There is so much that I do not understand about politics: I am not a historian, an economist or a sociologist. However, even I can see that Britain is in a bloody mess. I may even go as far as to say that the world is in a mess. There is a worldwide economic downturn, distrust and indifference towards politicians and leaders is widespread, unemployment is a major problem and there are continuing difficulties in health and education services. There is also the not-so-small problem of world poverty, with the western world seeing an ever widening gap between rich and the poor. I have no answers, but many questions, and in this I don’t think I am alone.
In the 21st Century, we apparently have a great breadth of knowledge, understanding and intelligence. Yet the advances that have brought us to where we are now don’t seem to have steered us away from chaos. When people fought for democracy, for a Parliament, when lives were lost in the name of freedom and equality: I don’t believe that this was the future they envisaged. We are blessed with many things; freedom of speech and opportunity for all, however, with all of this, the country is not satisfied, successful or content. Why is there a gap here? Why is it that with so many opportunities and advances in science, healthcare, education, and so much more, most people do not feel that they are experiencing a better quality of life?
Our parliament is bogged down with childish bickering, corruption and dishonesty and we are in such a media-centred age that every Member of Parliament is put under the microscope and pulled apart to a degree that would make even our historical heroes look bad. Our media is dominated by speculation, sleaze and slander. This scrutiny isn’t productive and people are forgetting that the people who run our country may not be perfect, but they are only human. Most political arguments that I have heard recently are based on the shortfalls of others and I am yet to see a politician who inspires me. I want to see policies; I want to know that the people in charge of this country are actually dealing with the problems we are facing. Celebrities are now stepping up to replace politicians; this seems insane. I don’t want to see TV presenters in The House of Commons, but then where are the real alternatives?
So whose fault is all of this, do we jump on the band-wagon and blame the MP’s, is it all Gordon Brown’s fault? How about the cruel overzealous media? Or do we need to look at ourselves? After all, if we do not take responsibility for our situation, who will? And don’t we owe our history more than this mess? Doesn’t every woman who has the right to vote but doesn’t bother, owe something to the Suffragettes who campaigned for this privilege? Doesn’t every British citizen owe it to the veterans of our wars to reject fascism and embrace diversity? Shouldn’t we use the opportunities we are lucky to have to further the cause of those who brought us democracy? It is terrible to ignore these things that we all take for granted, and a crying shame that people are giving up on politics: Not caring out of distrust and ignorance. In fact, the opposite should be true. As with so many before us, we should not just be looking for change, we should be fighting for it.
But is this change inevitable? Are we living in a world where we can no longer cling on to aspirations of freedom, peace and universal equality? Is a ‘see-saw’ from really really bad to just plain bad as good as it gets? Should we be cynical and believe that all Communists will become Capitalists, all Liberals become Conservative and is this not pessimism but realism? Bob Dylan’s ‘Things Have Changed’ shows a philosophical alteration in Dylan’s feelings, the song demonstrates what you may call an inevitable shift in political ideology. “People are crazy and times are strange I’m locked in tight, I’m outta range I used to care, but things have changed” Are we destined to be disillusioned to the point of giving up. When you spend your whole life fighting but you still can’t beat ‘em… is it time to just join ‘em?
Friday, 5 June 2009
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Article #4: BNP
I am extremely angered by The BNP and the fact that they have chosen a time of national crisis to prey on those who are politically naïve, but fed up with the current situation. They are full of sound bites that they believe people want to hear and I find their policies shallow, their ideals offensive and the execution of their campaign unconvincing. When you view their website you are smacked in the face with the slogan ‘Punish the Pigs’ and pictures of Labour and Tory MP’s. I find this infantile: Where is the skill in politics that focus on the negatives of the other parties and not the positives of their own?
The main focus in most of their policies is the belief that most Britons are now second class citizens in their own country. They believe in giving ‘native Britons’ a monopoly on trade, and giving them preference when it comes to the job market. First of all, what is a native Briton? No-one is truly native, bar perhaps the few small aboriginal tribes scattered about the globe. Britain has evolved from the bringing together of many nationalities: We have mixed European origins and many people have distant roots from every continent. Traditionally, British rulers married the Kings and Queens of other countries and we have a colourful history of settlers, worldwide exploration and the embracing of other cultures. As a demonstration of this, most of the popular food in the UK originated elsewhere: Kebabs from Turkey, Pasta from Italy, Hot Dogs from America, Curry from India and Chow Mein from China. Not to mention Sushi, French Fries and Starbucks Coffee. Although I sometimes despair at the ‘McDonalds’ invasion,in many ways our country is all the better for it.
We are an educated and diverse nation and we have a strong, high culture that people all over the world appreciate. Globalisation does have a lot to answer for, and it is a crying shame that local businesses are getting ever weaker. Unfortunately, that is how the world works and becoming insular in trade would be hugely detrimental to our economy and quality of life: We could not survive on the little resources we now have on this tiny island. With Global trade having such a long history, I do not believe you can just become independent. Not without unpleasant and far-reaching consequences. It seems that The BNP know this as their phrase ‘selective exclusion of foreign-made goods’ can include as much or as little as they feel like at the time.
They refer to immigration and talk of the ‘flood of asylum seekers who are all bogus’. It is undeniable that there has been an influx of immigrants in recent years but we need some perspective here… The population of those living in Britain, but that were born abroad is approximately 7.53%. That is tiny. Especially if you break it down: Most of those are Irish, a large percentage American, South African, Italian and German. Now is it them that The BNP are targeting or does white-foreign not count. The spreading of this propaganda is everywhere. It is a primitive ‘get off my land’ way of thinking that is illogical and ignorant of the facts. I think it is frightening how widespread this racism really is.
Another of the heavily focussed upon issues in The BNP’s policies, is the effect that immigration has on the job market. Something along the line of ‘they are stealing our jobs’, or as the BNP put it: they are either taking the jobs that us hard-working Brits should have, or taking taxpayers money by living off the ‘generous financial incentives’ they move here for. Of course, in the current climate, this issue is even more sensitive. I do think that when we are struggling as a country, in the many ways that we are, perhaps we should be more careful about increasing the population by allowing more people to move here. Let’s face it; we can’t help anyone else if we can’t help ourselves. But the point is, these anti-immigrant worker arguments are rubbish! Nearly 5 times the percentage of the African male population work in the health sector, compared to those born in the UK. It takes hard-work and commitment to get jobs like that. Also, a lot of hard labour is done by migrant workers; most British people would refuse to work in those conditions and for that pay. Although it is not right to take advantage of labour like this, our economy would collapse without it.
As for benefits, it has become clear in recent years that the social security system is open to abuse and flawed in many ways. Any system like that has the potential to be taken advantage of and I doubt that percentage wise, there are more migrants who scam the system than ‘British natives’. We should be holding individuals accountable for this. It is sad but true that you will always get those who will take advantage: It is their actions and not their origins that we should be focussing on.
There are many people in this world who have too much, but many more who have too little and the statistics on world poverty are sickening. The BNP’s response: Why should we help them? The BNP are against foreign aid and believe the already relatively small amount we give to other countries, should be stopped altogether. It is astonishing that people think like this in the 21st Century: We are not talking about helping people to afford Sky Plus. We are talking about stopping people dying of starvation or simply providing them with water.
These kind of pretend politicians simply spread hate and although I know that there are many things wrong with how things in this country are going at the moment, I still believe in the power of ideals and the need to stand up against prejudice. People should be being taught to challenge more, not to fall for the cheap tricks of the spin doctor. This kind of bigotry stems from the comfort we feel when we can blame someone else and the disillusionment people have felt with politics in recent years. My only comfort is the fact that The BNP are viewed as a joke among many. A joke indeed, but in my opinion a very dangerous one.
The main focus in most of their policies is the belief that most Britons are now second class citizens in their own country. They believe in giving ‘native Britons’ a monopoly on trade, and giving them preference when it comes to the job market. First of all, what is a native Briton? No-one is truly native, bar perhaps the few small aboriginal tribes scattered about the globe. Britain has evolved from the bringing together of many nationalities: We have mixed European origins and many people have distant roots from every continent. Traditionally, British rulers married the Kings and Queens of other countries and we have a colourful history of settlers, worldwide exploration and the embracing of other cultures. As a demonstration of this, most of the popular food in the UK originated elsewhere: Kebabs from Turkey, Pasta from Italy, Hot Dogs from America, Curry from India and Chow Mein from China. Not to mention Sushi, French Fries and Starbucks Coffee. Although I sometimes despair at the ‘McDonalds’ invasion,in many ways our country is all the better for it.
We are an educated and diverse nation and we have a strong, high culture that people all over the world appreciate. Globalisation does have a lot to answer for, and it is a crying shame that local businesses are getting ever weaker. Unfortunately, that is how the world works and becoming insular in trade would be hugely detrimental to our economy and quality of life: We could not survive on the little resources we now have on this tiny island. With Global trade having such a long history, I do not believe you can just become independent. Not without unpleasant and far-reaching consequences. It seems that The BNP know this as their phrase ‘selective exclusion of foreign-made goods’ can include as much or as little as they feel like at the time.
They refer to immigration and talk of the ‘flood of asylum seekers who are all bogus’. It is undeniable that there has been an influx of immigrants in recent years but we need some perspective here… The population of those living in Britain, but that were born abroad is approximately 7.53%. That is tiny. Especially if you break it down: Most of those are Irish, a large percentage American, South African, Italian and German. Now is it them that The BNP are targeting or does white-foreign not count. The spreading of this propaganda is everywhere. It is a primitive ‘get off my land’ way of thinking that is illogical and ignorant of the facts. I think it is frightening how widespread this racism really is.
Another of the heavily focussed upon issues in The BNP’s policies, is the effect that immigration has on the job market. Something along the line of ‘they are stealing our jobs’, or as the BNP put it: they are either taking the jobs that us hard-working Brits should have, or taking taxpayers money by living off the ‘generous financial incentives’ they move here for. Of course, in the current climate, this issue is even more sensitive. I do think that when we are struggling as a country, in the many ways that we are, perhaps we should be more careful about increasing the population by allowing more people to move here. Let’s face it; we can’t help anyone else if we can’t help ourselves. But the point is, these anti-immigrant worker arguments are rubbish! Nearly 5 times the percentage of the African male population work in the health sector, compared to those born in the UK. It takes hard-work and commitment to get jobs like that. Also, a lot of hard labour is done by migrant workers; most British people would refuse to work in those conditions and for that pay. Although it is not right to take advantage of labour like this, our economy would collapse without it.
As for benefits, it has become clear in recent years that the social security system is open to abuse and flawed in many ways. Any system like that has the potential to be taken advantage of and I doubt that percentage wise, there are more migrants who scam the system than ‘British natives’. We should be holding individuals accountable for this. It is sad but true that you will always get those who will take advantage: It is their actions and not their origins that we should be focussing on.
There are many people in this world who have too much, but many more who have too little and the statistics on world poverty are sickening. The BNP’s response: Why should we help them? The BNP are against foreign aid and believe the already relatively small amount we give to other countries, should be stopped altogether. It is astonishing that people think like this in the 21st Century: We are not talking about helping people to afford Sky Plus. We are talking about stopping people dying of starvation or simply providing them with water.
These kind of pretend politicians simply spread hate and although I know that there are many things wrong with how things in this country are going at the moment, I still believe in the power of ideals and the need to stand up against prejudice. People should be being taught to challenge more, not to fall for the cheap tricks of the spin doctor. This kind of bigotry stems from the comfort we feel when we can blame someone else and the disillusionment people have felt with politics in recent years. My only comfort is the fact that The BNP are viewed as a joke among many. A joke indeed, but in my opinion a very dangerous one.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Article #3: Action Figures
I think that the latest action figures to be brought out, modelled on the armed forces are a very good idea. Though some suggest that it is advocating war, I think that it is simply responding to the seasoned practice of play fighting. Most young boys have an interest in the military, transport and various things associated with this already. Rather than creating an imaginary hero, these figures are based on real people. I think that this creates a context and structure to the idea of violence, demonstrating what is acceptable in our society and possibly leading to a desire to seek out further information.
Although in an ideal world we would live hand in hand without war or ‘baddies’, for the moment we do need an active defence force, and, as children are taught the historical importance of our world wars, this is a positive demonstration of that.
The major negative to this, lies with the lack of female and ethnic representation: although these are promised to follow, for now they are all white and male. Although this is perhaps an accurate majority in the forces, the message is not great in terms of equal opportunity. It could be a reflection of consumer demand, which is a great shame. More choice would greatly improve this: we mustn’t forget that the consumers here are children and although children may have a natural inclination toward the familiar, it is not children who make the judgements that we, as adults, do.
The picture of the strong, white male officer could further isolate those who live in closed communities: often prejudice grows out of ignorance and the more children are exposed to all fractions of society, the more at ease they will be in later years. Considering that the most recent fighting our armed forces have been involved in has been in the Middle East, and this war has created much inter-community tension, we need to do as much as possible to dispel the idea that it’s ‘them’- the foreign baddies against ‘us’.
When it comes to women, I think it is important that the girls who may find the figures appealing are not put off to see all men: would this suggest to them that it is only a boy thing? It would also be good to see girls look up to a female figure in a successful, strong role. One that doesn’t rely on her appearance and who doesn’t wear make-up, or have any other ‘Barbie’ attributes.
Perhaps some would dismiss this as over the top political correctness. I, however, think that it is important. If we want the next generation to grow up in an age where we do not have to check ourselves constantly or worry about causing offence, then these are the measures we need to take. We need to eliminate ethnicity and sex as standout factors and lead by example.
Although in an ideal world we would live hand in hand without war or ‘baddies’, for the moment we do need an active defence force, and, as children are taught the historical importance of our world wars, this is a positive demonstration of that.
The major negative to this, lies with the lack of female and ethnic representation: although these are promised to follow, for now they are all white and male. Although this is perhaps an accurate majority in the forces, the message is not great in terms of equal opportunity. It could be a reflection of consumer demand, which is a great shame. More choice would greatly improve this: we mustn’t forget that the consumers here are children and although children may have a natural inclination toward the familiar, it is not children who make the judgements that we, as adults, do.
The picture of the strong, white male officer could further isolate those who live in closed communities: often prejudice grows out of ignorance and the more children are exposed to all fractions of society, the more at ease they will be in later years. Considering that the most recent fighting our armed forces have been involved in has been in the Middle East, and this war has created much inter-community tension, we need to do as much as possible to dispel the idea that it’s ‘them’- the foreign baddies against ‘us’.
When it comes to women, I think it is important that the girls who may find the figures appealing are not put off to see all men: would this suggest to them that it is only a boy thing? It would also be good to see girls look up to a female figure in a successful, strong role. One that doesn’t rely on her appearance and who doesn’t wear make-up, or have any other ‘Barbie’ attributes.
Perhaps some would dismiss this as over the top political correctness. I, however, think that it is important. If we want the next generation to grow up in an age where we do not have to check ourselves constantly or worry about causing offence, then these are the measures we need to take. We need to eliminate ethnicity and sex as standout factors and lead by example.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Latest Writing.
So I picked a random media subject and wrote about it. I feel slightly out of my comfort zone with this one, I am openly and quite happily liberal, but I do worry about appearing too naive.
It is definately good to test myself anyway...
I do hope for some feedback on this one.
It is definately good to test myself anyway...
I do hope for some feedback on this one.
Article #2: Home Secretary Names and Shames 16 banned from UK.
I was pleased to see the Home Office’s list of those banned from the UK in the news yesterday. Like others, I am inclined to question the motives behind this announcement and I agree that the government have bigger fish to fry at the moment. I do, however, think that making a public statement about what our country will and will not tolerate is a good thing. Or at least what it will and will not tolerate in theory.
To my mind it is reassuring to see that this list is balanced, including white supremacists, as well as Anti-Gay preachers, and extreme religious figures from all sects. Usually when it comes to those who are/are not allowed into our country, the only newsworthy information seems to surround asylum seekers, illegal immigrants and Muslim terrorists. This focus leads to ignorance and scapegoating in the tabloid comics that, in my opinion, is absolutely abhorrent.
The ‘terrorism’ that is often reported comes in many forms, and the acceptable slander that many minorities can face seems to go unchallenged amongst most. On many occasions, for example, I have seen immigrants blamed for the economical and political problems in this country (as well as any other problem you care to mention.). These views seem to have grown out of ignorance and the problems they create are worse than those which they apparently address.
This kind of move could be seen to reflect the sway left that we have seen with America’s remarkable recent election. The phenomenon of having a black leader is one which I am certain we would not see in this country. It also reflects Labours stance against the growing popularity of the BNP: a party whose extreme right views have seen a steady rise in popularity in the past few years. Ok, so maybe I should be more cynical about Labour’s motives here but I doubt that there is anything they can do alter their fate now anyway.
Of course, I am aware that in reality there will be little difference made with such a list. It is very true that in this country there are people who spread hate and commit crimes that are equal to, and in some cases worse than, those named here. However, there is no way to avoid that which is, in effect, our responsibility already. With the internet as popular as it is, views cannot be silenced anyway: the likes of Mr Savage will continue their contemptible rantings regardless. What we can do is show our refusal to advocate such behaviour.
Many have responded to this with the old chestnut ‘what about freedom of speech’. Freedom of speech is, of course, an important rite of passage for everyone. As a liberal ‘I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it’. However, it becomes a more complex issue when someone’s free speech hinders another’s right to live without persecution or distinction based on race, sex, religion or politics. Often the same people who choose to resort to this argument are those who are angered at ‘political correctness gone mad’. The truth is we wouldn’t need these rights or policies if we lived in a more tolerant world. Oh, were it that simple: if people expressed opinions with empathy, understanding and caution, and extremism weren’t so rife, freedom of speech would be an enjoyable privilege and not a poor excuse for bigotry.
To my mind it is reassuring to see that this list is balanced, including white supremacists, as well as Anti-Gay preachers, and extreme religious figures from all sects. Usually when it comes to those who are/are not allowed into our country, the only newsworthy information seems to surround asylum seekers, illegal immigrants and Muslim terrorists. This focus leads to ignorance and scapegoating in the tabloid comics that, in my opinion, is absolutely abhorrent.
The ‘terrorism’ that is often reported comes in many forms, and the acceptable slander that many minorities can face seems to go unchallenged amongst most. On many occasions, for example, I have seen immigrants blamed for the economical and political problems in this country (as well as any other problem you care to mention.). These views seem to have grown out of ignorance and the problems they create are worse than those which they apparently address.
This kind of move could be seen to reflect the sway left that we have seen with America’s remarkable recent election. The phenomenon of having a black leader is one which I am certain we would not see in this country. It also reflects Labours stance against the growing popularity of the BNP: a party whose extreme right views have seen a steady rise in popularity in the past few years. Ok, so maybe I should be more cynical about Labour’s motives here but I doubt that there is anything they can do alter their fate now anyway.
Of course, I am aware that in reality there will be little difference made with such a list. It is very true that in this country there are people who spread hate and commit crimes that are equal to, and in some cases worse than, those named here. However, there is no way to avoid that which is, in effect, our responsibility already. With the internet as popular as it is, views cannot be silenced anyway: the likes of Mr Savage will continue their contemptible rantings regardless. What we can do is show our refusal to advocate such behaviour.
Many have responded to this with the old chestnut ‘what about freedom of speech’. Freedom of speech is, of course, an important rite of passage for everyone. As a liberal ‘I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it’. However, it becomes a more complex issue when someone’s free speech hinders another’s right to live without persecution or distinction based on race, sex, religion or politics. Often the same people who choose to resort to this argument are those who are angered at ‘political correctness gone mad’. The truth is we wouldn’t need these rights or policies if we lived in a more tolerant world. Oh, were it that simple: if people expressed opinions with empathy, understanding and caution, and extremism weren’t so rife, freedom of speech would be an enjoyable privilege and not a poor excuse for bigotry.
Friday, 1 May 2009
Progress...
I fear the title of this post may be a little misleading in implying that I have actually made some progress. The short answer is, I haven't.
Which is kinda disheartening...
I don't really know where to start when it comes to getting my writing out there. I'm not grabbed by any subject matter at the moment. The nation seems gripped with Swine Flu which is mainly ridiculous panic-inducing, scaremongering (although for those suffering and those who lost people in Mexico, most serious.) and I'm not particularly inspired to write about that. I have trawled the net for writing competitions but most of them are for fiction, I struggle when it comes to writing fiction: I just don't have the ability to maintain an imaginative idea or stretch it beyond a few loosely related thoughts.
On the audition front, since my application to Economy Gastronomy, nothing more has come up.
Another factor that has affected things is that on Tuesday, I lost my job. I had been signed off sick anyway with Bipolar-related difficulties so haven't been working but I recieved a letter saying that my position had come to an end. In many ways it wasn't a problem: I didn't like the job if I'm honest and have been dreading going back. But still, it felt safer having a job than not. I was dismissed because of the 'business strategy' and not because of my performance, but it is very difficult not to feel down and out as I become another victim of the recession.
In some ways it has given me insight into the troubles so many must be facing and why it has become such a focal point for the media. When your on the outside you can be fatalistic and shrug it off, you can sympathise with people but reassure yourself by saying that 'it will pass' or 'it has happened before but we survived then'.
The reality, unfortunately, is a lot harsher. When you are actually having to think about your bills and paying the rent, without having the safety blanket of a guaranteed pay packet, you can easily feel completely helpless and out of control: what do you do? You can get up everyday, look for a job and apply for everything there is BUT if you don't get anything, that's it! You just get up and do it again the next day. It feels disheartening and permanent and for me it's only been 3 days! How long will it last, no-one can say. It's not great for one's motivation either, it is tempting to just crawl under the duvet or read or watch the Tv because there feels like little else.
Not a great week for my quest, I do think that I should just keep on writing articles though: if I am uninspired maybe I need to start picking random subjects from newspapers or asking people to post ideas to write about, if it comes from somebody else it wil stretch me more which wouldn't be a bad thing.
So, I must keep my chin up and stick to my quest: at least it gives me structure at a time when I feel that my life is starting to resemble Jelly...
Which is kinda disheartening...
I don't really know where to start when it comes to getting my writing out there. I'm not grabbed by any subject matter at the moment. The nation seems gripped with Swine Flu which is mainly ridiculous panic-inducing, scaremongering (although for those suffering and those who lost people in Mexico, most serious.) and I'm not particularly inspired to write about that. I have trawled the net for writing competitions but most of them are for fiction, I struggle when it comes to writing fiction: I just don't have the ability to maintain an imaginative idea or stretch it beyond a few loosely related thoughts.
On the audition front, since my application to Economy Gastronomy, nothing more has come up.
Another factor that has affected things is that on Tuesday, I lost my job. I had been signed off sick anyway with Bipolar-related difficulties so haven't been working but I recieved a letter saying that my position had come to an end. In many ways it wasn't a problem: I didn't like the job if I'm honest and have been dreading going back. But still, it felt safer having a job than not. I was dismissed because of the 'business strategy' and not because of my performance, but it is very difficult not to feel down and out as I become another victim of the recession.
In some ways it has given me insight into the troubles so many must be facing and why it has become such a focal point for the media. When your on the outside you can be fatalistic and shrug it off, you can sympathise with people but reassure yourself by saying that 'it will pass' or 'it has happened before but we survived then'.
The reality, unfortunately, is a lot harsher. When you are actually having to think about your bills and paying the rent, without having the safety blanket of a guaranteed pay packet, you can easily feel completely helpless and out of control: what do you do? You can get up everyday, look for a job and apply for everything there is BUT if you don't get anything, that's it! You just get up and do it again the next day. It feels disheartening and permanent and for me it's only been 3 days! How long will it last, no-one can say. It's not great for one's motivation either, it is tempting to just crawl under the duvet or read or watch the Tv because there feels like little else.
Not a great week for my quest, I do think that I should just keep on writing articles though: if I am uninspired maybe I need to start picking random subjects from newspapers or asking people to post ideas to write about, if it comes from somebody else it wil stretch me more which wouldn't be a bad thing.
So, I must keep my chin up and stick to my quest: at least it gives me structure at a time when I feel that my life is starting to resemble Jelly...
Monday, 27 April 2009
Article #1: Mental Health
Despite the efforts to bring our nation up to the ‘politically correct’ and well-informed standard that we wish, I feel that we still have a problem when it comes to the issue of mental health.
Whether it is calling Pete Doherty a waster, describing Anorexia as a ‘phase’ or believing that those with Depression can ‘snap out of it’, on the whole we just don’t seem to grasp the reality of mental illness.
Mental health is an extremely complex, broad, wide-ranging issue with more factors to it than one could consider listing. Despite the daunting breadth of this subject, it seems we could all be better informed.
Depression and stress-related illness is one of the things that people most often seek help from their Doctors for. In fact, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. It affects most people directly or indirectly and can be just as life altering as any physical ailment. Yet it is still a taboo. With the affects being as far reaching as they are, you would think that mental health charities such as Mind are well supported; sadly, this is not the case. Mental health patients still have to struggle with issues of advocacy, waiting lists, social taboos, discrimination and this is on top of the often debilitating problem itself.
I recently watched a programme about ‘The 8 year old Anorexic’. The programme was, of course, devastating and bought up reams of questions about our society, the media and our values. It also spoke to me in another way: The family affected by this tragic case were quite obviously completely lost in the face of such unprecedented difficulty. Although they were able to get their daughter into a specialist centre, where she seemed to make a recovery, there didn’t appear to be any further support available to them. Within the rehabilitation centre the awareness was excellent and there were many professionals doing a great job; unfortunately, this help only went so far. Her family seemed to understand the generic symptoms/causes of her illness but they still struggled with many other aspects of it. At the end of the programme, after all they had been through, they still thought of it as a ‘blip’ in her childhood, a very serious one, but a ‘blip’ all the same.
Mental illness is not a blip, a phase, a hiccup or something you can shrug off. Like heart disease or diabetes, mental illness can be long-term and serious. Although there are varying degrees of severity, its consequences and origins run far deeper than most people imagine and it seems to me that people are more comfortable to view it as a temporary difficulty. Just as after a mild stroke one has to alter one’s lifestyle: after a spell of mental illness, one has to do the same. This doesn’t mean you are cursed forever but mental illness is a legitimate illness and if it is not looked after, will have very real consequences.
I think that we need to relax about this issue while realising how serious it can be. We don’t need to talk about it in hushed whispers, nor shout it from the rooftops, but we need to acknowledge and accept it.
Granted, people who have difficulties relating to their mental health can behave badly as a result: this, understandably, makes sympathising harder. For example, a person’s mental state is often publicly discussed when connected to crime and in these cases rarely with compassion. However, I believe it is only through sympathy and understanding that we can really help. Alcoholics or Drug-addicts may be self indulgent and seem to be carelessly destroying themselves and others, but you only have to look a little closer to see that they are having a bloody miserable time doing so. Would you like to be that person?
This need for empathy stems further and to less serious issues. If we accept the reality of mental health and look more closely at the impact it can have, we can begin to understand people’s motivation. Whether it relates to Bipolar Disorder, Alcohol Dependency, Phobias or even issues such as over-eating, we may be less inclined to suggest that an Alcoholic just needs to ‘stop drinking’ or that a ‘fat’ person should simply eat less. Better awareness relating to the issues of others may mean that a younger generation, suffering from such growing problems as Anorexia or Depression, can live in a climate of understanding: and that should make us all feel just a bit better.
Whether it is calling Pete Doherty a waster, describing Anorexia as a ‘phase’ or believing that those with Depression can ‘snap out of it’, on the whole we just don’t seem to grasp the reality of mental illness.
Mental health is an extremely complex, broad, wide-ranging issue with more factors to it than one could consider listing. Despite the daunting breadth of this subject, it seems we could all be better informed.
Depression and stress-related illness is one of the things that people most often seek help from their Doctors for. In fact, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. It affects most people directly or indirectly and can be just as life altering as any physical ailment. Yet it is still a taboo. With the affects being as far reaching as they are, you would think that mental health charities such as Mind are well supported; sadly, this is not the case. Mental health patients still have to struggle with issues of advocacy, waiting lists, social taboos, discrimination and this is on top of the often debilitating problem itself.
I recently watched a programme about ‘The 8 year old Anorexic’. The programme was, of course, devastating and bought up reams of questions about our society, the media and our values. It also spoke to me in another way: The family affected by this tragic case were quite obviously completely lost in the face of such unprecedented difficulty. Although they were able to get their daughter into a specialist centre, where she seemed to make a recovery, there didn’t appear to be any further support available to them. Within the rehabilitation centre the awareness was excellent and there were many professionals doing a great job; unfortunately, this help only went so far. Her family seemed to understand the generic symptoms/causes of her illness but they still struggled with many other aspects of it. At the end of the programme, after all they had been through, they still thought of it as a ‘blip’ in her childhood, a very serious one, but a ‘blip’ all the same.
Mental illness is not a blip, a phase, a hiccup or something you can shrug off. Like heart disease or diabetes, mental illness can be long-term and serious. Although there are varying degrees of severity, its consequences and origins run far deeper than most people imagine and it seems to me that people are more comfortable to view it as a temporary difficulty. Just as after a mild stroke one has to alter one’s lifestyle: after a spell of mental illness, one has to do the same. This doesn’t mean you are cursed forever but mental illness is a legitimate illness and if it is not looked after, will have very real consequences.
I think that we need to relax about this issue while realising how serious it can be. We don’t need to talk about it in hushed whispers, nor shout it from the rooftops, but we need to acknowledge and accept it.
Granted, people who have difficulties relating to their mental health can behave badly as a result: this, understandably, makes sympathising harder. For example, a person’s mental state is often publicly discussed when connected to crime and in these cases rarely with compassion. However, I believe it is only through sympathy and understanding that we can really help. Alcoholics or Drug-addicts may be self indulgent and seem to be carelessly destroying themselves and others, but you only have to look a little closer to see that they are having a bloody miserable time doing so. Would you like to be that person?
This need for empathy stems further and to less serious issues. If we accept the reality of mental health and look more closely at the impact it can have, we can begin to understand people’s motivation. Whether it relates to Bipolar Disorder, Alcohol Dependency, Phobias or even issues such as over-eating, we may be less inclined to suggest that an Alcoholic just needs to ‘stop drinking’ or that a ‘fat’ person should simply eat less. Better awareness relating to the issues of others may mean that a younger generation, suffering from such growing problems as Anorexia or Depression, can live in a climate of understanding: and that should make us all feel just a bit better.
Economy Gastronomy
True to my word I have begun looking at places to audition: I have signed up for text updates from a website with thousands of various auditions for everything from reality Tv to acting jobs. Hehe! You learn so much just looking at these things. I have also completed and sent off an application form for a new credit-crunch food programme. 'Economy Gastronomy' GENIUS! I love food and cookery too so if I do get any further, It'll be great fun.
The problem with most opportunities I have come across is that they are based in somewhere like London- which is impossible for me! What is wrong with Belfast I ask these people?!
I think in my next search I will look into more writing based opportunities and see where that gets me, in the meantime I will post a recent article of mine and hope to get some feedback.
The problem with most opportunities I have come across is that they are based in somewhere like London- which is impossible for me! What is wrong with Belfast I ask these people?!
I think in my next search I will look into more writing based opportunities and see where that gets me, in the meantime I will post a recent article of mine and hope to get some feedback.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
The beginning..
So, how to begin? What is the best way to get my voice out there?
First of all I have my blog and I plan on posting my writing. I reckon it is important to get feedback on my opinions before I get them onto a bigger stage (I may find that after a couple of pieces of writing, the general consensus is to quit while i'm ahead!). I also need to be challenged. I can imagine me, with the best will in the world, finally getting onto question time. I have wonderfully thought through arguments and ideas: only I completely fall apart when someone actually questions me! So as I write, and post my thoughts, I would love some feedback- the good the bad and the ugly, It's all good to me!
Another thought I had, was to audition... for everything...
Quiz shows, Films, Tv, Extras, Debate, Radio, Talk shows, Competitions, you name it, I'll put my name down for it.
Why not, hey? Its getting my face, my name and my thoughts out there, meeting new people and gaining some feedback. I can try and learn what goes on behind the scenes, see where getting my foot in the door takes me. I can ask questions, face new opportunities and if I get nowhere, at least I will be learning how to cope with rejection.
Erm... I don't have the faintest idea where one would audition, but, being that I am sat at a computer I've a good idea where to begin. So, without further ado, Google here I come!
First of all I have my blog and I plan on posting my writing. I reckon it is important to get feedback on my opinions before I get them onto a bigger stage (I may find that after a couple of pieces of writing, the general consensus is to quit while i'm ahead!). I also need to be challenged. I can imagine me, with the best will in the world, finally getting onto question time. I have wonderfully thought through arguments and ideas: only I completely fall apart when someone actually questions me! So as I write, and post my thoughts, I would love some feedback- the good the bad and the ugly, It's all good to me!
Another thought I had, was to audition... for everything...
Quiz shows, Films, Tv, Extras, Debate, Radio, Talk shows, Competitions, you name it, I'll put my name down for it.
Why not, hey? Its getting my face, my name and my thoughts out there, meeting new people and gaining some feedback. I can try and learn what goes on behind the scenes, see where getting my foot in the door takes me. I can ask questions, face new opportunities and if I get nowhere, at least I will be learning how to cope with rejection.
Erm... I don't have the faintest idea where one would audition, but, being that I am sat at a computer I've a good idea where to begin. So, without further ado, Google here I come!
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Hello!
Good afternoon, and welcome to my blog.
Through this blog I am going to try and track my journey from disgruntled retail employee to Question time panellist.
I have, for years been extremely interested in current affairs: whether they relate to media, politics, celebrity, health, literature... the list goes on... I am always thinking and when I listen to debates on the radio, the tv (especially Question Time) I always have so much to say.
A mixture of circumstance, procrastination and self doubt has meant that although I love to talk and write I have never pursued it any further. People have told me I should and sometimes, I believe them. But these things are easier said than done and thus far I have done nothing concrete to set me on my way to debate nirvana and a place on the panel next to the marvelous David Dimbleby.
So as I step into unchartered territory and begin my journey to become 'the voice of inexperience', wish me luck and I look forward to sharing it with you.
Through this blog I am going to try and track my journey from disgruntled retail employee to Question time panellist.
I have, for years been extremely interested in current affairs: whether they relate to media, politics, celebrity, health, literature... the list goes on... I am always thinking and when I listen to debates on the radio, the tv (especially Question Time) I always have so much to say.
A mixture of circumstance, procrastination and self doubt has meant that although I love to talk and write I have never pursued it any further. People have told me I should and sometimes, I believe them. But these things are easier said than done and thus far I have done nothing concrete to set me on my way to debate nirvana and a place on the panel next to the marvelous David Dimbleby.
So as I step into unchartered territory and begin my journey to become 'the voice of inexperience', wish me luck and I look forward to sharing it with you.
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