I know most years feel significant in one way or another - for example both 2016 and 2017 shocked the nation and the world due to the number of celebrity deaths, though when looked at objectively, given the time when TVs because household items, and the ages of various celebrities as well as the growth of music, sport and celebrity culture, it's actually no surprise that many of them get old at the same time.
2020, however, feels different to that, not least because of all the different things that we have been dealt with on a global scale. Firstly there were the wildfires that ravaged Australia. We've had a global pandemic that we are still living through. And now we are living through world-wide protests about race and societal structures that perpetuate the differences and hardships that non-whites face.
Now, normally on a Monday I do my Weekly Update, and today I was looking forward to it because I am my lowest weight!!! But instead, I have decided to put my thoughts on what has happened at the weekend.
Over the weekend there have been many protests to tell the world that Black Lives Matter. I have given my thoughts on race and privilege before. Now, because we are in a pandemic some people have said that people should not be protesting. I disagree with that. We are in a pandemic, so people should not be having parties on the beach, or squashing together in supermarkets trying to get the latest deal, or driving 200-odd miles with your wife and 4yo child just in case you need childcare... However, speaking out for what you believe, speaking up for those who because of systematic racism need your support, is always a good thing.
Now, I don't agree with unnecessary violence. I don't think bricks should be thrown at police horses (though as a friend pointed out - why would a responsible horse owner take a horse into a violent situation? - food for thought!) and I don't think there should be mindless acts of vandalism. Spray painting "BLM" on buildings and plinths just doesn't site right with me. Yet, as a Bristolian, I was pleased to see the statue of Edward Colston toppled and rolled into the river. It seems like poetic justice.
My friend and fellow blogger has written a more articulate post about Edward Colston that I could.
There is lots in Bristol that uses his name. I have read that, after refurbishment, Colston Hall will be changing its name. I wonder if Colston's School will be going through a similar thought process in the near future? Bristol has a long history of slavery, and I certainly don't think that should be white-washed or forgotten, but should be remembered and learned from. It certainly shouldn't be celebrated by statues in public, rather in a museum where the public can be educated.
There is currently a petition for a new statue to sit on the remaining plinth (which I'm more upset it has been graffiti-ed than the statue removed): https://tinyurl.com/y9c8mu78
Personally, I would like it to be replaced by the image of this man, perhaps with statues of slaves themselves around the base.
Now, normally on a Monday I do my Weekly Update, and today I was looking forward to it because I am my lowest weight!!! But instead, I have decided to put my thoughts on what has happened at the weekend.
Over the weekend there have been many protests to tell the world that Black Lives Matter. I have given my thoughts on race and privilege before. Now, because we are in a pandemic some people have said that people should not be protesting. I disagree with that. We are in a pandemic, so people should not be having parties on the beach, or squashing together in supermarkets trying to get the latest deal, or driving 200-odd miles with your wife and 4yo child just in case you need childcare... However, speaking out for what you believe, speaking up for those who because of systematic racism need your support, is always a good thing.
Now, I don't agree with unnecessary violence. I don't think bricks should be thrown at police horses (though as a friend pointed out - why would a responsible horse owner take a horse into a violent situation? - food for thought!) and I don't think there should be mindless acts of vandalism. Spray painting "BLM" on buildings and plinths just doesn't site right with me. Yet, as a Bristolian, I was pleased to see the statue of Edward Colston toppled and rolled into the river. It seems like poetic justice.
My friend and fellow blogger has written a more articulate post about Edward Colston that I could.
There is lots in Bristol that uses his name. I have read that, after refurbishment, Colston Hall will be changing its name. I wonder if Colston's School will be going through a similar thought process in the near future? Bristol has a long history of slavery, and I certainly don't think that should be white-washed or forgotten, but should be remembered and learned from. It certainly shouldn't be celebrated by statues in public, rather in a museum where the public can be educated.
There is currently a petition for a new statue to sit on the remaining plinth (which I'm more upset it has been graffiti-ed than the statue removed): https://tinyurl.com/y9c8mu78
Personally, I would like it to be replaced by the image of this man, perhaps with statues of slaves themselves around the base.
 |
| I don't know who to credit the photo but will amend when I do. |
Remember this day.
Remember things can change.
We all have the power to do a little,
Which will add up to something big.
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