In this week's comment update, we reveal readers' reactions to a series of magazine cover designs focusing on Donald Trump's response to the racist violence in Charlottesville.
Many sides:Â The New Yorker, Economist and Time ran covers featuring links between Donald Trump, the Nazi Party and the KKK in response to white-nationalist violence in the US, prompting a fiery debate between commenters this week.
"I don't really think there's a rise in race hate in America, it's only expressed more out in the open. It should always be celebrated when people can express their deepest feelings out in the open without fear of persecution by the state. These people didn't suddenly transform into racists just because Trump was elected, they were obviously already racist long before," wrote H-J, who clearly felt the publications had got their angle wrong.
"I believe we had that in Germany some years ago. While I agree with your wish to cherish freedom of expression, I believe that it carries great responsibility. As in design, acting out one's freedom may restrict the freedom of others or blind one to other perspectives. That, I feel, must be challenged," replied Unacom.
"Freedom of speech is fine, as long as it does not stir up racial hatred, it is far harder to get rid of hate than it is to stir it up," agreed Mary Ann.
Geofbob praised the thought behind the artwork rather than getting involved in the political fracas: "Great covers; great sentiments!"
Karol Bloss felt the magazines were cashing in on the situation: "Those are not real covers – just posters for publicity."
"Except that, they are real covers." responded an exasperated Andre C.
One reader turned a well-known Trumpism on its head with their thoughts:
What do you make of the Trump magazine covers? Have your say in the comments section ›
Hanging around:Â Self-taught designer Fernando Abellanas split the opinion of readers with his secret studio hung underneath a bridge in Valencia, which took just two weeks to build.
"Little dens and hideaways like this are the stuff of childhood dreams. Maybe nobody ever really grows out of it?" asked Jam, seemingly filled with nostalgia.
"Usually architects fear having to sleep under a bridge," joked Findibus.
Thomas felt the concept was a little short-sighted: "The underside of car bridges are usually incredibly noisy."
But George was most definitely a fan: "Stunning and delicate, I love it. I've often wondered about the opportunities to be exploited in the invisible parts of our urban anatomy."
Mr A suggested a potential new project for Abellanas to explore:
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Make Europe great again:Â a proposal by Bartlett graduate Cassidy Reid for a Hyperloop-like system aiming to connect Europe by shrinking travel time between cities cast readers mind's to June's Brexit result.
"Yes, this is just what a majority of Brits want at present – reducing the Krakow to London overland travel time to 70 minutes. I was going to ask whether the Bartlett had heard of Brexit?" wondered a bemused Geofbob.
But H-J felt that the concept had the interest of the British public at it's heart: "I think it is spot on, no sober Brit wants to travel more than 70 minutes to some cheap European city for their stag party or hen night."
Jo Pepper believed that the system could be healing: "Reid's master plan fills me with optimism. After all the xenophobic "we are the champions" rubbish of Brexit, we could get back on track – progress for the WHOLE of Europe of which geographically, historically, culturally, socially etc. we are a part of.
But this reader maintained that help should begin at home:
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Priorities:Â A new football stadium modelled on the white cap traditionally worn by Arab men has been unveiled for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar but most readers were focused on the treatment of construction staff in the region.
Wright Gregson voiced concerns: "If even 1/10th of the horror stories that I have read is true, there should be a cry of outrage raised, not a critique of the design."
"It should be the main topic of discussion. We should not turn a blind eye for our sake on the misfortunes of others." vehemently agreed Guisforyou.
When it came to discussing the stadium design itself, this reader felt they had seen it all before:
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