Just Four Minutes to save the world...

Just four minutes to save the world…

So a new report has been published indicating a great rise in the number of young girls becoming involved in crime – particularly violent crimes such as fighting. Theories are thrown about as to the possible reasons behind this; a change in the recording of crime, increased reporting of crime from fear of the ‘hoodie invasion’ and also simply a greater number of females.

Not just the young 'uns!

All of these reasons are plausible; they are probably all factors to greater and lesser extents – but perhaps another one that ought to feature is that we have forgotten our identity.

I am all for equal rights; for women to be treated equally as men, for people to be treated regardless of the colour of their skin, sexuality or religion. BUT let me say now – FEMINISM HAS FAILED. Yes, in order to gain ‘equality’ women have had to make themselves more like men.

Remembering my experiences at 6^th form – I loved being involved in drama, both performing myself & working behind the scenes in various roles such as stage manager, lighting, costume etc. What I said at the time, and still hold to, is that I had to (in order to be given any kind of credence or respect) be as good as the guys and better… it was hard but through being myself I eventually gained respect for doing the job that I set out to do.

‘Ladette’ culture has been gaining momentum over the last few years. I am not innocent on this one; on a night out I have been just as loud, drunk, and aggressive as any. Yet this is something that I have come to reconsider.

Sara Cox became an almost ‘poster girl’ for ladette culture…

I believe that we were MADE different; equal yet different. Right at the start of the Bible, there’s a wonderful story of the creation of the world – I’m not here to get into the argument as to how historical or metaphorical it may or may not be. But, reading how Aslan created Narnia to my little daughter reminded me the other day… it reminded me of how beautiful the world was, is… I get bogged down in how bad it is, lately its been hard to see the light – but I’m trying. The world has become this way because of choice, the most wonderful gift ever given, has been abused… wilfully, unconsciously, accidentally.

Maybe we just need to turn back and recognise the beauty of our differences.

Perhaps we women need to embrace femininity and show ourselves to be steel magnolias rather than wannabe men?

Oil on canvas by Fernando Botero

Genesis 1.27 - So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

What is freedom?

Pick 'n' Mix civil liberties...
On the surface of it, I would like to say that I am a supporter of freedom - freedom for parents to choose the education their children receive, freedom of religion (any or none), freedom of speech...

But there begins the problem; are people able to express themselves freely? Ought people have entire freedom over what they say? Already 'freedom of speech' may be countered by the need of others to be free from opression - this brings under the magnifying glass racist humour. Indeed, it seems to have gone full circle when jokes are made at the expense of those who are non pc such as David Brent and that joke about the bread bin in 'The Office'.

Ought we to now choose our battles concerning our civil liberties? For example, I would support the inclusion of 'none of the above' boxes on ballot papers, if only to distinguish those who choose not to vote from those who cannot be bothered - but then does a no show express the same thing as a 'spoiled' ballot paper I wonder? I would oppose a national identity card scheme on grounds of its expense to the texpayer, and also for the lack of necessity; if clever counterfeiters can create false passports, just how long will it take them to whizz up counterfit id cards? Is the government still under the illusion that those involved in identity theft are shabby old men in a dismal back room with a printing press?

However, I think that I would support a national DNA database, because - although having these details on a database could be concerning due to the recent much pulicised losses at data from various national organisations - surely if it meant an improvement and rise in the successful prosecution of those involved in crime, that's a good thing?

Wright was arrested after police matched his DNA – kept on a police database after he admitted to theft in 2003 – with samples collected from sites where some of the victims had been found. Forensic analysis revealed his DNA on three of the women and fibres linking him to all five, the court was told.

After his conviction, police will reopen a number of "cold cases" as they question whether he may have killed before. Five other women have been killed or vanished in East Anglia in the past 16 years, although detectives have not linked any of the killings with Wright.

The above is taken from The Times newspaper 21st Feb 2008, it concerns the conviction of Steve Wright of the killing of 5 women in Ipswich; Mark Dixie was convicted as a result of men voluntarily taking part in a mass DNA screening in the area. Whilst an instant reaction to calls for a national DNA database was of distaste from me, I am coming round to the idea. Perhaps to begin with it too might be voluntary... though I wonder if those who opted not to be included might automatically be considered more suspicious than those who were? Might it also act as a double deterrant for potential criminals if such a database were manadatory? Or would this really make a difference to those who might commit serious crimes, in that, are these people so beyond the norms of society that such deterrants would be ineffective, such as the current punishments also appear to be.

So just how do we protect ourselves, and those who we love from risk of this nature. Sally Ann was dropped off just yards from her home, the 5 girls in Ipswich had all become involved in a cycle they struggled to get out of (as many still are)... how do we look after each other better? In the midst of a 'me driven' society, is there a place for small sacrifices of the indivdual in order for the 'greater good' to manifest?

Expense?

Fuel for the debate

Justice at last

Pros & Cons