#and the Catholic Church and every other shit fuck institution that tried to stop us

[thefiresontheheight]

One thing I do genuinely find comforting is that assuming we don’t do some silly things with nukes when the last humans are alive and civilization as we know it has entirely collapsed and the world moved on, I think people will still be doing fun and sexy things with their genders.

[fastwalker]

2, 8, 8, 12? And in regards to your previous answer, I would be interested to hear if you a) think consensual, heterosexual intercourse is even possible in a patriarchy and b) if your take on homosexual erotica is the same one as the one you’ve described? (Only if you want to of course :) ) greetings!

aaah I think my first reaction to any of these ask games, thank u :’)

2. How do you feel about racial dating preferences? Are they racist, or okay?

this is a hairy one. to my knowledge people chose partners who look familiar, so they’ll look for people who sorta look like the community they grew up with, so people who didn’t grow up in a mixed community will have a rather narrow dating pool, their own “race” or ethnicity usually (also explains while I’ve always ended up with or only had crushes on other slavs so far :I ). oh and ofc this doesn’t only apply to looks but also to culture, religion (or lack thereof), traditions etc. bc you’re more likely to relate and have stuff in common with each other if you have similiar experiences.© goes out to some other radfem I can’t remember the url of where I read about this sorta race discourse for the first time ^^” at least the culture part bc I’m a superficial pos (ofc I’ve read abt attraction before and not only on tumblr!)I think that’s ok bc trying to force people into dating someone is really fucking creepy no matter if you reasoning is “progressiveness” or whatever. also most countrys don’t experience much migration and don’t have a very mixed population so it doesn’t have that much of an impact on peoples’ dating options anyway, unless you live in the us or central europe I guess. but even in countrys with huge mixed population people tend to form microcommunitys, based on their similiarities and not mingling much.

like imagine what an attempt at widening someone’s dating pool must look like: you’d have to expose them to as many different people as possible in their childhood, which is good when it’s done to combat racism and xenophobia, but if you do that with the specific goal to widen future generations’ dating options…. that’s fucked up man

I mean, stuff like better interwoven communitys, discouraging  the formation of microcommunitys (as an immigrant, I hated that my parents were doing this!) and media representation WILL result in people being more likely to date different races/ethnicites imo, but the reasons are key here, and manipulating someone into dating people they’re not attracted to for whatever reasons, whether they be actually racist or just due to lack of exposure and therefore no natural attraction developing, should never be someones’s goal ever. that shit is dangerous and unfair mainly for the marginalized target group!

so tldr: I don’t think that “race” preference is inherently racist due to what I know how attraction forms BUT I think people who are not attracted to other races, ethnicities etc. often justify that with racist bullshit.

8. How do you feel about the fat acceptance movement (the body positivity movement)? Why do you think it’s mostly women in that movement?

generally ok, I think people should not be bullied for how they look and I think doctors should be more attentive to their fat patients and not brush all of their symtpoms off as “well you’re just too fat”. I personally know people who suffered a great deal because of that negligence. for example a friend of my mom’s had an uterus infection (I think it was?) and it made her belly swell, her doctor thought she had just gotten fat so the infection got unnoticed for a long time before she got extremely ill and she had to have a hysterectomy to survive.

and I think it’s mostly women bc we’re socialised to show or rather perform (not necessarily feel…) in more empathetic ways. also we try really really hard to heal the world through individualistic self help stuff, because we tend to internalize problems. also obviously we face more harassment for our looks than men do, so we have more interest in making it stop.

some fat positive individuals are a tad weird and claim that you can still be mobile and healthy even if you’re morbidly obese which is wrong, but you get weird positivity nuts who are taking it too far in every movement I guess. I still think even very obese people shouldn’t be bullied, even if you claim you’re just “concerned for their health” bc that’s a blatan lie. Also bullying has enver helped anyone get better.

12. How do you feel about religions? Can a radical feminist be religious? Do you think all religions are equally bad (for women)?

my knowledge is mostly limited to abrahamic religions and yeah i think they’re bad. their very foundation is based on the reversal of creation and the worship of the father, both a punishing almighty ghost in the sky and an allmighty tyrant at home. and they invented all sort of rules to cement womens’ role as subhuman, worthles servant to men.

I don’t think abrahamic religious women can be feminists, at least not if they properly practice their religion, misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia and all. if they just pick and choose the “good” stuff and are interpreting bible verses in different ways than literally every other person practicing the same religion, I don’t think that has anything to do with said religion anymore and they’re just making up their own one at this point

I get it that religious communitys can be a massive support system, especially when they’re on of these more pick&chose kinda communitys, and I would never judge a woman for seeking support and belonging among welcoming, generally nice people who don’t really have much to do with conservative christians. but it’s still sorta sketchy that she and her friends would follow a belief system that is misogynist at its core :/

also churches sometimes help feminists, I think a church or at least a pastor (uuugh it’s been a while since I read that article, sorry) is helping sisters ev, a german foundation campaigning for the nordic model and helping women in prostitution. he seems to be helping out of the goodness of his heart and not because he is judging these women negatively. but I’m generally sceptic towards patriarchal religions and their followers bc of their misogynist foundations.

I don’t know enough abt other religions to have a propper opinion on them, I’m generally neither a religious nor spiritual person (was raised catholic tho) so not really interested in that stuff, but I think rituals like this witchy stuff and singing together etc. can be a nice bonding experience. I enjoyed it whenever I tried to engage in it with other radfems. the togetherness is just… well nice. people just like doing rituals and doing stuff together. .

so yeah I don’t think religion or spritiuality is necessarily bad, the rituals and sense of support, community and belonging is obviously good. It only becomes bad when it clashes with human rights, medicine and science, which christianity, islam and judaism do.

and I don’t think liberal religious people (the pick and choose ones) are “true” believers bc they don’t fully adhere to their religion anyway. but I think they are massive enablers for more orthodox believers, also even liberal followers are usually extremely protective of their religion (and therefore the more conservative parts/people) even if they don’t really practice it anyway which often leads to conflict with people who are critical of their institution

aaaah sorry this is already massive I’ll adress your other questions in a seperate post! sorry I tend to ramble and overexplain bc I don’t want to be misunderstood esp when the themes are “controversial” :x

[theliterateape]

Keeping The Faith

by Wayne Lerner

PART 1 

6:10 am 

The organ announced the opening of the morning mass with a soaring C Major chord followed by the rumbling B flat bass note played on the pedals by Sr. Agnes. Younger than the other Sisters by almost two decades and the last of the new recruits, Agnes had a bit of playfulness in her heart. Every so often, she would veer from traditional religious demeanor much to the dismay of the older Sisters. 

She was always the first on the dance floor at the hospital banquets, hopping around to the beat of the DJ’s music. And, when no one was around, Agnes would sneak into the chapel and play her favorite music on the organ, Gershwin and Scott Joplin. The other Sisters would hear the music as it reverberated throughout the Motherhouse and just roll their eyes. 

“It’s that Agnes, again,” they would say with a disparaging look on their faces, speaking in their mother tongue which they knew Agnes did not understand. 

As if Agnes knew they were talking about her, she would end her personal concert with Malotte’s The Lord’s Prayer which made the Sisters go silent and ask for forgiveness for thinking bad thoughts. Agnes finished the emotional song, sat still for a moment in the majestic chapel, and thanked the Lord for the blessings she had received throughout her life. 

After all, the Superior, Sr. Theresa had recruited Agnes to the congregation and knew her tendencies well. She always encouraged Agnes to bring the Lord’s prayers to all concerned in the ways she knew best even though some of the more conservative Sisters were sure to disapprove. 

“Blind adherence to tradition does not help us find and make new friends,” Sr. Theresa liked to say. 

Sr. Theresa was deep in thought as she entered the chapel. 

“Today’s the day. If our prayers are ever going to be answered by the Lord, it has to be today. Without the support of the Cardinal and his Bishops, we’re done. Our legacy will be finished and our hospital will be no more. Almost a hundred years of toil, and for what?”

Theresa sighed, Her shoulders slumped down. Thoughts flooded her mind and, with them, consequences. 

“People from miles around will have no place to get care. How can they let this happen? Why are they so shortsighted? Sure, we’re asking for something out of the ordinary but we’re still going to be true to our faith, to our religious directives, to our ethics. We’re doing what’s necessary in order to keep our institution alive.” 

Theresa sat straight up as she looked around at her beloved chapel with new-found strength. 

“I’m going to say extra prayers today.I know the Sisters are doing the same. It is their hard work which will be for naught if the Cardinal succumbs to those who don’t want us to change.” 

6:30 am 

The door to his personal chapel squeaked as it opened and then slammed shut as the Cardinal and his assistant, Father Paul, entered for morning prayers. 

“Oh my God,” said the Cardinal. “With all the money we spend around here, can’t they get this fixed? Between the door, the lack of reliable heat in the winter and the squeaky floors, all I want is peace and quiet as I prepare for my daily prayers. I would be better off in the Brothers’ residence next door rather than in this Gothic monstrosity. Who needs a place this big and old? All I need is a bed, a meal and a place to pray.” 

Father Paul nodded in agreement. 

“If simplicity is good enough for the Pope, why not the Cardinal of Chicago?” said the Cardinal. Status, prestige, power don’t contribute to a man’s moral standing, values and actions do. There are many who don’t see the world as I do. And some of them will be here for the Bishops’ lunch today.” 

Father Paul broke the Cardinal’s train of thought. 

“Your Eminence, the meeting later today is going to be especially difficult. The agenda is replete with arduous issues, which churches to close and which parishes to merge. None of them have the resources to remain open by themselves anymore. What’s worse is that they are all in the underserved neighborhoods.” 

“How can we retain or even increase the number of people of color to our faith if we can’t help them keep their churches open?” replied the Cardinal. “That’s problem enough but the final issue today, that one, will be the most contentious.” 

“That’s for sure, sir,” said Father Paul. “The new partnership the hospital wants to enter into with 

that Federal clinic system has never been addressed before. Are you ready for this, sir?. They are asking for a lot even though they have the best of intentions.” 

The Cardinal looked down as his right hand began to shake. 

“The tremors are coming more frequently,” he said to Father Paul. “Everyone can see them. Some will recognize it as a sign of weakness. They will want to take advantage of my condition.” 

“It pains me to say this but some your most formidable adversaries are not outside of the faith but inside,” replied Father Paul. “Several will be sitting around your table today. One, in particular, wants your job and will do all he can to get it.” 

The Cardinal nodded in agreement. “Yes, I know. I’m conservative but he’s at an extreme. There’s no gray for him. You are of the faith and abide by the rules to the letter or you don’t. And, what’s worse, I suspect he has racist and prejudicial biases based on his offhanded comments. That’s not a formula for a populist Cardinal.” 

“The problem is he carries a lot of weight with the other Bishops,” said Father Paul. “Many listen to him because they agree with his stance on Church proceedings. Others are just afraid of him.” 

The Cardinal sighed. “I just hope I have the wherewithal to make the right decision and stand tall for those who need our support more than ever before.” 

“Anything else I can do for you this morning, Eminence?” asked Father Paul. “No, thank you. Please leave me. I have much to consider.” 

Father Paul left the chapel as the Cardinal’s mind drifted to the prayers of the day. As he did every morning, he asked for forgiveness for recently committed sins. 

“Many would be surprised that I ask for the Lord to forgive me my frailties during my prayers. Cardinals commit sins. We are but human. So are those around me. They sin too but they rationalize their grab for power as being good for the Church.’ 

The Cardinal paused to look through the stained glass skylight to the stars which still shined bright in the early morning sky. 

“Lord, I could use your help today. Please send me a message on which road to follow. Perhaps the clue will come from an unlikely source. Or maybe, just maybe, this is a burden I have to carry myself and discern the right path to take, regardless of the consequences. There is much at stake.” 

The Cardinal crossed himself and slowly rose from his knees, his hands shaking but still strong. He straightened his clothes, said another prayer and proceeded out of the chapel to begin his day. 

6:42 am 

The static from the alarm clock erupted from the speakers as it tuned in WBBM-NewsRadio. In his slumber, David heard a loud voice sing out, “Good morning, Chicago. It's a glorious December day. Sunny, windy but cold… “ 

His hand smashed down on the top of the alarm clock as he tried to reach the snooze button to grab an extra 10 minutes of sleep. Looking at the time, he realized more sleep was not an option today. He stretched out his muscles trying to force circulation throughout his body. As he looked down towards his toes, he saw a rise in the cover sheet. 

“Oh, good morning, buddy. Are you feeling a bit lonely these days? I can understand that. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Well, you’re gonna have to wait a bit longer. Got a tough day ahead of me today.” 

David looked around his barren bedroom which gave him pause. 48 years old and living in a hovel as more than half his pay went to his ex-wife. 

“Jesus! What a shit hole. I sure would like to live downtown like many of my friends. But where am I working? For a hospital which takes care of the poor. I love their Mission and I make a decent living but to what end? C’mon David, stop being sorry for yourself. Focus!” 

Today was critical to the future of the hospital. They had to get the Cardinal’s permission for the radical partnership they had put forward. It was the last option they had to right the ship and bring new patients to the hospital. 

“The Cardinal is not leaning in our direction. We are proposing a precedent which changes the way which we enforce the Ethical and Religious Directives. There are several Bishops who don’t agree with this change. They like things the way they are even if it means schools close...or parishes or hospitals.” 

David paused to reflect on the situation, its complexities and the strategy they had developed. Then reality hit him. 

“And I know It really rubs them that a non-Catholic CEO is proposing this change. I should have gotten a job in the suburbs. I’d be making a ton more money and wouldn’t be living like this. Stop dreaming. These are the cards you chose to play. Maybe I’ll go to heaven because of the good we are doing. Then you’ll get out of this hovel.” 

David smiled at that thought, dragged himself out of bed and went into the tiny bathroom. The water in the shower’s pipes squealed as the water began to trickle out of the sediment-filled shower head. 

“Shit!” he said out loud. “Now, I’ve got to wait 15 minutes for the water to warm up. I don’t know how much more I can take! The fucking landlord refuses to do anything about this shithole!” 

He leaned over and put his head in his hands as he began to feel even more sorry for himself than he usually did. Just then, the water stopped squealing. He knew there would be just enough hot water for a quick shower and shave so he had better get his ass in gear. 20 minutes later, David was dressed in his best blue suit with a matching, conservative striped tie and polished shoes as he knew first impressions were important. Then, another reality hit him. 

“Bishop Piwonski knows who I am and doesn’t like anything about me. The other Bishops only know what they have heard from him. We are fortunate Father Garrity has been working with us on this change and has the Cardinal’s ear as his Vicar for Healthcare. Garrity likes me even though I am not of his faith. He knows the Sisters and I have bonded over our concerns for our community. We have been resolute in our efforts to save the hospital.” 

David put on his overcoat and went outside to see his car covered in snow. Muttering to himself, he swept the snow off his car, got in and began his 60 minute drive, first, to the hospital and then, down the block, to the Motherhouse. 

11:45 am 

The day was gloomy with the remnants of the last snowfall strewn across the steps of the Motherhouse, the lawns and streets. 

“Typical crappy, December weather in Chicago,” David said to himself. “I hope this isn”t an omen.” 

David saw her approach the door to the Motherhouse and began to get out of the car when she waved him off. She always waved him off. She was one of the most independent people he had ever met. 

Sr. Theresa was dressed in her usual uniform. Gray dress and top with her face framed in a white wimple. Her diminutive stature and gentle demeanor hid seven and a half decades of inner strength, experience and knowledge of health care. But it didn’t hide her service to her congregation and commitment to her Lord. If there was a biased bone in her body, no one could find it. Different from some of the other Sisters whose prejudices were clear just below the surface, Sr. Theresa lived her life believing in the goodness of every person. And she showed it 

by her behavior. Protesting against voting restrictions, striving for fair housing laws, investing in Catholic healthcare and education for all and time for prayer. 

If she had a failing, David couldn’t find it. Plus she rooted for the right team. Sr. Theresa was an avid White Sox fan. She never said a bad word about the Cubs but he knew she silently rejoiced when the Sox won and the Cubs lost. 

Sr. Theresa took her time walking down the stairs to make sure she didn’t lose her footing. David got up from his seat to open the door for her but she waved him off once again. She slid into the front passenger seat and closed the door without making a sound. 

Putting on her seatbelt, she turned to David, smiled and said “Good morning, Mr. CEO, are we ready for our adventure today?” 

“Yes, Sister,” David said with a smile. “I’m ready. There aren’t too many tomorrows for our hospital without implementing our plan. I think I’ve got a strategy to handle the meeting with the Cardinal and his Bishops but I’m going to ask you to follow my lead when the meeting starts.” 

“OK,“ she said, “but let’s go over that approach one more time. The Cardinal’s decision is critical to the future of the hospital and our legacy.” 

“That’s the story we have to tell, Sister,” said David. 

“Yes. Our congregation, the Sisters, have worked for almost a century to bring education and healthcare to the poor and underserved. We can’t afford to let that die now,” said Sister Theresa. 

“After introductions, Father Garrity will take the lead,” said David. “His influence with the Cardinal along with the approach we will take should make for a forceful but tactful presentation. The Bishops have received our proposal in advance. They know what path we want to take. When we are done, they will see we have no other viable alternative to keep the hospital alive.” 

Sr. Theresa bowed her head and was silent for a few moments. 

David had seen this before. 

“She’s saying a prayer. I hope it is a powerful one.” 

David and Sister Theresa knew the hospital was down to two days of cash and didn't have any realistic options. They had looked at many alternatives, for profit and not-for-profit. No organization wanted a “mission” hospital or responsibility for a hospital which treated the poor and underserved. There were no suitors, no partners, who were willing to work with them or take on the hospital. The State needed them to stay open but couldn’t allocate funds to just them without making enemies with the other hospitals. The Sisters, dwindling in numbers and aging in place, had spent the last 10 years trying to discern a solution. 

Sister Theresa looked up from her prayers. 

“Before you arrived, David, we loaned the hospital money when it looked like it couldn’t make payroll. We are out of ideas. That’s why this meeting is so important. You have to lead this rescue plan. There’s no one else who can do the job!” 

David was quiet as he took in the overwhelming responsibility facing him. He knew that the Sisters had depended on his executive skills for the past 6 years just to keep the hospital afloat. With the Board’s help, they had done just that, kept it alive but on life support. Now, the end was in sight and it wasn’t pretty, for the Sisters or the community. He finally understood why he had come to this hospital and not stayed in the suburbs. Some things are just more important than money or where he lived. 

“I think our plan has legs, Sister,” he said. “It’s a bit of a stretch and may require the Cardinal and his henchmen to think beyond their normal boundaries and prejudices, but it’s doable. And it will preserve the Catholicity of the hospital.” 

“Legs? What do you mean? Do you think the plan can stand on its own? How will we convince them that, if we merge with another system, not of our faith, but of our mission, that we will continue to bring the Church to the faithful, as a Catholic institution?” 

David explained the thinking behind his approach. “The plan dictates that we draft a special agreement with any new partner which allows them to fulfill their responsibilities set down in the law and their bylaws, but still abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives. If a woman needs counseling for reproductive services, with the help of Father Garrity, we have drafted language the partner must agree to use to refer the patient outside of our hospital. That way, all parties have satisfied their obligations and we have stayed true to our Catholicity requirements.” 

“Do you think we can convince the Bishops, especially you know who, that we are not decimating our obligations by using this technique?” Sr. Theresa asked. “If the three of us can assure them that everything we are proposing is in line with the Directives, then maybe, just maybe, the Cardinal will decide in our favor.” 

“That’s what we are banking on, Sister,” David replied. “We are out of options. If we don’t succeed today, you and I both know that we’ll close our doors on March 15th. The community and 1200 employees depend on our survival. The proposal says it clearly. Father Garrity and I will emphasize these facts in our presentation.” 

David and Theresa knew they had to depend on the goodwill of the Cardinal and his ability to see their reality without succumbing to Church politics. He had to recommend to Rome that this agreement was ok to sign. In order to get to this outcome, the Cardinal may have to overrule some or all of his Bishops. 

“We’ve interacted with the Cardinal enough to know he has a big heart for his faithful and the underserved,” said David. “He has to convince himself this plan accomplishes a greater purpose without diminishing the Catholic protocols all of us live by.” 

“You’re right, David,” Sister sighed. “I just wish we had more support around the table. Even our Bishop will be silent in Bishop Piwonski’s presence.” 

“Don’t underestimate Father Garrity, Sister,” David said. “I talk with him almost every day, including this morning on the drive in. He knows how we feel but he remains upbeat about the possibility of this getting approved. Maybe he has a pipeline to the Big Guy,” David joked to release some of the tension in the car. 

Sr. Theresa didn’t respond but bowed her head in silent prayer. 

David looked over at her with admiration and respect. Then he said a prayer, his favorite from long ago. 

“May the Lord bless us and keep us. May the Lord...”

PART 2

[jonboudposts]

What We Never Talk About When We Talk About Race

On 17 August 2017, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said we need to have a talk in this country about sexual abuse, in the wake of Rotherham Labour MP Sarah Champion standing down from the Shadow Cabinet after her comments that Pakistani men only rape and abuse white girls.

This was in reference to the criminal case in which a group of eighteen men and one woman were jailed for grooming and sexually assaulting young girls in Newcastle.  The routine follows a well-worn structure; vulnerable young ladies not fully on the radar of social services or police, often coming from homes with problems that prevent the functioning of everyday life proceeding easily, are targeted by sexual offenders.

The response has, as ever, been extraordinary for the wrong reasons and equally followed a structure. The routine was to forget any action or circumstance carried out by anyone who is not one of the South Asian men who committed the crimes.  Almost like we were trying to promote racial intolerance and hide the terrible extent that child abuse runs in British society.

Sarah Champion does not to want to discuss all this though.  During an interview on BBC Radio 4 Today programme on 10 August, she merely wanted to use this opportunity to bash the left and scream that we have a ‘problem with Pakistani men raping and abusing white girls’ in this country - apparently she is also concerned about increases in Islamophobia when she discusses this issue.  She went on to whine about a politically-correct conspiracy by management in social services to deny the ethnicity of perpetrators.

Here we go again.

Champion later went on to publish an article saying the same thing in the national hate rag The Sun; all while she was SC Minister for Women and Equalities.

Today the press are trying to make a big thing of her departure but frankly she got off lightly. The only criticism I have for the Labour leadership in this case is they did not fire Champion; instead letting her resign from her Shadow Cabinet position.  She is no better than a hate preacher and has no place in public life.

On the same edition of the Today programme, Lord Ken MacDonald made his now-oft-quoted point that this was ‘a profoundly racist crime’.  This is wrong from the off (prejudiced it might be but not racist) but also plays into the narrative.

Later on in the day we got some sense and balance, courtesy of Woman’s Hour, where Jenny Murray interviewed Laura Seebohm from an organisation called Changing Lives; plus Detective Inspector Claire Wheatley who worked on the Operation Sanctuary. Changing Lives has been involved in helping out women with traumatic and abusive lives for ten years

Laura spoke of the victims sharing treats like previous abuse, poor mental health and sexual violence in their lives; being groomed sometimes from childhood.  Girls and women in these situations often fail to come forward for fear they will not be believed.

DI Wheatley spoke of concerns that had existed over the victim’s behaviour and ‘certain lifestyle characteristics, helping to create for many the feeling they were not victims and making it difficult to identify where abuse was taking place.  It was ‘absolutely the case’ some victims thought these criminals were their boyfriends according to Laura.

So by engaging with victims and support groups, a better understanding for all is achieved, sex offenders stopped and jailed and vulnerable people better empowered. Meanwhile, the media shouts about the criminal’s ethnicity and achieves nothing.

One result of this is to make victim services stronger and more bespoke; including knocking the police into line to take this shit seriously.  DI Wheatley talked of the ‘massive cultural change’ taken place within the police force in understanding sexual exploitation and moves to improve prevention. Funding cuts also made the job more difficult.

Both speakers agreed the case in Newcastle was extreme, not any kind of norm. Ongoing investigations involving white offenders have so far failed to catch media attention in the same way (though no doubt of some perpetrators turn out to be Eastern European they will be all over it).

Woman’s Hour made an effort along with their guests to look at the complex narrative going on, the details of the victim’s lives and what put them in harms way, the ‘reality of life’ as Laura put it of girls and young women known to social services for some time, perhaps through the criminal justice system or homelessness, with the sadly common drug and alcohol dependency thrown in too. In partnership with the police, Changing Lives were able to engage with the girls directly and help bring this case against their abusers, gaining a full understanding of the level of grooming.

It is a terrible judgement of the supposedly flagship news programme Today that they spit out their venomous shite; while Jenny Murray and co show them how it is done an hour later, but that is for another article.

But still, we need to talk about race.  Not avoid it and duck the important questions right?

The biggest problem with any discussion about race in Britain is we never talk about white people. White people are not a race it seems; we are just ‘normal’, average (well most of you are certainly that) and when we commit any crime, our race goes unmentioned.  In the case of child abuse, this is a particularly problematic oversight.

White people have fucked kids for years.  They like fucking their own kids; pre-teens in particular.  Within the institutions: the family; the scouts, sports clubs and public schools. The Catholic Church have fucked many unwanted, vulnerable children, they have taken away children birthed by vulnerable young girls who suffered moral judgement and then for many years taken into a form of slavery.

None of us talk about these crimes in the same way.  The Catholic Church is not seen as some humanity-hating outside force that has come into ‘our’ society from outside to pollute and destroy it.  Nobody tries to pull the crosses from around the necks of any woman walking down the street (thankfully).

Here’s another thing to discuss; the girls who were victimised here had something in common. ‘They were all white’ I hear you cry. They were all vulnerable too.  Why were they vulnerable?  

Lord MacDonald repeatedly referred to the idea of how these girls are seen as ‘trash’ who can be exploited easily. As other abuse scandals have shown, social services and the police were often directly involved in letting down the victims of these terrible crimes, either through lack of resources or on purpose.  We know police were often informed about inappropriate relationships between grown men and teenage girls and just as often this was dismissed.  Parents of victims were told their daughter had made a lifestyle choice; no investigation necessary.  Some were even suggested to be actively working as prostitutes (another group of people treated like worthless shit in Britain).  One officer in Newcastle was eventually fired because he refused to investigate one of the now-jailed perpetrators.  

Then the terrible news breaks and we hear from many quarters (such as known far right extremists) that we ‘knew’ this was happening all along.  Really?  Then why didn’t you do something about it big man?  Where have been the patrols of concerned white men and women in these towns and cities looking out for vulnerable white girls being pulled off the streets and into the clutches of Muslim sex beasts?  

British society sees these victims as trash.  Infamous polls have been taken where alarmingly high amounts of people respond that the way a woman dresses in public can lead to rape.  We pass groups of youths in the streets every day and do not give a rusty fuck what they are doing and who with.  The police are too busy to care.  The social services are fighting for dear life on skeletal budgets cut for political reasons.

I have heard it said that Muslim girls are never treated like this.  Well, some of them are and they suffer as much as anyone, but they also get ignored because they are not politically useful.  ‘Ah but what about the cultural aspect’ I hear some cry.

Let us talk about a cultural aspect here.  Young Muslim girls, as part of cultural practices, can be subjected to scrutiny in ways many (myself included) find invasive, with parents making decisions for them, etc. Again they are not the only group who live like this but it does happen.  One perhaps positive aspect though is parents have more potential to know where their kids are, certainly in the evening or later.

Young people are often vulnerable and like other groups, they are often this way because wider society and it’s institutions do not care about them or fail them in some way. There is no judgment from me towards parents or social workers or anyone else that does a job so hard it makes my head ache thinking about it; but where these failures take place, it produces vulnerability and it is not like the rest of society take up the slack on protection and care.

No doubt the perpetrators of all this vileness look down on their victims, but which sexual predators do not? In fact if you go to many places in the world including countries closer to home, there is often an assumption that English women and girls are ‘easy’.

Most of the people who claim to be worried about this are not.  It does not matter to them, just like everything else they complain about. Most live very materially-easy lives. You only really care about yourselves and the suffering of others is immaterial.  In order to justify this, certain narratives must be told, invented and firmly believed in to make you feel less horrible.

There is no South Asian Muslim sex conspiracy at work here; there are no councils who do not want to face the issue of ‘Muslim rape’ in their local areas and there is no concern for the victims among the far right scum who look to make political capital from thee terrible situations.

So, another group of young girls were subjected to systematic sexual abuse at the hands of an organised gang of sexual predators, able to do so in part due to the low status the victims had in British society; a society where some of the most well known people and highest institutions have been directly involved in terrible acts of sexual abuse too and never been punished.  

Yes Mr Javid, let’s have a good, long talk about sexual abuse in Britain.

‘How long will this go on?’ screams the ever calm and balanced Daily Mail.  As long as Britain does not give a fuck about it’s most vulnerable.