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Month: December 2011

Peace of mind and goodwill to all students

Earlier this term my student house was broken into, and worryingly many of you reading this will know of others, or experienced yourself the devastating and infuriating violation of having your possessions nicked.

The landlord’s parental lecture on security made me roll my eyes at the time, but apart from kicking myself for not being extra vigilant in checking locks and cursing the opportunists that lurk about Fallowfield, I have made it my mission to preach the importance of these minor actions that ensure your stuff doesn’t get nicked.

I know it seems a laborious task, and the prospect of having your printer on the seat next to you on the train home is a tad over-board, but taking everything of value home with you this Christmas is the most effective method in not being robbed of your treasured possessions.

Beg for a lift home if you can, with housemates or friends heading the same way as you or butter up the parents well in advance.

Closing windows and drawing curtains may seem a little obvious when leaving your house for a long period of time, but it’s surprising how many of us forget such simple actions.

Making sure nothing is on display will deter anyone from breaking in, because they can’t see anything that they want. Even investing in a cheap light-timer will make burglars think twice about targeting your house.

Drill these things into your housemates’ brains too: you can be responsible for your things, but who’s to say they won’t accidentally leave a window ajar or door unlocked.

And lets be honest, it’s bad enough returning to our favourite city for dreaded exams without the potential worry of an insecure house or stolen TV.

Pieboy: Flashmob part 2

Next week sees the launch of Pieboy clothing’s Manchester Scarf. They’ll be running a pop-up stall every day outside the union, as well as holding a Flash Party featuring the superstar guitarist Danny Harrison from their first flash mob, plus crazy antics from the hip-hop society, free mince pies and lots, lots more.
And prepare yourselves for their next Flash party… https://www.facebook.com/events/178065618955419/?ref=ts

Get your work published with the Institute of Public Policy Research

Do your academic interests cover Global Politics and the Environment? Would you like to get your work published? This is a perfect chance for you to get your work in print and contribute to the esteemed literature of a leading public policy think-tank.
 
The University of Manchester has joined a national partnership between selected UK universities and IPPR (Institute of Public Policy Research). Every year, IPPR@universities publishes a prestigious policy journal ‘Metis’ and the theme this year is Global Politics and the Environment.
 
We at IPPR@manchester are asking you to submit a 1500 word policy paper arguing for a specific policy change relating to global politics and the environment. Deadline for submissions is 17th January 2012 but we welcome you to submit a 200 word abstract or working title to us at [email protected] before  9th December 2011 to express your interest. Don’t worry if it’s just an idea- we’d really like to hear from you. 

IPPR@manchester want to give you the best chance of getting your article published so we have arranged a ‘How to write a policy article’ workshop with IPPR Research Fellow – Jenni ViitanenThis workshop will contain lots of useful tips, practical activities and a chance for you to ask questions to Jenni, who has a wealth of experience in writing policy articles. Please email ippr.manchester@gmail.com to secure your place. We look forward to hearing from you!

Society Spy: Open Media

This week I went along to Open Media’s screening of Waiting for Superman, a critical documentary presenting the issues concerning the American education system.

The screening was a relaxed affair, and I didn’t feel nervous attending on my own. I was however surprised by the low levels of attendance, as I know that they usually draw a big crowd. Unfortunately, there was no discussion after the documentary, a slight shame when undoubtedly many opinions would have been aroused.

Nevertheless, Open Media gives us students a great opportunity to access thought-provoking films that wouldn’t usually be easily seen or discussed.  I really would encourage as many people as possible to make the most of this opportunity whilst they can!

Score: 7/10

Society Spy: PhotoSoc

Begrudgingly, I have to admit that this week features a pretty disappointing trip the PhotoSoc Still Life Workshop. Having recently become the owner of a ‘camera with a million features, yet only managing to successfully operate the auto function, I thought this would present a good opportunity to gain a little helpful insight from somebody in the know.

But on arrival, I found myself pretty confused about what was going on. There wasn’t any introduction from existing society members, and it wasn’t clear at all who was running the workshop. A few people seemed to be making a half-hearted attempt at setting up the equipment, but after 20 minutes of absolutely no interaction, I bailed. Whether it came together in the end, I’m not sure, but for future events PhotoSoc would definitely benefit from some element of leadership, or at least a hello to new-comers!

Starved For Attention

Megan Corder and Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières came a little closer to understanding the agony of starvation this week, denying themselves the right to eat from Thursday afternoon until late Friday night as part of their “Starved for Attention” campaign, in a striking attempt to raise awareness of child malnutrition. The thirty-hour fast was a staggering success, the participants “Just Giving” account alone totalling over £1,000.

“Horrendous. So difficult” said one of the group, mid-munch, “I didn’t expect it to actually be so hard, and it’s really made me realise the gravity of the problem…that for some children this kind of extreme hunger is a way of life”

Join their mailing list at [email protected] to keep an eye out for upcoming events, and to find out how you can help them as they fight tirelessly for their cause.

 

 

Oxfam’s Homegrown Gig

You missed out if you weren’t able to come to the Oxfam Society’s HOME GROWN Gig on Wednesday 23rdNovember. With several acoustic acts, a jar of jelly beans to be won, and fairy lights and bunting galore, it was guaranteed to be good fun, and all in the name of a good cause.

The Oxfam ‘GROW’ Campaign seeks to help the 1 in 7 people going hungry every day from the effects of issues which we can help to change. The effects of climate change and food price hikes means crops are unpredictable and poor families cannot find enough money to feed themselves. Intensive farming overworks land which has vast untapped potential, and sustainable techniques could be used. Further, land grabs by wealthy companies which evicts poor families who use the land to grow their own food. The campaign is seeking to put pressure on politicians and companies to start discussion and stop these actions.

Seeking to help increase awareness of these issues, acts at the gig included Usman Mohammed, Earl Harper, High House and a brilliant rendition of TLC’s ‘No Scrubs’ by the She Choir. There was a great turnout and wonderful atmosphere, and everyone’s generous contributions raised £319.93.

Meet Markus

What are the main things you try to achieve as Chairman?

Well I think the main thing that we try and achieve is that everyone has fun. Hiking is something pretty much anyone can do and you don’t have to be an experienced hiker to get involved. You can just do what you want.

Well it all seems very relaxed!

To be honest we’re a complete bunch of idiots! Last year we started ‘ the embarrassment of the week’, which is a list of all the stupid things people get up to, its anything from being drunk and disorderly to climbing the wrong mountain. So that’s always a good laugh. And the hikes themselves can be as relaxed as you want them to be. On the Christmas trip to Scotland you don’t even have to do any walking if you don’t want. Some people go climbing, some go skiing and others just build igloos!

I looked on your website and there said there were no upcoming socials?

That’s a lie! You must have been looking at our old website. Our new one is now up and running at www.umhc.org.uk. We’re also very excited about our big Christmas social, so sign up to our mailing list or add us on Facebook (University of Manchester Hiking Club), everyone is welcome. If you want to sign up for one of the hikes find us in the activities office of the SU daily between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

 

 

Society Spotlight: Stop Aids

We are HIV positive. Positive in the sense that we actively campaign to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and to prevent discrimination against those who are infected.  We are part of a huge national network of 34 societies across the UK, all of whom work towards the vision of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support .  Whilst “FREE CONDOMS” may have been the sign that first got people’s attention to join the society at the Fresher’s Fair, we now have an amazing team with many new members.  We’ve had an incredibly successful start to our campaigning year, but of course still have a great deal more to do.

The first major event for the society was The Stop AIDS Speaker Tour, which came to the Manchester Academy on 10th October.  Here we had two HIV positive speakers: Mo from the Gambia and Lea from the UK, who shared their stories of living a life with HIV.  Both speakers gave a moving insight into the difficulties of living with the virus, but also how they overcame these.  Mo’s experiences empowered him to advocate for social justice and for better medicine availability in sub-Sahara Africa .  Lea now takes part in any campaign that will make people aware of the risks of unprotected sex.   The positive nature of both speakers was really inspirational, and is at the heart of what our “We are HIV Positive”  slogan is about.  After the talk, the speakers joined our society for food and drinks on the curry mile.  This gave us the chance to talk further with the speakers but also was great for getting to know everyone in the society better.

Part of our work involves collaborating with the Upendo Society.  The Upendo Society supports the Upendo Orphanage in Tanzania, which homes and helps educate children who are orphans as a result of HIV and AIDs.  Every summer members for the Upendo Society and Stop AIDS have the opportunity to go over to Tanzania for the summer and help further to support the orphanage.

2011 has been a vital year for fighting AIDS and HIV.  UNAIDS has developed an in-depth model called ‘The Investment Framework,’ which shows that by scaling up the programme activities that we know work we could see an end to children being born with HIV by 2015, save an extra 7 million lives and prevent 12 million new infections by 2020.  ‘The Investment Framework’ shows that in less than a decade the amount spent combating HIV and AIDS could be continually reduced, as the pandemic fades.  The implementation of ‘The Investment Framework’ is one of our main campaigns.  It makes sense ethically and financially, so now we need to convince David Cameron to back it.

30 years ago this year the first diagnosis of HIV was made.  Hopefully with the Stop AIDS Society’s Campaign for universal treatment and prevention, by HIV’s 40th anniversary, the virus will have faded significantly.  Let’s make the 30th year of the AIDS epidemic the year we start writing its final chapter.

Everyone is welcome to join our society and we have a vast range of things you can get involved in.  If you are interested in joining or wish to come to one of our events check out the ‘Stop AIDS Society Manchester’ Facebook page.

An Insight into the Pakistan Society

Whilst being the official society for Pakistani students at the University of Manchester, the society caters for absolutely anyone with an interest in Pakistani culture. The society prides itself in being as open and diverse a society as possible.

Membership costs £3 for an academic year which entitles you to a discount on events and the opportunity to become a member of the committee, which currently consists of a recently re-elected and expanded team of 14 hard-working students. I would strongly encourage each and every one of you to come to an event; be it only to taste the society’s ethos or to taste some delicious food.

The Pakistan society is an active society hosting many events throughout the year. It has already boasted a welcome dinner and a fantastic Eid Mela that entertained an audience of over 300 students. Over the last year the society has dramatically transformed, becoming more innovative in its events. This has subsequently resulted in not only a rise in members but also a rise in creativity and enthusiasm. One thing is for sure: the Pakistan society is not taking a step back. The society is constantly improving and looking to do the best we can to promote Pakistani culture for all students.

It is an exciting time for the Pakistan society who are on a journey to provide the best entertainment so make sure you are a part of it!

To find out more on the Pakistan society, please visit the official Facebook page; alternatively, email the society at [email protected]

Manchester Food Co-op

The Manchester Students’ Food Co-op is a student-run buyers co-operative that provides ethically sourced food at cost-price to Manchester’s students. The idea is that we buy in bulk a wide range of goods direct from suppliers and then sell these on to our members. What’s great is that because the co-op is run by volunteers, there is barely any mark-up on what we sell, meaning that you – the students – get quality food for a fraction of the price of standard retailers!

The co-op is built around a few core principles. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a way of putting sustainable food at the heart of the Manchester student’s experience. This means bringing in locally-sourced, seasonal and (where possible) organic produce, and making it directly accessible for students. The second key element of the co-op is the relationships that this desire for sustainable food fosters between students and the local community. Whether through the connections we develop with local farmers and other co-ops, or through events and workshops we’ll run, the student co-op creates a space for all things foody to come together in one network. A third pillar of the co-op is its democratic ownership and organisation. There is a large organising committee open to all, and a growing pool of volunteers to run the stalls and events. Importantly, we constantly try to ensure that the organisation is as ‘flat’ as possible – so decisions are not made by a certain few and roles within the committee are unfixed and open.

So that’s the thinking behind the food co-op. In practice, to start with the co-op stall is set to run for one day each week in the UMSU foyer. We will provide a range of wholefoods – grains, pulses, tinned foods, dried fruits etc – and a variety of fresh, seasonal produce from local farms. These stalls are set to begin after Christmas. In the meantime though, there is a lot of exciting work still to do and we want as many people as possible to get involved. Everyone is welcome, so if you want to help out with the co-op in any way, whether as an organiser developing relationships with local suppliers for example, or just as a volunteer on the stall for an hour a week – then please join our mailing list by emailing [email protected], ‘Like’ our Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Manchester-Students-Food-Co-operative/157534167678528, and try and make it to our meetings and workshops whenever you can.

It’s set to be an amazing year for the food co-op, make sure you join us for it!

Society Spotlight: Young Greens

Manchester Young Greens society only started this autumn and the speed of growth has been encouraging and exhilarating. We’re here to make Manchester and Britain a greener and more just society for all. Both through direct action and campaigning for Britain’s progressive future: The Green Party.

The Young Greens are part of a national and international movement of students that are fed up with the “same old politics” that have failed us time and time again. As huge problems pile up we have seen massive unrest and the slow decay of our planet. This is the time to stand up and say enough.

We are the answer

Politics may seem distant and useless as nothing ever changes. The poor get poorer, the rich richer and our planet is still heating up at unprecedented rates resulting in devastating natural disasters. The reason is simple: we keep electing the same old expense-fiddling politicians year after year.

The Greens have a different vision for Britain. A Green New Deal will create millions of jobs through the renewable sector. If we act decisively now we will be the first and best country in the world in this growing industry laying the foundations of our future wealth whilst helping to solve the biggest crisis of our time: global warming.

Poverty should be tackled with free schools and universities, lower taxes on normal families, green jobs and a Scandinavian-style social security net. By letting the richest contribute more to the common good and daring to use corporate profits for school investment instead of luxury yachts we can create a new and better Britain.

A new society is possible. Based on shared values of freedom and equality grounded in local communities we can build a country we can all be proud of and enjoy now and in the future.

What we offer

The Manchester Young Greens hold regular meetings every Tuesday discussing topics as wide-ranging as nuclear power, women’s rights, recycling, the third world, global warming and poverty.

We campaign for the Green Party all over Manchester being part of the constantly growing wave of support that has resulted in Britain’s first Green MP (Caroline Lucas) and Britain’s first ever Green Party led council (Brighton).

We are also directly making Manchester a greener place that’s better for students. So far dozens of students have signed up to get a free food-recycling bin delivered. We have also worked with the council to make sure all student areas get the same services as richer areas of Manchester.

Our most important project is the new Student Food Cooperative. We will buy mass bulks of environmentally friendly food selling it off at cost price to students. This will give us students “dirt-cheap” food of good quality whilst cutting carbon emissions. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Join us!

If you believe that a better world is not only possible but necessary; if you believe that a greener society must be secured for the future of our planet; if you believe that communities and people, not businesses and profits, should be the focus of Britain, then you should join us. Help us make Manchester and Britain a fairer, greener country.

Come to interesting meetings with great speakers, canvass and leaflet in election campaigns, run the student food cooperative and participate in multiple campaigns. A better future is rising, but it won’t come on its own. We have an obligation to fight for what we believe.

Send us an email today to join: [email protected]

Society Spotlight: Open Media

Open Media was founded by people with a passion for intellectually challenging documentaries. As a society we aim to promote critical thinking and healthy discussion by screening documentaries that you wouldn’t typically see in mainstream cinema. These free viewings are shown on a fortnightly basis, normally in the Council Chambers of the Student Union, and are welcome to anyone who is interested. We try to show a wide variety of films, selected because we believe they are absorbing and thought provoking. Last year the society covered such topics as corruption in the oil industry, drug smuggling in South America and the difficulty in burying biohazards.

So far this year we have screened Inside Job and The Interrupters, both critically acclaimed works. Inside Job by Charles H. Ferguson outlines the cause and consequences of the recent financial crisis in a way which is well paced and easy to understand even to someone with no knowledge or interest in economics. The Interrupters, directed by Steve James, documents a group of ex-gang members in Chicago, who after past experience have come to understand violence as a public health issue that can be prevented by changing behavioural norms. They attempt to stop gang related violence in the city by interrupting potentially violent situations. This was a particularly exciting event as it was the first UK showing of the film outside of the cinemas. Future screenings include Tears of Gaza, documenting the Gaza conflict through the eyes of children, and Our Generation, which highlights the plight of Aboriginals in Australia.

Following each screening there is an opportunity to discuss with others the issues that the film has raised, and any general comments audience members may have. Open Media has no political inclinations and we welcome views and ideas from across the political spectrum. Some of our upcoming events will include a special presentation by the creator of the film. We hope they will be able to give a unique insight into the subject matter and motivations behind their individual projects

We are happy to receive suggestions from those who are keen to get a particular film shown and have already received many ideas from a number of students. We are also open to work with other societies. As well as being in talks with a few further societies, we are currently collaborating with Manchester Re:Vision Drugs Policy, MSF Doctors Without Borders, Aegis Students and World Development Movement. We look forward to any new partnerships that may develop.

Our next event will be in association with the World Development Movement on Monday, 21st November at 6pm in the Council Chambers of the Student Union.  Bring your friends, housemates, lecturers and lovers!  Join our facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/2383621925/ for more info

 

Tis’ the season to be Jolly!

Christmas, the time of year when all that is magical immerses itself into our everyday lives, making even the grey streets of Manchester sparkle with festive spirit.

The streets are awash with linked chalets cooking up the best in Christmas-European munch combo to fill your stomach/boots with, fuelling your yuletide countdown with sweets, cheeses and hog-roasts that could’ve been made by the elves themselves.

With a rather active imagination and plenty of mulled wine sloshing about in my head, the rather large Father Christmas perched a-top the Town Hall is practically as good as the real thing when you’re merrily skipping from stall to stall under the lights of a million fairies/the trees decked in twinkly fairy-lights.

The Christmas Market takes over Manchester for most of November and all of December, feeding the hungry souls in the chilly northern climes til we can handle no more and must hitch up our skirts, carrying home the plunder gathered to consume in the comfort of our own often less than cosy homes.

The North Pole does it better

Being a student does not mean that an appreciation for this cultural magnet cannot be upheld. Despite propping up one or two of the real pillars of Christmas, North Pole is, for a bar, surprisingly not all about the religious holiday. Under all the tinsel, it’s a place for family and friends to gather together and enjoy the season.

When a bar lined in fur and tinsel awaits it’s hard not to instantly fall in love with this Mancunian Christmas beauty, especially if your heart is already aglow with the joy of the most wonderful time of the year.

Still trying desperately not to sound like an advert but rather a woman merrily possessed with Christmas glee: whether it’s 2 for 1 cocktails or mulled wine that you need to get into the Christmas spirit, the North Pole Bar situated in Cathedral Gardens has a variety on offer. The bar and its knit-clad crew are just waiting for you to get down there and check out Parky the Polar Bear (this is not a joke) for yourselves.

The warm and friendly atmosphere redolent in the beverages is matched by the wooden chalet room, inviting you into what can only be described as a scene from the movies. A picture of a burning log fire, cosy seating, and an inviting atmosphere, coupled with classic pop and dance music. This is how we do Christmas, Manchester-style. What better, and relevant, way to celebrate the festive season than with a spiced Rum Punch and some good old Brit Pop music?

Get your skates on

I couldn’t have picked a worse time to come. In blustery Spinningfields on a Saturday evening, crowds gathered to hit the rink. Despite 12 sessions a day we managed to pick the busiest time. Capacity can reach up to 150, and this is when the rink turns into a skating warzone, picking over the casualties as you glide to festive bliss. My all-season advice: avoid peak family times.

Those first few steps may be shaky but at the beginning everyone is clinging to the edge for dear life. With an hour’s practice only £7.50 with a student card there’s time to improve and get your money’s worth. If you’re really Bambi-legged on the ice, I recommend a quick pit-stop at the Moose Bar for some warming liquid courage.

With festive songs in the background, cinnamon wafting and staff all kitted out in knitted jumpers, the rink has all the hallmarks of a Christmas card. However, beware the cute kids. You may feel inclined to help keep them from falling over, but they have no morals; they’ll pull you down with them. Just step right over them and keep on gliding.   

 

Interview: Tinchy Stryder

Everyone remembers pocket-size rapper Tinchy Stryder for his canon of number ones and collaborations a few years back, but with his more recent material struggling to meet the success of his past hits, tiny Tinchy was keen to tell Phoebe Clarke of his huge hopes for his soon to be released forth studio album, Full Tank.

Much like many previous successful grime artists, Tinchy is eager to convince me that the jump to the richer mainstream bandwagon was solely due to a development of taste and that although he won’t be returning to his grime roots, with new material including a variety of styles that add a more mature edge to the album. “I feel like my fans will get to know me more in Full Tank” Tinchy tells me. “I’ve had more time to work on the material than with previous albums”.

Meanwhile, if the release of a new studio album wasn’t enough, Tinchy describes his plans to further grow clothing range Star In The Hood and launch his very own iPhone/iPad app Billionaire Bandit.  Commenting on this, Tinchy tells me “I have always admired how artists like Jay-Z have managed successful careers both as an artist and a business man. I too hope to develop my career in this way”.

Tinchy recently performed at Manchester Academy and commenced the city’s festive celebrations by switching on the city centre’s Christmas lights. Although the East London star’s optimism for Full Tank seems questionable, (its two released singles so far have been deservedly met with mixed reaction), it looks like the Tinchy brand is here to stay.

Twas the month of Christmas in the city of Mancunia…

Twas the month of Christmas in the city of Mancunia, and all across the land students were preparing for Christmas socials, swaggering merrily around campuses in festive delight, for home and free heating were nearly in sight.

Yet first a spectacle beckoned the students to the centre of fair Mancunia, where a small man by the name of Louie Spence was bringing laughter to the children. He flung his legs and had outfits great in glitter, helping an ex-Hear’Say singer win her man who was fitter.

While the young-ones romance grew, seducing one-another with the soulful words of Bruno Mars. The sprightly amongst the town folk of Cheetham-on-the-Hill, did dance a right-lot to the popular songs of the day. Of Madonna’s Vogue did they jig, of Lady Gaga were they Born This Way, the boys faces delighting in the wonder of the choreography, the girls attempting to seduce the entire audience with greatly lined-eyes.

It was Buttons who did steal our hearts on that fine December day, delighting in his wit and crudeness as he attempted to win the hand of dainty Cinderella, who hadst but none of it for her heart lay with another. A good man is it who has been told to jog-on, yet continues to aid fair maiden in the wooing of her chosen one.

The sisters Beatrice and Eugenie, who knewst their step-sister’s beauty better than she, did lock her away, but one could not refrain from a chuckle at these sisters grim. Their synchronicity superb and their hair it did get bigger by each scene, the audience who booed much were inside filled with glee.

This evening would not have been complete without dear old “Fairy G”, who whipped up a coach for Cinderella with not one bit twice a real pony.

Yet the show it must end, as do all good things, but it did with a bang and a Take That hearty sing.  Every old-scrooge in the land did dance with yuletide delight and was consumed with Christmas gladness, on a frosty winter’s night.

A cracking show!

I doubt any of us have ever had a Christmas quite as captivating as the Edwards’ family Christmas in The Nutcracker.

There are similarities of course; huge family gathering, a feast and even perhaps dancing. But how about a magic uncle, toys that come to life and a thrilling battle between mice and men? This is the Christmas that awaits Clara, the youngest daughter of the Edwards family and the protagonist of the story. This show takes you on a journey of musical and visual delight: it’s childhood Christmas nostalgia at its very best!

The beauty of The Nutcracker is that it is accessible to anyone. Yes, it’s a ballet but don’t let that scare you off. In David Nixon’s version, the Northern Ballet gives us not only classical ballet but an eclectic mix of dancing styles. A ballroom dance, stunning solo performances, comic stomping mice, robotic life size toys, Spanish, Arab, Chinese and Russian dancers. The choreography, set and costume designs, impressive, intricate and charming themselves, combined with the prowess and elegance of the dancers served to make the show entirely mesmerizing.

Tchaikovsky’s music, performed by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, has enjoyed enormous popularity since the opening of The Nutcracker in 1892, unlike the ballet itself which, interestingly, was not a huge success until the mid 20th century. As Act II unfolds, Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music really takes a hold. You might think you are unfamiliar with the music but somewhere, lurking in the back of your mind is bound to be the spirited sounds of ‘The Russian Dance’ or the alluring melody of the ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’.

It might be the Nutcracker himself that enchants Clara, but this performance has so much to offer. You cannot help but be whisked away into the magical winter wonderland brought to life by Charles Cusick Smith, Tchaikovsky’s famous score and David Nixon’s Northern Ballet.

Arab Spring, Summer and Autumn 2012

This calendar year’s Mancunion comes to an end today, and I want to dedicate my column to what I feel has been the most significant event of the year – the ‘Arab Spring’. With practically unforeseen uprisings in no less than sixteen countries, 2012 may see a distinctly more civilised world than 2011.

While we muse over whether we looked good at our New Year’s party, or get frantically excited at the prospect of January sales, we should not forget those who have died trying to establish things we take for granted. Not that I’m saying you should have a depressing Christmas holiday, but it might be worth sparing a thought for our fellow humans who have lost their lives for the freedom of their friends and neighbours and those who are still being oppressed. ]

It is a matter of circumstantial fortune that we have been born into a relatively privileged society. If you had been born an Egyptian, would you not want the student from Manchester to at least recognise your struggle, if not use their favourable circumstances to aid your struggle? Sign a petition, donate some money, write a letter to your local MP demanding a tangible show of solidarity for those still struggling – and at the very least have the respect to acknowledge the loss of life of those who have chosen to die on their feet so that others might not have to live on their knees.

In Syria, the United Nations estimates that about 3,500 people have died as the Syrian government has sought to, as the BBC says, “put down anti-government protests.” The expression ‘murdering civil rights activists’ might be more apt – but, however we wish to express it,  the death of that many civilians as a result of government action shows the plight Syrians now face.

Although democracy has not yet fully materialised in Libya, some of the aims of the people have already been achieved: freedom of speech, the absence of arbitrary arrest, and the removal of an unelected hierarchy dictating their lives. For many Libyans in Britain, such as my friend’s grandfather who visited Libya for the first time in thirty years this June, there is a chance to go back to the country they were born in. For every Libyan who has been in exile from Gaddafi’s Draconian Dissent Laws, the opportunity is there to see their children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and childhood friends- something those whose families and friends live in Britain take for granted.

Many dismissed those living in Arab nations as not wanting democracy or change. It’s often the same line of argument used by the idiots who say the Chinese don’t want democracy, as their beliefs are entrenched in Confucian philosophy. The same ‘academics’ should look to Europe and question why we don’t follow the teachings of Plato , one of the most ardent critics of democracy in philosophical history. In any case, those who say Islam is incompatible with democracy ignore the fact that no leader in the countries with unrest ever claimed to have adopted a ‘Caliphate’ system of governance. It also ignores the fact that the most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia, is a democracy.

In Bahrain the struggle is still prevalent, with the tiny temporary concessions the current regime has made, along with other Arab countries, seemingly enough to avert the gaze of the international media and political players alike.  Only this week have they won a concession from the Royal Family that they will crack down on torture- something which is confusing given that, by the Royal Family’s own account, torture hasn’t existed for the last thirty years.

Elsewhere, temporary measures such as the astounding 40% increase in wages in Lebanon, have merely sought to buy off political opponents. It betrays the desperation of governments who fear that change is imminent, clinging on to power while they can. These temporary measures will not provide a long term solution to any of the conflicts. Until constitutional safeguards are implemented and upheld in states such as Morocco, the governments will continue to clash with the people.

Looking ahead to 2012, hopefully countries such as Egypt will not slip back into a situation in which the military has an influence over policy making beyond the one vote they have in elections. Two years ago, the prospect of free and fair elections were alien. Today, movements for change may mean that future generations have a chance to decide their own future