The other day I wrote this on who I did vote for in my group GEC elections. It was quite well received by people as an insight into who people are outside of the election addresses.
I was asked if there was anyone I absolutely WOULDN'T have voted for and why. Well, now you come to mention it there were and this post is in response to that question.
Have to say that if you don't appear in either of these posts then it may well be that I either don't know you or have no strong feelings about you either way.
Lorna Merry:
Yes, Tax Justice is a Good Thing, but it was UK Uncut who brought it to the big stage.
Yes, casualisation of the workforce is a Bad Thing, but crowing about securing FTA contracts while substantive staff are up the road is not going to endear yourself to me.
That 'extra' £900m for collecting revenue came out of the cuts that they were already making.
There is no strategy in those hustings just a need for a strategic approach. Whatever that is.
Besides, I don't think someone who fillibusters a domestic abuse policy while in the chair at the GEC will make a very good president.
Clive Bryant:
Known locally as the Dark Lord, this svengali is master of the long speech that says nothing. Likes to berate branches for not engaging with their members and yet when announcements of office closures and the like happen in his own there is nary a rep to be seen to support his. Not that he would know where his are as the density in Worthing has always been appalling. And he can't ask his chair as they still don't have one.
He had to have PMR taken away from the HR team and what has he done with it? Messed it up completely. Possibly why there is little mention of it in his hustings (hidden away in the middle of bullet points) despite being the lead negotiator on it.
And ask yourselves this. How many ESS briefings have you seen this year? I count zero.
He urges us to elect the strongest possible team. I would suggest that this wunder team should not include him. That would not be at all 'elpful.
Ravi Kurup:
I never vote for scabs. End of.
Gordon Rowntree:
Half of his hustings are telling us what we already know. Then we get onto what he would do if re elected. ALL OF WHICH IS TRADE UNIONISM 101.
But wait, what is this? He would insist that members are balloted on major changes that affect them.
WELL SHIT IN A BAG AND PUNCH IT!
Beside the point that MEMBERS are supposed to tell the GEC when they want a ballot, not the other way round, conference voted for one on the hated and disgusting, morale sucking, job stealing PMR system last May.
We still haven't had it.
And there is a raft of other conference instructions that have been ignored. You just wait till we get to the organising section of conference this year for the whole list.
A strong and determined leadership is all well and good Gordon, but it is the members who should be determining the direction, not you.
Maybe you should actually talk to them rather than decide you know what is best for them.
Martin Page:
Doesn't seem to think not delivering ballot papers to a whole floor is a problem.
John Smith:
To be fair to John he has done some good work and does work hard and always in the best interest of his members.
But I don't trust him. And I have reason not to. Unlike the Elder Statesman he was part of the cadre that told me to go away, read the fucking paper again and do the right thing. Then tried to stop me using my right of tendency when I really couldn't vote the same way as caucus.
He was the straw that finally broke the dragon's back and that was the day I resigned from Left Unity.
Everyone else in the booklet was either an 'I nearly voted for them' or an 'I couldn't care less about them.'
I will reiterate. I am not telling you who to vote for. I think that is undemocratic and like I said here, I had enough of that when I was in a faction. But for fuck's sake vote!
Or you will get the GEC that everyone who actually bothered to do so votes for.
You are the union. You have a duty to chose who represents you.
Good luck.
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Friday, 11 April 2014
PCS GEC Election Special - On Who I Am Voting For And Why
It's silly season again. By which I mean that PCS is having it's annual love fest they call elections.
Do not get me wrong, I am a great believer in democracy. I am passionate about it. I vote in everything I am eligible to vote in. I have done since I was old enough to vote.
However, this doesn't mean that I don't recognise the game playing at this time for what it is.
I used to be amused by it. These days I am dismayed by it. And yes, I recognise that by blogging I am part of that but sometimes you know, you just have to speak out.
Before I get going, I should point out that I am not a member of any faction, despite the rumours, nor am I standing for election this year as I am on my way out on a voluntary exit.
It is no secret that I have had a falling out with some of the Group Executive. Believe me when I say that this is not an act of revenge, but an act of honesty about what I think of the candidates.
This is not anything to do with any other group either just my own. I don't know enough about the other groups and wouldn't want to be dishonest.
So, who did I vote for?
President:
Jake Wilde.
Hang on to your hats people, there is a very VERY good reason for this.
When I was negotiating the domestic abuse policy the team asked for five minutes to get it through the GEC. It was a no brainer and we had been working on it for a very long time. The VP at the time fillibustered so that we had no time to debate it. Not even the five minutes it would take. This, after being told in caucus that it was just an unimportant HR paper.
Jake saved the day on it. He came up with a solution that meant that PCS had endorsed the policy before the department published it.
For that, and for not dismissing women's concerns over domestic abuse he gets my vote.
DGS:
Gerry Noble
Let me say that this isn't an anti Margi vote, far from it. Margi has been a great DGS and has had to put up with a lot of shit and non co operation from certain AGSs just because she broke away from their faction.
Gerry gets my vote for two reasons.
1. I have known her since we were trainee delegates together back in Hove Town Hall and I have always loved her passion and committment.
2. This blogpost. Gerry sets out what she would do differently and that is refreshing and honest. I like refreshing and honest and I think our members will too.
Treasurer:
Jeanette Brooke.
You know why? She is a fucking brilliant treasurer. She has brought down spending members money year on year since 2009 and while I am not sure the belt can be tightened any more, I want to see her try and give it a go.
Assistant Group Secretaries:
Tim Coxon.
A few years back Left Unity did something really shitty to Tim. They (we, I was part of it then) used voting strength to get him shunted off a portfolio he was doing really well on to replace him with someone else. The grounds were spurious to say the least. I am not proud of that, I have always felt a bit dirty about it and I have always regretted it.
Tim took it as well as expected but didn't actually kick off. He showed then, and continues to show more integrity than anyone else did that day. He grafts hard, has the members' interests at the forefront of his mind and I would vote for him a hundred times if allowed.
John Davidson:
There are many who think that all he is interested in is Scottish Independence. Those people are wrong. John is a good man. He is committed and hard working and even when I left he still showed loyalty and integrity. He threatened bodily damage to my ex if he came near me last year and I will always have a lot of time for him.
Hamish Drummond:
Another great activist, Hamish is not only committed to his role but I have personally seen him defend members' interests above his own. Hamish has a big heart and will always do his best. Always. He talked me into standing for the GEC all those years ago and his loyalty means will always have mine.
Mark Leopard:
Mark is passionate about everything he does and has been amazing in his equalities work. I have worked closely with him for 5 years and he never ever lets either me, the equalities committees or the members down, even to the detriment of his own health. Another grafter and one I am proud to know and to have worked with.
Helen McFarlane:
Helen is nothing if not consistent. Consistently working hard for the membership. One of the things that makes Helen worth voting for is that she will not be told how to think. She is her own woman and if she thinks something is not in the best of members' interests she will fight against it, no matter how much pressure is put on her to do otherwise.
Gerry Noble:
Same reason that I voted for her for DGS. And you know what, the GEC needs Gerry. If she doesn't get that position she should be on the GEC somewhere!
Margi Rathbone:
I have a lot of time for Margi. She works hard and hasn't deserved the bullying she has faced since leaving Left Unity. She was a good AGS and would be again.
Karen Taylor:
Outspoken and passionate about everything she does Karen has had PMR taken off her HR portfolio by subterfuge and force and look how well that campaign is going! /sarcasm ends
Karen is another one who will not be told how to think and she works bloody hard for members. Domestic abuse policy? Karen's team. All the worst excesses that disappear from policy before you see it? Karen's team. Seriously, you should see what they start out with. And all that in an atmosphere of hostility and bullying from other GEC members.
GEC
Graham Allport:
New to the GEC last year he is always available to his members and he answers emails. With an answer, not just a fob off. He again is passionate and committed and works far harder than he should. With very little support from the AGS.
Ciaran Battle:
Ciaran has come up through the young members' network and I have always been really impressed with him. He is just what the GEC needs. Too long has it been dominated by the old guard. He is honest to a fault and committed. I want to see him in a position to change things.
Tim Coxon:
See above.
Carol Gerrard:
Carol was never, ever in danger of not getting a vote from me. Whatever she was standing for I would vote for her because she is that good. She is a proper socialist. One who ALWAYS puts members' interests first. Those votes that have members so angry over conference policy being ignored? Not Carol. She has more integrity in the tip of her little finger than most have in their whole bodies and didn't vote to sell members out.
Lorna Kennedy:
Love the bones of this woman. She is a grafter who is passionate about equalities and also has her own mind. That is reason enough for me to vote for her.
Helen McFarlane:
See above.
Helen Meldrum:
Helen is a star. She is passionate about the issues that affect members and she takes no crap from anyone. She is a free thinker who has the integrity to stand up for hers and members' beliefs. Another one who is a lover of democracy. She will be an absolute asset to the GEC.
Gerry Noble:
See above.
Marianne Owens:
Marianne has taken a lot of shit over the past couple of years but you know what, I trust her. I trust her to work hard and to stand up for workers. Marianne has been a mentor to me and has always been fair and honest. Also not to blame for the PMR debacle.
Steve Ryan:
Yes he is volatile sometimes, yes he can go right over the top but he has the courage of his convictions. There is no side to Steve, you get what you see, and I have seen him raging at caucus because members have been sold out. That he is no longer part of Left Unity should tell you all you need to know about his integrity.
Karen Taylor:
See above.
Jake Wilde:
See above.
Paul Tillyer:
Great bloke, insightful and hard working. Always had a lot of time for him and always will.
Phil Dickens:
For no other reason than to piss him off.
Margo McCabe:
Margo is actually an unsung hero as far as the GEC is concerned. She doesn't go in for plaudits, nor does she shout from the rooftop about what she does but damn, that woman works HARD. Again, she has integrity and loyalty and members' best interests at heart.
Margi Rathbone:
See above.
Rebecca Girven:
Had never heard of her before but bloody hell I liked her election statement. Give it a read, you won't regret it.
Kevin McHugh:
Kev is one of the elder statesmen of the GEC and while we didn't always agree we at least had a debate. Kev was never one of the ones who tried to tell me how to think. He didn't tell me to go away, read the fucking paper again and do the right thing with my vote. So he keeps mine.
So that is my list. I am not telling you how to vote. I think that is undemocratic and to be frank, I had enough of that when I was an LU member.
What I am saying is engage. Read the election statements. Cast your vote. Because if you don't then you will get the GEC those who bothered to do it voted for.
Next instalment, who I didn't vote for and why will be coming up shortly.
*flaps wings* *swishes tail*
This goddess is just getting warmed up.
Do not get me wrong, I am a great believer in democracy. I am passionate about it. I vote in everything I am eligible to vote in. I have done since I was old enough to vote.
However, this doesn't mean that I don't recognise the game playing at this time for what it is.
I used to be amused by it. These days I am dismayed by it. And yes, I recognise that by blogging I am part of that but sometimes you know, you just have to speak out.
Before I get going, I should point out that I am not a member of any faction, despite the rumours, nor am I standing for election this year as I am on my way out on a voluntary exit.
It is no secret that I have had a falling out with some of the Group Executive. Believe me when I say that this is not an act of revenge, but an act of honesty about what I think of the candidates.
This is not anything to do with any other group either just my own. I don't know enough about the other groups and wouldn't want to be dishonest.
So, who did I vote for?
President:
Jake Wilde.
Hang on to your hats people, there is a very VERY good reason for this.
When I was negotiating the domestic abuse policy the team asked for five minutes to get it through the GEC. It was a no brainer and we had been working on it for a very long time. The VP at the time fillibustered so that we had no time to debate it. Not even the five minutes it would take. This, after being told in caucus that it was just an unimportant HR paper.
Jake saved the day on it. He came up with a solution that meant that PCS had endorsed the policy before the department published it.
For that, and for not dismissing women's concerns over domestic abuse he gets my vote.
DGS:
Gerry Noble
Let me say that this isn't an anti Margi vote, far from it. Margi has been a great DGS and has had to put up with a lot of shit and non co operation from certain AGSs just because she broke away from their faction.
Gerry gets my vote for two reasons.
1. I have known her since we were trainee delegates together back in Hove Town Hall and I have always loved her passion and committment.
2. This blogpost. Gerry sets out what she would do differently and that is refreshing and honest. I like refreshing and honest and I think our members will too.
Treasurer:
Jeanette Brooke.
You know why? She is a fucking brilliant treasurer. She has brought down spending members money year on year since 2009 and while I am not sure the belt can be tightened any more, I want to see her try and give it a go.
Assistant Group Secretaries:
Tim Coxon.
A few years back Left Unity did something really shitty to Tim. They (we, I was part of it then) used voting strength to get him shunted off a portfolio he was doing really well on to replace him with someone else. The grounds were spurious to say the least. I am not proud of that, I have always felt a bit dirty about it and I have always regretted it.
Tim took it as well as expected but didn't actually kick off. He showed then, and continues to show more integrity than anyone else did that day. He grafts hard, has the members' interests at the forefront of his mind and I would vote for him a hundred times if allowed.
John Davidson:
There are many who think that all he is interested in is Scottish Independence. Those people are wrong. John is a good man. He is committed and hard working and even when I left he still showed loyalty and integrity. He threatened bodily damage to my ex if he came near me last year and I will always have a lot of time for him.
Hamish Drummond:
Another great activist, Hamish is not only committed to his role but I have personally seen him defend members' interests above his own. Hamish has a big heart and will always do his best. Always. He talked me into standing for the GEC all those years ago and his loyalty means will always have mine.
Mark Leopard:
Mark is passionate about everything he does and has been amazing in his equalities work. I have worked closely with him for 5 years and he never ever lets either me, the equalities committees or the members down, even to the detriment of his own health. Another grafter and one I am proud to know and to have worked with.
Helen McFarlane:
Helen is nothing if not consistent. Consistently working hard for the membership. One of the things that makes Helen worth voting for is that she will not be told how to think. She is her own woman and if she thinks something is not in the best of members' interests she will fight against it, no matter how much pressure is put on her to do otherwise.
Gerry Noble:
Same reason that I voted for her for DGS. And you know what, the GEC needs Gerry. If she doesn't get that position she should be on the GEC somewhere!
Margi Rathbone:
I have a lot of time for Margi. She works hard and hasn't deserved the bullying she has faced since leaving Left Unity. She was a good AGS and would be again.
Karen Taylor:
Outspoken and passionate about everything she does Karen has had PMR taken off her HR portfolio by subterfuge and force and look how well that campaign is going! /sarcasm ends
Karen is another one who will not be told how to think and she works bloody hard for members. Domestic abuse policy? Karen's team. All the worst excesses that disappear from policy before you see it? Karen's team. Seriously, you should see what they start out with. And all that in an atmosphere of hostility and bullying from other GEC members.
GEC
Graham Allport:
New to the GEC last year he is always available to his members and he answers emails. With an answer, not just a fob off. He again is passionate and committed and works far harder than he should. With very little support from the AGS.
Ciaran Battle:
Ciaran has come up through the young members' network and I have always been really impressed with him. He is just what the GEC needs. Too long has it been dominated by the old guard. He is honest to a fault and committed. I want to see him in a position to change things.
Tim Coxon:
See above.
Carol Gerrard:
Carol was never, ever in danger of not getting a vote from me. Whatever she was standing for I would vote for her because she is that good. She is a proper socialist. One who ALWAYS puts members' interests first. Those votes that have members so angry over conference policy being ignored? Not Carol. She has more integrity in the tip of her little finger than most have in their whole bodies and didn't vote to sell members out.
Lorna Kennedy:
Love the bones of this woman. She is a grafter who is passionate about equalities and also has her own mind. That is reason enough for me to vote for her.
Helen McFarlane:
See above.
Helen Meldrum:
Helen is a star. She is passionate about the issues that affect members and she takes no crap from anyone. She is a free thinker who has the integrity to stand up for hers and members' beliefs. Another one who is a lover of democracy. She will be an absolute asset to the GEC.
Gerry Noble:
See above.
Marianne Owens:
Marianne has taken a lot of shit over the past couple of years but you know what, I trust her. I trust her to work hard and to stand up for workers. Marianne has been a mentor to me and has always been fair and honest. Also not to blame for the PMR debacle.
Steve Ryan:
Yes he is volatile sometimes, yes he can go right over the top but he has the courage of his convictions. There is no side to Steve, you get what you see, and I have seen him raging at caucus because members have been sold out. That he is no longer part of Left Unity should tell you all you need to know about his integrity.
Karen Taylor:
See above.
Jake Wilde:
See above.
Paul Tillyer:
Great bloke, insightful and hard working. Always had a lot of time for him and always will.
Phil Dickens:
For no other reason than to piss him off.
Margo McCabe:
Margo is actually an unsung hero as far as the GEC is concerned. She doesn't go in for plaudits, nor does she shout from the rooftop about what she does but damn, that woman works HARD. Again, she has integrity and loyalty and members' best interests at heart.
Margi Rathbone:
See above.
Rebecca Girven:
Had never heard of her before but bloody hell I liked her election statement. Give it a read, you won't regret it.
Kevin McHugh:
Kev is one of the elder statesmen of the GEC and while we didn't always agree we at least had a debate. Kev was never one of the ones who tried to tell me how to think. He didn't tell me to go away, read the fucking paper again and do the right thing with my vote. So he keeps mine.
So that is my list. I am not telling you how to vote. I think that is undemocratic and to be frank, I had enough of that when I was an LU member.
What I am saying is engage. Read the election statements. Cast your vote. Because if you don't then you will get the GEC those who bothered to do it voted for.
Next instalment, who I didn't vote for and why will be coming up shortly.
*flaps wings* *swishes tail*
This goddess is just getting warmed up.
Sunday, 23 March 2014
100 Days Of Honest - Day One.
Been seeing this 100 days of happy thing here and there and thought I might want to give it a go without putting too much pressure on myself.
I had a think and decided that people where what made me happiest but they might not know that.
So I have decided to do something a bit different and do 100 days of honest.
Every day I will be telling two people what I honestly think of them. That is 200 people to let know how I feel.
Feel free to share, to join in, to take part or not.
You never know, you might see your name on here!
Will be updating here when I can.
Day one:
Dear Kaliegh,
I had a think and decided that people where what made me happiest but they might not know that.
So I have decided to do something a bit different and do 100 days of honest.
Every day I will be telling two people what I honestly think of them. That is 200 people to let know how I feel.
Feel free to share, to join in, to take part or not.
You never know, you might see your name on here!
Will be updating here when I can.
Day one:
Dear Kaliegh,
I am so bloody proud of you. I know it can get lonely when people around you just don't get it and try to dissuade you from your beliefs because they make them uncomfortable. It is them who need to wake up and change, not you. Never change my eco warrior, feminist, anti racist, left wing beautiful wife. I love you not just for who you are now but also for who you will continue to grow to be xxxx
Dear Carol,
Dear Carol,
you are one of my best friends and I love you. Your spirit, your generosity, your loyalty, your sense of humour and your fight is what makes you you. Never change Ada. Not ever. There are people one this planet, myself included who have learned patience from you and are lucky to be able to call you their friend. I count myself privileged to be among them xxxxxx
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
On Why Language Matters
Been musing on this subject for a while.
Words are powerful. Words inform the narrative. Words influence what and how we approach a subject.
When the subjects you approach with alarming regularity are ones like child abuse, domestic violence, mental health, gender and sexuality you start to recognise that the more you speak and the more you listen then the more you hear the inherent bias that language holds.
For instance, paedophile. Its what we all use for disgusting human beings who abuse children right?
I'm not comfortable with it. I'm not comfortable because it is a self coined term that means lover of children. I'm not comfortable because it is used like gay can be by people 'he looks a bit paedy' etc. This waters down its effect. Makes is somehow a thing that isn't all bad. It weakens it and trivialises child abuse and I'm not comfortable about it.
Henceforth I shall not be using it. I will be using child abuser instead.
Child porn. Makes me see red. Whether you like it or not porn is a legitimate profession where consenting adults work. (if it isn't then it isn't porn, its abuse imo).
Children cannot consent so it isn't child porn. Lets call it what it is. Images of child sexual abuse perpetrated by child abusers.
There, doesn't that feel better? No bias, just telling it like it is.
Date rape (now acquaintance rape apparently).
Stranger rape.
Marital rape.
For fucks sake. If he puts his penis in you without consent it is rape. Doesn't really matter who he is, he is a rapist and the different types suggest a hierarchy that frankly isn't fucking helpful.
Lets just call it what it is. Rape.
See what happens when we name things is that they become more real to us. The language when not wrapped up in other softer, more gentle, more genteel wording becomes stark. And we need that if we are to tackle the issues at all honestly.
There are words that dehumanise. Tranny is one of them. I'm sure you can come up with some that anger you too.
And don't refer to me as a girl if you are referring to my colleagues as men.
Don't tell me I have balls. I don't.
Don't tell me I'm accepted as being one of the lads.
Don't use sexist, homophobic, ableist language in front of me and call it banter.
I have zero tolerance for it.
Language matters.
You might want to watch yours.
Words are powerful. Words inform the narrative. Words influence what and how we approach a subject.
When the subjects you approach with alarming regularity are ones like child abuse, domestic violence, mental health, gender and sexuality you start to recognise that the more you speak and the more you listen then the more you hear the inherent bias that language holds.
For instance, paedophile. Its what we all use for disgusting human beings who abuse children right?
I'm not comfortable with it. I'm not comfortable because it is a self coined term that means lover of children. I'm not comfortable because it is used like gay can be by people 'he looks a bit paedy' etc. This waters down its effect. Makes is somehow a thing that isn't all bad. It weakens it and trivialises child abuse and I'm not comfortable about it.
Henceforth I shall not be using it. I will be using child abuser instead.
Child porn. Makes me see red. Whether you like it or not porn is a legitimate profession where consenting adults work. (if it isn't then it isn't porn, its abuse imo).
Children cannot consent so it isn't child porn. Lets call it what it is. Images of child sexual abuse perpetrated by child abusers.
There, doesn't that feel better? No bias, just telling it like it is.
Date rape (now acquaintance rape apparently).
Stranger rape.
Marital rape.
For fucks sake. If he puts his penis in you without consent it is rape. Doesn't really matter who he is, he is a rapist and the different types suggest a hierarchy that frankly isn't fucking helpful.
Lets just call it what it is. Rape.
See what happens when we name things is that they become more real to us. The language when not wrapped up in other softer, more gentle, more genteel wording becomes stark. And we need that if we are to tackle the issues at all honestly.
There are words that dehumanise. Tranny is one of them. I'm sure you can come up with some that anger you too.
And don't refer to me as a girl if you are referring to my colleagues as men.
Don't tell me I have balls. I don't.
Don't tell me I'm accepted as being one of the lads.
Don't use sexist, homophobic, ableist language in front of me and call it banter.
I have zero tolerance for it.
Language matters.
You might want to watch yours.
Friday, 14 March 2014
On Zero Tolerance For Dickheads
I mentioned in my last post that I have just got back from Women's TUC Conference. While there I seconded motion 23 which called for zero tolerance for bullying and harassment in the workplace.
My speech went down quite well and I have been asked to reproduce it so I thought I would do so here.
Chair, sisters.
On monday a senior manager called me darling. I gave him a gob full, and he apologised, so I let him live.
On tuesday a colleague snuck up behind me and poked me. I gave him a gob full and he apologised, so I let him live.
Yesterday on my way here I got talking to a man on the train about where I was going. He asked who I had to sleep with in the union to get here. I gave him a gob full and he apologised, so I let him live.
This morning as I went to the shop at 6.45 to buy toothpaste a man shouted 'HI BIG TITS!' at me.
He's dead now.
Tomorrow I will have another story. And the day after that. And the day after that. And so will we all.
I have the confidence to shout back but not every woman does.
And we need that confidence.
Work should be a safe space. We must demand that it is a safe space. But the men won't do it so we sisters have to do it for ourselves.
Zero tolerance for bullying. Zero tolerance for sexual harassment. Zero tolerance for dickheads.
We need to go old school. We need to educate women, agitate women and organise women to have the confidence to shout back too.
Support the motion.
So this explains why I was offered alibis and asked at breakfast if I had killed anyone yet.
I managed to get through the day without doing so.
Thank you Women's TUC for an amazing conference.
Lets now practice zero tolerance for dickheads!
My speech went down quite well and I have been asked to reproduce it so I thought I would do so here.
Chair, sisters.
On monday a senior manager called me darling. I gave him a gob full, and he apologised, so I let him live.
On tuesday a colleague snuck up behind me and poked me. I gave him a gob full and he apologised, so I let him live.
Yesterday on my way here I got talking to a man on the train about where I was going. He asked who I had to sleep with in the union to get here. I gave him a gob full and he apologised, so I let him live.
This morning as I went to the shop at 6.45 to buy toothpaste a man shouted 'HI BIG TITS!' at me.
He's dead now.
Tomorrow I will have another story. And the day after that. And the day after that. And so will we all.
I have the confidence to shout back but not every woman does.
And we need that confidence.
Work should be a safe space. We must demand that it is a safe space. But the men won't do it so we sisters have to do it for ourselves.
Zero tolerance for bullying. Zero tolerance for sexual harassment. Zero tolerance for dickheads.
We need to go old school. We need to educate women, agitate women and organise women to have the confidence to shout back too.
Support the motion.
So this explains why I was offered alibis and asked at breakfast if I had killed anyone yet.
I managed to get through the day without doing so.
Thank you Women's TUC for an amazing conference.
Lets now practice zero tolerance for dickheads!
On FGM v Forced Male Circumcision
Just going home from Women's TUC. Had an amazing time with awesome debates and offers of alibis in case the police came to arrest me. (long story, might blog on it separately)
So I'm at Paddington station in reflective mood.
One of the things we debated this morning was Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Moving, horrifying.
It reminded me of a tweet I read on my way to London what now feels like an age ago asking why the uproar about FGM when forced male circumcision seems to be accepted.
Well now, I have a couple of issues with this.
Firstly, this is WHAT ABOUT TEH MENZ??
Secondly, there isn't a general acceptance that it is ok. Certainly isn't in my book. I have tattoos and piercings and have had numerous medical procedures. But here is the thing. None of that has ever taken place without my consent.
A baby cannot consent to circumcision. Therefore, if there is no medical reason to do it, it is wrong.
I think the tweet meant to ask why aren't there big visible campaigns against forced circumcision?
I'm gonna answer that one.
Well, it never killed anyone in childbirth.
It never killed women of toxic shock by preventing them from having free flowing periods.
It isn't done with unsterilized scissors and razors.
Boys aren't spirited away out of the country to be mutilated.
It doesn't happen as a way of subjugating men and treating them as chattel that only has value if they are marriageable.
It doesn't happen to provide sexual pleasure for women.
It doesn't lead to death threats if it isn't performed.
It doesn't affect family honour.
It isn't a crime.
So yeah, what about teh menz?
Tell you what, you start a campaign against non medical circumcision and I'll support it. I'll sign petitions, I'll attend demos. Ill be fully on board.
Two conditions though.
Firstly, YOU have to do this. I know that you're used to women doing stuff for you, but this is your thing. Set it up and I'll join you and so will my sisters.
Secondly, you have to join me and my sisters in our fight against FGM and not ask stupid fucking questions like 'what about teh menz?'
While you decide, I'll be here at Paddington station looking at women of colour and wondering how many of them have been mutilated for patriarchy.
So I'm at Paddington station in reflective mood.
One of the things we debated this morning was Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Moving, horrifying.
It reminded me of a tweet I read on my way to London what now feels like an age ago asking why the uproar about FGM when forced male circumcision seems to be accepted.
Well now, I have a couple of issues with this.
Firstly, this is WHAT ABOUT TEH MENZ??
Secondly, there isn't a general acceptance that it is ok. Certainly isn't in my book. I have tattoos and piercings and have had numerous medical procedures. But here is the thing. None of that has ever taken place without my consent.
A baby cannot consent to circumcision. Therefore, if there is no medical reason to do it, it is wrong.
I think the tweet meant to ask why aren't there big visible campaigns against forced circumcision?
I'm gonna answer that one.
Well, it never killed anyone in childbirth.
It never killed women of toxic shock by preventing them from having free flowing periods.
It isn't done with unsterilized scissors and razors.
Boys aren't spirited away out of the country to be mutilated.
It doesn't happen as a way of subjugating men and treating them as chattel that only has value if they are marriageable.
It doesn't happen to provide sexual pleasure for women.
It doesn't lead to death threats if it isn't performed.
It doesn't affect family honour.
It isn't a crime.
So yeah, what about teh menz?
Tell you what, you start a campaign against non medical circumcision and I'll support it. I'll sign petitions, I'll attend demos. Ill be fully on board.
Two conditions though.
Firstly, YOU have to do this. I know that you're used to women doing stuff for you, but this is your thing. Set it up and I'll join you and so will my sisters.
Secondly, you have to join me and my sisters in our fight against FGM and not ask stupid fucking questions like 'what about teh menz?'
While you decide, I'll be here at Paddington station looking at women of colour and wondering how many of them have been mutilated for patriarchy.
Friday, 17 January 2014
Fuck Off Russell, Feminism Doesn't Need You
So. Russell Brand is a feminist now huh?
Yeah, he is, he held up a No More Page 3 t-shirt and everything.
That is all it takes apparently.
Granted, he we went further than when Cameron said he was a feminist. Didn't see Dave holding up a t-shirt did we? Huh? HUH?
And it is apparently the love of a good woman that has led to his Damascus moment.
Fuck. Off.
See Russ, I can call you Russ now that we're sisters and all that can't I, if you have had the scales fall from your eyes through the love of a good woman then I am afraid that you are still thinking with your cock.
While it is happy and fulfilled then you can play at feminism, but break up with the 'good woman' and I am betting that you go back to your sleazy, objectifying, creepy ways without even blinking.
If you being a feminist is predicated on your relationship then it isn't feminism at all and to be honest Russ you would be a fucking liability to the movement so we don't actually want you.
Poor little misogynist boy...
Poor, poor Russ. No one understands you do they? When you were refusing to go on set till a junior wardrobe mistress showed you her tits it was to emancipate her from her crippling insecurity over her body and NOT a sexual assault based on the entitlement of the male gaze was it?
And when you rang an old man and bragged about how you fucked his granddaughter, what you really meant to say was 'I had great consensual sex which was all about mutual gratification.' didn't you? Coz Russ, when you say 'I fucked' it sounds awfully like 'I took as was my right' and that is a teensy bit sexist.
It also buys into purity culture where you are seen as a conqueror of women who are left worthless because they were taken by your almighty dick.
Have you got on to purity culture yet or are you still all about getting laid by saying you respect women now and not quite wearing a t-shirt.
If you really want to be a feminist, and in Russell Brand's dictionary 'feminist' must mean 'egotistical, attention seeking, rapey bawbag' then you have much to learn. (copyright @TittyO'Shea)
For a start, it isn't as easy as just saying you are a feminist. I can say I'm a mermaid, it doesn't mean I am one, even though I do like to soak in the bath a lot.
So here are some tips if you are serious about this respecting women lark.
Don't simultaneously slag off all women you have slept with, including your ex wife by saying they are not good women. Lacking in taste they may be, but they don't deserve that.
Don't act surprised that this whole concept of respecting women actually exists. OH MY! WOMEN HAVE BEEN CALLING ME SEXIST FOR YEARS, WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME BEFORE THAT I HAD A CHOICE IN HOW I TREATED THEM?!?
I'm not buying it. Most people I know aren't buying it. I'm not sure even you are buying it and it seems that you are just saying it to get the love of a good woman.
It feels fake Russ and the feminist movement doesn't want that.
You remind me of those creeps who act like they don't eat meat so that hot vegetarian chicks will have sex with them. It's fucking creepy Russ and there are already enough men pretending to be feminists to get laid. We really don't need any more.
Don't treat women as objects. Don't perpetuate the idea that a woman is gagging for it and therefore to be used.
Don't slut shame. Don't victim blame. Don't treat women as your rescuers.
Don't call yourself a feminist. You don't get to join us by holding a fucking t-shirt. We work hard at this shit partly because of the lad culture, dressed up as effete caddery though it may be, that you perpetuate as lover/conqueror of women.
Don't even try to say that you slept with so many women because you love them. Not when you treated them as commodities to taunt their grandfathers with.
Maybe I am being unfair. Maybe you really have turned a corner and want to do the right thing.
Nearly said that with a straight face then.
Yeah, he is, he held up a No More Page 3 t-shirt and everything.
That is all it takes apparently.
Granted, he we went further than when Cameron said he was a feminist. Didn't see Dave holding up a t-shirt did we? Huh? HUH?
And it is apparently the love of a good woman that has led to his Damascus moment.
Fuck. Off.
See Russ, I can call you Russ now that we're sisters and all that can't I, if you have had the scales fall from your eyes through the love of a good woman then I am afraid that you are still thinking with your cock.
While it is happy and fulfilled then you can play at feminism, but break up with the 'good woman' and I am betting that you go back to your sleazy, objectifying, creepy ways without even blinking.
If you being a feminist is predicated on your relationship then it isn't feminism at all and to be honest Russ you would be a fucking liability to the movement so we don't actually want you.
Poor little misogynist boy...
Poor, poor Russ. No one understands you do they? When you were refusing to go on set till a junior wardrobe mistress showed you her tits it was to emancipate her from her crippling insecurity over her body and NOT a sexual assault based on the entitlement of the male gaze was it?
And when you rang an old man and bragged about how you fucked his granddaughter, what you really meant to say was 'I had great consensual sex which was all about mutual gratification.' didn't you? Coz Russ, when you say 'I fucked' it sounds awfully like 'I took as was my right' and that is a teensy bit sexist.
It also buys into purity culture where you are seen as a conqueror of women who are left worthless because they were taken by your almighty dick.
Have you got on to purity culture yet or are you still all about getting laid by saying you respect women now and not quite wearing a t-shirt.
If you really want to be a feminist, and in Russell Brand's dictionary 'feminist' must mean 'egotistical, attention seeking, rapey bawbag' then you have much to learn. (copyright @TittyO'Shea)
For a start, it isn't as easy as just saying you are a feminist. I can say I'm a mermaid, it doesn't mean I am one, even though I do like to soak in the bath a lot.
So here are some tips if you are serious about this respecting women lark.
Don't simultaneously slag off all women you have slept with, including your ex wife by saying they are not good women. Lacking in taste they may be, but they don't deserve that.
Don't act surprised that this whole concept of respecting women actually exists. OH MY! WOMEN HAVE BEEN CALLING ME SEXIST FOR YEARS, WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME BEFORE THAT I HAD A CHOICE IN HOW I TREATED THEM?!?
I'm not buying it. Most people I know aren't buying it. I'm not sure even you are buying it and it seems that you are just saying it to get the love of a good woman.
It feels fake Russ and the feminist movement doesn't want that.
You remind me of those creeps who act like they don't eat meat so that hot vegetarian chicks will have sex with them. It's fucking creepy Russ and there are already enough men pretending to be feminists to get laid. We really don't need any more.
Don't treat women as objects. Don't perpetuate the idea that a woman is gagging for it and therefore to be used.
Don't slut shame. Don't victim blame. Don't treat women as your rescuers.
Don't call yourself a feminist. You don't get to join us by holding a fucking t-shirt. We work hard at this shit partly because of the lad culture, dressed up as effete caddery though it may be, that you perpetuate as lover/conqueror of women.
Don't even try to say that you slept with so many women because you love them. Not when you treated them as commodities to taunt their grandfathers with.
Maybe I am being unfair. Maybe you really have turned a corner and want to do the right thing.
Nearly said that with a straight face then.
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