Quite often the argument is made that as people in western society are far removed from certain aspects of society they are able to disassociate themselves, often unconsciously. This is visible in the lack of awareness of the working conditions of people who make many of the clothes those in the west wear — including the exploitation of children in sweatshops. Perhaps the most clear manifestation of this can be seen in the ability, for lack of a more appropriate term, of people to disassociate, for example, the chicken they purchase in the supermarket from the conditions in which the chicken w…

#activism #masculinity #reflection

I was recently given a copy of the Julie Taymor’s film Across the Universe, having no knowledge of the plot, genre or any reviews. After starting slow this film has became one of the most memorable I have seen in some time—more striking as I am not a fan of any type of musical film at all. This has proven the be the exception. I do not know where to start in describing this film. I found it enjoyable to watch (after the slow start) based on numerous features. It is a film I will need to watch many times to pick up even some of the nuances, references to pop culture and society in general. It i…

#activism #film #means and ends

Adding to the very specific and targeted media campaign to detail new laws, weapons and technologies to be used by police, as agents of the state, at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit in Sydney, recent news coverage included details about how 200 people who are under periodic detention order will be given that weekend off – as in they can stay home [link]. The way this is being framed is that it will make facilities available (i.e. gaol cells) for the ‘mass arrest’ of ‘up to 500’ critical of the summit and its economic-rationalist agenda. The major aim of this detai…

#activism #nonviolence #othering

For some time now, and dramatically on the increase, calls for ‘a diversity of tactics’ have been made by many within progressive activist circles. It is of significant importance for a number of reasons. These most notable reasons, for me, are twofold. The first relates to where its use emerged from/who is adopting its use and promotion, and the implications of its use and how it is used. The first is easier to note, and the second has significant implications as defined by Antonio Gramci’s deconstruction of ‘common sense’. As such, I will look at them in the order introduced. A diversity of …

#activism #diversity of tactics #Gramsci #nonviolence