Ellie Harrison, DJT, post-trust... I just had to write.

This weekend I went to the presentation of work by Ellie Harrison – outlining her work over a year on project ‘The Glasgow Effect’. Yesterday I watched a few minutes of Donald J Trump’s first (!) press conference in six months – and the first since the election result that shocked many.

There is one glaringly obvious factor here – a link between the way Ellie was attacked by the press and on social media – and the way that DJT has achieved the highest political office. One has created a zone of 'untouchability' and the other was all too easy to tear down. Imagine if it was the other way round. One can do nothing wrong - and one can do nothing right. That's just that. An actual fact. Ahem. 

It reminds me of how Jessie J made famous for song 'Not About The Money' (and do it like a dude) - then sold her voice to Virgin Media. It's ALL about the money.

It’s easy to apply the phrase ‘that’s unlikely’ or this is 'unbelievable' but then again, I think if the 21^st century has proved anything it’s that shit happens which many are not banking on. In a post-truth – I prefer ‘post-TRUST’ world, there’s going to be much more of this.

We can start by regaining our trust. YES some people will take advantage but many won’t. Case in point Ellie Harrison, let’s stop presuming this is poverty porn or a patronising pursuit of vanity in a poor person’s world – at worst it's a failed experiment. Dissect? YES. tear down? God no.

I think it's fair to say in the current climate we are wrong to ask someone who's living on under 20k FOR ANY REASON to check their privilege. Look at who governs us before we toy with ANY kind if idea of privilege in this example – because in the grand scheme of things... it's nae relevant.

We must stop saying things, any happenings, are unbelievable. As they are entirely believable. And happening. Face things head on, make jokes about them, draw them into your pals' consciousness. Meet people for tea/drinks/a walk in the park and talk about stuff face to face. Soundbites on fb are not enough. Invite people into your home and see it as a shared space – where comment and opinion comes at no cost.  

Another thing DJT seeks to promote and EH press reports push is clever people are dickheads and intelligence, expertise and knowledge are just out to get everyone else. Be proud of your knowledge. Own it. Verify it yes. But don’t shy away from it. There is nothing wrong with knowing stuff – knowing history gives context that may reassure the person next to you OR open their eyes to a simplification they had taken as truth.  

Tell people how much you earn – honestly – and own it. You’ve most likely worked hard for it. If it’s not much, let your mate who earns ten grand more to buy your drink, if you discover you earn more than your friends – give some money to charity. I’m serious. If you can't be honest about it, maybe there's a problem there.

We must own ourselves, our identity and not get wrapped up in tearing everything down. OR get too wrapped up in our selves. Solipsism and narcissism will take us down. Be aware of this. Don’t argue with the person who voted leave when you were remain – or avoid conversation with the remainer if you voted leave – ask them ‘why?’ And listen when they answer.

See art – hate it – love it – discuss it. Be the one person in the room who doesn’t know the performer on stage. Be the one person in the room who’s never seen Ballet/Live Art/Art House Cinema/Heavy Metal before. There is free stuff. Find it – take a two hour lunch break (you waste an hour a day online) and go find something. A shit museum off the 70s. A new sandwich shop, a graveyard. Look UP when you’re on the street and smile at people you pass.

That’s me for now. GL team.