Hello, I guess the main political talking point at the moment is the election, something I feel profoundly unstimulated by. From a distance here in Spain it seems that the difference between the main parties is minimal, and what with all the Tory rhetoric of so called 'change' it seems abundantly obvious the whole thing is a sham.
I'd like to see what people think about this, because a lot of people I know say that if you don't vote you have no right to complain about the system. I want to feel that I can express political and social thoughts and convert them into actions in a more direct way than sticking a cross next to someone's name in a box. That said I recognise the danger of apathy because it can let extreme groups get in. It'd be great to hear from anyone with any enlightened thoughts on this subject,
Peace
Ren
Music is the Weapon
Here it has been very easy to get caught up in the campaigns, and the TV debates have certainly been a driving force behind this. Everyone feels involved, and perhaps more importantly, entertained - as one would after watching a decent film.
ReplyDeleteAll the leaders of the main parties have been stressing incessantly how this election is different (esp. Clegg) and it seems the general public are responding with increased interest. I'm skeptical like you, but I'm also deep in the rhetoric of it all: I desperately don't want a Conservative Government and so I am ready to believe Clegg every step of the way. He sounds like he could change things, whereas Brown, perhaps the most solid politically, doesn't.
It's all about the simulacrum! What you appear to be through the signs and symbols you employ and not what you actually are, or offer, or stand for. In that sense I would advocate removing oneself from the system altogether, because at this stage, and this level of mindgame propaganda politics, it is almost impossible to know what you're voting for.
Hope, however, is a dangerously powerful thing. When you hear talk of change and improvement; or rescue and recovery, from chivalrous looking men in pristine suits armed with slogans and smiles and wonderfully-feigned empathy - and the times are such that what you feel we need is someone to come and save us: to do what hasn't been done and is sorely needed...you start to believe. Believe in the men and their words and promises, even though the pang of futility still clatters around your head. Belief in belief is what it is. Believing that their are still things, concrete and possible, to believe in.
And I ask you...what are our alternatives?
Hello Both Johnny and Ren; I'm still not quite sure how this whole blogging thing works, but will hopefully get the hang of it soon. I will get back to you on the issue of mainstream politics, but have been thinking alot more about the BNP issue since I found out that a lad I used to live with in Newcastle has recently been drawn in by their arguements. I was so angry all I could do was tell him that I was angry and delete him as a friend on facebook. So the only way I could think of responding to the whole issue, after more than a week now of thinking, is to tell a story. It's not clever or sophisticated, and I really did not want to get into political arguements, but I would appreciate the continuation of this debate. The importance of anti-fascism. My mate Dave has written an article that I really like. He has written that which I was incapable to.
ReplyDeletehttp://daveguitarthompson.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-we-should-never-even-consider.html
ReplyDeletethis is my mate Dave's article.
http://northbeatssouth.blogspot.com/2010/05/short-story-of-anti-fascism.html
ReplyDeletethis is my little story.
I would appreciate advice on how best to approach a simple, non-patronising view of British politics in order to deliver a clear anti-BNP message. Thanks,
Tom