July 08, 2008

The Big Issue and Canadian Seals

This morning as I approached the office and made my regular departure from M&S with banana and yogourt in hand, I felt Rob watching over my shoulder as I passed by a bearded fellow selling The Big Issue, and so I decided to stop and purchase a copy. The happy beard thanked me, and then asked me if I was American. This is a regular occurence for Canadians in Europe. Just the other night a taxi only took Rob, a Canadian friend, and I on as long as we promised not to vote for the current US administration. Rob had to tell him this was not possible as we were Canadian and almost went as far as pointing out that a third term was as likely as beavers not building damns, but restrained himself.

I told my bearded friend, nope, I'm Canadian. To which he tisked and observed that Americans were tighter than Canadians, and in general we were a sincere community of people. However, he was much agrieved by our treatment and clubbing of the seals, who in his mind deserved a better fate. I could not counter his point but offered that this did not represent the interest of every Canadian countryman.

He then remarked that from Northern Scotland and Inverness one could see the energy sparks fly every time a seal was clubbed in Canada. I had to conceal a smile, but could imagine the bright flare as he described it.

As a result he told me he had not bought Canadian produce since. I wanted to ask him what manner of Canadian produce he had managed to buy in the UK, but instead decided to wish him well and was on my way again with new copy of the Big Issue.

Note: My blog is moving here, please bookmark.

Posted by Francesca at 09:07 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

July 02, 2008

Backlash Take 2?

I have to wonder whether in the wake of trying to save the planet, it is just a matter of time that the politically incorrect make their voices and opinions heard again. Some of the signs are there. The Tories look poised to resume their place in power in the UK. Apprentice star Allan Sugar becomes more and more comfortable with stating 'unpopular' views, some of which include his thoughts on women in the workplace. According to the G2 insert in the Guardian, the tv moonlighter has repeatedly challenged a law instituted more than three decades ago making it illegal to ask women whether they plan to have children, since it was deemed discriminatory and a negative opportunity for employers to weed out 'would-be' mothers.

As a woman in her thirties I am very concerned by the potential of this attitude becoming the norm. As the Guardian article goes on to point out in this kind of atmosphere, women are the losers, as post-pregnancy we are either depicted as neglectful for returning to work straight away, or 'soft' for staying home longer.

While there are some signs that our dilemma with the planet is leading some successful suits and ties to downscale their lifestyles for fear of the typhoons which may be coming, I can't help but wonder whether this new wave of enviro-asceticism and philanthropy is just a blip on the screen. How long will people be willing to forego their fast cars and worldy comforts, until they start missing the tug of silk at their necks?

And is there a relationship between our concern for the planet and the health of feminism and women's rights? I can't help but think that in some strange way, the inevitable backlash to eco-cities and greenism is somehow tied to the status of women. Somewhere in the ritual of blame our destinies seem connected. I hope I am wrong.

Please note I am moving my blog here and will be making the move permanent by the end of July.

Posted by Francesca at 08:48 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)