Actually I wish I had the courage to photograph one of these flats that has an amazing balcony crammed with flowers but it's by a busy area and I feel too conspicuous. However, your home doesn't have to be massive so long as it's where the heart is. I've been rushing around all day but snapped this with my phone on the way to the vet (Monty has a small, expensive lump on his lip - trying antibiotics for now). I like how each individual balcony makes a frame.
The newspaper today has a good story on the theme of inequality. An expected 4000 strong demonstration against elitism turned out to be just 15 people. However, they marched around town shouting 'Will you take people from council estates?' at the colleges. (They definitely will - it helps no end with PR). You can't really argue that it's not elitist though. They had a nice chat with the police and then said in an interview with the paper, 'A disappointing turnout but, I'll tell you what, Cambridge is a really lovely town.' Glad they had a nice day out.
People from council estates go to shit schools I'm afraid so they'll never get the grades for cambridge. We get fairly few even at Leeds now compared to the old days. Where you live still seriously affects the opportunities open to you. I doubt that will ever change.
@fueast Yep - this block of flats is by the school with the worst results in town. Actually I won't say it's a bad school because the head is really trying hard but it just looks soooo depressing. It needs demolishing and something more inspiring building. But lots of kids from this estate (if they've got parents who care) go to the school down our road which has the widest demographic in the country and several millionaire's kids go. And then they can go to one of the best Sixth Forms in the country. But still I bet almost none go to Cambridge or Oxford or any other university. It's not just schools it's your whole environment - the kids can go to the same school but have totally different aspirations. But the educational chance is at least there if they want to take it and if the teachers can get in and encourage them. Meanwhile we are being deafened by May Ball fireworks all week!
Bit like the scene of Buck Palace at the concert! Love the washing hanging up & you are right of course home is where the heart is be it mansions in Somerset or terraced in Rochdale!
Each little frame tells a bit of a story... I like that too, and understand exactly how you feel about getting too close...I find myself in that same quandry, often... Hope all is well with Monty!
Interesting comments here! Its a world-wide situation of course, and no-one seems to have the answer. At least they don't kill each other like what happens in South Africa!
Fabulous shot...looks like it was laundry day. The elitism protest sounds a bit like our periodic "Occupy" protests. Small numbers of protesters who really seem to like the weather and hospitality they find in Charlotte. :) Hope all will be well with your faithful sidekick, Monty.
I love the shot.
What I really like about your story is that the 15 who did turn up sound like decent people with a legitimate protest unlike the 'rent a mob' that would inevitably have shown up if it had been 4000 strong. THEN they would have had loads of negative PR and their true message would have been lost.
@joannapayne Yes and they also did a mini 'look out for swans' protest which was also valid. The thing is with the university is that they can't and won't reduce the entrance requirements so as @fueast says the schools need to get more socially disadvantaged groups to get the top grades. At the moment there are lots of private school kids because a lot of private school kids get top grades. They do make it harder in some cases for private school kids but we've got to lots of top qualified applicants from all walks of life.
Great caption and very reflective of slice of life photo and all your comments. Years ago when we had grammar schools, sec mods, technical schools, apprenticeships and proper training opportunities for people of all abilities it didnt matter about elitiism(is that the word). Everyone had a chance to do well at various levels not be pushed into "uni" regardless of skill levels. People still got into Universities because they had a decent education. I feel quite angry about the way governments have ruined education in general. Liked your shot!
@jennywren Actually heard an interesting idea today that kids should do big exams at 14 and decide what type of school to move on from there for 4 years. More like the US system (I think) and the German one. Could be good so long at they get really good quality high schools for technical subjects as well as academic, performing arts etc.
@judithg that sounds like a good idea, the only thing I wouldnt be sure about is choosing at 14yrs. I guess if you are not academic you do know it by then.
What I really like about your story is that the 15 who did turn up sound like decent people with a legitimate protest unlike the 'rent a mob' that would inevitably have shown up if it had been 4000 strong. THEN they would have had loads of negative PR and their true message would have been lost.
nice shot! great detail...