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Day: 24 October 2017

Child sexual exploitation assurance review underway

Written by Hannah Murray on . Posted in News.

An independent review will seek to provide assurance that Greater Manchester has the right culture, and best systems in place, to protect children from sexual exploitation (CSE).

The report has been commissioned by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham in response to public concern regarding issues raised in recent broadcasts.

The Mayor stated: “Sexual exploitation and abuse of children is abhorrent. I want a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of exploitation and abuse, where we constantly challenge ourselves to improve how we identify those at risk, give them a voice, investigate all reports, and prosecute those responsible.”

The review will provide a detailed timeline of events, actions, and decisions taken in previous reviews and reports. It will examine the recommendations in all published inquiries and reviews, following the convictions for the Rochdale child sex scandal in 2012, to highlight any gaps and risks which may remain.

The effectiveness of policies and processes now in place, under the Project Phoenix partnership arrangements, will also be reviewed. This will include an assessment of whether findings suggest that child sexual exploitation is being adequately addressed in Greater Manchester.

Finally, the review will provide recommendations which will help to guide the future direction of the response to CSE in Greater Manchester. This will include any changes to prevent victimisation and to further enhance services provided to victims.

The independent assurance team will report directly to Baroness Beverley Hughes, deputy mayor for Policing and Crime who said: “This review is important as it is being carried out on behalf of the people of Greater Manchester, who rightly expect our children to be properly protected from harm and abuse.

We want to ensure not only that current practice is the best it can be but also that we can respond effectively to any emerging new risks in the future”

Findings will be reported back in spring 2018 and will be published.

Review: The Snowman

Written by Esmee Samsworth on . Posted in Film.

It’s true that the world is becoming increasingly enamoured with Scandinavian style. The clean lines, effortless minimalism and gorgeous fusion of style and function are hard to resist, let’s be honest. But this is perhaps unsurprising when you consider the fact that Scandi-noir has long been one of the region’s top cultural exports.

Just look at the Swedish-American 2011 film, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, directed by David Fincher, based on a novel of the same name by Steig Larsson. Or Wallander, the UK TV series adaptation of Swedish writer Henning Mankell’s crime novels.

This genre is crime reinvented for the modern age — in a society that is increasingly appreciative of minimalism, Scandi-noir’s distinctive style and its penchant for cutting right to the heart of the matter ticks all the right boxes. You’d imagine then that The Snowman would be an instant success.

The film is based on Jo Nesbø’s 2007 bestseller, directed by Tomas Alfredson who has garnered praise for both Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) and Swedish foreign language film Let The Right One In (2008). It stars Michael Fassbender as disillusioned, alcoholic, police detective Harry Hole who must put together the links between ages old cold cases before the serial-killer known only as The Snowman strikes again.

It has all the elements of an entertaining, if not slightly predictable crime thriller, but something doesn’t quite hit the mark. The film feels pieced together and rushed, as though screenwriters Peter Straughan and Hossein Amini didn’t have Jo Nesbø’s novel on hand when they were putting the screenplay together.

In defence of the film, Alfredson himself admitted that filming did not go entirely to plan, stating that when they reached the editing stages he “discovered that a lot was missing… like when you’re making a big jigsaw puzzle and a few pieces are missing so you don’t see the whole picture.”

It’s a shame, but not one that ultimately ruins the film. The Snowman is entertaining and visually spectacular. The filming took place principally in Oslo and Bergen, offering Alfredson and the Director of Photography Dion Beebe the chance to highlight the differences in Norway’s geography. Urban metropolises are starkly contrasted against icy countryside.

Michael Fassbender adds some weight and subtlety to Harry — if that’s possible given that there are a fair few shots of him yelling into nothingness, with only the mountains to hear him. Though Harry’s backstory is perhaps clichéd, Fassbender is nuanced in his approach to the character, making him likeable or at least understandable, whilst still playing a recognisably noir detective.

Along with Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson — who plays newbie police officer Katrine, stands out. Chloë Sevigny and Anne Reid both have small cameos and give very strong performances.

In fact, the acting by nearly all the cast leaves little to be desired, the only exceptions being Val Kilmer and Toby Jones who give quite frankly bizarre performances as two hard-nosed police officers in a flashback segment that is jarringly out of place with the rest of film. You get the impression that this is what Alfredson meant when he said that filming in Norway was rushed and incomplete.

2.5/5

FA Cup First Round-up

Written by Arthur Salisbury on . Posted in Sport.

For the pundit class, the FA Cup first round draw is an opportunity to display some authenticity. Non-entities like Tim Lovejoy — who, in his autobiography, referred to a ‘League Three’ — can earn some cred by talking wistfully about The Magic Of The Cup™ over clips over Hereford ’71 and Sutton ’89.

Four years ago Luton Town beat Norwich City 1-0 with a late strike, the first time a non-league side had won away at a top division side since 1986, and yet this clip is never shown. The problems with the FA Cup are more deep-rooted than can be addressed with the sticking plaster of nostalgia, and part of it is to do with the appropriation of The Magic into the establishment narrative. When Ronnie Radford’s goal won it for Hereford, that match was the last game shown.

Of course the FA Cup is still important to the non-leaguers, and of course, the financial aspect is a part of this. Heybridge Swifts currently play in the Isthmian Division One North — they sit one point outside the playoffs but have six games in hand. The reason for this is their long cup run — they beat five teams over seven games to reach the first round. Haverhill Rovers, Arlesey Town, Metropolitan Police, Frome Town and, sadly from my blinkered North London perspective, Haringey Borough.

Their run has already netted them upwards of £30,000 and a lucrative away trip to Exeter City — the gate money in the FA Cup being split down the middle. This is money that can build a new stand, lay down a new pitch, or just keep the club going.

But a great deal of the loyal following the competition still has in the lower echelons lies in the opportunity to travel. It’s more a truism than a cliché to say that Saturdays are a great day out interrupted by a football match. The chance to explore new places through regional bus services is exciting — what else could possibly take me to Dereham?

Thus, to make the first round, to finally escape the regionalisation of the qualifiers, is very exciting for clubs playing at the sixth level and below.

I know London and Suffolk very well from my time following the Isthmian League, and though Enfield Town fell in injury time of the last hurdle replay, I can still feel vicariously thrilled by the journeys of my non-league comrades — Maidenhead in Coventry, Bromley in Rochdale, Chelmsford in Gateshead.

The bigger sister of the interesting-away-tie is the big-name-home-tie, and Hyde United have caught one alright. They’ve got one of the biggest clubs in the draw and also easily the evilest: MK Dons.

Distaste for the club, for many, crossed the line from run-of-the-mill footballing grudge to deep-burning ideological hate, merely by its formation. The relocation of Wimbledon F.C. fifty-odd miles North, with a change of name, colour and badge and the resultant destruction of a community — or rather, attempted destruction, with the genuine fairytale of AFC Wimbledon — has soured their image for most.

Get yourself over there on the 4th of November. It’ll be spicy. It’s a game where a draw will feel almost as good as a win, and hopefully, Hyde will stick the boot in and flood the dressing room — make them feel uncomfortable. It doesn’t just make footballing sense, it is a moral imperative too.

The Red Devils narrowly win in a tough match at Benfica

Written by James Gill on . Posted in Sport.

Jose Mourinho will be feeling very confident about his side’s chances in Lisbon tonight. Benfica have failed to earn any points in their opening two games and have a miserable goal difference of -6. This is exactly the opposite of United’s start, who have won both their games and have a goal difference of +6.

Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof will both be returning to their former clubs, with Mourinho also returning to the team he first became a first-team coach with. Formerly the assistant to Jump Heynckes, he took over in the fourth week of the 2000/2001 season after Heynckes left the club under a mutual agreement.

Several injuries mean that the United line-up is a very predictable one — 4-4-1-1 —, with the only doubt being whether Rashford or Martial starts. De Gea is in-between the sticks with Valencia (c), Lindelof, Smalling, and Blind making the back four. Herrara, Matic, Mata, and Rashford play in the midfield, sitting behind Mkhitaryan and Lukaku.

Benfica get the game kicked off. They were the second club ever to lift this trophy after Real Madrid, and it is they who start the game better, getting the ball into the United box in the hopes that someone can connect to it but to no avail.

A yellow card comes in the fifth minute as Mkhitaryan gets an elbow to the head. The Benfica player had his eyes on Mkhitaryan rather than the ball so he can have no complaints about that.

The game settles down after the first ten minutes and it is United who are on top and controlling possession as expected. They are playing to the very limit of the Benfica backline with two of their attacks in quick succession being stopped from offside calls.

A fantastic chance for Benfica as Grimaldo takes on three United players stylishly before crossing it into the box. The resulting shot didn’t have any of that quality though and it goes high and wide.

That chance switches momentum in their favour and United struggle to hold possession, barely stringing two or three passes together before losing it again. The pace in which Benfica break away with is surprising the Red Devils who can’t handle it.

At the 30-minute mark, United finally wake up and turn on the gas with the ball not leaving the Benfica half for the past six minutes. Mata and Matic are looking very bright, the creative sparks in a team which before this really lacked forward thinking. The latter made a driving run through the defence and fired a shot straight at the keeper.

Valencia gets the second yellow card of the game for using his hand to block a player, making contact with his face rather than the body. The free kick is near the corner flag and gives Benfica the chance to get players into the box and test Mourinho’s set pieces training. It barely reaches the first man though, rather pathetically bouncing towards the mass of players.

As the first half comes to an end, neither side look more likely to win in a back and forth game. The main story though is a number of offsides from United attacks at 6, which is just a lack of concentration and needs to be addressed. Mourinho will not be amused, and the side that comes out in 15 minutes will undoubtedly be more focused.

From the whistle blow, it is already obvious that United have stepped it up, closing down attacks quickly and turning that defence into attack. They are yet to test the young keeper though, with their only on target shots going straight into his gloves.

The third yellow of the game as Rashford breaks on his own and gets wildly dragged down by the Benfica defender in a desperate to stop the attack. Fouls aren’t limited to just the one side though as Lukaku does the exact same thing a moment later, not a card though.

This Benfica team is looking worlds apart from the one that lost 5-0 at Basel. That said, it may only take one breakthrough goal for United to cause them to capitulate. I think the substitutes will make the difference, especially the fresh legs of Martial and Lingard, against the tired legs of the defence.

After almost scoring directly from a corner, Rashford scores a free kick from a ridiculous distance, something extraordinary. It would be a shame if that was the goal to defeat Benfica as their defence has been absolutely phenomenal up until that point, forcing United to settle for long shots.

A sad sight for fans as Rashford goes down and takes off his shin pads, it looks like he isn’t going to make any further contribution. Hopefully, it isn’t anything serious. Anthony Martial comes on in a like-for-like change, the first of the game for United so far.

The tempo is slowing down now as United are currently in the lead, looking content to hold possession and wind down the clock in the last 10 minutes. They have a ridiculous 72 per cent possession so far but that really doesn’t do justice to the great performances by Benfica this game.

Lingard comes on in the 82nd minute for Juan Mata, who played a fair amount longer than his usual stints in games. Mourinho is opting to not make defensive substitutions showing that he isn’t packing it in just yet.

Benfica pushing hard for a late equaliser but haven’t managed to turn countless corners and final third possession into shots. As the board comes up for four minutes extra time it seems more likely that United get a second on the counter.

The third and final substitution comes as McTominay takes the place of Mkhitaryan. The Armenian has been lacklustre this game, quite uncharacteristic given his performances so far this season.

A red card in the 93rd minute as captain Luisao slides on McTominay to receive a second yellow. This will indeed mean that he misses the return fixture at Old Trafford, a major blow for a team that has won no points in their first three games.  Jesse Lingard gets a yellow card for time-wasting in the final event of the game

It wasn’t a pretty performance, more reminiscent of the game against Liverpool than one of the 4-0 wins we’ve become accustomed to. Nevertheless United go top of the group with nine points out of a possible nine, their qualification to the next round all but confirmed.

Robots take over Manchester

Written by Mancunion on . Posted in News, Science & Tech.

A new blockbuster exhibit Robots is now open to the public at the Museum of Science and Industry (MoSI). The new exhibit headlines the ongoing Manchester Science Festival. It is just one of many robotic themed events that make up the 11-day long Manchester Science Festival, which kicked off on Thursday the 19th of October.

The Manchester Science Festival is a creative celebration of science that welcomes people to take part in over 100 unique events across our city. Antonio Benitez, the director of the festival, has poured a love of science and an emphasis on inclusivity into all of the events. Antonio wants to ignite a passion and curiosity for science in people of all ages and backgrounds, from preschool children to practising researchers.

Next week Antonio hopes to achieve this goal, and Manchester’s passion for science will come to life. Events like Tape and Dinosaurs in the Wild give Mancunians the chance to walk through the unknown. Tape, another new exhibit at the

Tape, another new exhibit at the MoSI, is a gigantic spider’s web created by award-winning artists Numen/For Use. EventCity’s Dinosaurs in the Wild workshop provides the magical opportunity to learn about the world 67 million years ago. For the more robotically-inclined there are several robot themed events, and Robots is one of the most awe-inspiring.

Upon entering the exhibit patrons are greeted at by an animatronic baby mounted to the wall. This striking feat of engineering waves patrons into the wonderful world of robots.

The animatronic baby immediately challenges the idea that all automatons are either terminator T-800 killing machines or sleek Apple devices that want our jobs and leads into an exploration of 500 years of automation history. Taking us from the 16th-century Catholic clock automatons, through to the machines that powered the industrial revolution, all the way to the modern era.

Ben Russell, the curator of the Robots exhibit, assembled this extraordinary collection of robots over the course of six years. Mr Russell and his team have gone to extreme lengths to gather their exhibit.  From rescuing the fantastical Shadow Biped Walker — the first human-sized biped — from a collapsed roof, to contacting local talent to restore the robot to working order. Nothing would stop this passion project.

Mr Russell and his team are aiming to show that robots are not scary — an increasingly relevant challenge in today’s rapidly automating world. There is a strong emphasis on how humans understand themselves through our robotic creations. As we travel through the decades of innovations the machines become more human.

Robots’ shows a friendly and optimistic vision of the future. The last robot of the exhibit, the EU-funded iCub, drives this point home. iCub is the world’s most advanced learning robotic toddler which cheerfully picks up and plays with children’s toys with increasing dexterity — a skill it figured out all by itself!

The final day of the Robots exhibit ends with an evening discussion called Robot World with Professor Barry Lennox. Professor Lennox researches ways to operate robots in the extreme conditions, from the hazardous environments of a nuclear power station during their decommission, to performing critical research at the bottom of the sea. He will explore the impact of AI on jobs, and the pros and cons of the rise of the robots.

At just £8 for students, Robots is a fantastic way to spend a few hours. It truly is a labour of love. Robots show the potential and exciting ways automation will affect our lives and challenges our ideas of how robots will live amongst us.

Balfour ‘Celebrations’ on campus enrage students and staff

Written by Hana Jafar on . Posted in News.

Students at the University of Manchester have organised a protest against the university allowing celebrations of the Balfour Declaration on campus, organised by pro-Israeli groups.

The Manchester Balfour 100 event is set to commence on Tuesday the 31st of October at the University of Manchester’s Whitworth building. It is part of a number of events marking a century since former British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour released a statement on the 2nd of November, announcing support for a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, then under the Ottoman Empire with a Jewish population of 90,000.

According to a section titled ‘Manchester’ on the official Balfour 100 website, zionist groups were established in Didsbury by Jewish businessman Chaim Weizmann after the first world war, and it was in fact philosopher and former professor at The University of Manchester, Samuel Alexander, who arranged the meeting between Weizmann and Balfour. For supporters of the Zionist cause, this was imperative to the creation of Israel in 1948.

However, for Palestinians, this has led to the loss of land and illegal occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, with collateral damage including the expulsion of around 800,000 Palestinians and the destruction of approximately 400 villages over the last 50 years.

The University’s decision to allow celebrations to take place has stirred outrage from students, academics, and activist groups on campus including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the BME Campaign, Action Palestine, and the ‘Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism!’ Campaign.

These groups have organised an ‘Apartheid Off Campus’ protest outside the hall on the evening of the celebrations. Over a hundred students have confirmed attendance to the Facebook event, with students from Sheffield University’s Palestine Solidarity Campaign sending a coach of supporters to join in. A rumoured total of around 200 students are expected at the protest.

The University’s Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Campaign, which was recently endorsed by the Students’ Union, has also written an open letter to Vice Chancellor Nancy Rothwell, entreating her to consider revoking the right to hold the celebration at the University and to cancel the event.

“Celebrating the Balfour declaration is a mockery of the suffering of the Palestinian people, and is greatly disrespectful for Palestinian students at the university who have, alongside their families, been forced to live their entire lives under the boot of the Israeli army.

“A large number of students have expressed fear for their safety with Israeli security personnel roaming our campus. By allowing this event to take place and hosting the Israeli embassy, the university is failing to uphold its basic duty of care to staff and students.”

The letter was signed by activist groups and campus and other student societies, including the Arab Society, Islamic Society, Sri Lankan Society and Tamil Society.

Senior Professor of Sociology at the University, Nick Thoburn, said he was “dismayed” that the institution had allowed the event to take place on its campus, which he said commemorated the moment Britain, “with its imperial chauvinism and entitlement, knowingly gave the green light to the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.”

“That this could be a cause for celebration, hosted in whatever way by a British University, when the consequences then and now have been so devastating … is indicative of the contempt that Israel and its advocates hold both for Palestinians in the region and in exile,” he added.

The Mancunion contacted the University for a statement, and was informed by a University Spokesperson that: “The University allows some of its premises to be hired by third parties for external events, provided that the events in question comply with the University’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech.

“This [Balfour 100] event is one such commercial booking and it has no connection to, nor is it endorsed by, the University.”

According to a representative of The University of Manchester’s Jewish Society (JSoc), “This event is not a student event and is a Jewish communal event. We support the right of Jewish students to attend and the wider Balfour campaign is to celebrate the British support for Jewish self-determination.

“The student Balfour campaign aims to commemorate the role of the British government in backing the Jewish struggle for self-determination.”

These sentiments were also echoed by organisation North West Friends of Israel, who, when contacted by The Mancunion, stated that Zionism was one of many nationalist movements at the time, concluding that “It is absolutely natural for the Jewish Community of Manchester to celebrate the centenary of Balfour given the close affinity that community has with the Jewish State of Israel.”

In the past, pro-Palestine events held and organised by student groups have been disrupted and cancelled, with University administration imposing strict guidelines on speakers.

The University statement continued: “The University will not suppress freedom of thought and expression, consistent with the Statement on Academic Freedom. However, the University has a duty to ensure, wherever practical, that such thoughts and expressions do not go beyond the articulation of points of view and do not constitute incitement to riot, insurrection, racial hatred, religious hatred, sexual harassment or other activities (beyond the right of peaceful protest) which are likely to cause a breach of the peace or public disorder or otherwise to be unlawful.

“The University will not unreasonably refuse to allow events to be organised and held. The expression of controversial views which do not breach the law will not constitute reasonable grounds for withholding permission for an event.”

Mayor Andy Burnham awarded Doubleday Award

Written by Cliona Linehan on . Posted in News.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has been confirmed as the 2017 awardee of the Doubleday award, in recognition for his work in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing that took place just five months ago.

The attack of May 2017 resulted in the death of twenty-three people, including ten people under the age of twenty, and two-hundred and fifty wounded after a suicide bomber detonated their device in the Manchester Arena, towards the end of a concert by pop star Ariana Grande.

On the morning following the attack, Andy Burnham, who only became Mayor of Greater Manchester some weeks earlier, gave a statement depicting the attack as “an evil act”, and continued to praise the response of Manchester residents, ending his statement saying that “it will be [the] spirit of Manchester that will prevail and hold us together.”

The Doubleday Fund, which runs the award, was established by the Doubleday family after their son Edwin tragically died before his final examinations in 2000. The fund’s focus is on medical evaluation, and its support of the Doubleday Centre for Patient Experience permits further interaction between students and the public in the training of future doctors.

The award, running since 2002, is granted to any individual who is seen to have significantly contributed to society, and former winners have included Rabbi Julia Neuberger, former director of the Kings Fund, as well as former Chief Medical Officer Sir Kenneth Calman.

The award will be presented to the Mayor by John Doubleday before the Mayor gives his Doubleday lecture at the University of Manchester this month. In his lecture, Andy Burnham is anticipated to focus mainly on issues concerning extremism, alongside discussing ideas on political participation and the impact of possible increased devolution.

Reflecting on the Mayor’s contribution, Director of the Doubleday centre, Dr Robina Shah, commented on Mr Burnham’s receipt of the award, saying that: “Andy Burnham showed great leadership for our community in the wake of the tragic events.”

She added that his “support for the victims, the families, the emergency services, and local people who did so much to help those affected is praiseworthy, and we are delighted to be able to recognise his important contribution.”

3 travel magazines to feed your wander lust

Written by Sophia Macpherson on . Posted in Lifestyle.

As we approach the last few weeks of October, the cold of winter is imminent and, with that, the desire for a holiday grows feverishly. The idea of skimming through travel magazines whilst stuck in the gusty winds of Manchester could seem a rather sad and depressing thing to do or it could be the perfect way to let your mind wonder.

Either way, the glossy pages of these magazines are definitely a form of escapism. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing but offer voices to people who tell real stories about people and places that are unique. As deadlines approach us, these magazines are the perfect thing to flick through as a study break or before bed.

SUITCASE magazine

Branded as a ‘fashion + culture’ magazine, SUITCASE blends together insider travel knowledge and visually stunning fashion editorials and releases four issues a year. The magazine gives a voice to creatives who have unique stories that can also act as a gateway for other cultures around the world. Issues are focused on different places which have a concurring theme. Their latest issue is named ‘Homelands’ and looks at Peru, Ladakh, Japan, Prague, Santa Monica, Sicily, and Trancoso. Priced at £6.99.

BOAT magazine

The people at BOAT focus each issue on a new city. They uproot themselves and live in these places for weeks on end, in order to fully immerse themselves in the lives of the locals. Content is a mixture of locals’ voices and the outsider perspective, which results in a refreshing take on the city in focus. Their latest issue to buy looks at the Faroe Islands. Priced at £10.

Cereal magazine

One of the most well-known and loved independent travel magazines, Cereal prides itself on its minimalist design. Boasting stunning photography and evocative writing, the magazine does well to take you away from reality and into your imagination. The biannual magazine tailors their issue to a few cities focusing on stories centred around design, art, fashion, and feature interviews. Their latest issue to buy is ‘Cereal Volume 14: Autumn Winter 2017’. Priced at £12.

All prices correct as of the 17th of October 2017.

Top 5 Craig David songs

Written by Yasmin Duggal on . Posted in Music.

Craig David returns to Manchester this November for this season’s Warehouse Project, bringing his famous TS5 set to the Store Street stage. Expected to be a whirlwind of spectacular progressive house, R’n’B, and garage, David will bring his wealth of experience to the highly anticipated event.

He will be supported by grime MC Big Narstie, reggae legend David Rodigan, and People Just Do Nothing‘s Kurupt FM, all set to get the crowd hyped ready for the man himself to take to the stage.

Fill Me In

Taken from debut album Born To Do It, this smooth R’n’B number takes us straight back to 2000 — what a year for music. His first solo single shot to number one, making him the youngest British male to reach the top spot in four decades.

7 Days

A slow jam classic — let’s be real. David’s biggest hit to date, there’s no justification needed. It’s the perfect excuse to ‘chill on Sunday’, and we can’t help but melt at that dated noughties romance vid, oozing with just enough cringe.

Re-rewind – Artful Dodger ft. Craig David

This tune is a club tradition, and Craig David’s vocals elevate the track to a legendary status. It was the first we heard of the young singer, all the way back in 1999. It’s become a garage anthem and a British festival banger.

When The Bassline Drops – Craig David x Big Narstie

A more recent track, this collaboration with grime MC Big Narstie saw Craig David make an incredible comeback after a break from the industry. Featuring a garage-inspired style, this took David back to his roots and put him straight back into chart limelight.

Walking Away

Another super chilled R’n’B track, the third single from Born To Do It is a great track for a lazy hungover weekend when only retro classics will get you through.

Costumes and cultural appropriation – where to draw the line

Written by Ginah Shergill on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

It’s time for trick or treat, pumpkins, and scary outfits. Halloween has crept up on us once more. Many are prepared — coloured contacts, litres of fake red blood, and the spookiest of outfits ready and waiting — whilst some such as myself are clutching at straws for a sinister yet sensational costume for a night they most probably won’t remember.

Regardless of your wardrobe agenda, the prevalence of cultural appropriation can be deemed increasingly important during Halloween season. Cultural appropriation and the issues surrounding it seems to be ever increasing.

What do we define as cultural appropriation? Although there are varying ways to view this, essentially it can be seen as when someone adopts a certain aspect from a culture that does not belong to their own, this can span clothing, hairstyles, or manners of speaking.

Its central focus lies in the power dynamic where the dominant culture seeks to extract elements from a minority culture without consent and from a group who may have been oppressed by that dominant section of society in the past. For instance, minority groups in the past that constantly face issues of cultural appropriation, especially in the US, include African, Asian, Mexican and Native American people.

This being said, you have probably seen people dress up as Native Americans with a feather headdress, or wearing sombreros and fake moustaches as Halloween costumes- we are probably all a little guilty of teetering across these very fine lines.

These ethnic and racial stereotypical type ‘costumes’ are popular and highly dubious. We only have to look at our favourite Jenner sisters Kendall and Kylie as an example to see the sensitive nature of cultural appropriation and how it can create an array of issues.

Both members of the Kardashian clan have been rigorously scrutinised for imitating Latin culture in their named clothing collections. Kylie also faced backlash for sporting cornrows and braids which are prevalent in black American culture.

Katy Perry is also accustomed to much criticism after her appearance during performances where she dressed as a geisha in 2013 which mimicked Japanese culture.

Issues regarding this were recognised by University Students in Ohio who also paid this issue a significant amount of attention and started a campaign called ‘We’re a Culture, Not a Costume’ in 2011. This focused on preventing cultures being turned into stereotypical costumes.

One woman’s temporary costume may be an integral facet and identification of another’s cultures and treasured traditions so it is important to be mindful and sensitive to those around us when selecting our Halloween costumes.

Playboy’s history in Manchester

Written by Megan Matthews on . Posted in News.

Labelled an ‘American Icon’, the controversial figure Hugh Hefner died on the 27th of September. His death sparked an offset of celebration for the man some claim helped make the liberal elements of the women’s movement more acceptable to a conservative, pre-Betty Friedan, 1953 American society.

The magazine Playboy had been a supporter of women’s rights measures that were condemned by all parts of the bourgeois, including legalising abortion, sex education and birth control.

To put it into perspective, the first edition of Playboy was published in 1953, but abortion wasn’t legalised throughout the whole of the US until 1973. Similarly, he used his platform to push for gay rights, saying in a Playboy editorial in 2012, “Without [gay marriage], we will turn back the sexual revolution and return to an earlier, puritanical time.”

Whilst this magazine mogul’s impact was clearly widespread, many today are probably unaware of his influence within the city of Manchester itself. Located on what is now known as Manchester’s Gay Village, the Playboy Casino was situated on Canal Street and was the setting for wealthy Mancunians, footballers, actors, businessmen, and the like, to be served food and drinks by ‘bunnies’.

However, Yvonne Arstall, a former bunny, says the club was also a place for family groups and anniversaries as well as a celeb hotspot. The club was a 70-seat restaurant and girls had to meet certain standards to be allowed to don the iconic PlayBoy leotard and bunny ears.

Julie McCormack worked there throughout the 70s and told M.E.N in 2011 about the standards needed. She said, “in those days, you had to be really quite special to be a bunny girl. You had to have brains and intelligence as well as the physical attributes.” McCormack told of gruelling maths and psychometric tests that she had to pass and how her name was picked for her out of the hat- turning her into ‘Bunny Tiffany.’

Below are some  of the guidelines from the ‘Bunny’s Behaving Book’:

No bunnies were allowed to be given lifts home from anyone who had visited the club that evening.

No bunnies were to tell any visitor their real names.

No bunnies were allowed to embark in sexual relations with any of the guests of the restaurant.

Bunnies were to be immaculately dressed at all times.

Hair and nails were to always meet proper standards.

The strict nature of the establishment was a sentiment to how safe the clubs were made. The Mancunion have found no ex-worker who has publicly condemned the club and its methods. Most ex-playmates, including Yvonne Arstall, are “proud” to have their Playboy background, with many taking part in interviews over the years.

As Arstall said, “It’s about being the best of the best,” and this is a clear sentiment to the feeling behind the club itself. Experiences at the club are also positive with Arstall also saying, “It was so glamorous, and there was such a wonderful feel and atmosphere to the place.”

Opening in 1973, the club closed in 1982, after a rebranding of the entire face of Playboy due to it becoming labelled as ‘sleazy’. In 2011 there was call for it to be brought back to Manchester, following the success of the newly renovated one in Mayfair, London, where bunnies are earning upwards of £60,000 a year with tips.

235s casino in Deansgate was to be rebranded into a Playboy Casino with its own batch of bunny croupiers. However, some called it a ‘shocking step backwards’ and the plans were never put into action.

 

The PVC Renaissance

Written by Amy Nguyen on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

Let’s talk PVC. Plastic Polyvinyl Chloride.

Traditionally associated with goth, punk, and fetishism, marked as the perfect go-to dominatrix uniform, this glossy patent material is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance.

Our favourite mean girl Cady Heron once said, “in girl world, Halloween is the one day a year when a girl can dress up like a total slut and no other girls can say anything else about it.” For many of us, adhering to this advice and grabbing your nearest pair of PVC pants may be a once-a-year Halloween-Cat-Woman-manoeuvre.

Within the last year, the PVC trend has received substantial coverage and has returned in full force on the runway, the high street, and has been worn by the biggest names in the business. This high shine slick material, usually reserved for costumes and dress up, has been given a big nod of approval in recent months from designers across the globe.

Vinyl Raincoats have featured on this season’s runways by Vetements, Topshop, Burberry, and Adidas. The sheen of the material adds not only a waterproof function but a sleek futuristic take on this key winter piece. Various levels of transparency of the material can also be seen to create an extra dimension and additional layer to a previously simple ensemble.

This September, Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of French powerhouse Balmain, adorned the beauties during Paris Fashion Week in an eclectic collection of PVC. This SS18 preview saw jumpsuits, tailored trousers, and skirts, all comprised of the normally infamous PVC, adapted into a variety of chic and sexy silhouettes.

On the high street and at the more affordable end of the spectrum, purchasing a plethora of patent is made easy with retailers such as Topshop, Missguided and H & M incorporating this into their current Autumn and Winter collections. Former Made in Chelsea star turned designer Millie Mackintosh, has placed the PVC stamp on her latest range with the gorgeous Fyfield trouser available to purchase on ASOS.

My recommended style tip would be to pair these shiny new threads with a pastel toned fluffy knit to even out the overall temptress level of your outfit.

Photo Credit: Millie Mackintosh @ Instagram

Often hard to defend outside of the Halloween season, designers and retailers have pushed PVC to the forefront of their leather agenda in many guises and creations in recent months. So Halloween and spooky season related or not, I dare you.

 

Migration researchers team up with theatre group

Written by Cameron Broome on . Posted in News.

University of Manchester researchers are collaborating with a local theatre group to shine light on the issue of migration.

Co-founder by former Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, the Ancoats-based Hope Mill Theatre are working with the University’s Migration Lab to produce a new multi-media theatre production titled ‘Be//Longing ‘.

Running from Tuesday the 31st of October to Saturday the 4th of November, the production is an artistic response to recent social and political events, showcasing the Manchester Migration Lab’s findings and addressing perceptions and myths about migration.

Manchester Lab Coordinator, Dr Cathy Wilcock, said: “Public opinion on migration has been manipulated for political and ideological reasons by the right-wing press, and a lot of popular discourse is very far removed from the actual facts.

“This is one of the reasons we’re keen to collaborate with creative practitioners – it’s essential that academic researchers make use of as many communication channels as possible, in order to expose these myths and raise awareness of migration research at The University of Manchester.”

Hope Mill Theatre will attempt to transform itself to resemble a warehouse on the edge of a border.

Upon arrival at the theatre, audience members will reach an arrivals area where their tickets will be checked and processed before they cross the border to ‘Be//Longing’.

They will then “receive a map to a world of performed narrative, film, music and installation” which will explore various themes including the effects of Brexit on EU workers, the hierarchy of belonging and how people redefine borders.

Actor Julie Hesmondhalgh said: “Hopefully, the fusing of academic findings and the creative engagement of the theatrical experience will bring the many stories to light, and provide a beautiful and informative evening for our audiences in the wonderful Hope Mill Theatre.”

The production will also consist of various film screenings including “Risk to Exist” by indie band Maxïmo Park and Grant Archer’s film “Borders”.

The University of Manchester Students’ Union Diversity Officer, Riddi Viswanathan, said: “I personally believe that the value added by the immigrants, especially international students and academicians, to Great Britain is immense and needs to be celebrated.

“[I’m] extremely elated to hear about the launch of Be Longing. This is such an innovative initiative to discuss the issues on migration. I wish the team all the very best with this project!”

Tickets can be bought online and are £5 for University of Manchester students, £10 for concessions, and £12 for adults.

All proceeds from the event will go to migration charities Revive, United for Change, Operation Florian, and Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS).

Budgeting basics

Written by Vicki Greenwood on . Posted in Lifestyle.

Creating a budget plan and sticking to it can be harder than it sounds, however learning to manage your finances is a useful life skill to acquire.

At the Advice Service, we recognise that financial difficulties are becoming increasingly common. With the rise in living and accommodation costs, plus cuts to financial support for students, ensuring you manage your finances and create a budget plan is more important now than ever.

Here we have pulled together our top budgeting basics to help you manage your money on a budget:

Boosting your income

It is really important to understand exactly how much money you will have coming in, and when. This will enable you to build a picture of what your income is going to look like across the year, helping you to create a budget plan.

Funding

Make sure you have explored all the funding options available to you. If you are unsure as to what your student finance entitlement is then please get in touch with the Advice Service who can advise you on this. There may also be other options you haven’t yet explored such as applying to charities or trusts for extra funding.

Part-time work

Lots of students find that they need to work part-time in order to pay for their living expenses. However, please try and keep in mind how important it is to create a work/life balance that is manageable.

The University of Manchester Careers Service has links and tips for finding a part-time job: http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/findjobs/workwhilestudy/parttime/

Sell your clutter

Most of us have items that we no longer use any more. Why not have a clear out and sell these on as a means to try and give your finances a quick boost? There is a marketplace on the University website which allows students to sell and buy items: http://themarketplace.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/

Managing your expenditure

Make a list of all your essential out-goings e.g. rent, bills, and food per term/month. Once you have done this take that number from your termly/monthly incomings to figure out how much you have left to spend on the non-essentials. If it is looking like a tight squeeze then you may need to consider limiting your non-essential expenses.

Socialising

Your largest non-essential expenditure is going to be socialising — whether it’s a night out, cinema, or going for a meal or out to lunch. Going out and socialising with friends is a large part of university life.

To put it into perspective if you buy lunch 3x a week at a fiver a go, then in one academic year that will cost you around £600. It may be worthwhile making extra when you cook so that you can take it to university with you. The Students’ Union have microwaves available for students to heat up their lunch on the go!

Clothes

Clothes are something we all need but it can be so easy to splurge on that extra top or pair of jeans you’ve had your eye on. Try to have staple pieces in your wardrobe that you can dress up or down. If you see something you like then try not to act on impulse, go away from the shop and have a think if you really need it or if you will wear it often.

There are loads of selling sites around and plenty of charity shops so why not look at buying some second-hand items. Some things are good as new and it is a great way to get labels at a fraction of the price, plus vintage is a great look!

If you have an NUS extra card you can also get student discounts on loads of items so make sure you shop around to get the best deal.

Staying active

Staying active need not cost you a pretty penny. A gym membership can be costly but there are plenty of exercise apps you can use if you want to exercise for free!

There are also lots of sporting facilities available for UoM students to take advantage of. This includes cut-price gym membership and exercise classes for as little as £2 per class!

Take a look at the following links to find out more:

http://www.sport.manchester.ac.uk/facilities/

http://www.sport.manchester.ac.uk/fitness/activeman/

Further budgeting advice can also be found by using Blackbullion where you can access a number of budgeting modules online. To take a look at the modules and register just go to www.blackbullion.com

Love for the Streets: Halloween soundclash

Written by Nicole Wootton-Cane on . Posted in News.

Halloween revellers intend to descend on CUBO Fallowfield next weekend for a night of soundclash entertainment, all in the name of charity.

‘Love for the Streets: Halloween Soundclash’ will involve three different crews going up against each other, each hoping for the biggest crowd reaction. The event will have three rounds, with the headliners each having twenty minutes per round to wow the audience.

Proceeds from the event will be split, with 50 per cent going to furthering the Love for the Streets campaign and 50 per cent to homeless charities in Manchester such as Street Support and Big Change Fund. The event comes after various new initiatives from Manchester City Council and Mayor Andy Burnham to tackle homelessness in the city.

CEO and founder of Love for the Streets, Jonah Enyi Ogbuneke, hopes the night will be a big hit with students.

He told The Mancunion: “The line-up speaks for itself, with amazing crews like Off Beat, Freerange and Romping shop.’’

Jonah’s motivation for creating and organising this night comes from his commitment to dealing with the problem of homelessness in Greater Manchester.

He states that his movement, Love for the Streets, is a “creative and unique response to the issue…it’s perhaps the only initiative I’ve come across that goes out of its way to engage students in a very serious issue.’’

Love for the Streets is entirely run by student volunteers and Jonah plans on using some of the proceeds from the event to expand the idea even further, creating a campaign called “community” to go along with the events.

He said: “To me, this is one of the most exciting parts of the campaign. It’s where we get to go into a lot of depth on the issue of homelessness. We have planned conferences, art exhibitions, volunteer taster sessions and ambassador training, all centred around the issue of homelessness.”

The aim of much of this is to allow members of the public to be able to signpost the nearest services to rough sleepers when they see them.

Love for the Streets is a campaign that Ogbuneke is confident will continue to grow with the help of volunteer support.

The event, ‘Love for the Streets: Halloween Soundclash’, is at CUBO Fallowfield on Saturday the 28th of October at 10pm.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week

Written by Megan Matthews on . Posted in News.

Stop Hate UK, with the help of the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Beverly Hughes, are aiming to raise general awareness of the increased number of reported hate crimes in the Greater Manchester area. Running from the 14th-21st of October, the week’s activities include candlelight vigils, social media campaigns, community workshops and fundraising events.

A report released this year revealed the reporting of hate crimes in the Manchester area has risen by almost 55 per cent since 2014. Numbers have of reports have grown from 3099 in reports as of January 2014 to  5639 as of January 2017. Some believe this shows that people feel comfortable coming forward to talk about their experiences of hate.

As reported by the Home Office, it could be said that ‘the increases are due to the police improving their identification and recording of hate crime offences and more people coming forward to report these crimes- rather than a genuine increase.’ However, it can also be said there has been a significant increase in hate crimes themselves following the Brexit vote in June 2016 and the attack on Manchester Arena in May 2017.

In the Statistical Bulletin on hate crime in England and Wales 2016/17, written by Aoife O’Neill, it was stated that there has been an overall increase of hate crimes by 29 per cent from 2015 to 2017, which was called ‘the largest percentage increase seen since the series began in 2011/2012.’ A spike was also seen around the time of the EU referendum and at the corresponding times of the attacks on the Westminster Bridge and London Bridge this year. Of this increase the breakdown is as follows:

  • 78 per cent were race hate crimes
  • 11 per cent were sexual orientation hate crimes
  • 7 per cent were religious hate crimes
  • 7 per cent were disability hate crimes
  • 2 per cent were transgender hate crimes

Hate crime is defined as ‘any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victims or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice,’ and is focused on five main categories, religion, faith or belief, race, ethnicity or nationality, sexual orientation, disability or gender identification.

A press conference led by Beverly Hughes was focused on the universal policy, ‘Let’s take a stand against hate.’ In a rallying speech, she spoke of Manchester’s “zero tolerance approach to all forms of hate crime,” and said she was proud of Manchester having “one of the highest reporting rates of hate crime in the country.” However, she made it clear that more work was to be done, and why National Hate Crime Awareness Week was so important. She said, “Nobody should live in fear [of] being persecuted for who they are or what they believe… [this week] shines a light on these dreadful crimes, gives victims a voice, and shows that Greater Manchester will stand together against hate.”

National Hate Crime Awareness Week’s website says they ‘spread a message of H.O.P.E:

“Hate crime awareness

Operational responses to hate crime

Preventing hate crime where possible

Empowering communities to report hate crime and work together.”

 

To participate in National Hate Crime Awareness Week log onto their website nationalhcaw.uk and get involved with the programmes and vigils that will be happening over the next few days. There is also the opportunity to get involved on social media. If you download and print off the ‘I’m supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week because-’ poster and then upload a photo of it to social media, tagging the charity Stop Hate UK, you’ll be spreading the message. There are also several hashtags that can be used to further your influence:

#NHCAW
#WeStandTogether
#NoPlaceForHate
#SafePlaceForAll

 

WE’RE ON STRIKE: staff to protest job cuts

Written by Cameron Broome on . Posted in News.

Staff at the University of Manchester will go on strike on the 23rd and 24th of October to demonstrate the depth of anger towards senior management over proposed job cuts.

From 7:30am to 11:00am, University lecturers will be picketing buildings across campus, including outside the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and the Samuel Alexander building.

After picketing, there will be refreshments and a rally in the Students’ Union from 11.00-12.30 and a speech from a senior UCU figure — likely to be the UCU General Secretary or UCU President.

University staff are striking over proposed redundancies in the University’s School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (35 posts), the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (65 posts), and Alliance Manchester Business School (40 posts).

The dispute between staff and senior management has been ongoing for over a year, with an email sent to thousands of staff on the 10th of October 2016 detailing a Board of Governors’ decision about job cuts.

At the time, the University suggested that it needed “to make cost savings.”

However, the University College and Union (UCU) has rejected the university’s claim that it needs to create “financial headroom,” instead arguing that the University “is in a strong financial position having recorded a £36m surplus last year (2015/16) and its financial statement for the same year revealed it is sitting on £1.5bn of reserves.”

Though the Students’ Union collectively support the strikes after the ‘Save Our Staff’ motion was passed at the most recent Senate, General Secretary of the Students’ Union, Alex Tayler said that “the decision to boycott the University on the day is an entirely personal one.”

He added: “Whatever decision students make, they should be aware that the strike will not be an excuse for delayed assessment submission.

“Those students that wish to support the strike are welcome to stand on the picket line alongside UCU members and may consider not entering University buildings. They are still very welcome in the Union if they choose to do this.”

Alex Tayler also spoke about the university’s investments to relocate North Campus buildings, saying it was in fact a “cost saving.”

A University newsletter posted on the 13th October told UCU and University members that “whilst recognising the rights of individual members of staff to take industrial action, it is the University’s intention to endeavour to maintain normal operations during industrial action in order to safeguard the interests of our students and also of our staff and other stakeholders.”

A notice of deduction of pay followed. The newsletter said, “refusal or failure to cross a picket line is not an acceptable reason for absence from duty and all staff who fail to report for work will have their pay deducted on the above basis accordingly. ”

One student told The Mancunion, “the post suggests that they want to maintain the best interests of students, but we’re all going to to be affected by redundancies which take effect in September 2018”

The student went on to comment on the struggles the university may face after Brexit. She said  “if anything we need more language graduates, more cultural awareness, more diplomacy.”

Save Our Staff MCR, the University student-run campaign against the cuts, told The Mancunion: “We call on students to show their support for the strike in whichever way they can.

“We invite them to join us at 8:00am on Monday outside the University of Manchester Students’ Union and from there to come to the picket lines with us in order to give staff our support. We would also like to encourage students to attend the rally organised by UCU on Monday at 11am in the Students’ Union. Also, if students wish to leave messages of support, there is a card on the campaigns officers desk where they can do so.”

Writing in The Mancunion last week, Matt Wynne echoed this sentiment and said that: “students will stand in solidarity on the picket lines with staff against the arrogance of the decisions made by The University of Manchester’s senior management.”

A ballot was held on the 4th of October amongst members of the UCU at the University and 86.7 per cent of the 1049 staff who cast a vote suggested that they were “prepared to take industrial action consisting of a strike.”

Though UCU regional officer, Martyn Moss, said that “striking is always a last resort and there is still the opportunity to avoid it” if the University was to “take compulsory redundancies off the table”, the strikes are set to go ahead.

Throughout the day, staff will be joined by friends and family, and food and drink will be provided to keep the strikers going.

A spokesperson for the University said: “the University is disappointed that members of the UCU are prepared to take strike action, particularly because we have been involved in an extensive consultation process.

“Whilst the University has initiated a compulsory redundancy processes for two positions, we are committed to mitigating the need for redundancy wherever possible, and have taken a number of steps, including sourcing redeployment opportunities, tight vacancy management control and offering a generous Voluntary Severance Scheme.”

Review: How to Win Against History

Written by Izzy Lewis on . Posted in Theatre.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is… an experience. With thousands of shows to choose from and the top rated plays selling out, it’s easy to come away having seen a lot, but ultimately missing out on the best theatre. That’s where HOME’s Orbit Festival comes in — a chance to see the very best of the fest in Manchester. £5 student tickets, anyone?

Seiriol Davies’ How to Win Against History has been the critics’ top pick of the Fringe for the past two years: a three-man musical extravaganza, the show follows Henry Cyril Paget, a real-life 19th century aristocrat who put his family to shame, cross-dressing and blowing his sizeable inheritance turning his family chapel into a theatre and, in the character’s own words, “putting on plays with me in them!”

The show’s title illustrates the Paget family’s attempts to erase all records of Henry’s life following his death aged 29, this lack of information causing the plot of How to Win Against History to be heavily fabricated, as the cast readily admits.

Lacking a clear, cohesive story line, the show is more a cabaret showing snippets of the life of the 5th Marquis of Anglesey than a full-blown biographical musical.

Nonetheless, the sung-through dialogue and catchy numbers are exceptionally funny, with lyrics about privileged childhood such as ‘Eton, Eton / Pull up a peasant to put your feet on’ sticking in my head long after leaving the theatre.

The three person cast sees Davies playing the main character, Dylan Townley on piano and Matthew Blake multi-rolling and whilst all three are extremely talented, Blake’s comic timing, impressions and harmonies steal the show.

His portrayal of Lord Berners had me rolling in my seat laughing and his use of audience interaction somehow had the initially reluctant crowd singing along in both German and Welsh!

Given the content matter of the show and the incredible, high camp set covered in sequins, fairy lights, and beaded curtains I was greeted by when walking into the theatre, I think I somehow anticipated How to Win Against History to focus on the cross-dressing aspect of the Marquis’ character in a more political way than it actually did.

Davies’ Henry wears his floor length glittery gown throughout, even when playing him in childhood. As a result we never see Henry’s transformation or get a glimpse into understanding why he chose to dress this way.

Then again, the cast are very aware of their neutral position on this, assuring the audience in the opening number, ‘Mainstream Entertainment’, that ’this won’t be a difficult show / [we] don’t intend to challenge you in any way’.

Perhaps this in itself is a radical act. Cross-dressing is just one part of Henry’s eccentricity and is therefore not set apart as something shocking, worrying or wrong.

With clever wordplay, one-liners and puns, it is the script of How to Win Against History which ultimately sets it apart as a brilliant performance. As the young Henry is reminded, “history is written by the winners”, but in telling the stories of the forgotten people punished for defying the norms, everyone leaves the theatre a champion.

Campaign launched to tackle hate crime on campus

Written by Mancunion on . Posted in News.

In a bid to tackle harassment and hate crime on campus, the Higher Education Funding Council for England have announced funding will be awarded to The University of Manchester and The University of Manchester Students’ Union.

The grant, which totals over £100,000, has been donated to fund a campaign to encourage students and staff to report incidents of abuse around the university.

This follows after a report published by the Universities UK Harassment Task Force in 2016 found more could be done on English university campuses to tackle issues of harassment, hate crime, and violence against women, and specified that universities “should develop a clear and accessible response procedure and central reporting system for dealing with incidents.”

The Speak Up and Stand Up campaign forms part of the HEFCE Catalyst Fund that has already provided £760,000 earlier this year to develop a ‘Diversity and Inclusion Student Ambassador Programme’, aiming to advance both the well-being of Manchester students and racial and social equality.

Commenting on the news, Patrick Johnson, Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at The University of Manchester stated: “Sadly, these problematic behaviours continue to exist on campuses and in society. We all have the right to live in an environment, free from the fear of harassment or abusive behaviour, and here at Manchester, we take that right very seriously.

“With an emphasis on empowering students as future leaders of our society, this campaign aims to increase knowledge and confidence to recognise, report and safely confront these issues.”

The campaign will also have a focus beyond the campus, in the belief that incidents are not just confined to university. The funding will target secondary schools and colleges to establish similar campaigns to promote awareness of hate crimes at all levels of education.

Riddi Viswanathan, Diversity Officer at The University of Manchester Students’ Union, welcomed the news, commenting: “At the Students Union we have a zero tolerance policy on hate crime and harassment and as an official reporting centre we encourage people to come forward. However, it is sad to see that many hate crimes still go unreported.

“I welcome this collaborative project with the University and see it as an opportunity to reach out to more people, on and off campus, encouraging them to speak up and stand up to hate crime and harassment. I am certain that we can build on the successful We Get it campaign and encourage people to step up and stand up and be the change.”

How to become a minimalist

Written by James Johnson on . Posted in Lifestyle.

Picture this: less laundry, less cleaning, and a more meaningful life. Why not live a life as a minimalist, uncluttered by the thousand of material belongings we all hoard around from home to home, with little thought that they may carry no personal value?

Minimalism? You’re probably picturing the worlds most perfectly designed Scandinavian home, there might be a single chair in an empty room, the walls are likely white and there isn’t a pile of laundry in sight.

So what is minimalism? The truth is that each person may encounter and implement minimalism in a plethora of different ways. It will likely shape each of our experiences of life a little differently.

Born from the erupting popularity of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, otherwise known as The Minimalists,  we might consider minimalism as ‘a life lived simply’. Picture less a single chair in the corner of an empty room but more a life filled with people, experiences and things that add real value to your everyday.

If you’re a documentary aficionado, you’re likely to have stumbled across, if not have been entirely engrossed by Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things, a film about paring back our lives and living without the unnecessary material things we’re prescribed every time dare consider how the newest device or clothes might revolutionise our lives.

What might once have been a modest collection of essays by the pair has grown into something anything but minimal. People all over the world have discovered the revolutionary magic of filling your life, not with the useless possessions we’ve accumulated or held onto, but the meaningful, and the worthwhile.

Their intention to live a more curated life has amassed a following of over 20 million people. Their documentary Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things, their books Everything That Remains: A Memoir by The Minimalists and Minimalism: Live A Meaningful Life as well as their chart-topping podcast The Minimalists Podcast are holy grails of advice and innovation for people purging their lives of unnecessary clutter.

“But most of us aren’t hoarders, right?! We just own a lot of stuff” says Joshua Fields Millburn in their revered TedX speech. Our kitchens, bedrooms and bathroom are chockfull of items for every conceivable ‘what-if’ situation; likely gathering dust and likely irritating to move and clean. So here’s a novel thought, ‘what-if’ we just got rid of it?

We’re often searching for new ways to add value to our lives, but this is all too often in the form of acquiring material possessions. Stripping our lives back to the meaningful things doesn’t mean throwing everything into the trash beside the clothes on your back. It’s not solely confined to things, but habits, relationships and otherwise.

It’s about applying the idea of intended living to more aspects of your life; your technology usage, your personal relations as well as your home décor.

It’s more than white walls and no furniture.

Consider minimising your overflowing wardrobe to those items you just can’t be without or consider whether you’ve enjoyed wearing them in the past 90 days. Perhaps consider on your next student loan fuelled shopping spree whether or not you’re adding any real value to your life or whether you’re just adding more junk.

Minimalism is less a prescription than it is a guiding interpretation. Whether you make the effort to spend less time mindlessly scrolling through social media and take a minute to take in your surroundings or whether you take the time to declutter that pile of junk that’s become a staple part of your bedroom, it’s the idea that removing junk makes the paths a little more travel-able.

Our lives are often too saturated with the idea that consumerism equals contentment. We’re driven to work for the promise of more and that ‘more’ often takes the form of a ‘thing’.

What if we were to pare back our lives to include the things worth including? The counter-narrative to consumerism is minimalism and it is here to help you live a little more deliberately.

A pertinent message The Minimalists often leave with their audiences; “Love people, use things. The opposite never works”.

Try:  The Short Guide to Getting Rid of Your Crap / The Consumption Continuum, from Essential: Essays by The Minimalists