humanity
Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of politicians, legislators, activists, women in politics and the everyday voter.
Hostile Environment. Top Story - January 2018.
Another day, another example of rich people putting spikes on things to shield them from reality. This time (I swear I am not making this up), a developer in Bristol has put spikes on the branches of trees to prevent pigeons from roosting there and pooing on the residents’ fancy cars. Have we reached Peak Privilege? I think we may have. The trees overhang the car park, and rather than cleaning their cars the good old-fashioned way, the residents requested that the building management install a preventative measure, so that they don’t get inconvenienced by unsightly bird shit. I do hope those trees aren’t deciduous (haha, yes they are!), or they’re going to be mighty upset come autumn.
By Katy Preen8 years ago in The Swamp
How Feathers, Beads and Glitter Can Restore Peace in a Small Island War-Zone for 48 Hours
Imagine a scene where all the cars on the streets are replaced by droves of people, interrupted only by massive trucks transporting speakers. Imagine that those people are clad in colourful bikinis covered in beads, glitter and feathers, and that the speakers are playing loud music, native to the people. Imagine too, the rhythm of the people dancing to music and the synchronous sway of the feathers they wear on their heads. Imagine an entire nation parading together in the streets of their home, to music born from the triumphs of their ancestors. Imagine the sound. Imagine the scene. Imagine happiness. This is it. This is Trinidad Carnival, often referred to as the 'Greatest Show on Earth'. It is a two day scene of organized chaos, dressed in vibrant colours. It is the green, yellow, purples, and blues of the costumes worn on the bodies of black, white, and red. It is the the unity of an entire population of people from every race, every religion and every walk of life, celebrating each other. It is the reminder of a nation often referred to as a melting pot; an island of 1.6 million people, very few of whom are a single race. A multi-ethnic nation that once epitomized peaceful, all-encompassing co-existence.
By Jazz Morgan8 years ago in The Swamp
Top Nine Reasons Why Climate Change Is 100 Times Worse Than You’d Think
Climate Change. Usual story. Polar bears are losing their homes, after all, what do I care? I’ve come to realise how little we really know of climate change, a theory ‘scientists’ seem to debate is even happening. Very likely to be the biggest transformation of the 21st century. For better or for worse, it's up to us to decide. Waiting for fossil fuels to run out is in simple terms, waiting for the enemy to point his gun at your head before you surrender. This article’s purpose isn't to make you depressed about the future; it's a wake-up call to tell you that there is still time to make a comeback. I know you might not want to join the movement now, but if you do change your mind after reading this, please go to our website and help us make a difference. Or simply deal with the consequences of your actions; it’s up to you.
By Climate Change Reversal Organization8 years ago in The Swamp
Feeling Helpless
When you think you are about to die. Feeling Helpless On January 13, 2018 at 8:07 AM, I heard a familiar noise. A noise that means there may be a flash flood or an abducted child, but this time the noise meant something far more sinister. This time the noise meant that me and my family were more than likely going to die in less than 15 minutes. The feeling that washes over you when know this will be the outcome, but at the same time you want to live so you do everything you can to protect yourself and your family.
By Alyssha dew8 years ago in The Swamp
Having No Fear in an America That's Trying to Make Us Powerless
When I think about movements of progress and innovation, I picture courageous leaders. These women, men, and even young folks that are passionate, or inspired by their communities, the wrongdoings that overarching systems of power have weighted on them, decided that enough is enough. They may have been fearful, but they took up their arms of power, their voices, their bodies, their writing, their minds and showed up for their brothers and sisters. We all make a choice every day. Do we want to stay silent during this pivotal time, where our rights are being stripped? As a Black queer woman, I feel like it is my time to stand up (as we always have). I may not have that much money, but my words are rich. When we get up to serve, with conviction, dignity, selflessness, and intellect individually, we make a decision to use our power and talents to see progress. We do this to elevate ourselves out of poverty, out of degradation of our image by our families and culture or by media perpetuations, from flawed institutions such as religious spaces. For example: How can you be a part of a religious institution that is supposed to be your home and comfort when you cannot bring all of yourself to it? Checking your struggles at the door for a spiritual session that forces hurt people, scarred people, broken people, to join you, only if they have to dress up their problems with a smile and a suit, or force themselves to feel a spirit that is just simply not there. Why would a person want to contribute to that divide that patriarchy brings, when we are just a fraction of the way for progress for all women in America, and globally? Religion should be rooted in peace and healing; we really come to religion because we are afraid, or broken, or damaged, to cry out and seek comfort. But what we end up with is shame and short-lived bursts of hope. Without social action we will continue to give into the failed system that is leaving us so disconnected, forgotten, angry, and without abundant good.
By SAYHERNAME Morgan Sankofa8 years ago in The Swamp
What's The Story, Working Class Tory?
There have been a number of commentators recently that have ridiculed people who vote for things that are bad for them, e.g. working-class Tory or Republican voters. The focus is sometimes on politicians and the media misinforming the uneducated masses. Of course, this is part of the problem, not just in terms of informing voting decisions, but in all areas of politics that affect the everyday citizen.
By Katy Preen8 years ago in The Swamp
Conditioned to Cocoon
When I was six, I told my sister I wanted to buy a castle in Europe and have a summer home on the beach. She told me that I needed to get a high paying job. “I’ll just become a singer, an actor, and a model!” She told me that should cover it. That was in the late 1990s, a time when people didn’t carry an unlimited supply of media in their pocket.
By Josh Contreras8 years ago in The Swamp
Syrian Santa
It wasn't long before Christmas in Amman, the capital of Jordan. I'd overheard a stranger talking about a Muslim Syrian refugee who was working as a Santa Claus actor in one of Amman's many malls. Using a little internet sleuthing, I managed to find the mall and get in touch.
By Alex Sinclair8 years ago in The Swamp
