???? British pride is at its lowest. Is this a good thing?
Diversifying Group
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If you're looking to keep fit, I can highly recommend putting on a podcast that's going to make you mad before you head out on a run. This was an accidental occurrence for me this week but one I may repeat. I was recommended by a friend the Laura Bates episode of Changes with Annie Macmanus . If you don't know Laura, she is a prolific activist for women's rights - perhaps most notably as the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project .
In this pod, she covers a wide range of stomach-curdling injustices against women and girls, giving you more than enough ammunition against those that say we've solved sexism, let's move on already. The most affecting stories come out of her work with kids. In her Everyday Sexism Project, she recorded 250,000 testimonials of sexism - 25,000 of these were from young girls being sexually assaulted at school, though they don't have the language to call it that. It's brushed off as "oh, he just likes you" or "it's boys being boys." This is a disservice to the boys too who are taught to be hard and domineering, and we know this is inherently linked to suicide being the biggest killer of young men.
Laura Bates' latest book Fix the System, Not the Women is out now. Maybe I'll secure the audiobook for my next run...
?QUICK FIRE NEWS ??
LETS GET INTO IT ??
What's wrong with calling Paralympians inspiring? ??
The Paralympics is undoubtedly an incredible event showcasing the height of sporting achievement, and the greatest representation of disabled people on TV. But it is the way it is presented on TV that can still be hugely problematic.
Inspiration porn The way we talk about disabled people's achievements has been criticised for sometime. A survey found that most people watch the Paralympics to see them “overcome their disabilities” rather than appreciate the sporting achievement. This is obviously deeply problematic and offensive to the athletes training to be the best, not to "overcome" anything.
“It ignores the fact that the problems and inequalities associated with disability are created by society. We felt that, actually, if anything should be overcome, it’s potentially the attitudes of the people watching.”
?Lynsey Atkin, Head of 4Creative
Victim or hero? Emblematic of this issue is the Channel 4 ad campaign in the 2012 games which positioned the athletes as "superhuman." It fed into a "victim-hero dichotomy" of disabled people - someone to pity or someone who has defied all odds. And while Channel 4 have remedied their mistake with the excellent branding this year, this old narrative is alive and well. The Evening Standard dubbed this year's Paralympics “The inspiration Games.” Sure, a disabled person probably has experienced some adversity, but is it appropriate to centre one of the great sporting achievements of their lives around a "tragic" backstory?
British pride is at its lowest . So what does this mean? ?????
The public is choosing “Shakespeare over invasion, exploitation and occupation.”
Is this a good thing then? New findings from the British Social Attitudes survey found that pride in the arts and sports continued to be high over the past decade, but there was a big fall in pride in Britain's history as a whole. While certain members of our society led by blind patriotism might point to this as a negative, it actually appears to be a really encouraging sign that we've come to recognise the bad that Britain has been a part of, as well as the good. And could signal our progress for a more inclusive society.
What prompted this change? Multiple recent events have caused many to confront the negative legacy of our country head on, to understand and engage with this troubled past - and present. The Black Lives Matter movement was a big part of this. Though it's debatable the long-term impact this has had on systems and corporations, the effect on individuals has been notable, creating a new generation of fierce allies standing up for what's right. Just look at the recent far-right demonstrations that were met with overwhelming opposition, outnumbering the rioters with messages of unity and peace.
Thousands urge the government to scrap 'dangerous' disability benefit reforms ???
Over 11,000 people are calling on Labour to drop plans that could push nearly half a million disabled people into poverty.
What’s happened? Originally proposed by the Conservative government, the WCA reforms would reduce benefits and increase work-search conditions for around 457,000 people by 2028. Anti-poverty charity Z2K is leading the charge against these changes, urging Labour to take a stand. A petition with over 11,000 signatures was handed in, calling for the reforms to be scrapped. Campaigners warn that these plans could devastate disabled people's financial security and well-being.
Why it matters The reforms risk deepening poverty for many disabled individuals, with critics arguing they don’t deliver on promises of encouraging people back into work. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that only 3% of those affected by the reforms will move into employment, while many could be left with drastically reduced incomes. Campaigners are calling for a more compassionate approach to welfare reform, one that supports rather than punishes those most in need.
THIS WEEK WE'RE LOVING ??
??? Lilly Wachowski to co-produce adaptation of trans novel
?? Chappell Roan dedicates VMA to ‘queer and trans people who fuel pop’
? JOB OF THE WEEK ?
BBC Archive Researcher - EXTEND programme
?? London (hybrid) ?? ￡24-27k (+London weighting) ? 23rd September
Who are they? BBC Studios is the main commercial and production arm of the BBC, bringing the best of British creativity to the world. They’re a content powerhouse, working to create and distribute some of the most-watched TV programmes on an international scale - from Strictly Come Dancing to Bluey, Prehistoric Planet to Planet Earth III.
Is it for you? The Archive Researcher will work closely with the archive and programming teams to understand their strategy on social channels and research related archive programming. You’ll need some experience or interest in footage research, as well as a passion for the media industry. In return, they offer 27 days’ holiday, a flexible 35-hour working week, health and wellbeing support, and more.
???This role is advertised as part of the BBC’s Extend programme for disabled people. To apply for this role, you should identify as deaf, disabled or neurodivergent and must meet the definition of disability in the Equality Act (2010). ?If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the application process, or have any questions about the Extend programme, please contact the BBC Extend team.
Do you use ChatGPT in your cover letter? ????
We're all for a little help in the job search slog, but letting it write it all for you is never a good idea. Watch Eddie battle between his angel ?? and devil ?? side.
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
National Deaf Children's Society
Solace Women's Aid
Roundhouse Trust