Still totally unable to express what I want to with my photography so apologies for this which isn't conveying anything of what I want - but it is all I have.
A politician is brutally murdered, and he who stands accused says in court "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain". Jo Cox stood for those who needed help and support. I don't want to get political but my heart aches with all that is going on. Yesterday I saw these leaves that fell to the ground in the downpour and I thought that something of humanity is falling, as hatred between humans increases around us.
Today in Bedford was the start of refugee week. The event at the Higgins Gallery was uplifting and positive. A friend's sister spoke of her journey as a refugee - a journey marked by encounters of kindness and compassion. This is her postcard which represents just one from the exhibition of objects from foreign lands.
I have placed the petals around the cards. Even the fallen can be used as vessels of hope and acceptance when humanity meets humanity around the coffee table. I'm so glad that Bedford accepted the refugees that spoke today, and welcomed them to our town.
Yes, I sympathise with your views. It is hideous what is becoming of humanity. It is difficult to to create images to describe the horror we all feel. I wonder if her death will actually make people make up their minds that they don't want to live in 'Little Britain'.
Helen, I so much appreciate your sentiments in this photo. My daughter's a dual Italian-USA citizen who received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in the UK, after which she's been working for a major British firm for a few years. I feel very fortunate that she was able to attend Uni and work in the UK and yet this also involved a significant amount of study, dedication, hard work--personal investment. It's sad to me, that dependent on the outcome of this upcoming referendum vote, she will decide whether she now wants to leave the UK. It's horrible that any human beings are considered second rate solely because of nationality or place of birth.
A tear or two down here in Oz. I agree with Madeleine. We also, have family volunteering to support newly arrived refugees. Yes, we are enriched by our multicultural society. Your photo is eloquent, but I agree that it is difficult to depict how one feels, either visually or in words.
I'm with you Helen. I realty don't know what the world is coming to. The saddest bit of all though is that I can't see it improving in the near future.
Thank you for writing so eloquently and for the thought and sentiment behind this lovely photo. An extremely ugly side to Britain (dare I say England actually) has come out in this campaign that has deeply pained, saddened and disappointed so many of us. I feel close to tears as I write this note and hope beyond hope that one good thing may come from her death in taking the heat out of this debate.
@ethelperry I have been feeling so ashamed of my country. But it is good to hear from, and yesterday meet people who don't share the media views. Thank you.
@onewing I am comforted in the fact - from stories I heard yesterday - that the small acts of kindness and friendship, from one to another, do make a big difference.
Very thoughtful you are, Helen... And it is such a shame this happened to Jo Cox. I did not know her but have heard she was a very passionately caring person. So much senseless violence and killings all over the world has this girl doubt the good of humans these days. Thankfully my relentless optimism and warm-hearted people such as you have me focused on the happy, sweet things of life. I appreciate your comment above that it really is about the small acts of kindness we show each other that make the difference in this world!
One has to consider that many of these hideous crimes are committed by people who are deranged; who's view of life has shifted from the acceptable norm. There has always been an undercurrent of suspicion / hatred towards immigrants throughout history. Unfortunately it wells to the surface occasionally when circumstances enflame national feelings. I hope that moderation & compassion prevail.
@kerosene Thank you Caroline for your kind words. I guess when solving the worlds problems is all too difficult - there are never a shortage of little acts that are undisputedly the right things to do. Lets keep doing them :)
