Thank you for this Lindsay. I didn't know about what had happened in Bristol - it's so shocking. There is such injustice going on here. I sense governments will achieve what they set out to do, which is frighten people into submission. Terrifying times.
Like @Liza Debevec I want to reread this several times to really get to grips with everything you’ve written! I think that a big part of the polite form of protest is about helping the people marching to feel part of something and that they’re not alone. Which is important but I feel can become almost performative. Taking part in a march can feel like taking action, but does it really lead to any action or change? More than a year in, there have been 100s of marches but I’m not sure if they’ve led to any concrete changes in UK government policy. Whereas the sort of direct action Monbiot is talking about, where there’s a risk of being arrested, can lead to change (Barclays Bank divesting from a weapons company, blockades of arms factories halting production).
Absolutely, Ellen. I completely agree with what you're saying about feeling part of something AND the way in which various forms of public protest can feel performative. I feel that way about how I use social media too, to be honest. Like I need to pepper my content with something that shows my politics. It's all so hard, isn't it?
Realy powerful and cogent. We are left with so many questions. I agree with Annette that change from inside is increasingly unrealistic, perhaps never was and that how we live values is vital, but a million questions still...
Such a brilliant and powerful piece, Lindsay! I was reminded of XR tactics and my own experience of "good" climate activism and subsequent stepping away from it. I do not believe anymore in changing the system from the inside. But I'm still trying to figure out an answer to your question/title, while also aware that showing what we stand for is not enough - we also have to live it.
With regards to Scotland & UNCRC, I remember thinking this in 15/16, during my Human Rights MSc. Scotland is very HR focused from the outside, in a way Westminster is not but, for all the public fanfare, it lacks teeth, sadly.
Also, I screenshot your quote about it being an ugly and arduous process to become a butterfly 🦋 😊
I was thinking about you when quoting it! And that's so galvanising to hear that you share this view, Donna. Sad that in nearly a decade, though, nothing has really changed.
Thank you for this Lindsay. I didn't know about what had happened in Bristol - it's so shocking. There is such injustice going on here. I sense governments will achieve what they set out to do, which is frighten people into submission. Terrifying times.
This is so good Lindsay. Thank you.
Incisive, intelligent writing here, thank you for this.
Thanks for reading, Wendy x
Like @Liza Debevec I want to reread this several times to really get to grips with everything you’ve written! I think that a big part of the polite form of protest is about helping the people marching to feel part of something and that they’re not alone. Which is important but I feel can become almost performative. Taking part in a march can feel like taking action, but does it really lead to any action or change? More than a year in, there have been 100s of marches but I’m not sure if they’ve led to any concrete changes in UK government policy. Whereas the sort of direct action Monbiot is talking about, where there’s a risk of being arrested, can lead to change (Barclays Bank divesting from a weapons company, blockades of arms factories halting production).
Absolutely, Ellen. I completely agree with what you're saying about feeling part of something AND the way in which various forms of public protest can feel performative. I feel that way about how I use social media too, to be honest. Like I need to pepper my content with something that shows my politics. It's all so hard, isn't it?
Realy powerful and cogent. We are left with so many questions. I agree with Annette that change from inside is increasingly unrealistic, perhaps never was and that how we live values is vital, but a million questions still...
We need to keep thinking and talking, Jan, agreed. Thanks for your comments and so glad that others are chiming in with helpful perspectives x
I read this twice and I feel like I want to read this again and again. So important, so clear, so powerful. Thank you for writing it.
Liza, that's such a compliment. Thank you. X
Such a brilliant and powerful piece, Lindsay! I was reminded of XR tactics and my own experience of "good" climate activism and subsequent stepping away from it. I do not believe anymore in changing the system from the inside. But I'm still trying to figure out an answer to your question/title, while also aware that showing what we stand for is not enough - we also have to live it.
We spoke about just that, I remember. And you are totally right: its not enough to have principles and beliefs without embodiment.
This is brilliant, Lindsay. So well written. My mind immediately went to The Letter, a short story by George Saunders.
I need to find that, Emma. Thank you. X
Apologies - the GS story is actually called The Love Letter
Just saw you've found it on audio!
I actually listened to it on this Bew Yorker podcast before reading it. Hope this link works. David Serdaris reads it brilliantly https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-new-yorker-fiction/id256945396?i=1000664019861
Even better! Amazing!
With regards to Scotland & UNCRC, I remember thinking this in 15/16, during my Human Rights MSc. Scotland is very HR focused from the outside, in a way Westminster is not but, for all the public fanfare, it lacks teeth, sadly.
Also, I screenshot your quote about it being an ugly and arduous process to become a butterfly 🦋 😊
Loved this piece.
I was thinking about you when quoting it! And that's so galvanising to hear that you share this view, Donna. Sad that in nearly a decade, though, nothing has really changed.