‘Frothingly partisan’

The above was how US political debates were today described to me. I thought it was highly accurate. It was also interesting to be labelled at the same time by a colleague as ‘anti-government’. I’d posted a video with a (white British) Sky News interviewer getting defensive at the mere mention by the Indian writer Shashi Tharoor that the British colonial government in India may not have been an overwhelmingly brilliant thing. The interviewer’s response was an interesting insight into the framework that, as Brits, we adopt. Very sure of the positive role that Britain has played around the world, and not willing to entertain what appears to be criticism of aspects of it. It felt like a fragile ego moment. Posting and commenting on a video like this shouldn’t merit me the label of anti-government. I’m pro good government, and just happen to be anti our current ruling party as they’re a bunch of uninspiring and fairly incompetent bureaucrats. The comment symbolised to me that it’s easy for nuance to be ignored, and for people to be painted as more radical than they are.

In the afternoon a great music event was held on Parker’s Piece, organised by Movement Against Racism. It was an opportunity to keep the messaging alive about racism and injustice and I was pleased to see it had a stronger turnout than the march a few weeks ago. Some ciders went down a treat as we relaxed in the sun, soaking up the nice atmosphere.

Happy anniversary to my parents on this 45th year milestone since they were blissfully wed in Rochdale Town Hall. What untold joys their son has furnished them with over the years.