In the UK many of us watched it, the rest have been brought up by those that watched it. They watched Thatcher ship in masses of police from all over the country to beat men that made a stand into submission. Men that were striking to save their jobs from Polish ships bringing in Polish coal. If you didn't know families split in two by the conflict - and they were, violently - then you certainly saw it reported. Men chose to fight for their rights, in some cases for almost a year, many losing their homes and most relying on support to keep at it. They lost their fight, their jobs and in too many cases their communities.
But the rest of the UK population watched it unfold. They carried on working and paying bills. They watched the drama unfold each night on the evening news whilst they ate their dinners. Despite a gnawing guilt, most will have been glad it wasn't happening to them.
That strike was the first time I 'felt' like I was watching people being programmed.
What was the message slipped in with the ITN jingle? Don't start or you're next.
The programming has been constantly reinforced ever since. Endless new toys and gadgets for the good boys and girls (say it wasn't so late 80's until recently). In your face threats (Dr Kelly springs to mind as an example I have heard whispered behind hands) keep those in the middle from straying off line. The encouragement of violence at protests and the subsequent police backlash should make someone who WANTS to DO something think better about it. In fact, I'd go another step further now and suggest the encouragement of violence in society at large. In the UK I am sure most people now live within 15 minutes of somewhere they wouldn't want their wife walking alone after dark. Ultra effective eh!
How much has the guilt of survival and the fear of being next fueled the head down waxing of cars and the buying of handbags?
Peace & Best Wishes
Freegionnaire
