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Many would be shocked by the sheer volume of correspondence I get from people all over the world, deeply moved simply by seeing their experiences as working class people reflected authentically in culture. The accent shaming stuff is one aspect of a much wider issue.
On an almost daily basis people write to me just to tell me that by simply being myself I give them hope. They tell me about wonderful things they embarked on after reading my book - going to uni, applying for a job they were told they could never do, getting sober...
The thing about that is it was the same for me. People like @DaftLimmy and @frankieboyle gave me a model of how to turn what I already was into my livelihood, rather than changing to meet others expectations. Without examples to follow we just drift and forget what we want.
I've had people tweeting all day telling me I need to work on my communication. Speculating that my inability to speak 'proper' may be a result of alcohol and drug abuse from my past. It's mental because I spoke with such precision. Took my time to speak so I was very clear.
I've dealt with this all my life. In the arts I was dismissed as angry aggressive person w/mental health issues. That's how people dismiss class analysis. What's even more mad is that I am very successful. Earn good money. Am juggling multiple careers - but still looked down on
Its easier for media to refer to me as a rapper or a recovering addict than it is to call me a critically acclaimed commercially successful author and broadcaster. Some say 'don't let it bother you' but that's just more pressure to be what I'm not.
The truth is it does bother me. I will react to it. I wont let people walk over me. I will keep being me because this is who I am. In Pollok they say I speak too posh. Toffs say I'm too rough. I'll keep being me. Learning, growing and standing my ground when I need to.
So basically if you want me to shut up about class then you can fuck off x
