Remembering a Bloody Empire

 

Remembrance Day glorifies a bloody empire. For that reason, I will never wear a poppy. It is that simple. It is not to remember the soldiers that died fighting fascism, like some may claim. The British government has to completely denounce the actions carried out by the empire and apologise to those that suffered. Only then can we move forward.

Unfortunately, many across this island do not see the empire as a bloody, genocidal empire, which it was. Look at the crimes it committed. The people that suffered under the fist of white supremacy. The effects of the empire can still be seen today. Many of the countries ruled by the empire still has a large population living in deep poverty. Many backward laws were put in place by the empire. The British can’t look at themselves as holier than thou, when they enforced the laws condemning people to a life of suffering across the world.

International Workers Day

Today, on Workers’ Memorial Day, we remember all the people who have lost their lives working in poor conditions, whilst being under paid. Under the current climate, with the coronavirus, todays remembrance is with a much heavier heart, as we have lost many, especially those working in the healthcare industry. These people are battling a deadly virus with little PPE, whilst being underpaid and undervalued.

Friday will be International Workers Day. A celebration for all workers around the world. To celebrate and respect the struggle of the working class. It is a day of togetherness, where people from all over the world bond and show their solidarity for each other. Unfortunately, this year the celebrations will be subdued. However, it is the perfect time for us to reflect on workers’ rights.

Mental Health Amongst South Asians

Now that we have settled into quarantine life, the toll it has had on many of our mental state has become apparent. Mental health has been one aspect of human mechanism that is constantly undervalued and forgotten about. For too long it has not been seen as something that needs the utmost care and support, especially if a person does suffer from mental illnesses. Being a Doctor of the mind is not seen as the same as a Doctor of Human anatomy, even though both take care and improve our lives. One is seen as a great service, whilst the other is just a high paying job. The constant overlooking of a persons mental state is something I have found very strange, especially amongst South Asian and Muslim communities.

South Asians relation with mental health is a very confusing one. From the outside it may look like something we deeply care about. We are one of the most spiritual people in the world. All of the major religions of that region promote meditation and focuses on improving a person’s mindset. Yoga originated in India. Meditation is a big part of Hinduism and Buddhism. Muslims perform Salah five times a day and carry out Dhikr on a daily basis. All of these helps improve a person’s mindset, separating a person from the outside world and focuses on improving the spiritual side of a person. Nonetheless, even with all spirituality of the region, mental health is still seen as a taboo subject.

Protect the NHS

I want to start this post by showing my gratitude to all the NHS staffs who are risking their lives by fighting on the frontline to save lives. Every single one of you are heroes. The NHS is the best thing about this country, and you all are great ambassador. You’re the reason why we must all fight and protect the NHS. I also want to say thank you to all essential workers who are keeping us fed and keeping this country running. Without you we would all be starving, and society would’ve collapsed.

Couple of months ago, before everything went mad, I wanted to write a post regarding ‘unskilled’ workers. Under Brexit Britain, the government laid out their plans of what they considered unskilled jobs. The term itself I have an issue with. No jobs are unskilled. It does not exist. Every job is skilled. If a job were to be unskilled, anyone without any prior knowledge and training would be able to do it, without inputting their own skills. However, the government decided this would be based on salary and like all things it came down to money.

Stay Home, Save Lives. Save Yourself.

I’ll preface this with the fact that I’ve been in ‘quarantine’ for quite a while now. My university classes were officially cancelled from 11/03 roughly, and I’ve only left the house a handful of times for essentials (food shopping and picking up prescriptions). It’s been a few days since I’ve left the house though, besides stepping into the garden for a moment the other day. As an agoraphobe with Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD), I’m not one to venture outside the house much anyway, but without the routine of university it’s been especially difficult. I also haven't proof-read this post yet, so please excuse any glaring errors. 

My point is, this post concerns the difficulties I’m facing as a person with multiple illnesses, mental and physical, and whilst I can be transparent about the implications of my quarantine experience, I stand by my decision to isolate and urge others to do the same. It’s the only feasible way to truly limit the spread of Covid-19, and I refuse to participate in the selfish antics of those who are actively evading isolation for entertainment. I am also perfectly valid in expressing my difficulties during these times and I affirm that my mental health is as important as my physical health. I also acknowledge that staying in isolation is me doing my part to keep others safe. Solidarity to those who are in isolation and struggling immensely, like myself. Solidarity to those who can't isolate due to working for survival, especially those in healthcare and sex work. Solidarity to the homeless and to LGBTQ+ people who are in unsafe spaces, yet in quarantine.