By Any Means Necessary

Racism is back in the news with the comments made by Stormzy, which was followed by racist abuse suffered by Chelsea player Rudiger. Whenever racism is discussed, there is a lot of finger pointing, and finding short-terms solutions, for a problem that has been around for decades. Of course, there’s been progress, compared to the 20th, 19th, 18th century etc. However, the events of the last decade has shown there has been a massive step backwards, with racism and hate crimes on the rise.

So how do we tackle racism and aim to eradicate this disease. Well we have to look at institutional racism. Unless we tackle institutional racism, we will continue living in a loop of progress and regress. What exactly is institutional racism? This is racism that is in the foundations of our society. Institutions like our politics, media, judiciary system, education etc. Unless we tackle racism in all of our institutions, we will not be able to eradicate racism. Racism will continue, and racist will be able to spread their hateful words and ideologies to others, especially to the future generations.

Islamophobic Planet

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”

We are living in some really dark times. We are witnessing, not just in the UK but around the world, is a great deal of hatred and violence, especially against minorities. Many powerful governments have philosophies and ideologies which are very dangerous. The fact that some of these governments have been “democratically” elected shows what kind of society we are living in.

Vote Labour

According to the recent YouGov poll, this is how close it is in Dewsbury. Labour only lead by two points at the moment. It is too close for comfort. Dewsbury is not a safe seat. Therefore, tomorrow we all have to get out and vote for Labour, especially if you're in Dewsbury.

Two Faced United Kingdom

During this election, the topic of racism and discrimination has been widespread, with accusation been thrown at both the Leader of the Conservatives and the Labour Party. Although, the topic has been discussed constantly, very little is actually being done by the establishment to actually tackle the issues being discussed. It is very much the blame game at the moment, with little constructive discussions taking place.

One man has been constantly attacked by the media, politician and the public for either being Anti-Semitic or his role in tackling the problem. Jeremy Corbyn has faced the full force of attacks by the establishment. Every interview he does, the topic of Anti-Semitism is brought up, even when the event is about something completely different. On the other hand, the media do very little to hold an actual racist to account. Boris Johnson is playing politics on easy mode. A comparison of the two will show that Johnson has been given an easy ride for this comments and track record. On top of that, the media never talk about the racism and discrimination in other parties and also the discussion very rarely looks at the problem society has with racism and discrimination.

A New Hope

For decade we have been living under Tories Austerity. For 40 years we have been living under neoliberalism. During that time, we have seen the public sector absolutely ripped to shreds by cuts and mismanagement. We have also seen workers rights neglected, as poverty increased. Whilst the rest of the country is struggling, the rich and powerful live in their glass mansion as their profits increase. For 40 years the choice has been neoliberalism under the Tories or Labour. We now have a chance to change the society we live. A society that works for all of us, not just the few. That change can only be achieved under a socialist led Labour government.

As we inch closer to the General Election on December 12th, each party has been releasing their manifesto, except for the Tories. Unfortunately, they’re hiding their manifesto from the public so it can’t be scrutinised. They know if this election is fought on policies, they will be decimated. Therefore, they’re sticking to lies and slurs to win this election. If the Tories aren’t willing to tell you what another five years of Tory rule will be like, then I will. Under a Tory government we will have a Hard Brexit, which will affect jobs, workers’ rights and increase poverty. We will NOT see an end to austerity as the economy will suffer. We will also not see an end to Brexit as a trade deal with America will take 7 years. Under that trade deal will see parts of the NHS being privatised. A Tory government will give you more dither and more delays, as well as risking your jobs and rights, without funding any of the public sectors.

Anti-Vaxxers and their Pledge to Death

The steady rise in the anti-vaccination movement has taken us from a time of medicinal revolution to a chronic sceptic’s dreamland. Despite a variety of sources to counter the supposed adverse claims that vaccinations have a direct link to autism and exist as a source of harm rather than preventative cure, people are revolting in adamance. 

It’s beyond mildly disturbing. 

Register to Vote

As we near the general election on December 12th it is really important everyone has registered to vote. The deadline to vote is on Tuesday 26th November at 11:59pm. Anyone not registered to vote past this time will not be able to fulfil their right as a British citizen to vote in the general election. An election which will bring in massive changes, whoever wins.

We are very lucky to live in a country where we democratically elect out members of parliament. We one of only 20 countries to be labelled as fully democratic by The Economist website, although I do believe we need reforms to our democratic process. It is not a privilege to be able to vote. It should be a right of every adult to vote in a democratic election in their country. We should not take this right lightly, especially after everything people have done to fight for their rights to vote.

Get the Tories Out

After nearly a decade of Tory rule, we have seen people all across the country suffering. Since they only care about one group of people, the elite, we have seen massive levels of inequalities. The gap between the rich and the poor has grown wider. Now is our chance to get rid of this horrible disease that’s been plaguing this country. An election that has to be fought on all fronts, not just Brexit. Remaining or leaving won't create real change. Only a Labour government can provide long lasting changes that can benefit everyone. Whether it's policies for the NHS or the environment, a Labour government will move this country forward.

Ever since the Tories have been in charge, they have implemented a cruel policy of austerity. This policy was implemented as a response to the Great Recession. We have seen funding cut and withdrawn from all kinds of services which people rely on. The NHS, the police service, education etc. are just a number of services which have suffered under Tory rule. Even though services have been cut, affecting the lives of millions of Brits, the elites have not been affected by austerity as they ride high above us. Only a Labour government can truly bring an end to austerity. Tories will continue austerity, to allow their Brexit plan to “work”. Lib Dems were the ones that allowed austerity to happen by getting in bed with the Tories. A Labour government will put back and add funding to services which are crying out for help.

Blood Power

Last month, the duke and duchess of Cambridge visited Pakistan, in what seemed to be a step forward for Pakistan, and also a very respectful visit by the couple. They were highly praised by many people, especially by Pakistanis for the way they dressed and behaved during their visit. Although the visit seemed perfectly fine, we should never forget what these people represent. The British Royal family represent the British Empire. The empire which caused many social and economic disasters in the whole region of South Asia. South Asian should never forgot the impact the empire had on the region.

I don’t like to judge people based on the actions of their predecessors. However, when a person continues to benefit from their actions, then I have a problem. On top of that, when nothing has been done to acknowledge the crimes of the empire, then my disaffection for them furthers. People forget that this family were once the emperor/empress of India. They were the face of all the terrible things that happened in British ruled India. Crimes committed by the empire continue to this day, with stolen gems such as Koh-I-Noor under the possession of the Royal Family.

Dry Bland Unseasoned

Last night the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium was one of the most toxic it has ever been. So much was going from VAR to Xhaka’s substitution. With all this drama, one thing must not be forgotten. That’s the football being played by Arsenal.

Dry, bland and unseasoned. That is how I describes the way Arsenal are currently playing. There is no creativity and no flair. Frankly, I just don’t know what type of football it is. Are they an attacking side or a defensive side? Are they meant to sit back, soak up pressure and then attack on the counter? Are they meant to build pressure by keeping the ball and try to break down the opposition? Are they a pressing side, pressing from the front and then attack directly, when winning the ball? I just don’t know. There is nothing to Arsenal. There is only one man that can answer these questions, and that's Unai Emery.

The Decline of the Natural Body

The surge in people seeking plastic surgery has reached an abnormal level. Normality has become engorged lips, miniscule waists and disproportionately sized buttocks, typically enhanced by a face full of makeup. Now, don’t get me wrong; people making choices about their own body isn’t any of my concern, and I wouldn’t advocate attacks on these people seeking or undergoing surgical treatments. People make their own choices about whether it’s something they want to change on an aesthetic level or to correct a medical issue, and ultimately it hardly affects me in a direct manner. There’s no need to ridicule people or question their sanity, even if they appear to have gone overboard with procedures; I personally condemn any sort of body shaming, and the aforementioned bodies fall under this premise.

However, the popularity of these aesthetic treatments proves to be of great concern, as younger and younger people are undergoing procedures, sometimes in great haste. The influence of social media, celebrities and current trends is blatant; the tabloids and reality shows are continuously showing us the latest looks, and bodies are constantly scrutinised. This has become a given in our self-obsessed society and forms the basis for a lot of conversation. Despite trends evolving regularly, our fixation on appearance is a concept that remains embedded in public discourse. In our modern world, where scientific advances are rampant, the possibility of excessively altering appearances is entirely possible. The connection is therefore made: what was once unattainable, such as the ‘perfect nose’, can now be acquired.

Failures of the Human Race – Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Whatever your belief may be as to how the universe and our Earth came into existence, the various subtle hierarchies existing within the human race are undeniable. Whether it be in the form of slavery, the caste system or specific oppressive forces attacking minorities, an underdog has continuously been established and punished throughout their lives, simply for existing. A category of people to consider as under attack include those without access to shelter, food and water, or those living in poverty. 

I’m sure the assumptions and stereotypes are flowing erratically now. How all homeless people scavenge for money to spend on alcohol and drugs, how they steal – which is barbaric! How dare they steal for survival! How immoral! – how they could fix their lives if they just stopped being lazy and got a job

Colourism in South Asian Dramas

A typical evening for my parents has almost always consisted of tuning in to their latest Pakistani dramas with a hot cup of tea resting in their hands as they follow along the story line. Shows concerning marriage, infidelity, betrayal, love and heartbreak are created, over and over, with subtle changes and nuances to steer the same audiences in. Whilst the premise of most South Asian dramas are similar, which surprisingly doesn't deter audiences, one aspect in particular is alarming to see become a normalised, even admirable asset. This aspect forms the normalised notion that has contributed to the damaging societal view I have lived with, as well as other young brown people, in turn affecting our outlook on ourselves. 

Glorification

Trigger warning: mention of suicide.

Art is a powerful form of expression that plays a big role in society. It can motivate people to join a movement and do something worthwhile or even do something terrible. We now live in a society where terrible things are constantly happening. Instead of actually tackling these issues head on, society continually attacks different forms of art, for their role in glorifying such actions.

As the new Joker movie is being showed worldwide, the biggest talking point from the movie is not about the story line or the acting. It was in fact the role the movie plays in society. Critics of the movie say it glorifies violence and the Joker, who is one of the most evil fictional characters. We constantly see the media attacking different forms of art on their role in glorifying the story, to such an extent where they would like to censor it. What these people fail to see is that other factors play a much bigger role for these terrible actions.

Dear Men


Trigger warning: mention of rape and suicide.

When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression. This statement is so true for many men. They feel threatened by gender equality. For that reason, they have this hatred for feminism. However, feminism is more than just gender equality for women. Feminism fights for the rights of everyone, around the world. Essentially, feminism looks to create social equality, regardless of gender, colour and class.

If you broke down feminism, point by point, most men would agree with everything that is being said. Once it’s all put together and the word “FEMINISM” is slapped on the package, all of sudden it is hated. Why? Don’t let your toxic masculinity distract you because of a word. Every movement needs a strong name to clearly identify the objective. For three centuries, this word has provided so many changes that has improved the lives of billions of people around the world.

Environmental Revolution

Discussions on the future of the planet continue, as the youth strike for climate change are about to take place worldwide. Since tackling climate change is the most important challenge humans have ever faced, we must use this opportunity to completely overhaul the current capitalistic system.

We must change the way we live. Changes that need to be implemented will affect everyone. That will give us the opportunity to create meaningful changes that will help everyone in society. For too long we have been living in a society that puts the needs of big corporations in front of the needs of people. Success is calculated by profits for the most powerful. We now have the opportunity to revolutionise the system. Success can be determined by bringing people out of poverty and increasing the living standards for everyone.

A Healthy Dose of THC

My last post on chronic pain touched on marijuana very briefly - namely the incessant coaxing of some users, wishing for others to realise the vastness of life that marijuana provides. This is an entirely subjective view, and doesn't apply to everyone, which is why I find it incredibly irritating. I smoke inconsistently, and don't depend on weed as an emotional fix, but use it instead as pain relief now. Its derivatives hemp and CBD are also beneficial in their own ways, but I don't have much to say on that. CBD has been suggested to me, but I've yet to try it out.

Nonetheless, smoking weed has had its positive implementations in my life, as well as the negative. The rule for myself has always been finding balance with whatever endeavours I'm including in my life, and whilst marijuana isn't a big deal to some people, it is for others. I'd like to point out that shaming people or belittling them for not trying weed is petty, but the opposite also applies; shaming users is just the same. It has its benefits, but again, this doesn't apply to everyone. 

Undemocratic United Kingdom

Democracy needs a reboot in the United Kingdom, from abolishing the Monarch to re-evaluating the role of the House of Lords. Also, Governments and MPs need to take more responsibility to uphold democratic processes.

Brexit has put a massive question mark over the democracy of the UK. Whether it is remainers, leavers or in-between, everyone is responsible to uphold the democratic process of this country. However, what if this process is broken. What if we don’t live in the perfect democratic country? Does that mean the rules can be bent and changed, making it acceptable to be undemocratic? Fundamentally, Brexit has shown the undemocratic political process this country is ran by. Not just by the government or one particular group, but from all sides.

Living With Chronic Pain

My first waking thoughts always shift to what bodily pain I’m experiencing, and how I wish I was dead. Waking up with burning joints, a heart threatening to escape its confines and an inconsolable migraine is my usual breakfast, and intermittent nausea always joins the mix. 

There are only so many times I can bare to hear someone say “Take some painkillers,” before I decide to scream in their face that a basic analgesic like paracetamol is a pharmaceutical placebo ploy and NSAID’s are either a hit or miss. Doctors refuse to give me anything stronger than tramadol, which doesn’t do much anyway, and other over-the-counter pills have been pointless upon trial. 

Dominic Cummings on the Prime Minister


Boris Johnson is currently crying himself at the bottom of a gutter, as he suffers four straight L’s in his first four votes as PM. That all happened after strong protests and rallies against his imminent undemocratic coup to prorogue parliament. The mastermind behind the PMs failures, Dominic Cummings must be wondering how and why all this went wrong. The simple answer is, a big ol’ baby is the Prime Minister and his adviser, Cummings himself, has no idea how to lead a government.

As Johnson stood at the steps of Number 10, making an announcement on Monday evening, it was clear to see that he was visibly agitated by the loud protesters shouting him down. That agitation continued to the house of commons as his dreadful performance showed how unfit he is as PM. Loud opposition against the PM, including his own MPs resulted in Johnson bumbling through his speech. Moreover, his performance on Wednesday at PMQs presented Johnson as a petulant child, with lame jokes and no real substance in information. He was moving round in circles, presenting the same few lines he just rehearsed a few hours previous, in the mirror. 

Addiction Is Real - Don’t Tell Me To Just Stop


If you’ve never been an addict, then don’t talk to me about how I should just stop. Don’t attack me on my addiction when you have no idea what I am going through. Stop being ignorant and educate yourself.

I became addicted to cigarettes from a really young age. As a young teenager, I started smoking, using it as a tool to ease my brain from anxiety that hunts my life. Even though I detest cigarettes, I needed it in my life. Without it my life did go to complete shit. When I did stop smoking, my mental health became the victim of attacks from my thoughts. There is a clear coloration between my healthy mindset, and me smoking. However, I wanted to stop this addiction and I did.

I'm Not Made of Concrete; I'm Made of Glass

I've never really talked about BPD with anyone, besides my therapists, some friends with the personality disorder and my boyfriend, who is incredibly supportive and adamant in making me feel secure about it. Writing about it here has caused me anxiety and worry, because I already know how people perceive those with BPD. It's one of the most stigmatised illnesses, with medical professionals shunning us on a regular basis and refusing to provide support, ultimately leading to a high suicide rate.

Borderline Personality Disorder – BPD – is a personality disorder characterised by instability in multiple aspects of one’s self. It's far more traumatic and debilitating than the limited description you might have heard elsewhere, which almost always focuses on features such as suppoedly manipulative intentions and fleeting emotions. BPD is recklessness, impulsiveness, black-and-white thinking, chronic numbness, failed relationships, fear of abandonment, splitting, a lack of identity, frequent suicide attempts, frequent self harm and ultimately the most intense emotions overriding any sense within you.


Blinded by the Light – The Son of an Immigrants Review

Blinded by the light is a movie about the lives of British Asians and Muslims in the 80s. Unlike other movies, this story truly portrays our lifestyle. It is a movie like no other. It doesn’t try to make us something we are not or try to simplify our way of life. It shows the raw nature of what we go through on a daily basis… with a Bruce Springsteen soundtrack.

Now I know what you’re thinking. Bruce Springsteen. His music is on the opposite side of the spectrum when it comes to showing the lives of British Asians. However, trust me when I say this, it works. His music shows the thought process of the lead character, Javed, without taking the limelight.

Stop the Coup Rally - Leeds

Yesterday evening I attended my first real protest. I've always been politically driven and wanted to go to a protest but could never get myself up to join one. Big crowds and tight places really aren't my thing and it drives my anxiety high. However, when I read that a flash protest was going to be held in Leeds against Boris Johnson and his undemocratic coup, I had to attend. I had to use my voice. My presence matters. 

I arrived an hour early and there was literally no one. I thought I made my way for no reason. I waited around on a bench as people started filling up the square. An EU flag here and an EU shirt there, people were arriving to join the protest. Next thing I know the square is full of people, all with one goal: stopping Boris Johnson from pushing through a no deal Brexit. 


Fighting Johnson’s Undemocratic Coup


Politicians continue to play games with the lives of the people of UK. The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is the perfect example of a career politician, and not a politician that looks out for the people of this country. His views on Brexit, and every other matter, is like a yoyo. He moves up and down, all around, until he finds a position in which he profits from. His games have led us even closer to a no-deal Brexit by suspending parliament. This is undemocratic and further deepens the constitutional crisis we are in. 

For far too long we have seen the conservative government risk the lives of the poor and less fortunate, just to give themselves a leg up. What we’re seeing right now is not something new. It has been happening for the last decade. Tories acting in the own self-interest and whats best for their friends, whilst the rest of us suffer. This is just a succession of the actions of Tories, as they evolve into this mean and nasty monster.

Men’s Opinions Don’t Mean Shit to Me

I rarely interact with strangers on social media, both positively or negatively. I enjoy taking the time to express appreciation for someone’s talent, but seldom leave comments as I anticipate an influx of bizarre, unnecessary bullshit flooding the comments section.
Negativity spreads like wildfire. A simple response is seen by so many other users and interacted with in turn. The chain never ceases to die down. For uplifting, wholesome additions, this is always a great thing. Humans thrive on compliments and anything that boosts their self-esteem.

The impact of negative attributions, however, is far more powerful. It sticks in our minds so much more, overpowering any joy. To top it off, we’re constantly told that ‘everyone is entitled to their own opinion’ and that anything said against harmful commentary is under the heading of pathetic, whinging, ‘snowflake’ behaviour. This always stirs something in me, as freedom of speech has been translated to ‘let every bigot have a voice,’ which isn’t the intention of the system at all. I can’t help but roll my eyes when I get that reply, especially from a butthurt cis man, as his fragile ego has been threatened so harshly, in their eyes. They’re demanding I listen. I ignore that demand, and hit the block button. 

Dear Liberal Democrats

The Lib Dems are playing a dangerous game with the lives of people in this country. They can no longer call themselves the party for remainers if they aren’t willing to back Jeremy Corbyn’s proposal for a temporary government. The most baffling thing about the Lib Dems is that they say one thing, but their actions show another. What the last week has shown is that they are in fact the party of anti-Corbyn, than the party for remain voters.

Since the results of the referendum in 2016, the Lib Dems have been calling for a second referendum, or a people’s vote on the type of Brexit, against remain. However, a second referendum has not been a realistic option, until now.

Racism in Football

The new premier league season is only two weeks in and we’re already facing a racism crisis. In the super cup final, Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham missed the crucial penalty against Liverpool. On the weekend, Paul Pogba missed a penalty against the Wolves. On both occasions, the players were racially abused on social media.

Just like every other time, people come out condemning what has happened and everyone is up in arms. They can’t believe this has happened in the beautiful game. When Tammy Abraham was racially abused by his own fans, everyone put it down to “well that’s Chelsea fans for you”. Now Paul Pogba has been abused by his own Manchester United fans. The narrative is that it’s not Man Utd fans. It’s in fact people posing as Man Utd fans.

Modi and his Supporters are Stealing India’s Diverse Culture

Today is India’s Independence Day. A day where Indians, across the country and around the world, celebrate the end of the vicious British rule over the area. It is also a day to celebrate the cultural diversity of India. However, now is not the time to celebrate. Narendra Modi and the Hindutva are leading a fascist regime across the region.

To most people, a culturally diverse country is one which has people of different colours: a country affected by immigration. However, India is probably the most diverse country in the world. It is not just a country of “brown” faces.

Modi is Beginning to Resemble Hitler

Celebrations are rife around the world for Eid-ul-Adha, yet Kashmir is continuing to bleed in the silence that Modi’s fascist vengeance has created.

The revocation of Article 370 has led to a series of human rights violations far more sinister than the world knows. Having issued an absolute blackout, telecommunication has been cut off in its entirety, silencing the dissent of Kashmiris. Tourists and journalists have been driven out of the region, immediately replaced by troops numbering 35000, the largest deployment in the world at this time.

We Can’t Take Any Chances with Tackling this Climate Crisis

Climate Crisis is the biggest threat mankind has ever faced regarding its existence. We need to treat it as if it’s an external force trying to destroy the planet. The way fictional movies treat threats, where everyone gets together to solve a crisis. We can’t leave it for the future generations to deal with this threat. We must act now, and together.

A person becomes extremely ill and they visit their doctor to find out what is wrong. The doctor tells the patient “you need to change your lifestyle or else you will die soon”. This is something none of us want to hear, so what does the patient do? The patient could take the doctors advise on board and change the way their life is being lived. On the other hand, the patient could carry on living life like normal and take the risk. Of course, the doctor is not always right, and the patient could survive, but the odds of that happening would be against the patient.

Obama is a Liberal Hero… But isn’t a Hero for the Rest of Us

We are constantly told about the great times under the presidency of Barack Obama. He is compared to his successor, Donald Trump. However, does Obama being a better human being than Donald Trump – the spawn of Satan – make him a great individual? You would not compare people like Martin Luther King Jr. or Nelson Mandela to someone like Adolf Hitler. Yes, Trump succeeded Obama, but the comparisons need to stop. Obama may be the lesser of the two evils, but he is no saint. 

Liberals of America will show you Obama’s great success story, and his record as president to make you believe he is the hero that we need… that we deserve. But let us actually look at his record as president. Let us not limit his record to the people of America. After all, the presidency does affect the rest of the world, since America is the largest colonial power at the moment.

Gun Control

I’m not surprised anymore. My heart still sinks every time the headlines appear, but I know the epidemic will fail to die down under Trump’s presidency. 

I’ve adamantly stuck to the the belief that people shouldn’t have access to weapons. Not just weapons of mass destruction, but weapons of any sort under any circumstances, including personal protection. There’s no valid reason for civilians to be armed – the notion is simple. Those who are armed for protection set the tone for others: that guns are an aspect of everyday life. This not only gives others the incentive to carry, but it also exacerbates the likelihood of such weapons being used mindlessly in confrontation. Violence in humans is a given, and with guns in the mix, it’s inevitable that their use will be frequent and unnecessarily fatal. 

Welcome!

This is the beginning of something I envision to be an invigorating and informative experience. Given the numerous issues surrounding us in our lifetime, it’s easy for myself to become downhearted and numb, but writing has always helped me express myself and lessen the emotional load. I want to be able to take painful moments from my life and learn from them, as well as document the situations in some way, in hopes of enlightening others going through something similar.