Here’s to the future…
Well hello. It’s been a while. For regular readers I do apologise for our uncharacteristic radio silence. I’ve just been a bit miserable to be honest. I managed to blether on through the Brexit ref, but this last month or so of electioneering and other events has left me feeling like I have not much to say that anyone would want to hear. In previous years we’ve done election specials about the decorating style of Downing Street, for example. But even that seems a little too jolly for the current vibes across the country.
Instead I present a suitably downbeat rag-bag of things that do reflect my feelings about how fearful the future looks to me right now. Today on the Guardian, an excellent and horrifying photo story by Benny Lam on the ‘cage houses’ of Hong Kong. I don’t need to pass much comment here other than to say… yes I love to eat out of a tin beneath some drying underpants as much as the next person. But that’s my choice… the tenants of the cage houses have to cram everything into these ‘coffin’ spaces in converted flats in order to get a foothold in the city. Beware, London, perhaps.
Finding this, taken in Salford and shared on FB, did make me laugh. But it was a pretty hollow laugh, to be honest.
The only thing that’s really cheered me up recently is that my friends have opened a beautiful Tiki beach bar, where you can watch the sunset and pretend you’re in Ibiza in 1975. The other night I was THRILLED to be stood next to artist Bob and Roberta Smith while watching some bands there. In case you are not aware of him, check out this song, written for the last election (5 minutes ago!) but equally pertinent today – and tomorrow. Even though my heart will be heavy, I’ll be whistling this as I go to vote tomorrow.
See you on the other side x
I think it is hard and disheartening for any truly thinking person right now. The world seems to be unraveling at breakneck speed. Countries that we have always thought of as stable and world leading are making changes and decisions that make the rest of us shake our heads. We wonder how much backlash there will be, not only for their own countries, but for ours as well? I live in Canada and although I am thrilled with our present leadership and our Prime Minister’s empathy to our country, I fear our uninformed narcissistic leader to the south. I look at Britain and think, how the hell did they think that BREXIT would be a good thing for anyone? I am hoping that the rest of the world steps up and sees the messes around them and does something to work together. I am so glad that Macron was elected in France. I could not imagine another ‘me first’ nation. I pray for the future and my children’s future and know that there have to be level headed thinking people out there that can make a difference. Do not feel alone in your thoughts, millions are with you.
Thanks Anne – I’m very touched that you left such a long and thoughtful reply. Yes everyone feels a little envious of the Canadians and the French with their choice of leaders at the moment. I hope, as you say, level-headedness prevails, even if it takes a while. x
Ughh yes, I’m with you on this.
As an American, I feel equally terrified and depressed with the current goings-on, as well as ashamed of how we got here in the first place. Thank you for being here and being real. (I did get a chuckle over our President Busty American Dream.)
A tiki beach bar you say? Yes, please!
I agree with everything Anne has said. But also try to see a better future. We have to share a vision of what our world could be like and be firm in our resolve to keep fighting for it – otherwise all of the others will have won! Vote optimistically tomorrow!
I also was full of dread – but now the other side of the election I feel so heartened that I realise how beaten down I’d felt by it all before. I have alot of faith in todays youngsters to turn it all around. Yes we have a ghastly looking coalition right now but thousands and thousands of people returned to a vote for humanity. I only wish we’d been more in this shape before the damned referendum. I’m hoping this era of uber capitalism, selfishness and greed is actually burning out, it’s not sustainable and it doesn’t make anyone happy not even the fat cats so here’s to it’s dying days and the return of community values.