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.