Politics Society- Autumn 2012

Autumn term started for the Politics Society with an exploration of Black History Month. The society teamed up with UniTV to create a series of videos by students and professors who described their unsung heroes of Black History Month. We were keen to hear about figures away from the mainstream movement. Following on from this exploration, we wanted to learn about the effectiveness of Black History Month, and so invited Linda Bellos OBE, head of Black History Month in the UK, to discuss the impact it has had. This event, which the society hosted for free, received around seventy guests. Bellos not only covered the limitations of history taught within the UK, which she argued excluded much of Black history, but she also touched on issues of feminism, sexism and gay rights. Thus she provided huge stimulation for those present at the talk, resulting in a lively debate. I know many present felt hugely inspired by the range of topics delivered by such a fascinating and experienced woman.

            Coming into November, the society wanted to raise awareness about the Police Commissioner Elections and so we took to Library Square. Our aim was to register students who lived off campus and inform those who did live on campus that they were automatically registered. We registered over one hundred students, although more interestingly seemed to be the consensus among students who held disregard for the politicisation of the Police. Many informed us they intended to spoil their vote. Others were unaware of the election, which perhaps explains the record low turnout. In a slightly more exciting election, the society teamed up with East Slope Bar to show the results of the US presidential election between Obama and Romney. The bar remained open till 6am so students could stay up until the result was known. The event was extremely popular, with queues outside the door from 11pm. The atmosphere was electric; Sussex had a clear consensus on who they wanted to be victorious. Disdain and booing echoed whenever Romney appeared on screen. When it was clear that Obama had secured the swing states, East Slope erupted into dancing and clear excitement.

Our next big event was panel discussions under the question of Does UK political culture constrain the participation of women? This panel was hosted by Sussex’s own Paul Webb and included Professor Philip Cowley from Nottingham, Professor Sarah Childs from Bristol and Sarah Hutchinson from the Fabian Women’s network committee. This provided an interesting insight into the constraints of Westminster for women, but also raised questions about the restrictions to other minorities within politics. Cowley interestingly raised the argument about the influx of the middle class into Westminster which he argued more importantly restricted the disabled, ethnic minorities and the working class.

The Politics Society is hoping to continue its activism going into the Spring Term. We have organised a tour of parliament by Simon Kirby (MP) in the New Year.