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The History of Secrecy

The History of Secrecy: A Time of No Secrets

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23/12/2016

A Time of No Secrets

BBC Radio 4 - The History of Secrecy, A Time of No Secrets

Transparency is apparently the opposite of secrecy, but is it really a panacea?

Transparency, the apparent opposite to secrecy, is the panacea, having acquired a moral urgency. But what have we lost in abandoning our secrets?

Transparency is a political and cultural ideal, entrusted with fostering accountability and strengthening democracy, a pan-political good: embraced by the Left as well as the Right. Openness is advocated not just for governments, but for people too. The assumption, we must air our secrets for our own health and peace of mind. "You are only as sick as your secrets," a saying that has been used by Alcoholics Anonymous for decades, sums it up. We hear from a cross dresser who by keeping his desire to dress as a woman a secret gives himself the space to experiment. He believes that only those who need to know should know about his secret to protect his relationships.

Produced by Kate Bissell.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Tiffany Jenkins presents a narrative history of secrecy.

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A Time of No Secrets

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