Doing A-levels and keeping up with Westminster goings-on is trickiest at the best of times. Every day, a minister will say something, a new policy will be announced, the opposition respond. It's a repeating pattern, all the time like clockwork. Visiting the news sites while keeping up with homework and life can be tricky. However, it has become near impossible with the number of scandals that have engulfed Westminster over the last couple of weeks.
The most obvious example of a scandal is amount of alleged sexual harassment. A MP from each of the two main parties suspended, one cabinet resignation and a whole host of apolgies. It is excellent that these truly horrific stories are finally coming out. Nobody, whatever their gender, wherever they work should be made to feel uncomfortable in their workplace. Having volunteered in a charity shop with truly amazing people, I cannot imagine the kind of activities that are being exposed. When discussing this issue, a divide must be made. There is of course a difference between wolf whistling, touching someone's knee and rape. Genuine instances of sexual abuse must be reported to the police and the perpetrators punished. However, that doesn't mean lower level crimes are not an issue. I thought Jo Brand on 'Have I Got News for You' put it well when she said 'if you’re constantly being harassed even in a small way, that builds up and that wears you down.' So, what can be done to change the culture of Westminster? How can societies encourage other workplaces to also change? It was pleasing to see all the major party leaders meeting to discuss the issue. The problem of sexual harassment, like expenses, affects both the left and right. I doubt there were any disagreements that sexual harassment – in all forms – is wrong and must be solved. A human resources service will be introduced, as well as new safeguards. They can only be welcomed. What may also help is counselling available for anyone, as well as experts on the issue of sexual harassment, who can provide legal and moral support. The issue comes down to context. It is impossible (and wrong) for the police or counsellors to track every conversation and dinner that takes place between MPs and staff. People must be able to judge the mood. A kiss at the end of an email, a longer hug, a flirty comment is acceptable in the correct circumstances. The harder, but essential part, is recognising when those circumstances are. ****************************************************************************************************************** Yesterday, I finally put on my poppy. Red, from the convivence store, money popped in the donation pot. Though Remembrance Sunday is just a few days away, I felt no pressure to put on a poppy. I could do it at my will, when I liked, for however long. That is the way it should be in a free society. Not all seem to think so... I was watching 'Sunday Morning Live' a couple of weeks ago where I was introduced to the white poppy. This poppy group campaigns for a culture of piece and against the arms forces, unlike the red poppy, where the money is raised for the 'Royal British Legion.' Even though the white poppy has been around since 1933, it has been viewed as 'extreme' and 'unpatriotic' as though those who wear it hate Britain and the brave men and women in our armed forces. The same sort of language is used towards those who choose not to wear a poppy at all. Unlike most broadcasters, John Snow, the Channel 4 News presenter, chooses not to wear any symbols for any charities on air. That is a principled decision which he had every right to make. However, you wold think from the way some viewers reply to his poppy absence that he had spoken in support of Hitler. It is truly ludicrous. I will wear my poppy with pride this Sunday. I will remember all those men and women, from all wars, who gave up their lives so we, future generations, could live happier lives. From what I've read on the British Legion website, they do excellent work to ensure serving officers and veterans live a fulfilling life. Quite right. However, poppy supporters must stop regarding everyone who chooses to wear a white poppy or no poppy as a hater of Britain. That does not mean they won't be thinking about the soldiers. Encourage poppies by all means, but never enforce. Surely the reason the people represented in the poppy went to war was to fight for freedom, end coercion, which enforced what people wore and how they lived their lives. The freedom to wear what you like must be maintained. ****************************************************************************************************************** Does anyone else feel absolutely exhausted? Christmas hasn't even properly begun, there still weeks of college before the break and I'm completely knackered. The change from GCSE to A-level has been so much fun. I've enjoyed the people, classes and independence. Nevertheless, it has been a bit tiring with all the homework and dark winter nights. Christmas shopping had yet to be begin, so maybe that will take my mind off my permanent zombie like state. Or perhaps I should just go to bed earlier...
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