Left v Right – A Summer of Divide?

As many head off on holiday and politicians take a break from parliament. Are we about to see a summer movie played out in the media, that no one really wants? Left v Right the movie a summer of divide, I obviously hope not. Ok, let me explain where I am coming from with this left v right. Basically, there is no middle ground for debate anymore, on several issues. Having thought this way for some time, I feel we have lost that middle ground for debate. So many are given labels now simply for having differing views.

Over the years I have often taken the view that most people are fair and have a different world view. This will be because of upbringing, what they have seen, or perhaps politically following parents in how they vote. I sit in the middle for example based on what I have been through in my life. Having faced many issues from childhood including ill health, I try to keep as much balance as I can. You get to see how people react to you and how you might have judged some political parties, based on your parents’ views.

Shaping of Our Views

Whether it’s being homeless, kidney failure, working class or living in social housing, you get to see politics up close and personal. You see the stigma and stereotyping that is often attached to those of us in social housing for example. That was never there before, why? Because there was a balance between social housing and home ownership. Social housing was the stepping stone for many of our parents and wider families with fair rents. Many of course stay renting or in social housing like I have, 16% of pensioners for example still live in social housing. Some of the nicest people you meet in life, will be those that have little, its helps to shape our views.

That has shaped my political views on rents on social housing and why I volunteer my time on social housing panels. I know how it has worked for me as an individual, helping to pick myself up after my transplant. Also, as a single parent picking up the pieces in what was a very difficult time. You get to see another side that was alien to you before, a different perspective.  When I become a single parent, Teachers questioned why I was attending an assembly, literally told ‘fathers don’t come to these’. I didn’t say anything at the time, but I was shocked by it.

Common themes were starting to appear, judgements, stereotyping, assumptions about us as fathers. I think back to how many had thoughts about us on council estates, shaving our hair a no2, labelled as far right. Where does that come from? why the assumptions? Where is the debate and listening to each other’s views? which we did for decades. Now it seems to have become, tell me what I want to hear, or I stick you in a pigeonhole and label you. You often see banners and terms like socialist or talk of poverty, yet they are people we never will have met. Its as though they are trying to use it somehow for a response. Where are the banners for the homeless, or the high death rate in Brighton of homeless people.

The Divide

Politicians themselves seem to be creating more divide, with terms like ‘woke’ and ‘leftie’ based on differing opinions. The same the other side, right wing for having opposing views, or perhaps assumptions you are far right. Where is that middle ground for debate? Where are the politicians bringing us together to help with social cohesion? They all seem to be allowing the media to divide us more.  Left v Right with no middle of the road.

Looking back, I accept that many won’t see what I have seen. Personally, would not wish it on anyone. Whilst I am very honest with my views and can be a bit direct at times, I know I am a nice guy because of what I have been through. I get passionate about issues because I care, so many of us do. But that does not mean we are right wing questioning sheer numbers coming to the country. It is not sustainable, and many are now saying let them work. Sure, we will need some to fill vacancies no question. But we ignored manual work and trades, and we have to get back to doing those jobs ourselves.

Those that know you the least, will often judge you the most

People are rightly angry right now, but some are saying come on in, you’re all welcome here. But there is something very naïve about that, as they won’t see the suffering in society of our own people. You won’t see banners for the homeless or talk of the high death rates of the homeless in some areas. Why? Because its not in the news, there is nothing for people to jump on. People sadly now jump on whatever is in the news, piggy backing it for a response. We all have opinions on news stories, but this is very different now. As social media and video apps are capturing everything. Many are looking for new ways to get those likes and followers. But are they thinking about the divide its creating? Do the protestors think about wider society and the pressure on services and housing?

Living in and around other social tenants, there is a shared commonality we all have, a story. But where is that wider debate with people from all walks of life?  If we lose that middle ground for debate, it could sadly be a summer of divide, and no one wants to see that. I will wrap this up with my favourite phrase. ‘Those that know you the least, will often judge you the most’. No idea where that comes from but was told to me many years ago by a family member. Maybe if we keep talking to each other and debating our views, it might help stop all the labels.