Distractions

Astonishing to hear complaints about distractions from the important issues.
True – given the poverty both visible and hidden, and the attention it deserves, February was striking for
– its extreme weather (record lows in the USA, record highs in Britain),
– an extreme US President (racist, conman and cheat), 
– ongoing delays to make meaningful votes on Brexit in Parliament, oh and
– anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.
–
We have lost Luciana Berger MP to the Labour party and seven others (who have been described as “no loss” cos they are protesting against anti-Semitism rather than being direct victims of it – go figure). 
How is anti-Semitism still hanging around?  Because too many people who are critical of Israeli gov’t policy can’t avoid describing the issue as pertaining to Jews in general (generous description) or believe in conspiracy theories that means they see others doing harm to Jeremy Corbyn (and making it worse in the meantime) or they are anti-Semitic and have shared tropes in the past (e.g. the Rothschilds) indicating as much (least generous); some even go on David Icke shows to make their point. 
–
And people point out that Labour is the most progressive UK political party and we have done the most on racial equality (years of legislation and councils making a difference).
And it’s right how in the eighties, people like Ken Livingstone would be celebrated on how far we pushed the boat out.
We raised the standards. And that why people should work to maintain high standards rather than saying it’s an attack on Jeremy Corbyn. Cos how does that even work? That Jeremy needs us to tolerate anti-Semitism. He does not.
–
So stop saying it’s a distraction.
Stop the what-about-ery.
Stop saying criticism of Israeli government actions is not allowed.
Stop hunting in packs against those who are protesting about anti-Semitism.
Stop being anti-Semitic.
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And if you want to avoid distractions, be very tight, accurate and focussed on what you want to protest about.
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Previous posts – Unreasonable social behaviour, HMD 2018, Are we the baddies?, Denial, Heather Heyer.

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Maasai Cricket Warriors

The Maasai Cricket Warriors from Laikipia

Maasai in Kenya are using their love for the game to raise awareness of social injustices in their community. They are actively campaigning against destructive practices such as female genital mutilation and early childhood marriages

As featured in The Guardian.
Full res photos available on Facebook.

Notts Pride parade 2018

The parade seemed longer this year.
A range of organisations attending, including The Labour Party.
Photos available for download.

Shebeen

Another hit from the Nottingham Playhouse, and another Nottingham story.  Go see.
This time, the late fifties in St.Ann’s and Caribbean immigrants have developed their own shebeens – illegal drinking events in homes – where they get to enjoy their favourite music with their favourite drink and the profits stay within friends.
A proud, devoted young couple, who never lie to each other, who have strong respectful codas and precious possessions.  Fashions of the fifties and accents that I hear so often in The Meadows.
So many issues rehearsed in the preparation for another party, the party itself and in the aftermath, being strong on what theatre can be strongest at – conversation.
Most powerful issue – that of reactions to mixed race relationships.  (Bringing back memories of George and Jill).

Pentrich Revolution exhibition

England’s last armed rebellion, from 1817, and exhibited at the National Justice Museum on High Pavement in Nottingham city centre opened on 200th anniversary of the conviction / execution of 4 of the leaders.
Open until 7th January 2018 and free entrance, put together by the Pentrich and South Wingfield Revolution Group and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Opened by Roger Tanner and attended by Paddy Tipping, pictured alongside a display on decades of Police spying on activists.
Stating plainly that the Luddites were not anti new technology, but anti shoddy goods and poor working conditions.

True wit

JK Rowling rips into the Daily Mail – and a staggering question – what radicalised the murdering white racist? – alongside the Daily Mail’s hateful sub-headline.

Workers Memorial Day service 2016

Went to the service at St.Peter’s having forgotten who’d made me promise to go.
“Empty Shoes” – a lovely poem by Wendy Lawrence, of Colwick.
And glorious stain glass windows.