Nothing About Us Without Us
Yesterday I took a trip to Manchester to visit the People’s History Museum. I have been looking forward to visiting for some time, as it is very relevant to my interests and work in activism and background in sociology and history. My first stop was the temporary exhibition on the ground floor ‘Nothing about us without us’. I was struck firstly by the exhibition poster created by Dolly Sen (2012), depicting a charity collection can - it is wounding to see such imagery, so simple yet effective.
The exhibition showcased a wide range of case studies, throughout the last 200 years of the treatment of disabled individuals and the role people have played in campaigning for equal rights among disabled people. It was shocking to read and see many of the examples of injustice that have occurred, even within my own lifetime.
There were many banners from protests and events that had occurred historically, which were on loan to the museum. Some that really struck me were an ongoing series of shrouds made by artist Vince Laws; ‘DWP Deaths Make Me Sick’. I was left feeling incredibly saddened, after reading the banners and history behind the case studies.
What is this world?
Shouldn’t a specialist’s word be enough?
Do the DWP trust our GPs?
I remember when I was a child, deeply interested in society, or should I say, the failings, the injustices, the unavoidable sadness among many. I was, and always have been, drawn more towards social interest films and documentaries, Ken Loach being one of my favourite directors.
One of the most unforgettable films for me, was I, Daniel Blake. I could relate to it in so many ways, through my own experiences and that of close family and friends. Perhaps, true empathy in situations such as this, is only possible if you have direct experience of the issue. Should this therefore, be a prerequisite for politicians and/or those that govern society; the decision-makers, the change-makers?
I think I, Daniel Blake, was one of the first films that actually made me cry (along with The Book Thief). If you haven’t seen the film, I urge you to watch the trailer and consider watching the film. If you have seen it, I still urge you to watch the trailer below, and refresh your memory. This is a beautiful and raw account of real challenges facing millions of people throughout the UK currently and is testament to Loach’s exemplary cinematography. “His socially critical directing style and socialist ideals are evident in his film treatment of social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and labour rights”.
