“¡Democracia Real YA!”

Puerta del Sol, Madrid.

On May 15^th Barcelona and Madrid were plunged into dissent as the Spanish population voiced their objections against the reigning government, ruled by a unrepresentative two-party system, and protesting for basic human rights and fair economic policy which the current political class have failed to address. Designated 15-M, the movement began with an initially youthful crowd organised through social media networks and the ¡Democracia Real YA!, or ‘Real Democracy NOW!’, group. However on May 17^th 15-M transcended social and cultural boundaries, with peoples deriving from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds becoming involved. Since then it has exploded into protests across Spain in 58 cities, however despite this Spanish politicians have somewhat disparaged the protests, labelling them as ‘leftist’ or ‘just students’ in an effort to diminish their significance; a notion that has been somewhat absorbed by international media. The next few weeks will prove crucial to the movement; however its non-party political orientation may prove to be a disadvantage without any significant governmental support.

Immortality

Photography by Nick Clark

This week was my birthday and, inevitably, the subject of aging arose. At the time it was treated jovially, but I find that it’s all too common that people express their fear of growing old, and in turn this fear is oft extended to death. I lightly touched upon this subject in my previous post, where I explained my reasoning that because death is inevitable there is no point to fearing it, and such a fear is only restrictive to an individual’s productive achievement. That is not too say death itself is insignificant; it’s finality certainly brings purpose to life, and obviously the death of someone is sorrowful. The fear of old age holds more merit; I’m certain no-one likes the idea of becoming dependant or their flesh aging. However associated health issues are best prevented in living a healthy lifestyle before reaching such an age; senescence is of course inevitable and thus, through a similar reasoning used above, should be taken in stride; whilst other, inescapable aging problems are left to fate, although that’s not too say they shouldn’t be contended with all your spirit.

When this topic of conversation occurs one notion invariably materialises; immortality. If the chance arose for you to become immortal would you take it?

France's Burqa Ban: Fighting Oppression With Oppression?

On Monday France’s lower parliament approved a bill banning the wearing of clothing that intends to hide the face in public areas. The ban itself appears to target the conservative dress worn by Muslim women; specifically Burqas, large garments that cover the entire body save for a mesh over the eyes, and Naqibs, all-covering garments which have a rectangular slit over the eyes.  President Nicolas Sarkozy justified the move by stating that it would help fight the subjugation of Muslim women who are forced to cover themselves up, however in the process the ban itself appears to remove the human right of religious expression and defies French ideals of tolerance and liberalism.

On Transgender

When I was younger, and more naive, I saw little difference between an individual who dressed as a woman, and someone who was a woman but in a man’s body. I remember my first trip to a gay club for a uni’ mate’s birthday and seeing a drag queen; at the time I was unsettled, however now I don’t bat an eye. Of course a drag queen is someone who dresses up for occasion and is completely different from someone who is transgender. Between then and now I have gone on my own journey of discovery, and struggled with the realisation of my own identity.

However as much as I struggled with my own personal acceptance I can’t imagine what it is to feel like to be born as the wrong sex.

Recently I was forwarded this video: