yen
SPEAK LOUD AND PR UD CLUB
HOMEGROWN Th is iss u e is to sta rt t h e co nve rs ati o n o f p o l iti cs, w h y is n’t it s p o ke n a b o ut i n eve ry h o us e h o l d? W h at’s p reve nti n g a h u g e p e rce nta g e o f us m i l l e n n i a l s fro m voti n g? H o w d i d o u r a n cesto rs p ave t h e p at h w e’re o n? Th ro u g h o ut t h is iss u e, w e’re g o i n g to d ive d ee p i nto t h is to reve a l h o w w e ca n b e m o re o pti m isti c a b o ut p o l iti cs
24 SOCIAL IN FRASTRUCTURE
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8 EMILY DAVISON
CONTENTS 16
ROBIN REDH EAD
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SOPH IE MASTERS
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NATASHA ROSIC
HANA MAY
Wrote: The power of a vote Illustrations: The United Kingdom Elections Photographer: Infastructure
SOPH IE MASTERS Guest artist:
DIRTYGRRRL
Guest artist:
TH E LEGACY OF SUFFRAGETTE ICON EMILY DAVIDSON: TH E POWER OF A VOTE
YEN I don’t know how many of you have watched the movie Suffragette, starring Anne-Marie Duff, but if you haven’t already it’s a must watch! It tells the story of the famous group of women, the Suffragettes, who were fighting for women’s right to vote in the early 1900s. A suffragette who features in the film and is famous for her tragic death is Emily Davison (acted by Natalie Press). Famous for “throwing” herself beneath King George V’s horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby, and is a feminist icon to people all over the world. I was fortunate enough to interview Emily’s great niece, Donna Hitchman, who began by telling me Emily’s story in more depth. Emily was one of two children; her father worked on the railway and encouraged Emily to read and write from a young age, especially the paper. Donna tells me her father was later in an accident where he saved a member of the royal family leading to his death, a chilling parallel to Emily’s famous death. The royal family provided her mother with money as compensation, and this was what funded Emily’s university education. It wasn’t plain sailing for her, a female university student at the time was unheard of, and when graduation day came unlike her male peers Emily wasn’t allowed a certificate to certify her degree at graduation. Donna explains that it’s injustices like this that she believes spurred Emily to get involved in women’s rights, “Imagine that, working hard for 3 years only to not be allowed your certificate of course you’d get a bee under your bonnet!”, she says. From the start of the interview it’s apparent how proud Donna is of her great aunt, and her what she achieved for women everywhere. Donna explaines to me she thinks the accident was unplanned, “you can’t help anyone if you’re dead” she says.
Despite arguments whether Emily’s death was an accident or not. she was on that field track for one purpose only: to fight for women’s right to vote. Donna tells me that her aunt’s sacrifice reminds her that young people, especially women, should not take their vote for granted. She also reveals that her grandmother followed in Emily’s footsteps and fought for workers’ rights; I note she certainly has a background of strong women. To which she gleefully says, “Yes, I am, and sometimes they got us into trouble”. What does it mean to you that Emily Davison is a relative of yours? Well people certainly sit up straight and want to listen. It does make things interesting, she was a huge part of history. I’ve been approached by many people Had you have been around at the time what would you have done? I would be there holding her hand, I have four children and want the best for them. What’re your thoughts when especially females don’t exercise their right to vote? It’s a little frustrating, its equal men to women who don’t vote though. It is frustrating but not everyone thinks the same as me. I know it’s a silly example but I say this to my children all the time, if you knew there was a rave somewhere and you didn’t know much about it, you’d research it and find out more about it because you want to go. It’s the same with politics if you want to know, you research and consider arguments. if you aren’t prepared to put enough effort in then you can’t complain with the outcome.
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MEET & GREET
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GUEST ARTIST
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Feminist grunge artist from Lancashire.
What are your favorite things to create? I love collages, being able cut different media and mix it together.
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Tell us about a pivotal point in your artistic life? It would be when I realized my artwork helped me get out of depression. What inspires you and gets you excited? My main inspirations are feminist, sexuality and vintage aesthetics What’s a taboo subject for you and how do you cope with them? Sexuality is a taboo especially as a woman, it seems women’s sexuality has been shrugged under the carpet and I like to shove that in people’s faces. I deal with it by owning the attitude of riot grrrl. What’s your go to treat for yourself? My treat is buying stuff for creating more artwork such as old magazines
Which women do you admire? I admire Tracey Emin and a lot of other feminist artists who are brave enough to show their work in the public eye. What’s the best compliment you’ve received about your artwork? It would be when women reach out to me and tell me I’m helping them be themselves on Instagram.
T O P S H O P
ROBIN REDH EAD WORDS NATASHA ROSIC ILLUSTRATIONS HANNA MAY& SOPHIE MASTERS
YEN Once I was among the sea of millennials, completely clueless about politics. I couldn’t even tell you the location of my nearest polling station, let alone the name of my local MP. If the subject was brought up around the dinner table, I’d feel awkward and unsure of my opinion and sit silently until the debate passed. Since moving to university and probably with age I’ve developed a new curiosity for how society functions and its effect on me. It could be my university debt, or the fact that I won’t be a homeowner until I’m 40, but suddenly I care about my rights as a citizen and where they’re coming from. I’m fortunate (or unfortunate) my dad’s more than happy to chew my ear off about politics at every given chance, and has helped me form an opinion but I know this isn’t the case for everyone. Even among my friends, politics is a subject commonly avoided; nobody wants to be judged for their opinions or generate conflict. How can we change this? ? I feel it’s time for young people to talk openly about important decisions that affect our lives and that we can change, especially in this political environment. I think it’s especially important for young people to be involved in politics because it’s their future are politicians are shaping. Robin Redhead, a female human rights lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, knows all too well about the discourse between young people and politics. Originally from Canada, Robin, [42], is a passionate feminist, mother, and political enthusiast. I was lucky enough to interview Robin to ask her what her opinion is on the part of young people in the political arena. Tell us a little about yourself Robin? I studied a BA(Hons) in English Literature at York University. [In Canada.] I then moved to Manchester to complete my MA in Women’s Studies and my PhD in Human Rights at the UOM. Since childhood I have always been interested in grassroots politics. I organised environmental activities at my high school and have always been a champion of the underdog.
What inspires you? I am interested in people’s stories and how they find spaces to express their voices. I have an interdisciplinary background, but the common thread is the challenges some people face in getting their voices heard. As a feminist I think it is important that everyone have safe spaces to express their own thoughts and criticism about issues close to them. I see my role as a politics lecturer to help students find their own voices and teach them how to be influential in the political processes. Politics can be a heavy and taxing subject, especially now in this political environment. What motivates you? I have a conversation with my seven year-old daughter about her day. Her curiosity lifts my spirits and fills me with positive energy. I teach human rights, a very challenging subject. We often look at the worst humanity can do it each other, but then look at all the activism that is taking place around the world, where people are fighting back against oppression, saying NO to damaging policies and taking charge of their own lives where they can. This inspires me. What’s changed since your generation? We have lost our sense of community and belonging. More time is spent looking at phones than spent talking face-to-face to one another. Sitting round a table with friends and families discussing issues needs to return to everyday life. It is safer to post something online than it is to own up to your comment to others. People are hiding behind the anonymity technology provides. They’re also overwhelmed with opinions so deciding where you sit on an issue becomes impossible. Instant social media does not provide wellreasoned arguments. How can you know what to think in any justifiable way without weighing up the strengths and weaknesses?
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Why aren’t any political parties targeting millennials? I think my generation have no idea how Millennials process information, so it remains next to impossible for people to pitch to millennials unless you are consulting them directly on what they want. Do you think there’s anything that can be done to help break down the barriers when it comes to politics? Too many people associate Politics with Political Parties and Elections. It’s not the whole thing. If issues matter to you get involved, it’s the best way to enter politics. It doesn’t have to be big issues it can be something as little as litter on the streets or the need for a crosswalk. If it’s caught your attention and triggered an emotional response you’re likely to engage with politics.
What would you advise someone who wants to exercise their right to vote but doesn’t know how? I would tell them to read more about the issues from all sides. Make up your own mind based on the evidence you can put together for yourself. When people say, they don’t know enough it’s unfortunate because information is readily available. You must be willing and take responsibility for educating yourself on the issues that are important to you. What would you advise first timers researching information about political parties? I would say take everything with a pinch of salt. Read more than one newspaper, preferably from two different perspectives (Guardian and Telegraph) and see how each side is representing the issue. It is likely the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Listen to yourself and then decide which party comes closest to achieving the goals that matter to you.
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SOPH IE MASTERS Give a warm welcome to this issue’s guest artist, and don’t forget to speak loud and proud What are your favorite things to draw? I find myself doodling eyes and I’m drawn to faces, I like to experiment with different media to see how that can change something. Right now, I’m enjoying playing with inks.
Which women do you admire? Patti Smith unquestionably, I adore her. But I must mention the amazing women I’m very lucky to have in my life, my mum, aunt, and a handful of special friends, that know exactly who they are!
Has your art helped you? Have you used artwork as platform to express? Absolutely, I’m a big worrier so it helps keep me occupied so my brain is focusing on something positive rather than panicking about what’s stressing me out. It’s weird how doing something creative changes my whole mood.
Which women do you admire? Patti Smith unquestionably, I adore her. But I must mention the amazing women I’m very lucky to have in my life, my mum, aunt, and a handful of special friends, that know exactly who they are!
What inspires you and gets you excited? To be honest the act of drawing itself excites me, so the more I draw, the more I crave it. What’s your go to treat for yourself? Anyone who knows me will say chocolate, I can eat a worrying amount in one go. Especially malteasers.
What’s your favorite piece of artwork you’ve created to date? So, I’m trying to embrace imperfections! I’m more concerned with feeling and sense of character. One I like is a quick, felt-pen piece based on Joni Mitchell. How do you relax and unwind? It really helps me to have a change of scene, I love getting away from home, even for one night to be somewhere different. If I can’t then probably watching ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ for the millionth time.
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IN FRASTRUCTURE A visual represenation of the systems and services in place that construct the infastructure in the United Kingdom
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