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I can't help but think that if I was a victim of domestic violence, with identified mental health issues, got tasered and lost my baby this would be a very different story. Why? 1/2 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/21/south-wales-police-defend-use-of-taser-on-pregnant-woman?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Because I'm middle-class of course. I live in a large house. I know how to present myself to authorities. I know how to use the state to my own advantage. I can afford to purchase the opinion of medical professionals. I know how to use my privilege, exploit my connections 2/3
Last time I looked the original video had 5m+ views. The comments were mostly derogatory, wishing the police were armed presumably to have shot this obviously disadvantaged, ill equipped, ill disciplined, ill tempered, clinically ill pregnant woman. 3/3
I often get some flack for being too blunt, too honest, too quick to show my irritation with those privileged enough to be the decision makers. Politicians, senior officials etc sometime raise an eyebrow at my impatience with how things are, and why they must change and quickly
I do my best to use what limited influence I have, using the connections I have obtained, through the friends I have made to make society more equal. Not because I am middle-class or have any of the associated faux guilt of my privilege, but
Because believe it or not Leanne Perrett is my sister and whilst I do not condone her behaviour, I can not help but believe that society has failed her. That we, with all of our privilege to change the systems continue to fail her and countless others like her #changetakescourage
This morning I was sent an article published by @WalesOnline the comments below it are raw, angry, abusive, but indicative of society's attitude to poor people. It is easier to blame, dehumanise and individualise the problems associated with poverty and social inequality
Both my sister and I grew up in a chaotic home. We talk of #ACES in government we both score 9 out of 10. I was more resilient than Leanne and our paths have taken starkly different destinations
The problems of poverty won't go away by gloating that a woman with mental health issues, substance abuse, DV, no education etc deserved to lose her baby in pretty violent circumstances, albeit brought about by very poor choices made by her.
What have we become as a nation, as an interconnected community where we are collectively dependent upon each other, if we are willing to step over the most vulnerable in our streets because it is unpleasant or makes us uncomfortable to engage with the wider context?
I can't joke about my upbringing anymore, because my past is someone's present. If I package my past in easy to digest humour for the very people that have the power to change the lives of people like my sister, then really I suppose I'm no better than the commentary on facebook
