I feel slightly conflicted about this story.
I watched this being debated on BBC London News the other night. I am pre-disposed to being unsympathetic to Ladele. I don’t like her views on religion and homosexuality, and normally despair of people using their religion to exempt them from public duties.
In addition, I find Ladele’s selective outrage to be par for the course amongst fundies - she has a problem marrying gays, but probably wouldn’t mind marrying a pair of adulterers.
But, Ladele worked in the job before the introduction of civil partnerships. She is one of 11 registrars who can perform civil partnerships in Islington. As religion and homosexuality continue to warily circle each other, I am not sure if it is such a big deal to allow Miss Ladelle to skip those ceremonies which she might object to.
Of course there will be the worry about ‘setting a precedent’. I understand that. However, at the end of the day I don’t think any gay couple would want Ladele to officiate at their ceremony – after all, the last thing you need on your big day is a fundie thinking you and your guests are dirty and sinful.
I feel sorry for Islington Council who I feel have been put into a bit of an impossible situation – a rules versus common sense debate which it can’t really win. I think it would have been better for Ladele’s superiors to try and come to some private arrangement with her concerning this.
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Donnie Darko's Mum Owns Your Ass
After a brief mention yesterday of the visual and aural joys of Battlestar, I should state that this is not just a pretty picture. What makes Battlestar a constant and surprising delight is the steeliness of its vision and the intelligence of its writing.
This is a show which treats the destruction of humanity as something deadly serious, and not just as a backdrop to brainless action and eventual triumph. This isn’t a disaster concept as we understand it from Independence Day or Armageddon. When the human race has dropped to under 50,000 people, the show makes you feel that loss. It doesn’t do this through endless shots of bodies, or of grieving relatives, but through the quiet devastation of those forced to survive in hellish circumstances. This is an emotional show without ever feeling maudlin.
The ethics and uses of power seem to be the show’s primary theme, at least in this first season. The twin pillars of Roslin and Adama provide a sometimes complimentary, sometimes conflicting vision of how leaders react under extreme circumstances. Neither is right all the time, and both represent the best and worst aspects of those ambitious and skilled enough to climb to the top.
Adama and Roslin seem set up in the beginning to play out a version of masculine/feminine visions of leadership, with Roslin shown as more emotive and empathetic and Adam the steelier, more practical one. But the show almost immediately complicates that vision, with Roslin showing a hell of a lot more backbone and smarts and Adama making stupid decisions based on his paternal love for Stabuck. The constant push me-pull me from these two give the show much of its philosophical grounding, but it is also brilliantly entertaining. Edward James Olmos makes for an intimidating centre but it is Mary McDonnell as Roslin who is at once the most surprising and most welcome thing in the series. She is an unapologetically political entity who has no problem leaving her scruples at the door to get the job done. But she is treated sympathetically and is allowed to be right as often as she is wrong.
I could go on and on about how brilliant Starbuck is, but frankly, there are enough laudatory articles out there and I have nothing new to add. Katee Sackhoff gives a truly iconic performance, in a role that, like Adama and Roslin, constantly tweaks your expectations about who this woman is. In an incredibly strong ensemble, I have to give special props to James Callis who kept finding new, and at times hilarious ways, of playing a twitchy weasel. It’s a role which could have become tiresome, but he keeps it right on the edge and sells the difficult concept of his relationship with Six.
More tomorrow…
This is a show which treats the destruction of humanity as something deadly serious, and not just as a backdrop to brainless action and eventual triumph. This isn’t a disaster concept as we understand it from Independence Day or Armageddon. When the human race has dropped to under 50,000 people, the show makes you feel that loss. It doesn’t do this through endless shots of bodies, or of grieving relatives, but through the quiet devastation of those forced to survive in hellish circumstances. This is an emotional show without ever feeling maudlin.
The ethics and uses of power seem to be the show’s primary theme, at least in this first season. The twin pillars of Roslin and Adama provide a sometimes complimentary, sometimes conflicting vision of how leaders react under extreme circumstances. Neither is right all the time, and both represent the best and worst aspects of those ambitious and skilled enough to climb to the top.
Adama and Roslin seem set up in the beginning to play out a version of masculine/feminine visions of leadership, with Roslin shown as more emotive and empathetic and Adam the steelier, more practical one. But the show almost immediately complicates that vision, with Roslin showing a hell of a lot more backbone and smarts and Adama making stupid decisions based on his paternal love for Stabuck. The constant push me-pull me from these two give the show much of its philosophical grounding, but it is also brilliantly entertaining. Edward James Olmos makes for an intimidating centre but it is Mary McDonnell as Roslin who is at once the most surprising and most welcome thing in the series. She is an unapologetically political entity who has no problem leaving her scruples at the door to get the job done. But she is treated sympathetically and is allowed to be right as often as she is wrong.
I could go on and on about how brilliant Starbuck is, but frankly, there are enough laudatory articles out there and I have nothing new to add. Katee Sackhoff gives a truly iconic performance, in a role that, like Adama and Roslin, constantly tweaks your expectations about who this woman is. In an incredibly strong ensemble, I have to give special props to James Callis who kept finding new, and at times hilarious ways, of playing a twitchy weasel. It’s a role which could have become tiresome, but he keeps it right on the edge and sells the difficult concept of his relationship with Six.
More tomorrow…
Monday, 19 May 2008
Gorgeous Galactica
I have turned into a Battlestar Galactica fan.
I admit I am a bit late to the party, but I think this may actually be the best thing I have watched since Buffy went off the air. I will have more about its singular joys later but one aspect of it struck me as getting too little attention.
Yes, BG is a brilliantly written and acted drama. But it is also a feast for the eyes and ears.
Television series aren’t supposed to be much of a eyeball feast. Their method of production generally yields ruthlessly efficient visuals, and while that has begun to change over the years (HBO shows in particular bringing a distinctive cinematic feel), I can’t remember being so impressed with a show as I am with BG.
The effects work in particular is often oddly moving and awe-inspiring, while the CGI work is generally strong throughout. When added to its distinguished soundtrack, which mixes military drums and haunting, almost tribal vocals, you have a mixture which shows the care and attention that all levels of this series has received.
More later…
I admit I am a bit late to the party, but I think this may actually be the best thing I have watched since Buffy went off the air. I will have more about its singular joys later but one aspect of it struck me as getting too little attention.
Yes, BG is a brilliantly written and acted drama. But it is also a feast for the eyes and ears.
Television series aren’t supposed to be much of a eyeball feast. Their method of production generally yields ruthlessly efficient visuals, and while that has begun to change over the years (HBO shows in particular bringing a distinctive cinematic feel), I can’t remember being so impressed with a show as I am with BG.
The effects work in particular is often oddly moving and awe-inspiring, while the CGI work is generally strong throughout. When added to its distinguished soundtrack, which mixes military drums and haunting, almost tribal vocals, you have a mixture which shows the care and attention that all levels of this series has received.
More later…
Friday, 16 May 2008
California Gays Rush Up the Aisle
This is friggin' amazing news!
The California Supreme Court has just legalised gay marriage. In a 4-3 decision, the largely Republican nominated Court said it was against the State Constitution to deny full marriage equality to gay couples, and that domestic partnerships or civil unions were an unacceptable substitution.
California now becomes only the second state in the US to have full marriage equality (Massachusetts being the first). The California legislature has twice passed marriage equality legislation, only to have Schwarzenegger veto it on the grounds of leaving it to the Supreme Court. However, he has said he fully supports the new ruling, and will veto any attempt by fundies to change it.
Bravo Schwarzi!!
The fundies, of course, will be apoplectic at this. But the Court's decision is rooted in a progressive tradition that refused to entrench bigotry in the name of tradition. Like the anti-miscegenation laws that they struck down in 1948, the judges have shown that marriage is a right which should not be denied. In addition, the Court explicitly linked homophobia to racism as a civil rights issue.
No matter what critics of the ruling say today, the most important thing is the impact this will have on thousands of gay couples in California. One of the great civil rights victories in America in the last decade has been the march towards partnership recognition - it demystifies gay people for a straight society and shows the depth and commitment that our relationships can have.
Congrats to everyone who will benefit from this - now what about the other 48 states?
The California Supreme Court has just legalised gay marriage. In a 4-3 decision, the largely Republican nominated Court said it was against the State Constitution to deny full marriage equality to gay couples, and that domestic partnerships or civil unions were an unacceptable substitution.
California now becomes only the second state in the US to have full marriage equality (Massachusetts being the first). The California legislature has twice passed marriage equality legislation, only to have Schwarzenegger veto it on the grounds of leaving it to the Supreme Court. However, he has said he fully supports the new ruling, and will veto any attempt by fundies to change it.
Bravo Schwarzi!!
The fundies, of course, will be apoplectic at this. But the Court's decision is rooted in a progressive tradition that refused to entrench bigotry in the name of tradition. Like the anti-miscegenation laws that they struck down in 1948, the judges have shown that marriage is a right which should not be denied. In addition, the Court explicitly linked homophobia to racism as a civil rights issue.
No matter what critics of the ruling say today, the most important thing is the impact this will have on thousands of gay couples in California. One of the great civil rights victories in America in the last decade has been the march towards partnership recognition - it demystifies gay people for a straight society and shows the depth and commitment that our relationships can have.
Congrats to everyone who will benefit from this - now what about the other 48 states?
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
The Shock Doctrine - Naomi Klein
I read No Logo when I was in college - I was about 20, and while a bit of a mouthy liberal-type, I wasn’t actually all that political. I was planning on studying journalism and I had an image of myself as a crusading, but essentially objective reporter (the delusions of youth etc).
I enjoyed No Logo, but was suspicious of the strength of its advocacy. Something about the force of Klein’s argument made me discount its authenticity. I was still enamoured with the idea of ‘balance’ as the best way to examine an issue. Needless to say, 4 years of journalism, followed by a complete collapse in my respect for the fourth estate has caused me to re-examine how I feel about objectivity.
To my mind, being objective doesn’t mean always airing both sides of an argument,. Sometimes, one side is just wrong, and it can be a frustrating exercise watching journos tie themselves into pretzels in giving publicity to patent bullshit. We all like to read about conflict, but sometimes that conflict is artificially enhanced by news. This is especially egregious when it comes to TV news, who largely work through soundbites so that complex arguments can be easily rebutted with a carefully worded lie.
Klein’s new book held me completely enthralled, and for a book which largely concerns itself with the effects of neo-liberal economics, that is saying something. The Shock Doctrine is essentially about how large corporations and supra-national agencies (with the collusion of the major Western Governments) use political, economic or environmental catastrophes to push through hugely destructive economic reforms which rip apart societies and cause massive inequalities. Related to this is the rise of the disaster capitalism complex, a gang of politically-connected mega-corporations who exploit these markets for their own handsome profits.
This may sound complex, but Klein’s brilliantly lucid and passionate prose make everything clear. Starting from experiments related to shock therapy on humans in the 50s, she traces the growth of Milton Friedman and the neo-liberal experiment as it lays waste from one part of the world to the next. It’s a book which feels perfectly in keeping with what is happening globally, and much like No Logo, Klein has a brilliant ability to make the macro micro. She shows exactly how these economic policies, rammed through in the name of ‘freedom’ have led to brutal crackdowns, fiscal misery and disenfranchising of millions of people.
I know I have turned into a bit of a lefty in my old age, but the delusions on display from these right wing dickheads are incredible. Their lack of empathy for the regions and the people that they are ruthlessly exploiting is sickening. Countries such as Chile, Argentina, South Korea, Indonesia, Russia, Sri Lanka and especially Iraq have seen their development hijacked by cowboys working from a dogmatic faith on economic freedom, with the full support of our governments.
This is a better book than No Logo – it is the work of a gifted writer and researcher and a tireless advocate for those whose voices are generally stifled in our media. Klein is no a conspiracy-theorist, but rigorous in showing how Western selfishness, both government and corporate has ruined areas of the world that they had little understanding. Go read it now!
I enjoyed No Logo, but was suspicious of the strength of its advocacy. Something about the force of Klein’s argument made me discount its authenticity. I was still enamoured with the idea of ‘balance’ as the best way to examine an issue. Needless to say, 4 years of journalism, followed by a complete collapse in my respect for the fourth estate has caused me to re-examine how I feel about objectivity.
To my mind, being objective doesn’t mean always airing both sides of an argument,. Sometimes, one side is just wrong, and it can be a frustrating exercise watching journos tie themselves into pretzels in giving publicity to patent bullshit. We all like to read about conflict, but sometimes that conflict is artificially enhanced by news. This is especially egregious when it comes to TV news, who largely work through soundbites so that complex arguments can be easily rebutted with a carefully worded lie.
Klein’s new book held me completely enthralled, and for a book which largely concerns itself with the effects of neo-liberal economics, that is saying something. The Shock Doctrine is essentially about how large corporations and supra-national agencies (with the collusion of the major Western Governments) use political, economic or environmental catastrophes to push through hugely destructive economic reforms which rip apart societies and cause massive inequalities. Related to this is the rise of the disaster capitalism complex, a gang of politically-connected mega-corporations who exploit these markets for their own handsome profits.
This may sound complex, but Klein’s brilliantly lucid and passionate prose make everything clear. Starting from experiments related to shock therapy on humans in the 50s, she traces the growth of Milton Friedman and the neo-liberal experiment as it lays waste from one part of the world to the next. It’s a book which feels perfectly in keeping with what is happening globally, and much like No Logo, Klein has a brilliant ability to make the macro micro. She shows exactly how these economic policies, rammed through in the name of ‘freedom’ have led to brutal crackdowns, fiscal misery and disenfranchising of millions of people.
I know I have turned into a bit of a lefty in my old age, but the delusions on display from these right wing dickheads are incredible. Their lack of empathy for the regions and the people that they are ruthlessly exploiting is sickening. Countries such as Chile, Argentina, South Korea, Indonesia, Russia, Sri Lanka and especially Iraq have seen their development hijacked by cowboys working from a dogmatic faith on economic freedom, with the full support of our governments.
This is a better book than No Logo – it is the work of a gifted writer and researcher and a tireless advocate for those whose voices are generally stifled in our media. Klein is no a conspiracy-theorist, but rigorous in showing how Western selfishness, both government and corporate has ruined areas of the world that they had little understanding. Go read it now!
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Boris and the BNP - wake me up in 4 years!
London, which is advertised as one of the most diverse and exciting cities in the world, now has a Conservative majority in the Assembly, a Conservative Mayor and one BNP Assembly member.
Thats kind of depressing.
I will reiterate what I said below. I don't think Johnson will be a disaster. His win means too much to the Tories, both symbolically and practically, for them to allow him to fuck it up in any way. And since I live in London, my own disappointment isn't enough for me to actively wish him to fail. There are too many issues to be addressed (principally the small matter of the Olympics in 4 years), and its only the most selfish anti-Tories who would want him to fuck it all up as some kind of lesson. If that happens, it won't be Johnson who will personally suffer.
As for Livingstone, I feel sad for him. Despite his faults, he has been a great Mayor, and as Johnson generously said in his accepting remarks, did a fine job of defining the role and making it matter to Londoners. I hope he maintains some kind of foot-hold with the Olympics as it is impossible to imagine London winning it without his work.
Now I just want him to write his bloody memoirs. Those should be fun (and its not often you say that about political biographies!).
Friday, 2 May 2008
Call 911 - The Gays are Kissing!
An American network did a little social experiment last week – they put gay couples in very straight social settings, such as a park, and asked them to do a little PDA (ie Public Display of Affection). Nothing too intense – some kissing, maybe a little stroking, nothing that gay people don’t have to see straight people do every fucking day.
The reactions were, um, interesting. Via Pam’s House Blend, somebody called 911 to complain. The transcript from the call is as follows;
An Officer was actually sent down and told the couple to keep it indoors. Nice, huh?
And the more mild reactions weren’t much better – they ran the gamut from people being OK with it, to the really fucking irritating (“I don’t mind it, but what about the children!”). To be honest, none of this really shocks me – I am more surprised that the couples weren’t confronted physically.
I actually find that PDAs can be a difficult mine-field. In certain areas of London, I don’t mind. I actually like hand-holding, and having the freedom to kiss my boyfriend in the street. But once you start venturing out from those safe zones (ie Soho, Vauxhall, parts of Clapham and Hampstead perhaps) then you start having to calculate your risk. I went out for a time with a guy from Brixton and we never really physically touched in public.
This is something that I still think a lot of straight people don’t get – imagine having to do a bloody risk assessment before deciding if it is OK to be intimate with somebody you love. It’s not necessarily about the threat of physical violence (though that is something that has to be considered), but who wants a romantic moment ruined by a shout of “Queer Boys!”, the disgusted looks of Bromley Madams or (and this has happened to me at least once) parents shielding their kids eyes from a simple kiss.
This is in London in 2008. I shouldn’t complain too much as 20 years before, things would have been much worse. 41 years ago, I could be arrested. But its still a frustration, and I could imagine how suffocating it is in less liberal parts of the country.
The reactions were, um, interesting. Via Pam’s House Blend, somebody called 911 to complain. The transcript from the call is as follows;
Operator: "Birmingham Police operator 9283"
Caller: "We have a couple of men sitting out on the bench that have been kissing and drooling all over each other for the past hour or so. It's not against the law, right?"
Operator: "Not to the best of my knowledge it's not."
Caller: "So there's no complaint I could make or have?"
Operator: "I imagine you could complain if you like ma'am. We can always send an officer down there."
An Officer was actually sent down and told the couple to keep it indoors. Nice, huh?
And the more mild reactions weren’t much better – they ran the gamut from people being OK with it, to the really fucking irritating (“I don’t mind it, but what about the children!”). To be honest, none of this really shocks me – I am more surprised that the couples weren’t confronted physically.
I actually find that PDAs can be a difficult mine-field. In certain areas of London, I don’t mind. I actually like hand-holding, and having the freedom to kiss my boyfriend in the street. But once you start venturing out from those safe zones (ie Soho, Vauxhall, parts of Clapham and Hampstead perhaps) then you start having to calculate your risk. I went out for a time with a guy from Brixton and we never really physically touched in public.
This is something that I still think a lot of straight people don’t get – imagine having to do a bloody risk assessment before deciding if it is OK to be intimate with somebody you love. It’s not necessarily about the threat of physical violence (though that is something that has to be considered), but who wants a romantic moment ruined by a shout of “Queer Boys!”, the disgusted looks of Bromley Madams or (and this has happened to me at least once) parents shielding their kids eyes from a simple kiss.
This is in London in 2008. I shouldn’t complain too much as 20 years before, things would have been much worse. 41 years ago, I could be arrested. But its still a frustration, and I could imagine how suffocating it is in less liberal parts of the country.
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Vote Early and Often
London goes to the voting booths today. If Boris Johnson gets in, expect to hear my howls of anguish all around the country.
My Conspiracy Theory angle of Johnson’s candidacy is that Cameron and the boffins at Tory HQ parachuted him in specifically to cause trouble for Ken and Labour. I honestly believe that they didn’t think he would win (hence the initial lack of concrete policies and his ridiculous pronouncements about Routemasters) but were excited about the idea of him on the campaign trail, railing against Labour and causing all sorts of enjoyable nonsense in the run up to the local elections.
Except something strange happened – Boris became a viable candidate. A combination of Labour-fatigue, hatred of Ken in certain corners and a breathlessly vilifying campaign by the execrable Evening Standard seem to have convinced enough Londoners to hand their votes to Boris.
Amazing.
I actually don’t think that Boris will be a disaster if he gets in. The Tory machine has been brilliant during the campaign at straight-jacketing Boris completely. I imagine the big guns were flown in as soon as it seemed likely that Boris could win. It will be interesting to see what his administration will be like, and specifically how his priorities as Mayor will be different to Ken’s. The Conservatives will no doubt to everything in their power to ensure that none of the inevitable ‘gaffes’ mutate into anything too embarrassing as this will be their most prominent chance to prove their changed credentials in 10 years.
I still think Ken will squeak it – I believe there will be a moment for a large amount of voters when, in the quiet of the voting booth, they may just go with the devil they know. Its all very well and good to enjoy the theatrics of Boris on the campaign trail, but London is a serious city. It needs someone who gets the place in their blood, who has been on the right side consistently of civil rights matters and who believes in the future of the city as a continuing example to others.
And that’s Ken,
My Conspiracy Theory angle of Johnson’s candidacy is that Cameron and the boffins at Tory HQ parachuted him in specifically to cause trouble for Ken and Labour. I honestly believe that they didn’t think he would win (hence the initial lack of concrete policies and his ridiculous pronouncements about Routemasters) but were excited about the idea of him on the campaign trail, railing against Labour and causing all sorts of enjoyable nonsense in the run up to the local elections.
Except something strange happened – Boris became a viable candidate. A combination of Labour-fatigue, hatred of Ken in certain corners and a breathlessly vilifying campaign by the execrable Evening Standard seem to have convinced enough Londoners to hand their votes to Boris.
Amazing.
I actually don’t think that Boris will be a disaster if he gets in. The Tory machine has been brilliant during the campaign at straight-jacketing Boris completely. I imagine the big guns were flown in as soon as it seemed likely that Boris could win. It will be interesting to see what his administration will be like, and specifically how his priorities as Mayor will be different to Ken’s. The Conservatives will no doubt to everything in their power to ensure that none of the inevitable ‘gaffes’ mutate into anything too embarrassing as this will be their most prominent chance to prove their changed credentials in 10 years.
I still think Ken will squeak it – I believe there will be a moment for a large amount of voters when, in the quiet of the voting booth, they may just go with the devil they know. Its all very well and good to enjoy the theatrics of Boris on the campaign trail, but London is a serious city. It needs someone who gets the place in their blood, who has been on the right side consistently of civil rights matters and who believes in the future of the city as a continuing example to others.
And that’s Ken,
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