Stuart Price's Revolution?

I wasn't sure about what to expect from Stuart Price's lecture One Solution - Revolution? Beyond populism and neoliberal visibility. However his talk, interspersed with stills and video clips, held my attention to the end.
 

The talk covered populism, democracy and political issues from roughly 2011 to the present day. It examined personalities who created revolutionary movements as well as classes which did the same and this gave us the chance to explore a range of views about political issues in today's society. Whether his topic was Brexit or the election of Donald Trump,Stuart Price managed to give his audience a new view on these questions. Students who weren't familiar with aspects of contemporary politics gained much - as did well-informed audience members who took the opportunity to advance their views.

After an hour,  Stuart Price ended his talk with "I'm sorry I went 2 minutes over the time", but he shouldn't be too worried about that. The mixture of humour and serious political issues was so interesting and enriching in terms of knowledge that I could have stayed one or two hours over the time.

 

 

Marie Ana

Meet the man in the white suit

This year’s Cultural Exchanges festival here at DMU is full of exciting events and personalities. One of those is the celebrated news reporter and politician Martin Bell.

Bell is known for his war reporting in Bosnia, where he was almost killed by shrapnel.  He covered foreign assignments in more than 80 countries and left the BBC in 1997, to follow a career in politics as an independent MP.

His presence at this festival will give students and writing enthusiasts an opportunity to hear from the man himself.  

For Journalism and Creative Writing students like me, this is an unmissable chance to ask questions not only about what is was like reporting in dangerous zones, but also to ask for advice on writing news stories and books.

The event only costs £3, which is a small price to pay for the opportunity of meeting such an influential character.

So, if you’re a fan, or just have an interest in politics, journalism or writing, join us Friday, 3^rd March from 6-7:30pm. You can book here.

Sara Torres Vinagre

"Get them to get it"

The moment Paris Lees entered the room, a respectful silence followed. People from all walks of life had gathered to have their ears and eyes opened to the struggles of the trans community - struggles some have faced and struggles that some wouldn't believe.

 

Paris's captivating talk took us on a journey from the summer in which she "ditched her boy clothes" to her discovery of her political voice through charities and media outlets. The Gender Trust Charity, Trans Media Watch and All About Trans are just three of the organisations with which she has campaigned.

 

When you watch Paris talking, you notice how comfortable she is in her skin, how she dominates the space, and really tries to connect with what she is saying.

 

Starting with The Pink Paper, Paris also gained a foothold in journalism. She then moved onto other publications, including The Guardian, and is currently an editor for Attitude magazine.

 

While these achievements are awe-inspiring, she also spoke about the wider picture. Increasing transgender representation in shows like Eastenders and The Voice will help to "get them to get it" - and by "them" she means the ones who would use the trans community as a "punchline or a punch bag."

 

Paris's message was simple, yet effective. "Get out there and do it - just live." A mantra that everyone should live by.

 

 

Jack Wilkin  

People are people

 

photo by: Mstyslav Chernov: women and children among Syrian refugees

at Budapest Keleti railway station, 4 September 2015 (wikimedia commons)

 

At a time when the refugee crisis is at an all time high, it is important to be aware of just how often fellow human beings have been forced to choose between leaving their dangerous homes or facing the treacherous seas on the journey to a new homeland. 

After reading last night that new refugees arriving in the country are being forced to wear red wrist bands at all times (bearing a striking resemblance to something that happened during the 1940s, perhaps?), I knew that I needed to improve my understanding of what is truly going on. These are human beings above all else, and should not be treated any differently to the rest of us. 

With so much tension in the country, I couldn't forego the chance to listen to four De Montfort historians sharing their research with the public.

Having already primed myself with facts on the Labour party, the cost of a warhead and the teachings of Islam to argue with my Conservative father, I can't wait to pick up more fuel for thought to fire off when I return home the next day for my birthday. 

There are still a few seats available, and you are welcome to come along to De Montfort University's Clephan Building (Room 0.01) at 5pm on Tuesday 1st March to allow yourself to be further educated on this issue.


Georgia Chenery

Making politicians sweat

We have been asked to attend at least three events at the Cultural Exchanges Festival next week. We need to consider one we will enjoy, one we would not normally consider and one in between. In doing so, I have actually ended up booking an event that is possibly fits all the above categories.

Professor Andrew Tolson is giving a talk on how the party leaders of the 2010 General Election interacted during its broadcast. Most would assume that all those attending would have a keen interest in politics but this couldn't be further from the truth where I'm concerned. Yet I still feel there is much pleasure to be gained from learning about what made the lovely politicians sweat. I think this should be a must for any other who dislikes politics but loves the thought of seeing politicians being picked apart.



Sam Kay

The Art of Possibility

We live in a topsy-turvy world of politics in the 21^st century, something Tim Hames put down to the loss of ‘The Art of the Possible’ in recent times.

It was refreshing to hear somebody speak critically about modern politics without relying on the one-stop idea that “it’s all the media’s fault” and instead highlighting real issues such as a lack of political autonomy in modern governments, the changing structure of the electorate (and yes, the influence of the media is a factor) and the rapidly accelerating pace of European integration.

Although sometimes overwhelming, the political insight I gained in one hour in that tiny lecture theatre was incredible, and I only wish the league of amateur pub politicians had attended. I definitely feel less a part of that league now.

Elliot Speight

Childhood hero, adult inspiration

When I was a child, my Dad sat my brother and me down and said: "You've got to watch this film, it'll change your life."

The film was Kes, and it changed my perception of the world. I knew then that the world wasn't just slow-motion romantic strolls and Transformers.

I have a strange built-in shyness around hero figures of mine. When Ken Loach entered the room, I wanted to drag him away and ask him millions of questions I knew nobody would want to ask him but me. Everybody has a different perception of the films Loach makes - that's why they are so brilliant.

Loach talked about his early years in television - a time that makes me insanely jealous. Can you imagine the BBC making those films now? The men in the suits would have heart attacks.

Politics are important to Loach, and play an important part in all his work. Some say his work is downbeat and miserable, but others - like me - believe that his work is full of hope and truth. You never feel cheated.

At 74 years of age, Ken Loach looks fit and strong and he talks with passion and gusto. I could have listened to him all night. If I become successful in my chosen medium, I may be able to battle that hero-worshipping shyness and do just that.


Daley James Francis


image sourced through wikimedia commons

Boot on Face

The C.I.A.'s hi-jacking and manipulation of Animal Farm and its theme of political totalitarianism during the Cold War proved one of the highlights of this cultural week's banquet. John Newsinger ignited and mesmerised us all, in this very well attended and vibrant talk of the regimes of yesteryear.

Newsinger balancied Orwell the brilliant journalist, with his human flaws, against the political realities of his time. Attitudes to Stalin were explained clearly and George Orwell’s stance was clearly contextualised. British communism of that time was also explained interestingly and compassionately.

The integrity of George Orwell’s positioning and his willingness to put his head above the parapet was enlightening and was articulated seamlessly to a rapt audience.

Nineteen Eight- Four has a charged sexual atmosphere with emancipation and female liberation at its very heart, according to Newsinger. His take on Julia the female protagonist, was delivered with insight, humour and gusto.

John Newsinger doesn’t hang about. His knowledge of his subject matter seems limitless. The entertaining way this material is delivered engages his audience. At times laughter filled the room.

It was Orwell’s compulsion to read about and research the Soviet Union that, in Newsinger's opinion, gave him the tools to write with such insight and depth on totalitarianism. People living under Soviet regimes were amazed by this understanding of their experience.

Empire and was also discussed in relation to Burmese Days. One quotation used in this entertaining talk still resonates: Police and Army "hold the native down while the business man goes through his pockets."

Same old story. Enough said.


Laurie

Neo-Liberal Zoofather

Day three (no, this is not a Big Brother reference - I'm not that post-modern, so stop asking, please)

There was less of a café today, more of my home. The distance between the two was not by the Soar, as it usually is.

I sat in the dark for a lecture that at first seemed political. The dark swallowed everything lateral and behind; it all became a part of the darkness between my eyes.

The lecture became about film. I have never seen Cloverfield right through, but I understood. Soon the political/film elements became sociology and we all became part of the same darkness. Except Dr. Price - he was the conduit for us, this darkness that grew angry and laughed.

Pascale Petit signed a copy of her collection, she read. We watched as she became Frida Kahlo and sang posthumously. I was taken from the clenching muscle of the neo-liberal to the airy heart of the amazon. There is a thrumming, academic sound. It is the sound of brainwaves changing and combining.

James G Laws.