When you’re growing up brown in a white country, you’re taught a few techniques of self-protection. Some of these are things you learn from your parents, others are those you…
If a person speaks and no-one listens, do they have a voice?
Everyone has a right to free speech but only a few are heard. As World Social Forum 2013 opens its doors in Tunis today, I mused on how little the…
David Cameron has blood on his hands
This is a repost of a piece written by Bethan Jones. Today I was found guilty in the Oxford Magistrates’ Court of causing “harassment, alarm and distress” following a peaceful…
Is it all in Black & White?
It’s us against the world, the old rhetoric goes. Much of my experience in activist circles has been fighting old dualistic battles: rich versus poor; Keynes versus Hayek; and West…
Feminists need to talk about sex
One of the beautiful aspects of Marge Piercy’s utopia in Woman on the edge of time is the natural process through which people explore sex. Unlike current society, sex is…
Race, Racism and the culprits
Preamble: Since it seems necessary, I would like to point out that I do not feel hatred against white people for the colour of their skin or any other reason….
Silence the Stigma. Talk.
My mental health problems shape me. They are part of me – like a broken nose can change a face. As much as I want to run away from it,…
Book Review: Counterpower, by Tim Gee
We are a generation facing failed economic policies, high expenses without the means to pay for them, a lack of employment opportunities that mirrors the Great Depression, and a government…
Riots Shock Doctrine: a right to freedom of expression
“Tory MP: Plain disgusting these riots, aren’t they? Youths ganging up… It’s immoral and raucous black thu- David Cameron: Blackberrys, you mean? I agree. Social networks have brought a plague…
London Riots: the fuel is not the ignition
Growing up in Nairobi, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen violence, or a riot. Burning cars, smashed windows, looting – I’ve seen it all before. But no riot comes…