Listeners send us questions sight unseen. Like Freddie Mercury handed a mystery lyric sheet seconds before Live Aid, we somehow have to make it work, then steer it towards the environment.
Saoirse, from Drogheda, Republic of Ireland sent in todays first listener question - "Over the last few days, violent protests have occurred in Belfast. Some say whipped up by far right agitators looking for trouble, and galvanized by social media and online channels, and leaders using language to incite. Others say they never went out with the intention of being violent, but have been made angry by fake news and other information on social media.
Personally I feel they went out to do the violent deeds in the first place, otherwise why would all these young men all be dressed the same, in black, with faces covered, all at the same time? They knew what they were doing and didn’t want to be identified. If they have a case, why hide in the shadows?
We really need to have tough conversations to understand the thinking of these effective rioters. Not to concede to them, but so we understand them. Understanding someone's view, even if it's extreme, is a key step to progressing beyond an often confused, ‘now!
At times of struggle and division, the race card gets played, like in the days of Hitler, who mastered the art of division. It's a different time, with different drivers, but there are so many parallels.
Let’s better understand what's happening now, in the now, not wait for the benefit of hindsight. Its starts with listening and understanding, but not necessarily agreeing”.
William contributes a strategic silence, while Stuart explores why division works, why understanding matters, and why hindsight is the world's most overqualified expert.
Paul, from Lleweni, Wales offers todays second question - “Are you guys as confused as me. Venues have to now adhere to new toilet facility provision and notices. I was at a venue the other day that had 3 separate toilet facility rooms. One was previously female and the other two male. Now, the new signage says one is for females, with a silhouette of a woman. The other two are both redesignated as Universal, with silhouettes of a man, a woman and another cut down the middle, presumably meaning gender neutral.
Great, modern thinking I thought. On reflection, as there were three rooms, couldn’t one have been female, one male and the last being gender neutral. We’re assuming all men and all gender neutral want to mix at such times. Then you have the debate of where Trans people etc go and pee, or who they play sport with, shower with. I wouldn’t want to be the one setting legislation, but I for one am more confused about the direction of travel.
Dividing and recategorising can help groups be recognised, but it can also divide and categorise. How do we know we’re getting the nuances correct around all this?”
Freddie Mercury asked, 'Can anybody find me somebody to love?' William and Stuart ask, 'Can anybody find me the right toilet?
What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com
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