Someone that I really thought a lot of has dropped significantly in my estimation in the last 24 hours. It’s all the internet’s fault, of course, showing me someone’s idea of reality in which the only thing that matters is how they make money and woe betide anyone who comes along and tries to change that. I hope these people’s underground bunkers are waterproof. Maybe they should buy boats now too.
I also remember when the word Liberal became dangerous. Without a basic (and increasingly advanced and considered) understanding of politics and media studies, fuck knows how anyone is supposed to be able to separate reality from the 2525 different versions of the same currently available to buy, rent or download. All these people who refuse to take a side. All these people doing nothing.
Except, of course, until someone challenges their comfortable lives.
My parents both voted to leave the EU. I know why, of course, because if you can’t see the inherent good in a wider world, the benefits of everyone helping each other and nobody getting grumpy because being kind-hearted and supporting each other is always the thing you should do as human beings, you’ll struggle to accept why shrinking the World to just your view of it is so appallingly toxic.
Ironically, both my parents were politically active in the 1970’s. Now, they are the benchmark for 52% of this country’s views. I’m embarrassed this morning that I’m running out of smart and intelligent people to aspire to because an increasing number seem to very much sit inside this same mindset: if it doesn’t bother me, and I’m coining it in, why the fuck can’t people stop causing trouble?
Does it really matter where the money comes from if you’re happy?
Actually, yes, it does. Greenwashing has been happening for decades now. Shoving dirty money back into the economy under the auspice of supporting arts and culture is all well and good, but eventually it makes more sense to hold the practice up for general scrutiny and expose it for the lie that it is. The point companies don’t want you to get is that their dependence on that money matters a great deal.
I could link you the video of Richard Osman and Marina Hyde on a podcast discussing how it is perfectly feasible never to mix art and politics, but honestly, there is little point. Two white people sitting and being terribly serious about principle ignores the bigger issue. Too many are happy to take dirty money and ignore genocide, war and fascism so they and everyone in their industries can maintain their lifestyles.
The liberal outlook ignores the increasing reality of a world close to collapse.
Once upon a time, I dreamed of being a famous author. Except now that dream is tarnished by an industry that will tell you repeatedly that it’s diverse and caring and that refugees need support and help, but only the right type of refugee. You can’t talk about politics and expect to be funded, especially if the people in charge don’t take kindly to any kind of active resistance to their own cosy crimes.
I’m thinking about this for a couple of reasons right now. Mostly I’m wondering how it is, at this point in my life, that so many other people around me wilfully unsee so much. Many consider me far too online, and that maybe many of these strands of thinking should be considered as less accurate and more conspiracy. To be honest, I’d rather be anywhere right now than in the same spaces as them.
My husband’s being prepped for surgery right now. I’ll keep you updated via Notes.