.”

  • Susannah Streeter of Hargreaves Lansdown says, “The risks of stagflation are stark.”

Government Response

Reeves faces increasing pressure to balance the books.

  • Keir Starmer acknowledges the challenge, stating, “We were never going to turn this around in six or seven months.”

  • Fiscal rules might force spending cuts or tax increases to avoid breaking the government's financial guidelines.

Rate Cuts and Future Prospects

Further rate cuts may be on the horizon as the economy weakens.

  • The Bank's monetary policy committee voted for the cut by a majority of seven to two.

  • Andrew Bailey, the Bank’s governor, emphasizes a “gradual and careful approach” to future rate reductions.