Lisa Ansell · @lisaansell
9th Jan 2011 from Twitlonger
@sunnyhundal
We felt that on panels-there may have been female members- but usually far less experienced or with less status than male members of panels. Felt that the discussion was very male centric- tehre are established and strong female communities online, that are very politically active- yet unless they were in the main political blogs they werent seen as 'political'.
Felt that as cuts overwhelmingly felt by women, especially those caring for relatives, and children- that discussion about women's role in opposition to cuts appeared to treat 'women's issues' as marginal.
Felt that 'women's issues' had been a tickbox for that one session- and the question that the session asked, in context of social policy that overwhelmingly affect women said a great deal. This has also been reflected in the blogs that have been coming out today- mostly unintentionally. Post on Next Left v good example.
There was general feeling that the event was about top down, predominantly male, predominantly not affected by cuts personally- and this showed in many of the speeches- with some of the more prominent speakers mainly reciting lists of projects that they didnt really understand- and not understanding teh social policy context- or the effects- outside 'pity the poor marginalised women- the progressive left will save them'. Thought more representation from voluntary sector, professionals who will be affected, people on front line, and those who wil be personally affected was missing. The 'progressive left'- can support these people, but has to actually reach out- because is their fight- not the fight of a bubble who sometimes treats politics like it exists in a vacuum.
Think given the age, geographical, disability and gender factors which increase likelihood of being affected by cuts- that there should have been more focus on how this affects ability to fight the cuts, type of action- and the role the net plays in that- and that the labour centric element of day prevented a great deal of discussion about what is essentially at the moment a demonstrable political consensus.
Felt like we were being told we were being hysterical for looking outside mainstream politics- and that there was little discussion of race/gender and the way that 'movement' has to reach out and engage- rather than expecting us to come to the 'movement'.
Felt there was little discussion of way that net could be used for the essential form of direct action needed. When an economic attack on those whose state support bridges inequality is made, direct action is needed in form of strenghtening communities as well as protesting. Arming people with information not waiting for someone else to rescue and protest.
I missed the morning because was dying(barely made it) but this was stuff that people were talking about- and things I noticed.
THese cuts have real effects, and are not just an opportunity for the left to redefine itself. Especially when many affected are not on the left really.