academic portfolio 2009-12 by samantha elliott
SHOULD SHARIA LAW RULE AS BRITISH SOCIETY IS TURNING DECADENT!
In Britain today, communities are falling victim to binge drinking, alcohol frenzied attacks and social abuse. In towns nationwide, pubs and nightclubs advocate the alcohol and drug culture which is inherent in the UK. by samantha elliott
If Sharia Law swings into full force, could this all
banning alcohol, gambling, drugs and certain
and that no other man has a right.
change? The question is, can it stop the violence of
codes of dress, MAC views this as a defeat towards
culture and create a pathway for a new generation.
the impending decline of a British society. By
In response to this, has the UK
Could Britain live under a strict regime and create a
changing to an Islamic state, they believe this
positive attitude and the age-old word of respect?
would reinforce, discipline and protect those
Therefore, re-shaping the decadent Britain as it
communities from the evil temptations of the
stands today?
western world.
With street fights, shootings and murder being just
As quoted by Izzadeen, “We are not aiming to
insults at our soldiers fighting and
a few of the hard-line crimes that are occurring so
control a mosque in East London or South London
demand that our Royal family ‘bow
commonly today. We can safely say that we exist
or West London. No! We are aiming for the society
down to Allah’.
in a somewhat violent society. However, where
to bow down to Allah,”
do we draw the lines in morality and acceptance?
In what way do we define a decadent
Is this not a statement of insanity? Great Britain is
society? The UK has undoubtedly
proud of diversity, culture and of course, choice.
come to a stand-still with its peace
Although western society is not perfect, the UK
and so called prosperity. With
However, by glamorizing our own police force
gives us the rights and freedom of an individual
the public growing angry with
through reality TV shows like Cops and Street
and there is no prejudice with a choice.
government change, people want
Wars, the media exposes the ugliness of
The legal system for Islam is Sharia Law. As known
answers. With the recent riots in London and the each year more than 5000 people converting to
Surely, with what we view through the media’s eyes is a clear representation of life in Britain.
confrontation and the mockery of our laws. Does
as the Book of the Koran, their Holy Bible beholds
has become far too tolerant with religious and political situations? The Government sits on the fence allowing our streets to be dominated by extremists like Izzadeen to aiming
Islam the answer and hope that is needed with
student stand-offs exploding in violence, surely the Muslim way of life?
the word of God. The Koran governs, informs
this is a sign of people’s vulnerability?
and guides each Muslim in how he or she should
The nation’s voices are not being heard by the UK, the government has allowed these large
live their life. It is believed that Sharia law is also
government, but maybe through Islam this is a communities to develop nationwide. Is this the
As of recently, the Islamic extremist Abu Izzadeen
superior to any law made by man or government
belief that is used for expression and change. future for Britain, with new blood forming a
(Muslims against Crusades) has made demands
that has been controlled by man. They also believe
Britain is on an all-time low with debt, low society of uncorrupted people who can now give
that the UK should have Sharia law zones. By
that Allah is the only person that is law-abiding
unemployment and a crippling self-esteem. Is it new life and meaning?
this reflect on the behaviour of our society now? In turn allowing the whole world to watch, judge and make a mockery of our system in Britain.
With more than 2.8 million Muslims living in the
With the needs of younger people
which have been very much hidden in the British system. The question is how much more
that are growing up and living within
background of a silent society are now being will the government give to Islamic reign? They
our free society the results have been
exposed. Organisations like the Southall Black already have a separate financial system and
evident with the need for control,
Sisters, Ashiana Network and Karma Kirvana eighty five law courts nationwide. This is a clear
dominance and sexual exploitation by
is working together to bring in laws to protect indication of a separation within the British system
their elders. The crimes that are being
vulnerable people and stop this violation of human which is happening but also being allowed under
committed are clearly evident that this
rights. With their help and personal understanding the governments’ noses.
is the result of a cultural indifference Law advocates this.
of the cultural dilemma which is now upon this It seems to me that Islam is more than religion. country, they are the stepping stones for the It is an iconic state that just wants to dominate many that are too scared to talk. the whole world. Does Sharia law think that as
As of recently, the UK government
As a forty something British woman who has a nation which chooses its own destiny is going
has estimated up to 3,000 young
grown up and been nurtured by a western being forced into a way of thinking and living? No.
women are unwillingly forced into
society. I consider myself very lucky. Having the I don’t think so.
marriage. Organisations like Karma
opportunities that have been openly available to Living in Britain now means a global community. me I have been able to have a career, re-educate Whatever race, culture, and religion you choose to
within some communities, and Sharia
Kirvana who campaigns against Sharia Law and forced marriages believes the government has only run skin
myself and have a child. As an independent follow; we should all respect the laws of the state. woman I am able to make choices which are vitally Yes, there are social problems here that need to
However, with any religion, there is a dark side. In
deep with its research. Up to 17,000
Sharia Law, the rights of women are null and void.
women a year are suffering from various forms of
Recently exposed through the media, women
physical abuse related to forced marriage. With
and young girls are victims of extreme violence
communities staying silent about fear of reprisal,
and murder due to this cultural acceptance which
Karma Kirvana believes that these figures do not
has been allowed to continue.
reflect the enormity of this cultural and ethical
In Sharia Law, women become second place
dilemma.
citizens, which could be the making of a
Has the government allowed this freedom for
are still fighting for equality and
catastrophic
and
communities to develop and create their own
discrimination which Sharia Law
independence in which every western woman
‘community’ law? As Hannana Siiddique from
does not even give to a woman.
has known would be stripped from her rights.
the Southall Black sisters has indicated that our
This could challenge the social economics and
government is stepping on eggshells. The word
Despite these critics, would Sharia
structural balance of Britain today.
racism is being used as an excuse not to be able to
As we have seen, the role of women in British
intervene with the communities that have settled
society is very strong and there is a pendulum
and are ‘policing’ their own laws themselves.
of power where equality is starting to even out.
This gives the opportunities for extremist like
Within some community’s differences in lifestyle
Izzadeen to step in and use bully tactics to dictate
have caused mixed messages and conflicts with
a way of life that does not and will not coincide
older generations, which have resulted in conflicts
with western society.
and the need by some to instil the Sharia Law.
Evidently, forced marriages and honour killings,
abomination.
Freedom
important to me and in fact, empower me to live be addressed, but that doesn’t give the rights to the life I live. an Islamic judgement or any religious institution.
With Sharia Law, I would not have these choices. Britain should stay free with the hope that my son I would not be able to work, be a single parent, will still have choices and an independent life, which or maintain a dignity of independence that many to say hopefully Britain will have ended its decadent women in Britain are lucky to have today. We have legacy by then. earned this fight for freedom but we as women
Law change the UK? It is age old and would have to adapt to a British society instead of fighting with change and extremist rules. This way of life is non-existent and unacceptable in Britain today. However, if Sharia Law took force which, in reality, I think the task would be too big to take over the
the kiss The kiss decided everything. I wondered how this was going to end. The ship slowly sailed in and all his mates stood close with loved ones wrapped tightly in their arms. Will the war bring them back? Silence broke as children and women began to cry. This day had finally come. Our men were going away. I couldn’t hear anything with the surrounding chaos of people and smoke. All I could feel was sadness. Is this a sign? I didn’t want to think. We turned to each other. He smiled. Taking me in his arms, the loving kiss said it all. ŠSamantha Elliott 2011
the party Celebrations started.
Instead of being stuck inside we were out in the sunshine, dancing,
singing, cheering.
Happy.
Music was everywhere cars, flats, shops and in people’s hearts.
It was all over.
The radio blasted the announcement out this morning.
Our boys were coming home.
We were free.
No more suffering and pain.
Relief on people’s faces.
There would be no more fighting.
No more death. No more victims.
We had won the war. It was good to cheer.
I looked over at him and smiled.
Grabbing me with tears in his eyes, his kissed me and wouldn’t let go. ©Samantha Elliott 2011
the dream From the deep depths of the sea dark shapes were looming beneath me. It had felt like hours in the water. Numbness had set in to every part of my aching body. It was about survival now. Blood loss was attracting unwanted strangers. Minutes? Seconds? How long did I have? Time was melting into oblivion and consciousness fading. I slipped into the abyss of darkness an easier option than having to fight for my life. As my eyes closed a rush of sunlight touched my hand... a voice was softly calling me, Katy, wake up my darling, You were dreaming.... ŠSamantha Elliott 2011
Tweet Talk Sorry mate what’s your tweet, I asked. What? Looking at me suspiciously. I said your tweet. What the fuck you talking about mate? You know what I’m talking about mister. I saw you. What? he replied, I know nothing about a tweet. I’m desperate mate. I need a tweet. Look you need to talk to someone about this. I can’t help you mate. You can mate. I saw you sat in the corner at that station and I saw your tweet. Oh right. Well. I’ve been well and truly caught then. I put my hands up mate! You got me! ©Samantha Elliott 2011
A Day in the Life
talking about the case. News travelled fast in
Based on the experience of a Media Relations Officer for West Sussex Police by Samantha Elliott
‘No doubt their aggressive
and volatile nature didn’t mix
This case was different. I reacted. I felt angry and sick. A seventeen year old attacked and raped
well with vodka. ‘
was just another story for me to cover. She had only popped out for a breath of fresh air. Staying at her boyfriends she knew the area and she felt safe. What she didn’t know was who was coming around that corner. None of us do in life. Four men approached her trying to talk to her but she told them to get lost. Instead of leaving her alone, they turned on her. Two of them repeatedly punching her in the face and knocking her to the ground. They pinned her down. Gang raped her. Left her for dead. She didn’t stand a chance.
‘the early start’...
T
I’d seen some stuff but this was bad. I wasn’t alone in my feelings. Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles, a hard Yorkshire man and rough around the edges
this place. Nothing got missed. I wondered about that girl and how would she get over it. Would she stay with her boyfriend? Would she move away? Suddenly fire hit the back of my throat! Shit. Nearly choking, I downed the whole glass of orange juice.
Loaded guns I’d say.
knew they would get a result.
Bloody chillies.
The PC in reception was sleepy. Tired eyes
Heading back to the office, I wondered how
I then had the flashback. I hadn’t let Buster
told the story of a heavy night with D & D’s.
my day would have gone if I hadn’t have
out.
Perhaps Eastbourne wasn’t such the sleepy
come down here. Today I should have been
Slumping in my chair.
town after all. He clocked my ID as I said
seeing students and telling them how life is as an MRO.
‘Great,’ I muttered.
‘Chief Inspector Bowles please’. He buzzed me through and pointed to
It’s not glamorous.
where Bowles’ office was. I walked over and
Not badly paid.
knocked on the door.
Everyday is different.
‘Come in’.
carpet and of course pissing the neighbours
That’s how I like it. I can’t do a mundane
off with his barking.
Opening the door, he looked up from his
Monday to Friday desk job. It’s not me.
pile of paperwork.
The hours’ drive back was painless as I
‘Hi Andy’
parked up in HQ. My stomach groaned for
As I walked in we both looked at each
food as the smell of the canteen called. The
other’s face searching for an answer.
lunchtime rush was on. I fancied the special.
‘I think we have them.’ He said rubbing his
Chilli con carne and a glass of Chianti would
I thought I’d had a good day. Not now. My pre-school age black Labrador would have certainly left his attitude on my
I’m sure I’ll get a disapproving knock on the door when I get home later. I’d gone off my lunchtime session. ‘Oh well.’ I Sighed. I sat up and forced a smile to myself.
I should have stuck to newspapers and
took no prisoners. I wrote the script and
phone broke the silence of my
taking pictures. It was less hours and less
eyes.
go down a treat. I settled for an orange juice.
I’ll be having that glass of Chianti later.
speaking on TV he vowed he would catch
peaceful sleep.
hassle but having a mortgage and wanting a
these men and bring them to justice. There
He looked exhausted. I reckon these last
I don’t think my boss would appreciate wine
Mmm. I thought.
‘Shit, it’s always me when I’m on
comfortable lifestyle and pension was more
was even emotion in his voice on the radio.
two weeks had tested his tough exterior,
breath in the catch-up meeting later.
No.
rota!’ I groaned.
attractive. So I took it with a leap of faith.
He got the message across and I believed
but his determination shone through.
I sat down to eat and all I heard were voices
Make it a bottle!
Stretching over to grab the phone I heard
A shot of caffeine and a piece of cold toast
him.
What a career he had. Respect to the man.
the dull sleepy voice of my boss Nick
and I was on my way. I remember my last
With a deep sigh I just drove. This time of
I couldn’t face that. Not everyday. The local
grunting in my ear.
visit in the sleepy town of Eastbourne
the day was heaven. No traffic. No noise.
media was enough for me.
‘Andy, it’s Marlo, they’ve made three arrests, get
where all hell had broken loose with the
My own silent vision, classical music and
‘Any updates?’ I asked.
down to Eastbourne ASAP.’
media. In this job you see the madness of
the perfect purr of a four-wheel drive
‘Yep, there you are, it’s all written down, four
what people are capable of.
engine accompanied me. I wondered what
arrests made.’
Me? I can detach.
tomorrow would bring.
He gave a dry laugh, ‘Pulled up for drink driving
received instruction.
Back to reality I arrived at the custody
silly bastards. I’ve had ‘em in an I.D parade. It’s
‘Lucky sod!’ I thought.
centre and parked up.
them. I’m damn sure of it. We may need more
Marlo was the investigation I’d worked on
They had forensic evidence from the
time to keep them, we’ll let you know as soon
reports I’d seen. It was like a jigsaw puzzle
as.’
it was challenging. Media Relations Officer
being put together.
‘Cheers’ I replied. ‘Good job Trevor.’
to be more specific. Early mornings like this
Four men.
He looked up at me and just nodded.
were a regular occurrence.
East European.
It was done. I stood up with the report, said
After a quick shower and a shave and a
All in their twenties and local.
my goodbyes and left.
splash of Burberry I wore what I classed as
I’d heard a lot of them were ex-servicemen
Getting back into my car, the laptop came
my smart suit. I felt ready for the day ahead.
coming over here looking for work. No
out and I emailed HQ. This would keep the
I’d hoped they’d nailed the bastards. Ten
doubt their aggressive and volatile nature
locals happy and off our backs for the time
years in this job makes you tough. Maybe
didn’t mix well with vodka.
being. It wasn’t over yet but I sure as hell
hree o’clock in the morning, the
The line went dead. I could just see Nick drifting back off to his slumber whilst I’d
two weeks ago. As an MRO for the police
escape by samantha elliott
I lay there wondering what to do. The
thing. Times have changed and meeting
wind and the rain was howling outside
people in pubs and clubs at my age was
and all I could hear was his breathing.
difficult. Man shopping I called it, you can
How long do I wait. I dare not move as
pick and choose who you want to speak
I was so scared to wake him. What do I
and when you have had enough you just
do. Another ten minutes maybe or an-
get rid. I think in my case I was very vul-
other twenty. No. I had to make a deci-
nerable and fell in love very quickly and
sion and stick to it. My suitcase was hid-
I should have got rid at the start if I'd
den downstairs and I had decided earlier
known it was going to be like this.
on that evening that this was it.
Control, domination, violence and fear
The breathing changed and I knew it
is what I've experienced these last five
was time. He slept very deeply especial-
years. My life has changed for the worse
ly when he had been drinking and never
and I’ve been so weakened by him. I
woke to anything. I moved very slowly
hate it. My life is pointless and if I don't
out of the bed making sure it didn't
get out now I never will or I wont see
creak. I Closed the bedroom door and
another year through. I hear a noise and
made my way downstairs.
stop. Is he stirring?.
I changed in to my clothes and put on
All I can hear now is my heavy breathing.
my shoes, every minute my heart was
Two o'clock in the morning there is no
beating so fast I felt sick. The anxiety
sound anywhere and I have to be care-
started to kick in how many times had I
ful. Creeping to the front door my hands
been here before wanting to leave and
are shaking as I turn the lock I open the
just not being able to go outside that
door to darkness outside. Suitcase in
front door. Would I go through with it
hand I slowly shut the door behind me,
this time?.
hesitating. Its funny how fear can make
Five years ago was when the it all be-
your senses sharpen and that one split
gan. I met Carl on the internet through
second I doubted what I was doing.
a social dating site. Very brave of me at
Reality hit me like a brick through a win-
the time as I’d been single for so long
dow and the splinters shattering and it
and just hadn't met anyone. Getting
felt like my brain was going to explode.
on the internet was the next best thing
I didn’t care. The child I was carrying
and being persuaded by my friends to
was not going to have a future here if I
get in contact with the outside world
stayed. I ran down the street in the wind
so I could chat online without the huge
and the rain.
phone bills!.
All I can remember is running.
We met after a month of talking online,
I escaped.
texting and phone calls. It was the in
A One Way Ticket to Your Dream.... Your wedding day is seen by some as being the scariest and the most important day of your life!
WOULD YOU TAKE THESE PRECIOUS VOWS TO STAY IN THE UK WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE? In five days Dora Rodriguez Castro will be walking down the aisle alone without her father by her side. With no family attending this is no ordinary day. In no uncertain terms an emotional and tough decision has had to be made and the control has been taken out of their hands. What lies ahead is unknown at this frantic and stressful chapter of their lives.
and had expressed concerns to her daughter about the career she was choosing. Journalists are murdered in Mexico. There is no free expression to write, if you upset the government then you disappear and with Dora’s hunger to express what should be shown to the world through being a journalist this was a constant worry for her mother.
She hadn’t realised how much the United Kingdom had had such an impact on her life, the frustration of not being able to become what’s considered a ‘free’ journalist had become too much and she suffered an emotional breakdown. A recurring dream would haunt her night after night where she would be packing her stuff in England to go back to Mexico, but never managing to finish it and then the dream would end. She spoke to a psychologist and when she told him about this dream he replied, ‘you are divided in two, your physical half is here in Mexico but your This experience changed Dora’s life forever. As spiritual half is still in the UK.You have to go back a confident and self-assured woman in Mexico, and get the other Dora, hence why you are so coming to the UK soon changed her. She became unsettled.’ introverted and scared and so far away from This shook Dora and suddenly like an home the world was a lonely place. Her host electric bolt hitting her she knew what family lacked welcoming charm and kindness and she had to do. As one door closes another she spent many nights in a little single room with door opens. Her return back to England no-one to talk to. Learning English was difficult was fate. ¬The opportunity to work and carry on and her self-esteem hit rock bottom when with her studies became a reality and she then she was told her dream of working here as a started to live her dream. Most international journalist would be impossible because of her students that come to the United Kingdom are grammar skills. funded by family, the fees are high and living and With determination and support from people accommodation is expensive. This didn’t stop she met on her course Dora passed her English Dora. She had to support herself and working exam with flying colours. Her love of travel had three jobs and studying was not an easy task. also developed as being so fed up of staying Her life then took another unusual turn. Just a in one place and getting depressed, travelling few months after starting her Journalism course became her remedy of self-help! Coach travelling she met Steven Whitelaw. The relationship took as she expressed is ‘cheap and cheerful’ and a slow and steady pace but surprisingly after changed her life completely. She quotes ‘it’s like 6 months they decided to take the leap and living in a small box and then you go out there move in together. With feelings getting stronger and there’s so much more, and then you want neither one of them wanted to approach the more from life.’ subject of her returning back to Mexico. Her Returning back to Mexico after her year in the visa would not be extended and she would not UK she experienced a grieving period. Her be allowed to stay here as her funds had run out return back to education in her homeland was for furthering her education. The facts were in short lived as her hopes for becoming a free black and white, If Dora went back to Mexico journalist in Mexico was a hopeless dream. Her it would be impossible for her to return back a mother had been a journalist as a young woman second time. Dora Rodriguez Castro, a petite young lady with long dark hair captures you with the infectious smile, the signature of her strong Latino character. Born in Mexico in 1986 she was raised with her brother in the beautiful city of Guadalajara. Her parents being from a humble and hard working background had both studied and unknowingly set the journey for Dora. A surprise 18th birthday present of a ticket to fly to the United Kingdom, gave her the opportunity to start her studies in English.
by Samantha Elliott
Dora Rodriguez Castro and Steven Whitelaw, Summer 2011
Having this weigh heavily on her mind had she considered this when getting so involved with Steven? No, this is real life. Love isn’t planned and how can you control who you fall in love with? The stress and worry of not being able to stay came crashing back to her and the memories of her last time in Mexico haunted her. His ‘Mexican belle’ as Steven calls her clearly shows she is his world and the thought of losing her just wasn’t an option. In the summer of 2010 Steve proposed to Dora and she accepted. It’s been a hard and emotional journey for this young couple and a decision that has not been easy. Their start to a new life has been fast forwarded and both of them would not be rushing into marriage if they had a choice. They have permission by the British Government to get married but this does not mean that Dora will have a wild card to residential status. With the immigration law as it stands they still have to prove with a serious of interviews, paperwork and time that they are living together as a genuine couple. Sadly Dora and Steve are the victims of criminals who do get married only to get that precious British Passport and this is the price they have to pay. With their time together and with the support of friends and family I’m sure they will have a full and rich life together. Inspired by the book ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho, ‘when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it’, she then goes on to say ‘with all your heart and with all your soul, and with everything you are, you will have it.’
'your spiritual half is still in the UK'
the TITANIC’s Remembrance voyage sets sail again "From the men in the boiler room who kept the lights going to the musicians in the band who kept playing, their stories must be told."
in Southampton 2012
2012 will be a centennial event for the City of
Tragedy hit the city in April 1912 when news
commemorating The Titanic and its loss. The museum
epic journey leaving from Southampton on the 8th April
Southampton. With the Olympics also taking place in
had broke that the Titanic had been lost. Setting sail
will be displaying many of the 4000 artefacts that have
2012. A remembrance ceremony will take place aboard
the United Kingdom, the story of the Titanic will be also
on her maiden voyage to New York, she had been
been collected by the city over the years. In storage are
the ship to mark the time when the Titanic sank.
be taking the stand to make her remembrance voyage
labelled the “unsinkable” ship but this was not to be as
cutlery, letters , menu cards and also precious fragments
from Southampton again. The project that is being
halfway through her atlantic journey the ship was struck
that were found from the seabed after the wreckage was
Many films, books and documentaries have been made
funded by the Heritage Lottery fund and as well as public
by an iceberg, resulting in her sinking losing the lives of
discovered in 1985 by Robert Ballard. Also to be heard
1500 people.
are the recordings from some of the survivors who give
A third of those people came from Southampton and
a haunting portrayal of what they had to endure that
funding involves a memorial service and the creation of The Sea City Museum. The area will be transformed into a masterpiece creating a virtual time capsule where people can relive being aboard the Titanic and to experience the life from the perspective of the passengers and also the crew who many of them were local people. Nearly a century ago the Titanic made her presence known to the ports of Southampton. Her might and grandeur set a president for the age of new ocean liners at that time. Being the largest ever man-made moving object ever to be built, The Titanic and her sister ship The Olympic caught the hearts of the people and made a worldwide attraction which gave the nation pride and jubilation. John Hannides, the city counsellor who is responsible for culture and heritage has predicted hundreds and thousands of visitors. “Southampton was the home of the Titanic, so it is only fitting that we tell our story. The
about the Titanic and people continue to be fascinated with this tragic story. The museum and the memorials will not bring back lives but their memories and stories will be kept much alive in peoples hearts and for future
they consisted mainly of the crew. In the St. Marys’
fateful evening of 14th April 1912.
and Northam area of the city there were very few families
Adding to this centenary event is a cruise that will be
that were untouched by the disaster losing at least
charted by the boat company Fred Olson Cruise Lines.
one family member to the Titanic which remains a very
His involvement with Harland and Wolff, where the
emotional subject.
Titanic was constructed made them the obvious choice
Ron Williams, a nephew of the crew man Sam Williams
linking the past with the present.
who was 26 when he sadly perished in the icy water
Relatives of those who died will be attending the
own immortal requiem and their right to be recorded
has blessed the new memorial with open arms and has
luxurious cruise liner Balmoral as it retraces the Titanic’s
on the rulls of undying fame."
said that this museum commemorating the disaster was long overdue and called for a memorial to the crew to take pride and place in the development. He comments “We know all about the multi-millionaire passengers, but very little is known about the crew who went down with the ship. From the men in the boiler room who kept the lights going to the musicians in the band who kept playing, their
impact was felt right across the world, but nowhere
stories must be told."
more so than here.”
Many memorials stand in areas around the city
generations to see and hear. As Lawrence Beesly, Titanic survivor quotes, "Many brave things were done that night but none more brave than by those few men playing minute after minute as the ship settled quietly lower and lower in the sea...the music they played serving alike as their
written by Samantha Elliott magazine and feature writing
Samantha Elliott Campaign Project 2010