A Voice for the Voiceless

Needless to say, we live in a society riddled with self-serving opportunists who outcast certain groups for their political gain and to the detriment of the working class. The shark-infested waters that politics has become seeks out the weak and devours their hope. Following on from the 2016 referendum which witnessed the public inexplicably lied to and hoodwinked into believing that a better Britain was an independent Britain, the low SES group have seemingly had their heart ripped out of them, particularly the 18-34 manual/unemployed which saw a lowly 35% voter turnout in the 2017 General Election (Ipsos Mori 2017). As democratic institutions lose responsiveness and legitimacy to the aforementioned socioeconomic group due to their lack of engagement, higher socioeconomic groups profit as their vote, in many ways, becomes a national consensus. The question that needs addressing is how do we give a voice to the voiceless?

Fig.1. Significant decline among lower social class groups in GE 2017 from 2016 referendum (Ipsos Mori 2017)

Easy.

I get that we are prisoners of our reality and being 21 years old, some might consider the ship to have sailed in terms of encouraging political engagement for my age and socioeconomic demographic, however, the next generation of low SES can reap the rewards of engaging in politics through education and having the voice I never had. Having previously lived an estate and attended a low socioeconomic status school, the access to learning and exploring the political landscape was minimal at best; often PSCHE/ political classes were filler and an environment to complete homework of other classes.

This must change.

Is it too much to ask for schools to empower their students of low SES? Through the participatory process and giving students positions with a modicum of political value such as school councils as well as citizenship classes with specific learning outcomes, it encourages them to become politically engaged and consequently have a voice. Research by Professor Bryony Hoskins found that in over 6000 students, there were no significant differences in their access to citizenship classes by socioeconomic background, however their voluntary participation saw alarming differences as those from poor social backgrounds are found unwilling to volunteer in political activities (George 2018). Again, we must empower those who feel powerless, and this starts from the bottom up. Tackling this issue in schools will have a baring on higher education whereby the number of students who attend Russell Groups continue to dwindle as only 5 % of English teenagers who took A-levels or equivalent qualifications in 2012-13 and were eligible for free school meals were admitted to Russell Group universities the following year, which incidentally has increased to only 3% of students going to Russell Group (Havergal 2015). This slide in admittance into top unis becomes reflective of the political sphere, an evermore exclusive to those of a high SES and further fuel diplomatic democracy; whereby politicians turn out to be the most educated from the best universities and those who vote are the most educated and wealthy. Consequently, you have a large demographic that feels isolated and left out of politics.

Oh the irony of Theresa May. Having declared to fight the ‘burning injustices’ in British society and to prioritise the working class who were ‘just about managing’ a year prior to the 2017 General Election (George 2018), enter the mismanagement of Grenfell. In the face (or across the street) of Grenfell, lay the upper social class whereby in some parts of the borough, average income can ‘drop ten times as you cross the street’ (Guardian 2017). If any good came from this tragic circumstance is the finger being directed at the Tory government. A web of  social inequalities continues to unravel which ultimately leading the 18-34 low SES voicing their opinions on social media, showing images of the tragic event two years removed and reminding politicians that they have a voice and will continue to preach the social injustice they experience.

They use the people when they want to rise, as we treat a spirited horse when we want to mount him; – for a time we pat the animal upon the neck, and speak him softly; but once in the saddle, then come the whip and spur. – Christian Nestell Bovee – New York Writer

 

Fig.3. YouGov (2017) poll on what Brits think of the social classes. Working class have the nicest people.

For what the data tells us, it is pretty laughable what is exacted in society. Although the working class contribute most to society they are also overwhelmingly treated the worst by government. One might think “well why don’t they do something about it?” Reality is, once you have been politically repressed for a sustained period,  disillusion is inevitable. A quick dive into recent history shows this as 18-34 low SES group saw an encouraging voter turnout of 57% during the 2016 Referendum (6% increase from the 2015 GE) ultimately suffer a 4% fall for the 2017 (Ipsos Mori 2017).

They use the people when they want to rise, as we treat a spirited horse when we want to mount him – for a time we pat the animal upon the neck, and speak him softly; but once in the saddle, then come the whip and spur. – Christian Nestell Bovee.

In the face of Bovee’s damning statement, the mistreatment of the government will not resign our fate. In fact, the voiceless will become the ‘voiceful‘.

 

 

Bibliography

George, M (2018) Call for debates to be compulsory for all secondary pupils. Available at: https://www.tes.com/news/call-debates-be-compulsory-all-secondary-pupils

Grenfell Speaks (2018) On the ground at Grenfell. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3S_5ttJAOwHavergal, C (2015) Russell Group access: poorest fall further behind. Available at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/russell-group-access-poorest-fall-further-behind (Accessed 05/03/2019)

Ipsos Mori (2017) How Britain Voted in the 2017 Election. Available at: https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/how-britain-voted-2017-election

The Guardian (2017) Grenfell Tower MP highlights huge social divisions in London. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2017/nov/13/grenfell-tower-mp-highlights-huge-social-divisions-in-london (Accessed 05/03/2019)

Notable Quotes (2006) Christian Nestell Bovee Quotes VI. Available at: http://notable-quotes.com/b/bovee_christian_nestell_vi.html

YouGov (2017) What do Brits think of social classes? Available at: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2017/09/26/what-do-brits-think-social-classes

3,797 thoughts on “A Voice for the Voiceless”

  3. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an very long comment
    but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr…
    well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say great blog!

    Also visit my page :: 168

    Reply

  6. Grеat goods from you, man. I’ve understand yoour stuff previous to andd youu are just too fantastic.
    I actually like what you have ɑcquired here, really liкe what you’re saying and thе way
    in which уou say it. You make it entertaining and you
    still care for to keep it smart. I can not wait tօ read much more from you.

    This is rеally ɑ tremendouѕ ѡweb site.

    my webpage; 1v1.lol

    Reply

  9. I’ll immediately snatch your rss feed as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink
    or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me understand in order that I could subscribe.
    Thanks.

    Visit my web-site … ultimate pleasure

    Reply

  10. Hеy I know this is off topic but I was wondering if yyou knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that
    automatіcally tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like
    this for quite soe time and was hoping maybe you woսld have soome experience with something
    like this. Plase let me knoѡ if you run ito anything.
    I truoy enjoy ｒeading your blog and Ilook fߋrward to youг new updates.

    Ηere iѕ my web-site 1v1.lol unblocked

    Reply

  11. With havіn so much content and articles do you ever run into any
    issues of рlаgorism or copyright vіolation? My sit
    has a lot off unikque content I’vе either written myself or outsourced but it apрears
    a lot of it is poppіng it uⲣ aⅼl over the
    web without my agreement. Do you know any techniques too help prevent
    content from being stolеn? I’d definitely appreciate it.

    Take a look at my web-site – retro bowl unblocked

    Reply

  15. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was
    a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
    However, how could we communicate?

    Have a look at my web blog … sex trẻ em

    Reply

  16. Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re
    using? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m
    having a difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.

    The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something
    completely unique. P.S Apologies for being
    off-topic but I had to ask!

    Feel free to surf to my blog post :: hey

    Reply

  17. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I
    acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any
    way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access
    consistently quickly.

    Here is my blog :: sex trẻ em

    Reply

  20. Hello, i believe that i saw you visited my blog thus i got here to return the desire?.I’m attempting
    to find issues to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use some
    of your ideas!!

    my web-site; Laroche-Posay

    Reply

  25. Có tải app Vipwin về thiết bị được không?
    Sau đó kiểm tra lại toàn bộ các thông tin vừa điểm
    một lần nữa để không bị nhầm địa chỉ.
    Bước 3: Xác nhận đăng nhập để gửi yêu cầu, hệ thống rà soát thông tin nếu
    hợp lệ sẽ phê duyệt lượt truy cập của bạn. Nếu
    bạn cũng yêu thích game bài hãy trải
    nghiệm để kiếm tìm tiền thưởng cho
    mình sau mỗi ván cược thắng. Các giải đấu Esports lớn liên tục được tổ chức để các game
    thủ so tài bởi thế Vipwin cũng tiến hành mở cược ở hình thức giải
    trí này cho anh em thử sức. Một số tựa game Esports đình đám như: Pubg, Liên quân, Liên minh, Fifa, Free Fire, Dota 2,… Vipwin xác nhận thông tin và trả tiền về ngân hàng liên kết chỉ sau vài phút.
    Vậy nên, anh em không cần lo lắng tình trạng
    bị kẻ xấu hay hacker xâm nhập, đánh cắp thông tin và tài sản của
    mình.

    Here is my blog – vipwin.con

    Reply

  26. hello!,I love your writing so a lot! share we communicate more
    approximately your article on AOL? I need a specialist on this space
    to resolve my problem. May be that’s you!
    Taking a look ahead to look you.

    Feel free to visit my webpage: cozumodasi

    Reply

  28. Excellent weblog here! Also your web site a lot up fast! What web host are you the
    use of? Can I get your associate link for your
    host? I desire my site loaded up as quickly as
    yours lol

    Here is my web site – avis jeu plinko

    Reply

  32. My programmer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.

    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on numerous websites for about a year and
    am concerned about switching to another platform.
    I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into
    it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Check out my web-site :: uzunlafinkisasi.com.tr

    Reply

  34. Pսtting a wager on such bet could halt easier. All internet ‘bookies’ offer sucһ betting marқet,
    though sоme brɑnd it under ɑnother name. The football bеt
    itself can be as easy as could be and would offer excіtement for the
    complete 90 minuteѕ of recreation. In any case, every single football betting tips аnd info.

    The in truth only expert ɡamblers know wһat the rеal Soccer Betting tiрs are.
    But еven though they know these things, that doesn’t imply they never lose;
    not surprіsingly tһey lose sometimes, it they bring in moгe money than the truly amazing lose.

    Tip #3 – Ᏼe regaгded as a specialist. Direct your attention on ⲟnly
    some teаms. It is recommend to Ƅｅt on the teams which are not the favoгites in the normal tournament his or her Soccｅr Odds coᥙld possiƄly better and more
    constant.

    Next would like to to researⅽh how they has
    been playing ⅼately in comparison to its quality. Restricted to the simіlar to them
    simply winning or losing. You want to observe how they aгe losing methoԁs convincingly
    are they really winning. Individual wins аlready been questionable this may represent a potentially bad betting propositi᧐n.

    Think with the W᧐rld Cup and yօur boԁy and mind Soccer analysis quicklу turns
    to the yellow and golɗ. Wһo’s able to forget
    Brazils all conquering 1970 team, arguably thｅ competitіons greatest ever
    tｅam, or the 1982 classic of Zico and corρ? Or how about 1994 as well
    as the deadly Romario or the 2002 vintage of wonderful Ronaldo?
    Hardly any other teams in sport dominatｅ such Worlԁ competitions in mind
    to be the Brazil national team.

    Favoriteѕ Odds tends to be aƄle to on the fewer side which rаnge from 1.70-1.85.

    Web sites . serve much value in particular when yоu are betting big considering you risk $1000 on a ѕingles although you did win, you only managed a $700
    to $825 gain. With a 3 bets/per ԁaʏ system which I’m adopting a scenario of one win 1 draw
    and 1 loss sitᥙation would result from
    a viguorish regarⅾing $150-$300. Numerous you aгe betting on underdogs
    thｅ odds tends to range from $1.975-$2.15 assocіated with scenario
    оf merely one win 1 draw and 1 loss situation ᴡould rеsult in minimal viguorish loss a lot more often money due into tһe value chances.

    Bottom ⅼine, and products my private message to all my French counterparts will.
    France shοuld Ьe proud of their team. Chirac is riɡht:
    you should celebrate Les Bleus when they come back to
    Paris, as they definitely have earned not just respect
    in the French, additionally of the Italians. Best Ϝrench competition? For me Henry,
    eѵen better than Zidane.

    Feel frеe tо visit my web blog :: แทงบอลเว็บตรง

    Reply

  36. I visited multiple sites except the audio feature for audio songs current at this web page is genuinely marvelous.

    Also visit my web-site :: 100Proxies.com (100proxies.com)

    Reply

  37. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
    Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would
    like to know where u got this from. appreciate it

    Feel free to surf to my web page – Best proxies private

    Reply

  38. Kuwin là nền tảng tham gia cá cược online hàng đầu hiện nay.
    Giao diện người dùng thân thiện: Nền tảng cung cấp giao diện hiện đại, dễ sử dụng với hai gam màu chủ đạo là xanh dương và trắng.
    Kuwin chắc chắn là sự lựa chọn không thể bỏ qua.
    Chỉ cần hoàn thành 3 vòng cược với tổng giá trị 188K bạn đã có thể rút tiền thưởng thật dễ dàng.
    Không chỉ là một trò chơi giải trí, Nhà cái Kuwin còn mang đến cơ hội kiếm xu hấp dẫn, giúp bạn thỏa mãn đam mê
    săn bắn và rinh về những phần thưởng giá trị.
    Cảm giác hồi hộp tăng dần từng giây chờ
    đợi khoảnh khắc may mắn khi các biểu tượng xếp hàng hoàn hảo, mang đến những phần thưởng giá trị.

    Đầu tiên, người chơi mới sẽ nhận được mã code trị giá 50k
    miễn phí, giúp họ có thể bắt đầu trải nghiệm các
    trò chơi mà không cần đầu tư ngay lập tức.
    Bạn có thể xem chi tiết từng chương trình khuyến mãi trên trang chủ hoặc liên hệ với CSKH để được hướng dẫn cụ
    thể. Những chương trình này không chỉ tặng quà giá trị khủng mà còn tạo điều kiện cho người chơi có
    thêm nhiều cơ hội nhận thưởng lớn thông qua các gói khuyến mãi đặc biệt.

    Also visit my web page kuvings jsg-641m

    Reply

  39. I was very pleased to find this page. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!!

    I definitely appreciated every part of it and i also have
    you bookmarked to see new information on your web site.

    Stop by my page :: gasgasket replacement

    Reply

  40. Very good blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any
    message boards that cover the same topics discussed here?

    I’d really like to be a part of group where I
    can get comments from other experienced people that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
    Many thanks!

    Feel free to surf to my blog: 777king

    Reply

  42. This web site really has all of the information and facts I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

    Look at my site :: cannabis

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Gladys Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *