Wednesday, 23 October 2024

Woke Communism Online

Archetypal Master Manipulator: Dark Lord of the Sith, Russian Master of Puppets — The Overlord

PUTIN CARICATURE

10 MIN READ

What D'ya Mean, Woke Communist West? Conspiracy Theory Post. 

In 2010 or 2011, I joined a group on Facebook called something along the lines of 'Truth Seekers,' just to be nosey. It was like an echo chamber churning around the same principles of being enlightened or awake. This was the first time I heard the term 'woke.' Enthusiastic members everywhere. Most of the members were clearly proud of their perceived 'woke' status! Non-woke individuals outside the group were called the 'sheep,' asleep, or chewing grass. Strange isn't it? They use the term to target anyone or anything that isn't left-wing. Funnily enough, 'woke' was always a self ascribed title springing out of a narcissistic belief of being special: awake in a world that is sleeping. This 'we know what's better than you do' attitude permeates the left.


They made the West out as being lower than a hobbits nutsack. Putin, for reasons lost on me, was their hero! This 'Truth' group was heavily saturated with social justice, anti-UK and anti-US sentiment, especially with capitalism, branding us all, as usual, as 'racist' or even fascist for a change. The questions I want answered are: 

a) Was the group a one off? 

b) Had I stumbled on a Kremlin troll operation? 

c) Was it purely our own lefties? 


Knowing the level of fuck-wittery and delusion in the group I was unsure what to think. Those oddballs went on about the next generation gifts to humanity called 'indigo children'; special rainbow kids that now sound more familiar to me as I write this! They held beliefs about other pseudo-occult waffle, but sadly, I took little notice — you really wouldn't though. 'Woke' was a new term for me. It's sodding everywhere now, lived by, as some holy code by mince meat minds of young, rainbow-clad, social justice warriors. 


In 2016, shock-horror! Russia was accused of interfering in the American election. But in October 2024, our own, genius of a politician, Sofia Patel, head of operations at the Labour Party, posted an absolute incontinence pad of a political social media fail by declaring she had nearly one hundred staff heading to the States for the same reason! The woman appealed for more of her colleagues to go, and even offered to pay for housing! Embarrassing!

A post showing Labour planned to interfere with the US election

I've made it sound like I'm fear-mongering or pushing one out, but honestly, I'm only sharing a wacky rainbow anecdote and a touch of speculation. I lean towards character themed blogs. Take it or leave it, but the Wests perspective of Putin is a great example of Carl Jungs archetype for the Shadow: the embodiment of the master manipulator, as well as the inner dark traits we hide inside ourselves. My favourite incarnation of this archetype in movies is the well-meaning Supreme Chancellor Palpatine from the Star Wars franchise, also known as Darth Sidious, Dark Lord of the Sith. His cunning plans were second to none, mostly because he seemed so trustworthy! My other compelling characters are oompa loompa's and Indigo children. 


The UN Agenda 2030

In 2015, The United Nations started an agenda planned for 2030. Their agenda encompasses 17 individual Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all of which claim to tackle global challenges. Let's cast a little doubt on a few of these well-meaning Social Development Goals (SDGs). Try not to think about a master manipulator when you read then. 


(SDG 16): Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

The concept of 'human rights for all' includes some quite diverse interpretations, which, let's be honest, could be quite damaging. For instance, do these rights extend to being granted permission to stay in the country if you spread radical hate speech? Will we see new rights for illegal unprocessed economic immigrants? How will the right to have abortions be monitored? For example, how often could a woman have an abortion in, let's say, a year? Would there be a limit? We sacrifice freedoms for peace and security. Authoritarians usually prescribe war or justice quicker than they support the poor and vulnerable so is this SDG helpful? 


LGBTQ+ beliefs on gender, sex and identity create controversy across various cultures and religions. If ever western secularism did nudge Abrahamic traditions into ordaining same sex marriages, please, explain how it's not stirring up trouble? History tells us that Russia has been using disinformation across the US since at least Ronald Reagan's time in office; remember the lies around aids? It reminds me of Chancellor Palpatine using double-speak in the republic senate. 'We must work together to preserve peace and stability' he said, meaning the destruction of his enemies. Do we know who wants these changes? 


The real world watched a Marxist BLM organisation protest globally after George Floyd's death, well, except for Russia, which didn't take part! The cold war was fought long and hard, and I very much doubt it ended, given the nuclear deterrent. To see so many 'woke' Putin admirers in a simple Facebook group compounded a strong message. Communism is lurking around all over the place. 

Police State Cartoon

(SDG 5): Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. 

I mean, come on! Another ticking time bomb just waiting to go off! Who saw the need to plant this? Absolutely, we can scrutinise gender pay gaps but adding gender laws when society is still ironing out the wrinkles and creases in the transgender debate is pure shit-stirring. 


When employers are burdened by targets for hiring women or providing gender statistics, I doubt there’ll be a box for trans women to tick, and even if there was, it wouldn't be widely accepted. What is a woman? 


Does any of this empower school girls when they're forced to share changing rooms with women who’re packing a male organ? You might think all this madness is political inertia, but we rarely call it clever social engineering do we? Who really is chewing grass here? 

Propaganda Cartoon: a drawing of buttoned-up lips, loose lips is a hate crime

(SDG 15): Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss.

When governments impose their strict rules on land use, companies and the public all face burdens — why should farmers be restricted from farming their own land just because an endangered species lives on it? Why should small businesses bear the brunt of these policies? Yes, we want to protect the planet, but we shouldn't have to take a nasty hit to the pocket and lose our voice! Not much is clearly set out and explained. Vagueness is ominous, a tool for the Overlord or the Palpatine type. 


(SDG 10): Reduce Inequalities

Ideologues who introduce rules to reduce inequality often make things worse! Providing equal opportunities for everyone is different from insisting certain people in specific areas should be hired to meet particular employment quotas.

Cartoon man insists he is not far right, just bald.

(SDG 7): Ensure access to clean energy for all

Yes, we've all heard this one before! A transition to electric cars has also involved some stringent government involvement, but look at the stupidity of pushing these vehicles! 

Stupid Electric Car Cartoon

Checkout the battery production pollution for electric cars! They're even reliant on fossil fuel-generated electricity! It's about as green as Clifford, the big red dog! Mining for lithium and cobalt degrades our environment way more than the conventional car does! The energy source used to charge them is insane because it will skyrocket greenhouse gas emissions! 


Surely, those in charge would have had an inkling that the demand for electric cars would have had dire implications? It's a new direction in manufacturing, given they're supposed to replace regular motor vehicles in the UK. Of course, car companies should have been fully up to speed on costing. Sadly, it will disproportionately hurt lower-income homes and communities. Putting personal transportation on a higher financial shelf might have a few ecological benefits: owning a car may well become a luxury for the privileged houses in the village. Classism is still inequality guys! 


Potential UN Control in Western Nations

The 2030 Agenda could lead to UN influence on Western Countries:


UN unified regulations dictating energy and human rights law is imposing on a countries sense of sovereignty, reducing decision-making. It's like how the Galactic Empire politically subdued the planet Alderaan. The UK left the EU for the same reasons concerning sovereignty, however, I don't know if the UN is as strict as the EU was pre 2016, is it common knowledge? Global resource redistribution under UN goals could bring serious change. Tax policies that hope to reduce inequality might end up causing financial burdens: there's potential for fostering dependency, which is unfair.


The extra costing for environmentally savvy parts and materials in new products will make them more expensive. It will hit the working class the most, and adding insult to injury. Global migration agreements would indubitably piss off most countries that voted for increased border control! We could go on at great length here, but, the goals sound good, don't they? The Ministry of Defense sounds better than the Ministry of War.

Police cartoon: officers warn a grandma about watching someone typing on facebook

Final Thoughts

While the UK’s alignment with the UN Agenda 2030 and the SDGs could allegedly promote social justice, equality, and all that do-gooder tish tosh, there are legitimate concerns to be had! Much should have been taken on board before anyone started to implement this stuff, but that's humanity in the high places fighting for power and lording over its territories. 

Share, leave a comment, it'll be nice to know your thoughts! 


Saturday, 19 October 2024

Was Jack The Ripper Unremarkable? ?

34 Months in Victorian Whitechapel: Ripper Archetypes, Soldiers & The Unseen Killer.


Gruesome Comic Book Art
Gruesome Comic Book Art

Disclaimer: this post covers unpleasant themes, discretion is advised. 

6 to 7 min read

Ripper Archetype in Historical Fiction


Jack the Ripper became a mythical figure and I dunno why I'm covering it to be honest, it’s a case so cold it's as frozen solid as one of Keir Starmer's pensioners! Missing evidence, lost files, and insufficiently trained police all contributed. Much like Robin Hood, Jack the Ripper is an alluring archetype depicted through quite a few compelling characters, though none as embarrassing as Kevin Costner’s smug American Lord Loxley. In this blog, I've decided to share 'From Hell' with you before writing my own shit fan fiction, before subjecting you to my thoughts on who the Ripper actually was and why.

From Hell Public House
'From Hell' Public House

Alan Moore's graphic novel, ‘From Hell,’ offers a fresh perspective, adding a rich dialectical narrative to traditional Jack the Ripper lore. It gives you a deeper appreciation of Whitechapel than many other versions, because it incorporates detailed case file information. Whitechapel pulses with life on the pages, and well developed characters like Inspector Abberline are beautifully flawed but appetisingly relatable. This graphic novel vividly re-animates a dark life, capturing London's fear of the blade and its unseen wielder. Fuck-all like the film!

Top Brass Ripper Case
Top Brass Ripper Case

In The Actual Ripper Case:


Inspector Frederick Abberline was pivotal in the Jack the Ripper investigation, with deep knowledge of Whitechapel. Unlike many ex-soldiers at the time, he lacked military training — this was a good thing because they were shit! Military trained police focused on crowd control more so than investigative skills. His colleagues, Inspector Henry Moore and Chief Inspector Donald Swanson, were skilled for their time.

From Hell Artwork of Victim
'From' Hell Artwork

Assistant Commissioner Sir Robert Anderson oversaw the CID during the Whitechapel murders, akin to a premiership team manager, much needed a leader.


Son of Morowa: A Ripper Profile:


The evening never tormented my eyes, nor did it expose the cursed blemishes my whore mother gave me at birth. I watched the outline of a figure. Another Dziewica Moru. This woman wore a tired black dress that dragged along the grubby pavement as she marched into Buck’s Row, not too much unlike my own matriarch herself. Naturally, I followed. 


The cold darkness was crushing inward from every angle compacting the light that tried escape the tall gas lamps. The nights chill numbed the rash under my shirt and woollen waist coat. This lady betrayed no inkling that I was near, It felt wrong to compare these women to my mother. We should’ve been stoning them for the disease they spread, but no one did! 

Syphilis Victim
Syphilis Victim

I matched her trot into the shadows, as my mind replayed scenes of a recent mistake. Recollections tugged on my waistcoat like a beggar, haunted me for acknowledgement! It was just three weeks before that very moment. The flashes still play out to this day; relentless stabbing, in and out, again and again, jolting through my head! the fleshy resistance against my knife told me of the visceral gems inside her. Vile butchery, that part was good. 

Syphilis Victim
Syphilis Victim

The woman's lifeblood sparkled black under the celestial glow of the moon. I felt disgusted, because I was inappropriately aroused. I killed and desecrated her, thinking of the one who gave birth to me. I had given the woman a coin, she parted chilled knees and spoke sharply in words I could not understand. 

Syphilis Victim
Syphilis Victim

She was a maiden of the Morowa dziewica. I reclaimed my coin as I stood over her bloodsoaked steaming mass. She was a symbol of our resistance across the city, because the land had been lost and filled with wickedness. My warm sticky hand stung; it slid onto the blade. 


I began to fear the eyes of Morowa dziewica, the maiden of sickness, searching for me, I knew it. I had blood lust. My family might taste vengeance, maybe degenerate to vermin like those birthers of abomination across Whitechapel. 


I could hear the clippity clop of heels, so I drew even closer. The flowing black fabric became clearer, as well as her white blouse and bonnet. Another plague maiden, a test. Moving briskly toward her, I smiled and politely spoke out in my broken English.      


‘Madam, hello, please, coin for drink?’ I said, offering legal tender. 

‘Oh bloomin' eck!’ she said, holding her chest. ‘Ah neelly add art attack!’

‘Hello, please,’ I said, walking nearer, smiling. 

‘Eya, ah, knows yew, dun I?’ she said, scowling and pointing at me with uncertainty. ‘Ave I sin yew dahn the ten bells?’

‘Coin, uh . . . drink?’ I uttered, my English was awful but it got me by. We walked, she talked, oblivious of the knife I slid from my boot. 


Jack the Ripper Newspaper cutting
Newspaper cuttings of the killer

Who Was Jack The Ripper?

Jack the Ripper’s victims lacked common defensive injuries, suggesting he was familiar to them, or not perceived as a threat. A young man new to sexual based homicide, likely with schizophrenia or a similar thought disordered mental illness; I believe he was a Polish-Jewish immigrant. Language barriers likely brought social camouflaged and may have contributed delusional beliefs. Poor English prevented him from writing any ‘Dear Boss’ or ‘From Hell’ letters to the police. His actions were marked by paranoid vigilance and a deep distrust of others. Other Polish Jews may have held suspicions, or like Israel Schwartz may have witnessed him, but kept silent as per their custom. 


Wall graffiti allegedly from the killer
Wall graffiti allegedly from the killer


Victim Reports:


Martha Tabram

Bled to death after 22 stab wounds to the torso and severe wounds to vital organs.


Mary Ann Nichols

Throat cut and deep abdominal stabbing. Facial injuries and missing teeth. Mutilation. 


Annie Chapman

Throat severed and abdominal mutilation. Multiple bruises and a methodical killing approach.


Elizabeth Stride

Cut to the left carotid artery and damage to the windpipe, with no mutilation.


Catherine Eddowes 

Throat cut and heavy abdominal mutilation. Removal of several organs. Bruises on her face and hand.


Mary Jane Kelly

Profound mutilation and blood loss. Severe injury to her face, neck, abdomen, and missing organs.


Drawing of victim

Common Denominators:


Stabbing, left and right handedness mentioned, cut throat, mutilation and desecration.


Trophy Items:


Cervix, left ovary, part of the bladder, left kidney, heart


Criminology Profile:


Aaron Kominsky and Nathan Kaminsky (aka David Cohen)


I refer to Martin Fido's book and the massive Ripper online community here. Suspect details were likely somewhat muddled up by undertrained police. David Cohen is a Jewish name as well as a general expression for an unknown man in the Jewish community. McNaghten and Swanson’s accounts of Kosminski could have been much better! Kaminsky, who was incarcerated after the last Ripper murder, and Cohen lived in Whitechapel and were mentally ill are very similar.


Media portrayal of Jack the Ripper
Media portrayal of Jack the Ripper

Psychological and Behavioral Profile:


A delusional killer targeting women aged roughly around his mothers age who do sex work. Possibly organ symbolism: liver as spirit, heart as soul, eyes as windows of intent, the womb as rebirth and or reproduction. Disorganised thoughts and a deranged worldview aided bizarre but methodical planning.

Map of Whitechapel
Whitechapel



What's the deal?


If Jack the Ripper had not gone under the radar, missing the famous suspect list I would say he was a Polish Jew. A man not properly identified, partly Cohen, with some Kosminski, or Kaminsky. The evidence suggests a delusional man processing encounters through a disturbed mind. 


Anderson's claim of the Ripper dying in an asylum, described him as a low-born Jewish immigrant; yes it supports the theory, but again, he didn't give a full name and the book was written years later. The confusion between names like Kosminsky and Kaminsky demonstrates Victorian investigative limitations. 


Jack the Ripper is a historical character fictionalised by antiquated data processing and sensationalism that helped him avoid detection.


Share and leave a comment it'll be nice to know your thoughts!


Friday, 4 October 2024

Barbecue Breakfast Broadcasting

Morning TV Politics: Waking up to Spicy Breakfast TV

An Amateur Cartoonist picture of good morning TV cursing farage

1 to 2 min read

Full English Breakfast

Remember when morning television was just the weather and a half-baked celebrity chef? Look at things now! It's turned into a gladiatorial arena where lions grill politicians harder than a full English. Good Morning Britain has practically become 24 hours in police custody with better lighting and more makeup! 

The Interview Olympics

Watching politicians evasion skills on morning shows has become its own form of entertainment. The presenters lean forward with that 'I've got you now,' expression, but their political guests are trained in slippery dialogue and navigate questions like it's literally a verbal version of ninja warrior. If their skills were translated into a physical context these Westminster folk would br wrestling silverbacks over banana rights.

If you can recall there was an information problem surrounding the Southport tragedy? Certain MPs suggested the police were being a bit tight-lipped about details. Like cats on a laser pointer, breakfast show hosts pounced. Everything about the pair was, 'How dare you question the authorities!' However, we all know questioning authority is supposed to be the media's primary job description It’s like what The Angry Bootneck said in his video: police do withhold info! 

The Information Dance

Here's the thing about police investigations; the transparency is like a brick wall with decent rendering and a lick of black paint. We waited ages for the full story on the Manchester Arena bombing. The Salisbury poisoning? Same deal. It's like trying to get your teenage son to explain why he has no socks anymore—you get bits and pieces, then the emerging picture makes you appreciate why people keep quiet.

The authorities have their reasons, of course they do! Legal procedures, ongoing investigations, not wanting to prejudice potential trials. On the same token, it does leave Joe Bloggs Public feeling like everythings turned into a true crime Netflix series with missing episodes.

Like a Nasty Accident at the National Break Dancing Championship

As usual, a new government comes in centre-stage bopping up and down with music, grand promises to fix everything, then discovers that running a country is a tad more awkward than their campaign leaflets said before face-planting the floor. Oh shit, indeed! They know it feels like they're expected to solve a Rubik's cube while powering a speedboat over the rapids. The PM has that startled-deer-look in his eye, he knows he's screwed.

The housing crisis is doing really well, the beached NHS continues its heroic fight against the national sense of guilty pessimism, and town centers keep promoting nostalgia for the good old days when most shops weren't charity.

The Fairness Circus

Two tier this, immigrants that. We do get annoyed when some people get more than others do, inequality is it or discrimination? I was told about English Heritage offering free memberships to some certain groups while others pay full whack—cue the inevitable arguments and tensions. It's like trying to share a pizza fairly at a party where everyone has a strong opinion about toppings.
English Heritage Rules on Admission for Refugees

We all want fairness, but defining what's objectively fair for everyone is like trying to nail jelly to a wall—messy and ultimately futile.

International Intrigue

Our foreign policy adventures are great, we seem lost. Britain's international affairs is like a social inadequate being asked to explain quantum physics using only emojis. The public gets simplified versions of complex situations. Our leader is like an embarrassing parent who lies through his teeth to get in with the 'cool kids'. 

Finding the Silver Lining

But here's the thing—despite all the chaos, confusion, and morning TV theatrics, Britain keeps chugging along like an octogenarian chain smoking amputee. We've survived worse times relying on our impenetrable wall of deliberate comedic humour and foolishness as well as flatulence.

Maybe the answer is to remember that democracy is a bit like a communal garden—it only works when everyone does their bit, okay, maybe that'll never happen! Simply paying attention and occasionally rolling your eyes at the absurdity of it all is as good as it gets?  

An amateur cartoon of a depressed duck doing the news

My Conclusion... 

At least it isn't boring? No? On our television screens full of negative news and silly problems, perhaps a bit of ignorance is exactly the kind of solution we need? Surely there's a lot of delightful news to be shared instead of gloom, doom and, imagine another rhyming word. Instead, play video games, walk your dog, we can't stop stupid. What sort of conclusion is this? 

Please leave me a comment, it would be nice to hear your ideas! 


















Wednesday, 2 October 2024

Why Would TV Bosses Support Wrong-uns?

Schofield Island: Disgraced Celebrity Victim Special

An Amateur Cartoonist's ode to Schofield

5 min read

What Can You Do These Days?

The country has taken a step toward televised celebrity redemption, an interesting turn that could save a fortune on PR. Philip Schofield's reality TV appearance follow the theme of him surviving as a survivor, an outcast. The show format raises questions about how we should handle disgraced celebrities. I mean, did his platform really serve as genuine redemption or was it simply about him having his rant after getting caught? Why did TV bosses even bother to begin with? 

The Schofield Approach

Schofield's career trajectory offers a case study, one day this will be taught in media studied to completely dumbfounded students: module F: celebrity recycling and PR. Once Schofield was a prominent breakfast television presenter, his departure from mainstream TV followed a personal scandal and genuinely seemed final! However, his exclusive reappearance on a 'survival show' was calculated.

Past Conduct Concerns

During his television career, Schofield's presenting style lost him respect. He challenged guests in quite unnecessarily confrontational ways. He led almost sadistic interviews that were uncomfortable to watch. They weren't limited to celebrities and public figures, but regular Joes alike. His approach often appeared to prioritize dramatic television, putting himself in the frame more so than sticking to quality interviewing and rapport.

The circumstances surrounding his departure from television - involved a romantic relationship with a young male, who was a teenager when he initially met Schofield. Of course it raised serious questions about power dynamics and yet again, professional conduct in the industry. As expected, Philip Schofield stressed and maintained that the relationship was legal, it was a desperate thing to witness. The significant age gap, his liars to his wife and children. His workplace environment created concern for us all, ringing unpleasant notes of the BBC and children. This all added to his clear history of condemning guests be shared across the internet shaping an algorithm, which led inflammatory accusations and anger.  

The Redemption Question

The broader issue here extends beyond one individual. How should society handle the nasty public figures? Are traditional consequences evolving into entertainment opportunities? Wouldn't that raise a few questions? Televised redemption arcs designed to trick the masses into believing a re-purposing is happening to their staff caught offending! It could be made to look like a service to justice if the right rings align. There's little to no doubt the BBC would've loved going all 'vatican rules' but, my imagination is running away with me.

Schofield Castaway Poster
Marketed favourably

The survival show format could not address the underlying issues that led to the downfall of Philip Schofield. Instead, it trivialized his misconduct because it was treated as material for entertainment! The boy/victim was not even present to share his experience! 

Moving Forward

Perhaps what's needed is a more thoughtful approach to accountability? Imagine if the entertainment industry focused on  genuine reflection, making amends to those harmed, and demonstrated real intolerance of sexual misconduct, rather than silence, going legally defensive or by seeking quick public sympathy like we have seen in the past! 

What do you think about giving disgraced celebrities a televised platform to explain themselves? Drop us a comment! 

Monday, 16 September 2024

Is 'Coconut' a Racist Expression? Let's Crack On, Shall We?

Marieha Hussain: The Controversial ‘Coconut’ Placard Case

A black man in cartoon

Fact:

When a person of colour behaves in a way perceived to be associated with white people, they could be called a 'coconut' by non-white individuals, because the flesh of a caucasian person and a coconut are both called white. Is this racism? 

The Case:

Around the time of the Palestine marches in 2023 - 2024, Marieha Hussain, a teacher, faced legal action for holding a placard up showing Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts. Regardless of any humour which she insisted it was, the racial context was flagged as pejorative or derogatory. Although Hussain was acquitted, she lost her career and faced online abuse, but still defended the placard as satire throughout. It can appear petty to be put on trial over a placard, but is it always so? Marieha Hussain's protest board does pale in comparison to modern celebrity acts of racism. 

The offending coconut placard
The Placard

It was unfortunate that the Hussain family faced such harsh treatment. However, despite the racial nature of her legal proceedings, Hussain spoke to the press and accused the system of misusing hate speech laws against ethnic minorities: 

'The laws on hate speech must protect us, but this trial shows they are weaponised to target ethnic minorities'. 

Naturally, the uncivilised treatment she endured would have warranted her to bite-back, so to speak. Taking things objectively, one trial—of which she was acquitted—is not proof of an entire systemic persecution of the ethnic population. 

What if this was a Keir Starmer Cornish pasty placard (brown on the inside) during an alternative version of the summer protests? Would it have led to fewer legal outcomes? More? 

The Reality

An insightful blog here shows terms like 'coconut' and 'Oreo' are not new. They mean brown on the outside, 'white on the inside' and they are hurled at black or brown people who don’t conform to their racial stereotype. If Marieha Hussain fully understood the term before creating the placard, it wouldn't have been a surprise. Consider the archetypal activist; bold, purpose driven, passionate and focused on improving things. In certain circumstances, 'coconut' metaphors are not considered racist. Caution is advised with social sensitivities, and so, would more leniency with racial offences help? Especially after years of high profile racism? Are the less scrupulous more likely gamble with low level racial offences? 

Coconut, white inside
Race Politics

Think back to the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK, when Sasha Johnson openly criticized whiteness as perpetuating systemic racism. She promoted Blackness with the intensity of a supremacist. Once, while on camera this BLM matriarch bullied a black man, calling him a 'coon,' with no legal consequence. It is a similar slur implying conformity to racist stereotypes. It’s reasonable to suggest that a non-Black individual would could very easily be prosecuted for the same act. The same laws are needed for everyone because racism is not housed in certain quadrants of the country. 

Holding a candle to our inherent racial differences will eventually lead to stereotyping, strengthening our racial biases. Race-baiters' may present their ideology as a political agenda or choose to defend one specific culture over another. Professor Andrews is an expert in black studies, and he spoke in defence of the placard, stating:

'Who says it’s racialised? These terms, coconut, come from struggle, from others... you can’t tell me I should be proud to have a brown prime minister and a brown home secretary and then say, well, actually, when they do things which are racist, we can’t criticise them. This is political language, and the judge made it clear this is political satire!'

Racially charged insults like 'coconut,' 'monkey,' or 'elephant washer' clearly follow old generalisations. Whereas surprisingly, many anti-immigration concerns do lack the same overt racial overtones, yet they are often fiercely condemned as such! Judge for yourselves, but if Prof. Andrews' argument concerning the Placard is that Sunak and Braverman’s 'whiteness' is inherently racist, he is undeniably reinforcing negative racial stereotypes and demonising white people—which is racism. 

In an ideal world, we would all practice forgiveness and champion care before speaking. In reality, we need rules to live by.

Final Thoughts

The trial raises important questions about whether such debates are ultimately more harmful or helpful. Human diversity—cultural, physical, historical, linguistic, and genetic—demands respect for each individual. However, this respect often runs dry.

Excessively labeling every slight as 'racist' can exacerbate modern racial hostility rather than build better bonds. As we venture these grounds, it’s crucial to strike a balance that acknowledges and respects our wonderful differences without failing standards of decency and good faith.




Coconut - Marieha Hussain - Racism - Protest - Politics - Coconut Placard - Ethnic Minorities - Court Case - Hussain


Thursday, 5 September 2024

Questioning if Lucy Letby Had a Fair Trial

Letby: Why I Think She Might Be Innocent

Paparazzi gone mad!

Everyone Saw The News Reports 

Disclaimer: this post covers unpleasant themes, discretion is advised. 

6 to 7 min read

The nation was gripped right from the first news report. It was a case that got under everyone's skin - familiar TV reporters telling us about the rising death toll among babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The wider media speculated: were these deaths negligence? Criminal? Incompetence?

The knock-on effect for police was tremendous public expectation to catch someone. Coverage began in 2017 and created those intense 'turn the telly up' moments - we all needed to find out if they'd uncovered the monster responsible! Was this feeding the masses a premature conclusion? 

How Quickly The Focus Turned to Lucy Letby

And of course, it was quite speedy how the focus landed on Lucy Letby. People were saying the young nurse was present during those infant deaths. I was convinced like many others! The reports said she was directly there when the tragedies happened. Our news is trusted by everyone I know - it must be right? Yeah? 

Social media apps

But looking back, I think we let that 'Angel of Death' archetype take shape too easily. She became the dark shadow of that hospital ward. We stoked our own fires - did your circle of friends talk about bringing back the death sentence? Mine did. Social media painted her with a 'psycho vibe' and all of it contributed to presuming guilt before her trial started. That's a terrible climate for any investigation, let alone legal proceedings.

Eye up, that looks like Letby!

The Numbers Don't Add Up For Me

The prosecution's case relied heavily on statistical evidence linking deaths to when Letby was on duty. The correlations are noticeable, I'll give them that. But here's what bothers me: six deaths happened when Letby wasn't even there. 

The Guardian wrote that Dr John Gibbs emailed colleagues in 2016 saying the increase in deaths "might be within 'expected' statistical variance (but I'm not sure because my stats isn't good enough)." Numbers don't prove how someone died or who killed them. They just don't.

Medical evidence lab

Medical Experts Argued Over Evidence Validity 

The expert witnesses spent time analyzing how infants died - mostly air embolisms and insulin overdoses, suggesting deliberate harm. Dr Evans, an ex-consultant paediatrician, claimed babies had air injected through nasal feeding tubes. 

Lucy Letby's Charges

But other clinicians questioned his reasoning, saying the methods weren't practically feasible. It does seem fiddly and awkward. When NHS professionals say the likely consequence would just be wind, it raises doubt. Think about it - reporters don't write articles by balancing scrabble pieces in a bath, do they? They use practical methods. Murderers would too.

Professor Jones, one of Europe's leading experts, told the court that tests for insulin poisoning needed better validation for solid evidence. His testimony was essentially rejected, which must have made NHS workers uneasy about their own jobs.

Those Handwritten Notes

The prosecution thought they'd struck gold with Letby's handwritten notes - troubling references that could paint her as a clinical killer. Many people were swayed by these scribblings, literally interpreting them as admissions of guilt. 

Insane woman

Her legal team said the notes were emotional expressions from someone in a distressing job. Nursing isn't easy. As a student nurse years ago, I was reprimanded for my notepad - it was full of unsavory handwritten reflections I'd accidentally left at the cook's station. It was taken as an insult. Can't any nurse do the same? Letby's notes might have been completely innocent.

No One Found Her Crazy

A retro image of a tradition nurseNo psychiatric evaluation found any sinister diagnosis or psychopathology you'd expect from someone capable of systematic murder. She was cleared. Of course she'd experience emotional distress during the trials media circus. She had no apparent motive.

She showed no psychological disorders either. These are serious personality conditions that would typically be present in someone committing such crimes.

Systemic and Institutional Factors:

The Hospital Was A Mess

All my life, every news outlet has said the NHS is struggling. It's been underfunded for decades. The Countess of Chester Hospital had equipment problems, was understaffed, with high volumes of infants needing care. The demand was excessive.

Think about it - would an overworked, tired nurse even have time to carry out elaborate killings in a busy ward? By 2024, the hospital itself was investigated for manslaughter. After media attention, they increased staff, decreased admissions, improved equipment - and mortality rates improved.

Compromising Factors

Sensationalism and public scrutiny pressurised the direction of the investigation. We all wanted our witch to stand trial for what we perceived to be the worst of all crimes, but in reality, it may been caused by something else. It was the hospital vs the witch. Solid evidence was rejected in court, played down under the weight of personal notes and speculation. Is that good enough? 

Would those death rates have been different if Letby's team had worked in a well-funded private hospital? Have we forgotten how dangerous failing hospital wards can be?

The Pressure Got To Everyone

Sensationalism and public scrutiny pressured the investigation's direction. We all wanted someone to blame for what seemed like the worst possible crimes. But maybe it was caused by something else entirely. It became the hospital versus the witch hunt.

Solid medical evidence was downplayed under the weight of personal notes and speculation. Is that really good enough for a life sentence?

Smart People Are Worried

Professor Philip Dawid of Cambridge, along with twenty-four other experts, wrote to Health and Justice secretaries about poor evidence use in this trial. They requested the hospital inquiry be postponed for better evidence processing. That's not conspiracy theorists - that's serious professionals raising serious concerns.

Why I Think She Might Be Innocent

I'll be honest - I lean toward thinking Lucy Letby might be innocent. Here's why:

The statistical evidence doesn't account for the hospital's systemic problems. The medical evidence faced significant challenges from qualified experts that weren't properly addressed. The hospital's own failures provide a simpler explanation for increased deaths. She showed no psychological signs of someone capable of serial murder. 

Most importantly, when qualified professionals question evidence standards in such a serious case, we should listen.

A prison cell

I Could Be Wrong

A jury heard all the evidence and found her guilty. They might have been convinced by testimony I haven't fully considered. The families of those babies deserve justice, and if Letby is guilty, she should face consequences.

But the stakes are too high to get this wrong. A woman's life, grieving families' closure, public trust in our justice system - it all depends on getting this right.

What I Think Should Happen

Has Lucy Letby's case been sufficiently scrutinized? I don't think so. When this many medical and legal experts raise concerns about evidence quality its a strong indicator. When the hospital itself faces manslaughter charges its a clear sign. When three ex-bosses are arrested for investigations into infant death that really is a smoking gun. We are looking at systemic failure directly. It points to a realistic explanation rather than a monstrous infant murderer - we need to investigate properly and be realistic. What's more common a nurse who kills babies or an incapable NHS system? 

If there's reasonable doubt, it needs addressing. My son waited numerous hours for a mere blood test, do we honestly believe the NHS does not fail to provide care? Those babies' deaths demand justice, but real justice means being certain we've got the right explanation for what happened. 

I'm not screaming injustice or demanding her release. I'm asking for the thorough investigation this case deserves - one that properly weighs institutional failures against individual responsibility, that takes expert concerns seriously, and that ensures our justice system's integrity.

Because if we got this wrong, it's not just Lucy Letby who suffers - it's every family who trusted that hospital, every NHS worker doing their best in impossible conditions, and our faith in justice itself.



Lucy Letby Trial * Was it Thorough? * Is She Really Guilty?

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