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Beyond SOAS
Sports SOAS Students gather to play music and garden as the SOAS Common Ground society received a shipment of soil Image: SOAS Common Ground society
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News
Issue 08 | March 2014
'Quiet' SOAS elections underway: Polls show tight election SOAS SU Elections are fully underway with campaigners across campus. However, the elections are marred by student dissatisfaction with new online voting system Mohammad Tahboub, BA Politics and Law Electronic voting is being employed for random sample of 40 students has the first time ever at SOAS as 27 can- shown no candidate receiving more didates compete for three paid fulltime than 28 per cent of the vote with eight and eleven unpaid part-time positions. per cent undecided. The percentage of This year has seen a remarkable fall in undecided voters was much higher in nominations for the positions with both the race of Co-President Democracy Accommodation and Mature students' and Education with over 21 per cent officers receiving no nominations and unsure on who to vote for with both therefore the seats will be unoccupied candidates neck and neck. However, till the October election. The lack of the contest for Co-President Welfare interest of the 6000 strong and Campaigns shows one student body in the SOAS the SU aims candidate leading with a large Students‘ Union (SU) elections margin over the other. to attract further led to seven out of the Though the election is race for eleven part-time positions with record some positions is uncompetitive, one candidate competing for amount of the SU aims to attract record the position against the reamount of voters to the ballot voters open nominations option. through the electronic voting The 2014 election season has system with the expressed seen an unprecedented quiet in both desire to expand the online system to publicity and campaigning with social allow students to vote online from any media increasingly overlooked with a computer by next year. However, some noticeable absence of the SU on Face- students have complained about the book. Despite frequent posts through new system due to the length of time the official page, advertising of the needed to use the election tablets to hustings (candidate speeches) and the vote for the candidates. One highly opening of the election was almost non- disgruntled student said ―it took me existent. Though a hustings Facebook over ten minutes to vote, the old paper event page was created a day before the system was much quicker and more event, attendance fell dramatically convenient‖. The failure of the new with an estimated 100 people attending system also raised concerns among in comparison to last year's 200. candidates that students would not With the election due to take place till bother voting for all positions due to Thursday 5 pm, The SOAS Spirit poll, the immense difficulty of voting. ♦ conducted online, shows a very tight competition for the position of Co- Follow our election live blog at soassPresident Activities and Events. The pirit.co.uk for all the latest news.
Students pushing for Co-presidents’ apology after cleaners’ strike broken Civil war brewing between students and the SU authorities Mohammad Tahboub, BA Politics and Law Students are leading a campaign to force Leah Edwards, Co-president of Welfare and Campaign, and Johann Barbe Copresident of Activities and event, to apologise for breaking the SOAS cleaners strike on the 4th and 5th of march. The co-presidents are accused of having cleaned the union JCR therefore undermining the strike‘s objective of having a major impact on SOAS, thereby, forcing SOAS management to negotiate. The letter to force the apology, which was leaked to the SOAS Spirit believes that ―The SU executive came to an agreement with the cleaners that they could remove glass and move furniture around in the JCR, as those were the so-called health and safety risks. Unfortunately, two of the Students Union sabbatical team decided to go way beyond this agreement. Giving in under management pressure, they cleaned up the JCR,
throwing away much of the trash and making the shop workers join them. The shop workers were unhappy with undermining the cleaners, by minimizing the effects of their strike, and came and alerted the workers on the picket line.‖ The secret letter which was only circulated amongst students on Sunday has already been signed by over 50 students showing the severe rift occurring between the union and the student body over the importance of the campaigns to SOAS. Maham Hashimi, one of the main organisers of the letter, expressed his dissatisfaction while encouraging the ―sabs to do the sensible thing and apologise to the student body.‖ She also mentioned that students will take further action against the sabbatical officers if they refuse to sign the letter.♦
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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SOAS
News The SOAS Spirit
Editorial Team Editor in chief: Mohammad Tahboub soas.spirit.editor@gmail.com Deputy and News editor: Tom King soas.spirit.newsdesk@gmail.com General secretary: Imogen Edwards soas.spirit.secretary@gmail.com Features editors: Cristiana Moisescu (298583@soas.ac.uk) Dorina Heller (dorina.heller@gmx.at) Opinions editor: Cecile Nicod soas.spirit.opinions@gmail.com Contributions editor: Sofia Couceiro contribute.soas.spirit@gmail.com Global Spirit editor: Andrew Thomson global.spirit.editor@gmail.com Chief copy-editor: Evelyn Richardson soas.spirit.copy@gmail.com Chief sub-editor and Designer: Jess Williamson design.soas.spirit@gmail.com Chief Photography editor: Iselin Shaw (iselinshaw@gmail.com) Chief website editors: Kush Depala (kushdepala@hotmail.com) Head Fact Checker: Ali Al-Jamri (593494@soas.ac.uk) Copy-editors: Evelyn Richardson, Ali al-Jamri, Laura Maclean, Kiana Arnott-Job, Ecre Karadag, Noorzadeh Salman Raja Sub-editors: Jess Williamson, Kate Auchterlonie, Marta Strzyga, Jingzhi Zhang Photographers: Iselin Shaw of Tordarroch, Duygu Pir
Letter from the Editor Dear readers, It is my pleasure to present to you our March special election issue. We have aimed to analyse and present the Student Union election to you in the most interesting engaging manner possible giving presidential candidates and opportunity and extra platform to present their ideas. Elections present all newspapers a hefty challenge in both analysing the contest but in the same time presenting it in most unbiased way possible. The SOAS Spirit is in itself going through its own semi-internal election in which all team members and the members of the exec can vote for editor. The vote will take place next week with results announced on Friday. As our constitution deems that the maximum terms (years) an editor can have is 2, the April issue will be my last issue as editor and I will happily pass on the flame of journalism down to whoever wins the election.This system guarantees that there is always a group of voters who can usher in a new editor every year no matter what happens to the paper in success or failure; that your paper always exists and is maintained by your union as an official paper. This will all be discussed at the next UGM on the 20ththat it was robbed off at the beginning of the year by the SU authorities. As the SU is persistent in its rejection and fear of the SOAS Spirit, I have withheld my right to vote in order to help manage the editor election. A SOAS SU constitution that recognises the paper as official will make our elections a regular event at SOAS with the guarantee of continuity and survival of the paper. As the union recognises us as a society, the survival of our elections and the paper as the whole depends on the good will of its members. While our paper is full of success we would like to acknowledge and apologise for publishing the Vernon Square story article which contained phrases that may offend students' with disabilities. The wording of our article broke our journalistic ethics that guarantee that no particular group in society is offended. We will aim to avoid such breaches in the future. The April issue of the SOAS Spirit is our last issue of the year and we invite contributions to be sent to us. We continue to maintain an open door policy where anyone with the ability to write journalistic articles can contribute to the paper and be a part of our success. This your SOAS platform and I urge you to continue using it. Yours sincerely Mohammad G. Tahboub Editor-in-Chief
Contact editor and respond to this letter: soas.spirit.editor@gmail.com
Students charged with obstruction Four students from the university of London have been charged with obstructing a highway and causing danger to road-users. Tom King and Maham Hashimi, BA Politics and BA South Asian Studies The students were first arrested on the which a video appears to show a police 4th December following the eviction by officer punch a protester to the ground. police and private security of the stu- The students are now due before Highdent occupation of the management bury and Islington Magistrates Court corridors of Senate on 18th March. House demanding One of the four amo ng st o the r students was things the equal The four students from UCL, SOAS, offered a cauemployment condi- KCL and Queen Mary's had been at tion which he tions for outsourced decided to not a solidarity demonstration outside workers. accept it, he The four students Senate House said "if I fight from UCL, SOAS, this I have a KCL and Queen chance of winMary's had been at a solidarity demon- ning, if I accept a caution I've already stration outside Senate House from lost". Speaking about the night of his
arrest he said "the police were out of control that day, they were simply there to stop peaceful assembly and prevent students from exposing the UoLs shameful practices". These arrests then led to a very large protest the day after, where 48 people were arrested amongst which there were accredited members of the press and passers by. The SOAS Spirit understands that all of those arrested on 5th December have been notified the police are taking no further action.♌
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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Huge turnout at cleaners’ strike Simon Popay, MSc Development Studies The first day of the Justice For Cleaners strike saw a large turnout of students and staff in support of the strike action. Between 100 and 150 strikers, students and other supporters were present from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, with many coming and going throughout the day. The protestors kept up a lively and festive atmosphere, with bands, DJs, singers, and food and drinks for sale with funds raised going to the campaign. The Democratise SOAS campaign encouraged students to write satirical applications to the School‘s governing body. Speakers at the strike included striking workers and students supporting the campaign. Unison branch Secretary Sandy Nicoll said: ―We see around us in this country an attack on migrant workers which is despicable, cowardly, but is actually now going unchallenged by all the main political parties.‖ Campaigns Officer, Georgie Robertson, said: ―We have shown that as a community we support the cleaners, and we believe that they should be treated with dignity and respect and that there is no place for discrimination, intimidation or victimisation on our campus.‖ The night before the strike, additional ISS workers were brought in to clean the university‘s facilities. The School stated that this was to ―minimise disruption‖ in line with the school‘s policy on industrial action. Tech-
Strikers, staff and students protest outsourcing of cleaning staff
nically these were not strikebreakers, as they were present on the School‘s grounds before the strike began. Nonetheless, they were confronted by Justice for Cleaners campaigners, with videos appearing on the Justice for Cleaners Facebook page. Allegedly, one of the ISS workers made a Cleaners and supporters gather on the picket line homophobic remark towards a student, while an ISS Some catering staff, including those working during line manager was said to have assaulted a student. the strike, indicated their support for the cleaners‘ The School said that is was investigating a related strike. One commented: ―It would be great if everyone complaint. As a result of the incident, campaigners was brought in house.‖ The previous issue of The deemed it necessary to line the picket throughout the SOAS Spirit reported that a number of Elior staff was night, instead of just from 4am as earlier planned. employed on precarious zero-hour contracts. Within the main SOAS building, the JCR and bar On the first day facilities remained largely clean, were closed and padlocked for ‗health and safety‘ largely due to the reduced number of students and reasons. Commenting on this, Leah Edwards, Co- staff, though a number of the toilets were in excepPresident Welfare and Campaigns, said: ―We reject tionally poor condition. this attempt to manage student union space by the For the second day of the strike, students and staff school, and see it as an attempt to undermine student were encouraged to cross the picket line, but asked not support for the strike.‖ Although the School planned to clean up after themselves. The strikers maintained to keep the JCR closed for both days, it was reopened a festival atmosphere outside, while inside the School on the second day of the strike. activity levels were back to normal. Rubbish bins went The rest of the main building appeared to be func- unemptied and toilets uncleaned, generating potential tioning normally albeit much quieter. The directly hygiene hazards. employed library staff ensured the library remained The strike closed with no further announcements open for students crossing the picket line. The refecto- from ISS or SOAS addressing the demands of the ry and cafes (operated by contract caterers Elior) also cleaners.♦ continued serving food.
Justice for Cleaners: an overview Marta Pacini , BA Development Studies and Politics Last week‘s strike was the first in the history of the Justice for Cleaners campaign. According to UNISON, the trade union which represents the cleaners at SOAS, the ballot turnout was 62%, with 100% of votes in favour of the strike. The cleaners at SOAS are currently employed by interna- ―It would be great if tional company ISS. everyone was brought in Their Justice For house‖ – Elior employee Cleaners campaign has been going on for supporting the strike several years and has gained the support of other SOAS staff, SOAS Students‘ Union and other support networks across London.
The campaign‘s key demands are an end to out- minimum as the School failed to turn on the heating sourcing and for the cleaners to be brought back in- over the Christmas break, during which the cleaners house to receive the same holiday, sick pay and pen- were required to work regular hours. sion entitlements as the rest of the staff at SOAS. The University of London announced last NovemMoreover, the cleaners and their supporters have ber that it is considering establishing an intercolledenounced intimidation on behalf of ISS and SOAS giate facilities management co-operative for colleges management, most recently in a meeting earlier this to share cleaning and other services. According to the term in which the cleaners were press release the establishment of a coallegedly told that if they went on would lead to improved sick pay ―We have shown that as a operative strike they would be ―easily reand holiday entitlement of staff. The press community we support placed‖. release gives no further details on the Earlier accusations of mistreat- the cleaners‖ – Georgie matter and does not mention whether the ment by ISS and SOAS managestaff of the new co-operative would be ment include the allegations that Robertson, Student Union outsourced or not.♦ the cleaners were forced to work at Campaigns Officer temperatures below the legal
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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SU Elections: All the
Anthony Asfour
Anthony Asfour has been an active member of the student union since 2011, participating in the organisation of key events. He was a member of the rugby team from 2010-2012, and took his understanding of team organisation into this year when he became one of the founding members of the Beat Council. The Beat Council have performed at different events at SOAS as an attempt to ―create a unified and solidified atmosphere around the JCR and bar‖ area. Asfour wants to prioritise the well being of SOAS students. He believes that everyone‘s voices should be heard, instead of having his own voice ―be the SOAS voice.‖ He wants to achieve this by making the Union more accessible, instead of closing at 5pm daily. Asfour said: ―This is not a 9-5 job, and as long as there is a student in the university who could potentially have a problem, there needs to be at least one of the SABBs in the office.‖ His concern for students drives his yearning to, in his words, ―reinvigorate the SOAS atmosphere by bringing societies together to create events, or even to just hang out.‖ He wants to facilitate the unification of activities, in order to give the student body the events that ‗they‘ want to see happening. This concern extends from students to employees, as his favourite campaign at SOAS is Justice for Cleaners. This year he has worked closely with the campaign, raising thousand of pounds for the fund with ―the help of [his] fellow Beat Council Brothers.‖ Asfour claims that he was naïve and lacked confidence before he came to SOAS. He thanks the SOAS student body and faculty for making him into who he is today. ―I want every single student who walks through the front doors leave with the same life enriching experience that I had. If elected, I will try my utmost to make this a reality.‖
Activities & Events
Leonardo Cini
Leonardo Cini has spent his three years at SOAS accumulating a multitude of skills, knowledge and passions, specific to societies and leadership, which he strongly wants to put into practise as a Union officer. Having initially entered the university music scene as a performer by joining various bands and groups, he has extended his participation to that of an organiser. Leo is president of the Rebetiko society, which holds a Monday music evening in the JCR, and is an avid attendee to SOAS Jam. Being a student who ‗makes things happen‘, Leo‘s top priority in the Union is to make structural adjustments which enable the union to become more efficient and pragmatic, avoiding administrative and communication delays. The principal aim here is to increase the potential of societies. He also gives great weight to initiating support and integration within the smaller societies, equalising opportunity. Finally he stresses the need to sustain and upsurge the vibrancy of SOAS‘ atmosphere; one of his key ambitions is to hold the SOAS World Music Summer Festival next year to enjoy and promote the diversity of all our talented musicians. As well as brimming with enthusiasm for these initiatives, Leo has had plenty of experience participating and running societies. At the moment he has a close affinity with the Democratise SOAS campaign. If he fails to impress the student body through his manifesto, his aim is to dazzle you all with his ‗seriously flexible nostrils‘.
Kabir Joshi Sarah Heng Sarah Heng, ‗Sports Woman of the Year 2012-2013‘ for SOAS, seeks to promote the importance of team Spirit both within sports & societies and within the Students‘ Union structure. From her first term at SOAS, Sarah has been a heavily active member in the Badminton Society, initially enrolling as a keen and able player. In her second year, she embraced the role of society chair, where she took on full responsibility for planning matches, internal and external communications and event coordination, as well as overseeing the day -to-day tasks. Sarah places great emphasis on intra-society integration as well as expanding the student body‘s opportunity to participate in our sports groups. Firstly, Sarah wants to enable closer interaction between society members and allow a platform where roles and responsibilities are transparently discussed at the onset of the academic year. Secondly, she seeks to break down the psychological barriers many students have when contemplating to enrol in a sports society by actively welcoming and offering taster sessions to beginners. Having a realistic perspective is a trait Sarah believes to be crucial for the CoPresident for Activities and Events, as well as the determination to fight for what you believe in. As a student in her final year of LLB Law, she strongly advocates equality, fuelling her support for the Justice for Cleaners campaign. Having been inspired by the Hawaiian ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro, Sarah‘s greatest past-time enjoyment comes from strumming her uke.
Kabir Joshi has been the Students‘ Union Black Students Officer for the last two years and has been fully involved in SOAS activities organising a range of events from informative talks on FGM and the history of Black LGBTQ communities to the ‗Carnival of Love‘ party at SCALA last year and musical events for Black History Month. Through his involvement with the Union, Kabir says his experience is not limited to organising events, having worked on the Union‘s campaigns, welfare and education activities. He says ― tasks as a sabbatical are often a lot more diverse than the initial titles given to each role‖. Fighting for more space for the Students‘ Union with the North Block expansion would be Kabir‘s top priority. He says the School needs to be pressurised to implement plans to integrate the Staff Common Room into the Union‘s space. He also says exploring ways to separate the JCR from the rest of the building in the evenings with an entrance in the smoking area could allow for more late licences. Kabir says the Democratise SOAS campaign is important because it includes Justice for Cleaners, fractional staff and student calls for better representation. He says the campaign works not only to bridge the gap between management and the Students‘ Union, but also to bring the student body and the Students‘ Union together. It wasn‘t until after the 2012 Olympics that Kabir started supporting English national teams.
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info you need to know Democracy & Education
Iulia Lumina You may know Iulia from the music she plays in the Student Union shops or the music she organises as the Secretary of 4D Presents and co-President of the Street Dance Society. With a passion for music and dancing, and having also organised events for the Journalism Society, Iulia thinks that people should elect her as Co-President Activities and Events because of her event organising experience. Iulia‘s top priority is societies. She wants them to work together and with the Union more and to boost their visibility. She argues that getting involved with societies can sometimes be intimidating for new students, despite their enthusiasm to join. By making the Union dynamic and inclusive, Iulia hopes to encourage societies to hold joint events, and to ensure there is a big societyhosted event every Friday in the JCR. Iulia believes that people should feel safe and be able to pursue their education without being watched and harassed by police. That‘s why her favourite campaign at SOAS is Cops off Campus. She also supports Justice for Cleaners, though has concerns that students themselves don‘t always pick up after themselves. Iulia is also keen to see that SOAS students are engaged in events and activities outside of SOAS too. As well as helping sports societies gain access to sports facilities and organising monthly clubbing events, she plans to issue a monthly guidebook of cultural, music and art events in London. Perhaps something this newspaper could help with?
Aida Roumer Aida Roumer has been a development course rep and is currently co-captain of the basketball team. As well as this she‘s been involved with organising the SOAS Bazaar, has been a high school tutor with Team Up and presented at the SOAS Festival. Aida also organised a basketball team trip to Paris this year. She says she was inspired to run by ―the challenge of shaping the community I live in‖. If elected, Aida‘s top priority would be improving the day to day communication of the Union to re-engage those students who have lost interested. She says she‘ll run a weekly blog and set up an online calendar to inform students about all events at SOAS. She believes a more approachable and efficient Students‘ Union would help societies to organise their own events. She wants to support students‘ ideas for events and to make societies more visible. Aida has been involved with the International Students Committee which is part of the Democratise SOAS campaign, she says it has provided ―an additional platform to engage with students‖. She has applied for a Masters at SOAS and plans to defer if she‘s elected.
Abi Bowler Abi is a final-year student rep in History, so she has helped organise workshops and manage an online feedback forum while voicing the concerns of students in the department in departmental meetings and staff-student forums. Abi states that she aims to promote an inclusive, accountable and enabling Union that supports international, undergraduate and mature students. She says that she is keen to integrate students into behind the scenes decision making to ensure that their needs are being fought for. Abi believes that in order to achieve this all part time officers should have office hours to create an access point for students. Justice for Cleaners is Abi‘s favourite campaign at SOAS. She has been involved with the movement through weekly campaign meetings and disseminating information to the student body, while helping to organise events such as Latino parties, Justice for Cleaners day, the SOAS community ballot and the upcoming strike. Abi has also taken part in the Democratise SOAS movement working groups, forums and communications. Interestingly, Abi has four cats: Jessie, Woody, T-Rex and Bo Peep who are all named after characters in the best Disney movie- Toy Story.
David Suber David Suber has been an active member of the student body over the last few years, throwing himself into SOAS life in everything from capoeira to SOAS Anti-Cuts. Since his second year, David has been involved with the student rep system and was elected to the Arts and Humanities Faculty board. Over the last year, he‘s been the Students‘ Union‘s Academic Affairs Officer and says he wants to use his experience of grappling with the School‘s bureaucracy if he is elected as Co-President to improve the student rep system, introduce exam feedback and new teaching technologies. David says there are too many ―black holes‖ in the relationship between SOAS and the Students‘ Union and that a ―deep restructuring‖ would be his top priority to resolve issues like student freedom over the Union space. He says he also wants to turn attention to the way SOAS is structured and the lack of student representation. David has been actively involved with organising the Democratise SOAS campaign, taking on responsibility for researching alternative and more democratic university structures. Suber also praises Justice for Cleaners as an ―important campaign‖ with clear, achievable goals. If elected it won‘t just be David moving into G8 but Napoleon too. Not the French emperor, but David‘s dreadlock!
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SU Elections Welfare & Campaigns
Candidates running for part-time Positions:
Students‘ with Disabilities Officer Mohamed Taha Karmel Carey & Roisin Crowley
Georgie Elena Robertson Sabatini Georgie Robertson has been the SU Campaigns Officer for the past two years, which has involved facilitating all student activities and campaigns, including Democratise SOAS, liberation campaigns and campaigns around international students, just to name a few. As Campaigns Officer, Georgie sees all campaigns at SOAS as vital and equally important, but if she had to pick one to talk about it would be Democratise SOAS, because it relates to the interests of all students and of the entire community. Georgie's top priority is to make the Students' Union more open and inclusive, to encourage all students to engage with the Union, seek support from it and make it their own. Georgie believes that she has the experience, dedication and passion necessary to revitalise the union and make it "a dynamic and inclusive hub of activity that nurtures, empowers and stimulates all students." An interesting fact about Georgie? She's originally Australian!
Elena Sabatini has been a volunteer for London Nightline, a hotline for students who face mental health issues for the past two years. Her main focus if elected would be making the Students‘ Union more accessible to all students by establishing a drop-in service for students to go speak to her about any issues they might face and referring students who face mental health issues to the relevant professionals inside and outside SOAS. On campaigns, Elena believes that more should be done at SOAS regarding local government, using strategies such as petitions and letters to MPs. She also wants to run regular ‗campaign clinics‘ to help students plan and run their own campaigns which have clear, achievable goals. Why vote for Elena? Because she believes her volunteering experience has made her a good listener and given her a good knowledge of issues concerning welfare.
Womens‘ Officer Brinda Gangopadhya Lundmark & Tove Lyssarides Mollie Hanley & Hannah Slydel Entertainments Officer Luna Cottis Mohammad Tahboub Jordan Brown & Wil Paintin Environmental Officer Phoebe Fisher and Hattie White Clare Birkett International Officer Ana Luiza Olanescu Raghav Khemka Chaitanya Raj Singh
&
LGBTQ Officer Tom King & Nate Reidy Academic Affairs Officer Havard Skogerbo Simon Campbell & Maximilian Lohnert Black Officer Manuela Schwarz Campaigns Officer Marta Pacini & Lawrence Trocme Grace Wilcock
Imrane
Fossil fuels campaign gets foot in the door
Campaigners meet with university finance team Simon Popay, MSc Development Studies The campaign to end SOAS‘ Dr Matthew Haigh, SOAS investment in fossil fuel com- Senior Lecturer in accounting panies took a big step forward with expertise in ethical inlast week as campaigners met vestments, commented that to with the School‘s finance have any impact, the camteam. The finance team agreed paigners would need to underto discuss the possibility of stand the School‘s investment divestment with the School‘s style and the specific mandate Investment Advisory Panel at given to its asset managers. its quarterly meetHe warned that campaigning next week. The ―Guerrilla ers would need to speak the campaigners hope warfare in language of financiers: that a decision on ―Guerrilla warfare in suits divestment could be suits is the is the only way to do it.‖ made as early as only way to SOAS' investments are June this year. currently managed by NewIt is not known do it.‖ ton Asset Management, a exactly how much UK based subsidiary of the the School holds in fossil fuel US multinatio nal BNY companies. At present, the Mellon. Current investment School‘s only invested assets policy includes avoiding comare those related to its endow- panies substantively associatments, with its n o n - ed with human rights and endowment investments sold labour standard breaches, off in 2013 to fund the redevel- military products, tobacco and opment of Senate House. gambling. The fossil fuel camThe bulk of the £21m in paigners argue that by investendowment assets are invest- ing in Royal Dutch Shell and ed directly in equities. The BP, the School is already in most recent disclosure reveals breach of these policies. Nonethat this includes holdings in theless, they are hoping to see BHP Billiton, Suncor Energy fossil fuels added to the list of (a Canadian firm extracting industries to avoid. Such difuel from oil sands), BP, and vestment could entail an inRoyal Dutch Shell among crease in the level of risk that other firms. A full list of com- the school faces, and it is likepanies that SOAS holds equity ly that Newton Asset Managein can be found on the School's ment will need to assess the online FOI disclosure log. impact this could have on the The campaign originated School‘s endowments. with Bill McKibben‘s 350.org, Dr Haigh further suggested a well-known environmental that the campaigners should organisation, and is part of a consider the origins of the global movement to pressure School‘s endowment assets as universities, cities and other well as where they are curpublic institutions to divest rently invested. For example, from fossil fuels. Despite relat- the School‘s second largest ed divestment campaigns at endowment fund, the King over 35 other UK universities, Fahd Chair, originates from no university in the UK has the Saudi government, whose yet agreed to divest. However, revenues are almost entirely nine universities in the USA (92.5%) derived from the pehave done so. troleum sector. ♦
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Staff strikes threaten to intensify Haani Mazari, BA Politics & History Fractional staff and the lecturers in The Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) are continuing to take separate action, both in hopes of receiving increased pay. The group ‗Fractionals for Fair Play‘ are calling upon Fractional staff members to adhere strictly to their contracted working hours from February 28th onwards. Previously, teachers allegedly worked more than twice the hours estimated in their contract and consequently are often paid below the London Living Wage at between £6-£7 an hour. This campaign has begun separately from the on-going industrial strike action and aims to ―secure fairer contracts‖. One Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Politics Department said: ―I will not be responding to student emails, seeing students outside of class, holding further office hours, or attending lectures. I will also not be preparing more than I am paid to However, one finalprepare for classes.‖ year student said, This action leaves a ‗Emails will not speed second-year Overseas student conflicted about up negotiation, it is not the action‘s impact on her education. She told a one day the SOAS Spirit: ―It‘s process. Instead, the frustrating because I students are bearing understand why the the brunt of the staffs‘ teachers are doing this but I am angry that I action and the have paid £14,590 for administration‘s lack of cancelled classes and unavailable teachers.‖ action.‘ Some fractional staff members are frustrated to take this action, yet see it as necessary to stop their exploitation. They acknowledge the impact that this may have on students and therefore students are urged to bring their complaints to the Director of SOAS, Paul Webley. However, one final-year student said, ―Emails will not speed up negotiation, it is not a one day process. Instead, the students are bearing the brunt of the staffs‘ action and the administration‘s lack of action.‖ The Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) is hoping to change this lack of action in a separate effort by making ―the ultimate sanction‖ in the form of a marking boycott. This marks an escalation of the intermittently scheduled two-hour strike efforts where picket lines circled the SOAS Main Building entrance. The boycott is threatening to stop lecturers from marking
As students‘ course load grows heavier, the strike action corresponds.
anything after April 28th, potentially having the pow- sit down and talk to us seriously about pay. They have er to delay graduation and the release of exam re- refused. It is their obstinacy that has forced our hand sults. with the marking boycott,‖ she said. A spokesperson for SOAS said: "The School will do Students, including final-year Disha Mukherji, are everything within its power to minimise the impact of afraid of the impact that the boycott could have on a marking boycott on their graduation and transition our students. We are into future career. However, monitoring the situation Mukherji supports the action and closely and will inform is instead disappointed with the One Graduate Teaching Assistant in the students about any reaction of the administration. Politics Department said ―I will not be changes as they arise." Mukherji said: ―As a final year While SOAS is look- responding to student emails, seeing student, an impeding market ing to minimise the boycott is a scary thought. I supboycott‘s consequences, students outside of class, holding further port the demands of the lecturers Sally Hunt, the general office hours, or attending lectures. I will and fractional staff wholeheartedsecretary of UCU ex- also not be preparing more than I am ly, and urge the SOAS adminisplained that the union trative body to get their sh*t had no choice but to use paid to prepare for classes.‖ together by starting a dialog with this boycott to attract their staff, who at the end of the pay negotiation. It is a day make up the institution‘s reaction of members of backbone.‖♦ the union having their pay cut by 13% since 2009. ―Throughout the dispute we have been calling on the employers to minimise disruption to students and
Research: Teaching assistants ‘paid below the Living Wage’ Fractional staff research
hours work for every hour they teach, they are actually working an Research published by the Frac- additional 6 hours for every hour tionals for Fair Play campaign has taught as well as 1.5 hours a week revealed ―shocking‖ findings about answering emails and other course the working conditions of Graduate admin. They also spend 26 hours a Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and term marking essays. Senior Teaching FelAs a result of lows (STFs). working considerThe campaign conably more than ducted a survey of research suggests they their contracted SOAS 94 staff working are paid only 30p an hours, for which on fractional contracts hour more than GTAs they are paid just and compared the over £18, the number of hours they average wage for are paid to work in GTAs based on their contract with how many it is the hours they actually work is necessary to work in order to com- below the London Living Wage of plete their jobs. £8.85 at barely £8 an hour. Despite The results showed that, while STFs being responsible for setting GTAs are paid for an extra 1.5 exams and sometimes convening
Tom King , BA Politics
courses, the research suggests they are paid only 30p an hour more than GTAs. The research also found that a quarter of GTAs are actually paid below £6 an hour and one respondent to the survey said they were paid just £2 an hour when all their hours worked were taken into account. Almost 60% of the hours worked by STFs currently go unpaid, according to the campaign. A meeting between fractional staff and the School‘s Human Resources Department took place yesterday to discuss their concerns about their contracts. The campaign is calling for fractional contracts to reflect the hours they need to work.♦
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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World
News
Controversial speaker prompts debate on free speech
86% Say Yes to a Student-Run ULU
Haitham Al-Haddad‘s lecture provokes reflection on SOAS‘ Safe Space measures
Philippa Wilkinson , MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies
Harriet Freeman, BSc Development Economics The invitation from the event co-ordinator Elis Some students have Islamic Finance and Gjevori to have initiated raised the issue that a Ethics Society (IFES) for such an encroachment to trade-off occurred, bethe London-based Islamic our ―safe space‖; adding tween the rights of free scholar Haitham Al- that Al-Haddad‘s fre- speech of academics and Haddad to lecture on why quent public appearance society leaders and the Riba (interest) is forbid- allows his ―damaging free speech of the general den in Islam beliefs a n d student body, arguing the has promptissues‖ to be former was being prioriIs our statutory ed a debate known. tised. on what threshold of A SOAS student The student body was limits to free tolerance for who attended n o ti fi e d a bo u t Al s p e e c h the event de- Haddad‘s presence five should be extremism too low, scribed to The days prior to the 17th and imposed at but more SOAS Spirit Gjevori gave a formal the School. their first-hand explanatory statement importantly, who Haitham experience of Al- about the lecture on the Al-Haddad, decides this Haddad‘s lec- 13th, welcoming converwho spoke at threshold? ture and praised sation on the matter, on SOAS on his academic the SOAS Rants Face17th February, is a spe- insights. Additionally, book group. cialist in Islamic finance, they felt saddened how Gjevori said ―Freedom specifically Islamic mort- his appearance attracted of speech is an important gages in the UK, but is such negative publicity part of SOAS and the also well known for his and that this coverage freedom of academics to controversial views on portrays an Islamaphobia express their views in line women, gay people and typical in universities. with the policies of SOAS Jews. D av id East, Co - is one I am committed to. Al-Haddad has in the p r e s i d e n t Furthermore past expressed his sup- D e m o c r a c y Do we need to allow the safety of port for female genital and Educa- for greater students and mutilation and said ho- tion, assured speakers mosexuality w a s The SOAS discussion amidst alike is of ―criminal‖. Spirit that the student body on p a r a m o u n t While the event was the School‘s importance, the debate of Safe stewarded to ensure it C o n f e r e n c e two condiremained on topic some Office does Space on campus? tions that I have expressed the view not allow for have taken that hosting Al-Haddad any external speakers to into account and firmly implicitly legitimises his pose a ―violation of school believe have been met in opinions on other mat- policy‖, with another this case.‖ ters. SOAS student, Students‘ Union spokesThe Students‘ Union Ruthie Bubis, commented person stating that the has received no formal that it was ―glaringly Union‘s Equality & Diver- complaints about the irresponsible‖ for IFES‘ sity policy was met. event.♦
Boost to Save ULU campaign
The results of the referlegitimacy‖. College London students endum on the future of However, low turnout participated, with a sigULU, released this week, and organisationnificant propor4545 students tion voting no. show overwhelming supal issues have port among students for a plagued the refer- participated, a This apparent democratic union. Out of endum, and two apathy underturnout of 4%. mines the 4545 voters, 86% voted colleges, Heyyes to the question, throp and Goldstudent union‘s ―Should ULU‘s building, smiths have yet to carry claims that the Save activities and campaigns out a vote. In other colULU campaign is continue to be run demoleges, only about 4% of ―growing‖ and has stucratically by students?‖ students voted, while dents ―mobilised in their with 12% voting no and SOAS had an above averthousands.‖ 2% abage turnout at The referendum was staining. 97% of participating around 8%. But non-binding and UniverSOAS SOAS students voted Royal Holloway sity of London managestudents had less than ment has no obligation to were even for a democratic, 1% turnout take the result into conmore while under 3% sideration.♦ student-run union. positive; of University out of 394 voters, 97% voted yes. ULU President Michael Chessum hailed the result as ―widespread support‖ from the student body, showing that the decision to take the Malet Street building under university management had ―no
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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Opinions It's time for SOAS management and staff to compromise and reach a deal. Mohammad Tahboub, BA Politics and Law In the past three months our university has witnessed over four strikes, threats of marking boycotts and a university management that ignores that any of this is happening. Students whose main aim in coming to SOAS is to obtain a healthy education are being caught up as collateral damage in this endless battle. It is in the interest of both sides to lay down their arms, sit on the negotiating table and end this civil war that has been ripping our university apart. The aims of both the Justice for Cleaners and lecturers campaigns are legitimate and it is their right to fight for equality and a higher standard of life and in no doubt the majority of students support this. However, it's time that student welfare is taken in perspective especially as exams are soon approaching and therefore the campaigns should aim to look to create
SOAS cannot ignore the demands of the campaigns, it will not weather the storm nor will it emerge after stronger.
some kind of channel of communication with the management and come to a common understanding where a compromise could be reached. The greatest danger in the continuation of constant strikes is a student backlash against the campaigns; this should be avoided if the campaigns are to succeed. While students can rally in support of the campaigns and can email and pressure the director of the university, Paul Webley, asking for the campaigns aims to be met, it is the staff's responsibility to find a way to end this conflict. The SOAS management bears the highest amount of responsi-
bility for prolonging the conflict with its teaching staff and cleaners. SOAS cannot ignore the demands of the campaigns, it will not weather the storm nor will it emerge afterwards any stronger. A university that maintains such a terrible relationship with its staff is bound to fail in teaching standards and at the same time fail to attract the best lecturers to SOAS as potential staff will assume that they will never get a pay rise and that their living standards will fall in a matter of years. Is this the message SOAS wants to send to the academics of the world? The world sees SOAS as a mess where the management fail to satisfy their teachers. The strikes will lead to low student satisfaction with the way SOAS is running and therefore with no doubt will bring down SOAS's standing in world university rankings which may lead to less students considering to apply to SOAS as our university will be seen as unstable and chaotic. It is not in the interest of the management to ignore compromise and let students suffer especially at times when the fees are at record rates that could allow SOAS to provide more benefits to its staff. The only solution is compromise. If the marking Boycott goes ahead, not one student will be happy with either the SOAS management. The breaking point must be avoided and a deal must be reached. Both the management and the campaigns can come out winners from friendly negotiations. If management concedes and compromises it would secure its teachers‘ commitment--the same commitment that SOAS's dear anthropology teacher Dr Audrey Cantilie, who passed away three months ago at age 92, still a teacher at SOAS. Let's honour her memory by bringing back the peace to our SOAS family. Let's negotiate and compromise. ♌
This Month‌. In Comics
No More Strikes
UK Government maintain DFID's foreign aid budget focused abroad. By Alex Perkin
SOAS Election By Beth Jellicoe
Cops Off Campus By Beth Jellicoe
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
Opinions Is ‘Freedom of Speech’ selective?
SOAS has recently become a newsworthy subject due to a talk which preacher Haitham al-Haddad, PhD, gave here on the 17th of February. Al-Haddad spoke at SOAS on why ‗riba‘ (interest) is prohibited in Islam, but he is also known to hold questionable views regarding FGM, domestic violence and homosexuality. Cristiana Moisescu, BA Politics Al-Haddad‘s presence at SOAS has triggered numerous complaints and several reports in the media; among the SOAS voices, I have heard people take issue with his extremist views, and the fact that his speaking here turns SOAS into an ‗unsafe space‘. My question is – ‗unsafe‘ for what? In my opinion, universities are meant to be safe spaces for learning - about the world and, if we‘re lucky, a little about ourselves. While physical and verbal abuse should not be tolerated in universities any more than in other places, the academic environment is one of the few which claims to be an open space for dialogue (this holds especially true at SOAS). This open policy does not come with the caveat ―as long as we only talk about what I agree with.‖ At the same time, universities shouldn‘t be thought bubbles, removed from the world and its diversity of opinions; they are made up of people, each with their own unique vision, and a marker of a safe space is a place where everyone gets to have their say, without fear of being antagonized. Freedom of speech is a funny thing. Probably one of the most commonly accepted traits of democracy, it‘s
also one of the most controversial. Who do we ‗allow‘ a voice to, and who do we expose as a villain for their opinions is a common question. The truth is, we are not in a position to ‗allow‘ anything to anyone, and we shouldn‘t be. The state guarantees everyone a voice as long as it doesn‘t turn into a verbally abusive slur – as long as the voice doesn‘t shut down other voices. In the case of al-Haddad, that‘s exactly what some were calling for (never mind that his talk had nothing to do with his other, more contentious ideas). He came into an academic institution, a safe space (sic!) to give a lecture on one particular subject. And while a shade of political correctness has been sidestepped in calling him here, whether he is the most appropriate expert to speak on that topic is irrelevant, as he is qualified to speak on it. Still, let‘s imagine for a second that he was here to talk about his view of homosexuality. Banning his
Freedom of speech does not come with the caveat ―as long as we only talk about what I agree with.‖
voice wouldn‘t have made it disappear – they never do, and a ban would set a very dangerous precedent. The way I see it, he should be free to discuss it, and we should be free to leave the classroom empty. But if we‘d be a bit more daring, we‘d fill the classroom and talk about it.♦
Preacher Haitham al-Haddad, PhD, stirred up a controversy by giving a lecture at SOAS on the 17th of Feb. Source - Unknown
Thailand’s destructive crisis: the blurred line between death and goodness Peerapat Boonsrirot, MA South East Asian Studies 20 deaths and more than 700 people injured, this incredibly high rate of casualties reflect the ruthless violence happening in Bangkok, due to antigovernment political protests demonstrating since November 2013. A series of aggressive showdowns and riots are taking place in the country which was once called ‗The Land of Smiles‘. The starting point is the protest against the government‘s proposal of the amnesty bill, which could ab-
Brief impressions on the recent political crisis and violence in Thailand, homeland of the writer.
solve cases of many politicians of both sides including Even though we‘ve seen some positive aspects from Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai PM. The situation the current situation after the end of the ‗Bangkok was widespread and led to brutal confrontation be- Shutdown‘ campaign from protesters, a shadowy haze tween protesters and authorities, or between support- still covers Thai society. And it seems far from a ers of two opposite groups, that led to a peaceful solution. number of deaths and wounded. RegardIf people in the same political less of the government‘s decision to dis- ―If people in the same community strongly persist on solve the parliament and arrange the political community their own beliefs and moral general election on the 2nd of February, perspectives more than the truth strongly persist on their this did not relieve the or basic principle of humanity, it violence. Moreover, own beliefs and moral could lead to a deathly situation. this event showed the perspective more than the Lastly, I won‘t try to make any truly major concern-conclusion or find any culprit the intense clash of truth or basic principle of who is responsible for the series contradictory ideolo- humanity, it could lead to a of incidents, because all seggies of Thai people deathly situation.‖ ments of the society have to that seem to show no commonly take responsibilities. compromise in getting But the one that I find suitable along together at this point. for condemnation is anyone who is satisfied with This article is a space to reflect death or losses of compatriots. These kinds of discrimmy own opinion about the current inating and merciless attitudes are primary composituation in Thailand. I do not nents for civil war, or even genocide. judge which side of the particiNo matter what the reason for those killings is; pants is more legitimate or equi- goodness, greater good for the nation or any necessity, table. I just wish to convey my killing is killing, it‘s the most terrible villainy and message of condolence and ex- that‘s my bottom line. ‗Killing in the name of goodpress my standpoint against any ness‘ is just the terrible excuse of the evil mind that Thai soldiers investigate the crime scene following a bomb blast in Bangkok on Feb. 23, 2014 in which forms of violence. Not just as a lust for blood.♦ three victims, including two children, were killed. There is still no one claiming responsibility. Image: VOA News Thai, but as a human being.
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
Opinions
Poverty Porn Britain‘s obsession with sexing-up the poor and why it is completely ridiculous. Imogen Sian Edwards, BA History
the years of Thatcher, deFor international readers, this title needs a lot of spite the fact that currently explaining. No, it is not a new and terrifying fetish, only 0.4% of disability allowfuelling British obsession of sex and class warfare, ances are claimed frauduwhere performers compete for minimum wage in a lently. It‘s very easy to sell sordid dungeon stocked with Tesco Basic Baked Beans something like Benefits and a relief of bedroom tax. It is an even weirder Street when we are all horny pastime consisting of the voyeurand ready to gawp ism of poverty. The most recent No one really wanted into the poverty pit. upload is a Channel 4 program pin-ups of party leaders Britain is a country called ―Benefits Street‖--which that is becoming The Great Healmans steering through us through murky waters. Image: The Guardian has become the most watched for wearing wellies and increasingly polarall the wrong reasons. I am all for a discussion on class and identity, but I posing in flooded areas, ized. The London tube strikes are a great Quickly about Benefits Street-example of this; trade union leader Bob Crow feel like ―sexing up‖ poverty has gone a bit too far. No but now we‘re stuck it was an easy production. Anyone (portrayed as a conniving cockney hell bent one really wanted pin-ups of party leaders wearing can go into a deprived urban area with it. on bringing about the people‘s revolution) is wellies and posing in flooded areas, but now we‘re and put cameras in front of peojuxtaposed with Mayor Boris Johnson (a man stuck with it. It is true that the recession has created ple‘s faces--but you know what‘s hard? Finding rich seen as so monumentally posh one expects him to a steeper economic gulf between rich and poor, but people. The tax evaders, the millionaire retirees, the carry a riding crop at all times.) It‘s an almost unrec- this does not account for the most Dickensian reducoff-shore account holders. Why didn‘t the producers ognisable state of affairs when figures become carica- tion to date. It doesn‘t need to be like this, we can find them? Because that would actually require work. tures of themselves--I‘m just waiting for Spitting start seeing the nuances in society and not try to keep Demonising the poor as fraudsters and skivers is Image to be re-commissioned so we can see puppets apart the have and the have not‘s. As Cameron keeps something that has been programmed into us since simulate this on-going omni-shambles. telling us: ―we‘re all in this together.‖ ♦
‘Oh Charles, the butler’s floating away!’
But perhaps a ―I continue to be confused by So my request is that the South raindrop of hope can certain students‘ desire to takes advantage of its position of be found in such power and doesn‘t allow this to be events. The South‘s wear wellies to uni‖ the only outcome. Though I have ostracism of the nothing against the royal family North has long been evident, from drifting out to sea, I fear it may be too late to address Now that areas closer to the capital are being hit by flooding, the effects of Thatcher‘s policies to the problem once Parliament is being held on lilos – Lord Howell of Surrey‘s recent Cameron and Miliband battling it out in tight speedos. perhaps the government can be made to take extreme description of the North East‘s Now that would be a horror movie. ♦ ―large and uninhabited and desolate weather more seriously. areas‖. Therefore, though the Cumbrian floods of 2009 were Joely Thomas, BA Arabic and Politics equally devastating, they As a Northerner, I arrived in London with three will undoubtedly be forgotthings – a deep-seated hatred of Margaret Thatcher, ten as distant and unconan inaudible accent, and a strong tolerance of the nected to the pivotal rain. Aye, that‘s right - you weak Londoners know South. But now the floods nothing of the floods to which us ‗up Norf‘ have been are spreading to the capisubjected to for years. Schools closed every winter, tal‘s backyard, with citizens cars passing out on the roads… Oh, sorry, what‘s that from around the country you say? There are floods in the South now!? crying out, the government It was admittedly with a touch of scepticism that I may have to do more – heard such news. After all, I‘ve experienced the so- whether global warming, called ‗rain‘ here and continue to be confused by cer- poor farming regulations, or tain students‘ desire to wear wellies to uni – is it a something else is to blame. fashion statement or an over-obsessive desire to ‗be Admittedly, the governprepared‘? I also suspected one Berkshire resident had ment‘s response so far has been cheated by his local Blockbusters when he been limited. On top of visitclaimed the effects of the weather to be like ―a horror ing the afflicted, actions movie‖ – Paranormal Weather Activity, perhaps. But, include blaming the previalas, there on Facebook were cartoons of the Queen ous government, fiddling floating away, while the BBC were reporting David flooding figures (say that Cameron‘s tour of the South West – ―Oh David, what one ten times) and giving a pleasure to meet you from my rooftop. It makes money for emergency relosing my home so much easier!‖ pairs.
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
Opinions Ukraine: Playing tug-of-war with the Eastern Partnership EU-Russia tensions and the Eastern Partnership: for personal gain or for the people‘s interests? Alessandra Sciarra, MSc Development Studies Recently Ukraine has received corruption (as well as €2.5 billion to large amounts of media coverage Ukraine), the EU‘s agenda also due to clashes between demonstra- includes the promotion of free martors and the police following ket principles which could potenUkraine‘s former president Viktor tially damage the economy of the Yanukovych‘s decision to dismiss a Eastern part of Ukraine and the deal with the EU in favour of closer Crimean Peninsula. ties with Russia. The Eastern Partnership seems Here I try to understand whether in fact to be more of a tool used by the EU‘s Eastern Partnership the EU to impose its political and should be viewed as yet another economic agenda rather than an strategic geopolitical move of the opportunity for Eastern European EU to enlarge its sphere of influ- countries to be part of the EU. This ence and as a way to bolster the leaves Ukraine in a problematic new Market Economy agenda gain- position as Russia‘s $15billion ing momentum in Europe. I wonder bailout (now frozen) offer may also furthermore if talks about damage the the IMF taking a lead in The Eastern Ukrainian people the future of Ukraine Partnership asks and industries as should be seen as a geopoUkraine to agree to a well as bringing it litical move symbolic of a closer to Russia‘s number of conditions a u t h o r i t a r i a n new EU-US partnership. The EU‘s Eastern Part- including respect for sphere of influence. nership, on paper aimed With Yanucovych‘s the rule of law and at offering free trade berecent ousting, the tween Ukraine and the human rights as well creation of a new EU has taken on a new as the adoption of interim governdimension following recent ment taking charge clashes in Kiev‘s Inde- Market Economy of the future of pendence Square. The principles. Ukraine, and even Partnership asks Ukraine more recent proto agree to a number of conditions Russian demonstration in Crimea, including respect for the rule of law the focus has shifted towards the and human rights as well as the issue of a ‗mega-powers‘ tug of war. adoption of Market Economy princi- Left between the EU‘s plan to inples. volve the IMF and Putin‘s plan for The unfolding of events however a Eurasian Union, and with neither has also lead to talks over the IM- seeking to offer full ownership of F‘s role in building a ‗New Ukraine‘. the economic agenda to Ukraine, I It seems to me however that in wonder, who is it that will benefit spite of trying to promote fairer more from signing the deal--the elections and the fight against people, or the institutions?♦
Ode to seclusion: The awakening of Europe in Swiss politics Switzerland's recent popular vote to reintroduce quotas on European immigration spoke for citizens' unease with globalisation. It leaves a dilemma for the Swiss Left yet is it part and parcel of a more inclusive and balanced approach to politics – and European integration? Ueli Staeger, MSc International Politics
Few popular votes have shaken Switzerland staunchest pro-European voice in Switzerlike the recent decision to reintroduce quotas land, an unfittingly binary debate is keeping on immigration from European countries. the Swiss Left back. As ‗Europe‘ often means With 50.3% of the votes approving, the right- little more than ‗European markets‘, the wing Swiss People‘s Party (SVP) scored a Left‘s agency is constricted by the xenophokey victory. Since 1992, when Swiss voters bic rhetoric of the Right, which reduces prorefused to join the European Economic Area, European discourse to the neoliberal necessithe SVP have successfully cultivated the ty of European trade. This is a false dichotoSwiss affinity with tradition and neutrality. my. Invoking the idea of Europe is now necBoth votes showed a distinct cleavage essary: it is the answer to antiquated nationbetween the urban and alisms that exclude and alienate those rural as well as the dif- Invoking the idea of already at the bottom. ferent linguistic regions: Europe is now The Swiss Left, carried by distressed those interacting less necessary: it is the young urban voters, would do well to with the 20% foreigners challenge pro- and anti-European living in Switzerland answer to antiquated narratives alike. Compensatory social tended to approve isola- nationalisms that policies like adjusted housing benefits tionism. The vote reflects are not enough to appeal to those exclude and alienate alienated by unmitigated globalisaa sentiment that ‗uncontrolled immigra- those already at the tion. Openness and geopolitical neution‘ has eroded living bottom. trality are entirely compatible. standards and ‗SwissSwitzerland has seen a remarkable ness‘, which stands in stark contrast to a politicisation in the last weeks, which will recent OECD study showing that economi- impact the upcoming popular votes on immically, Switzerland benefits hugely from the gration. Institutionalised, permanent direct ‗free movement of persons‘. democracy is why UKIP are entirely wrong Switzerland‘s rejection of free movement, to attempt to capitalise on this vote: Swiss a fundamental EU principle, has led the direct democratic institutions are merely latter to halt negotiations for Swiss partici- abstractions used and reproduced by an Tensions continue to rise with Russian troops entering Crimea after protests and pation in European (amongst others) re- opinionated and active populace. With all new coalition parliament to unite opposition parties. search and education and accession to the major parties permanently in Swiss governBy Alex Perkin European energy market. More than 100 ment, deliberation with citizens is no liberal ‗bilateral agreements‘ – Switzerland‘s piece- buzzword but issue-specific reality: Cherrymeal solution to European integration by picking political procedures from fundamenpolicy field – have been signed, but a tally differently constituted political systems ‗guillotine clause‘ links the free movement of is as unhelpful as cherry-picking from Europersons to other fundamental agreements. pean policy. It is however true that following Ultimately, Switzerland risks losing 20 the Swiss example, the EU needs to gradualyears of tightrope walking between economic ly become a shared, deliberative project – liberalism and isolationist populism. very possibly at a slower but more inclusive As economic elites are traditionally the pace of integration.♦
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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SOAS
Features
Interview with an Alum: The SOAS alumni column seeks to track down what the alumni are doing after they graduated from SOAS and tries to elicit crucial advice on how to survive in the ―real world‖. This issue we interview Dr Hongxing Zhang who works as a Senior Curator at the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) where he just conducted the highly-praised ―Masterpieces of Chinese Painting 700-1900‖ exhibition. Dorina Marlen Heller , BA Social Anthropology and Chinese
Hongxing Zhang
It is a very lively and special community here. How has SOAS influenced your work and later life?
Before we start with the SOAS part: You recently held a very well-received and successful exhibition on ―Masterpieces of Chinese Painting 700-1900‖ at the V&A. What was the motivation for doing that exhibition? It was a simple motivation: The institution realised that the last exhibition on this subject of this scale has been about 80 years ago, in 1935 before the war, which really is surprising. Since then many generations of the people in Britain haven‘t had the chance to see that kind of overview of the Chinese painting traditions which really makes an impact on people‘s understanding of contemporary Chinese culture. And people‘s background knowledge of China‘s history is really lacking and with our exhibition we wanted to fill this gap. It is a very important subject since Chinese painting is a 4000-year-old core part of artistic values in China. It is one of the most expressive forms for the feelings and ideas of Chinese people. It is not just painting, it is poetry and philosophy and very emotional. In this way we wanted to give an in-depth introduction to Chinese culture. And what is your history with SOAS and what was the reason for coming here?
A lot. It taught me the basic foundations and conventions of scholarship. In China the writing and research methods in any of the humanities are quite different. You know, the footnoting, bibliography and so on. And it is so important that I got a solid training in that at SOAS through writing, through talking to my supervisors. How would you describe SOAS in a few words? Eccentric, I would say, and the people there are interested in topics which are not necessarily trendy or popular, but important. That‘s what I like about SOAS. It‘s a very special place. Quite unique. Are you still in any way affiliated with SOAS? Not so much, I lead a life at the museum now, we have a quite a good library here. But I do sometimes attend research seminars in SOAS and use the library, particularly the Chinese collections. But I do think that SOAS really needs to update some of its library resources. Particularly the Chinese e-resources.
I was lucky to be able to get a two-year job teaching in East Anglia University as an academic and then I moved quickly to a job in a museum, the Royal Museum in Scotland, in Edinburgh. And I liked it, so I wanted to stick to this kind of job also when I moved to London. I found that working in the museum area was the best career for me. Because as a foreigner here I think a museum is a better place to express myself, my interests and ideas through the exhibitions, museum publications and other activities. Better than at a university because when I taught there I felt that it is good, but too academic and the audience is too small. I felt like I was not part of society. But when you work in a museum you are influenced by the public as well as able to influence the public yourself. And we have here ―Comment: at the V&A‖, for example, every month, a public opinions-service event. This means that people bring, for example, family heritage pieces with them and can ask the museum staff for professional opinions on them. And every day we receive emails from the public, people asking all kinds of questions or giving feedback on current exhibitions. It makes me feel that I am contributing to society with my work. That it is meaningful. Whereas as an academic you can often lead a very isolated life. And that is what I enjoy most about my work. That I make an impact.♦
Could you tell me about a significant memory or encounter that happened at S O A S ?
I came to SOAS in 1994 and stayed for four years to do my PhD. At that time SOAS was I think what is memorable are the really different from nowadays, It makes me feel that I am relationships I had with the superof course. I did my thesis on contributing to society with visors and staff members. Altmilitary painting in the 19th hough I usually ‒ like so many my work. That it is century commissioned by the other people – spent most of my Imperial Court and taking into meaningful. Whereas as an time in the library, at the end of account the Taiping Rebellion, academic you can often the day I would often go to one of a very specific topic but of such the teachers who also was a friend an importance for modern Chi- lead a very isolated life. and would have a cup of Chinese na‘s history. The Taiping Rebel- And that is what I enjoy tea with him in his office where he lion was the largest civil war in most about my work. That always kept some Chinese tea the world at that time. And leaves. And that was a very nice there never has been any study I make an impact. tradition. I think in other univerexploring how the Quing govsities there is no such environernment viewed this rebellion. ment. Also when I come there I come from Nanjing and I nowadays, especially at lunchtime, studied History of Art there and in China we do have the square between the two buildings is a long history of the subject, but I was always inter- always very lively. It is such a nice atmosested in different views on Chinese art. Especially in phere. the American and British approach to it. And I was also interested in Western art and I believe that the How did your professional life develop after best scholars for this subject still are in this country. your time at SOAS? Hongxing Zhang
Image: Alexa Franco
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
SOAS Leave to Remain
Features A story of fear, anger and joy seen through the eyes of young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.; a film review
The SOAS Spirit went to a screening of ―Leave to remain‖, where the director and some of the film‘s cast were also present. The film gives a sharp and intimate insight into what life as a young asylum seeker in the UK can be like. granted leave to remain, a form of humanitarian protection, until they turn eighteen, if they have been refused refugee Film director Bruce Goodison spent three years of research status. ―Leave to remain‖ brilliantly transfers a sense of unand interaction with young refugees and asylum seekers in certainty and fear that is felt in the lives not only of the roles the UK. During this process he became intimately attached to featured in the film, but also by thousands of young UK asyand connected with the lives of approximately 20 teenagers lum seekers every year. The film also builds on the game of and witnessed the hidden reality of seeking asylum in the UK. luck that so many minor asylum seekers must play in order to He joined the youth as they attended home office interviews not be sent back to their country of origin. Authorities do and got placed in foster homes, sharing moments of fear, often choose to not believe the stories children tell them of the anger and joy. From these interactions, came the film ―Leave traumas they have experienced in their home countries, an to remain‖ in 2013, based on the stories and lives of these issue very strongly depicted in the film through the character refugees as well as the often murky processes of asylum seek- of Omar. ing in Britain. ―I wanted each individual I had worked with to Authorities also often seem to try their best to confirm that see a part of him or herself in this film, and still be able to the children, who are seeking asylum, are over the age of keep their individual stories secret,‖ said the director during eighteen when they arrive in the country, because this gives the question round after the screening. the state less responsibility for them. Many of the refugees What makes this film extraordinary is the mix of profes- arriving in Britain come without valid documents, making the sional actors working alongside amateur actors. Goodison set situation exceedingly tense and difficult. This too is an issue up a workshop for minors who were on which the film shone light, through the character of Abdul. seeking asylum in the UK where ―This film depicts Not speaking English and without any valid documents, Abthey could try out and practice their dul embodies the difficulties which so many unaccompanied asylum seekers not youths without valid documents face as they struggle to conacting skills. Some of the youth at Image: Google the workshop ended up in the film, as court cases, mere vince authorities in acting alongside well-known faces pawns in a game Britain of their need such as Toby Jones and Noof Oufor protection. sellam. It was at one of these work- they themselves ―Leave to remain‖ They are coming and they are angry! But they are also so much shops that the director picked up have no control ultimately tells a more than that. The Vagina Monologues gives us an honest and Masieh Zarrien, who arrived in the story of insecurity, over, but rather as UK at the age of eight from Afghanifear, friendship and unpolished presentation of the vagina and women‘s relations to it. stan and who then got one of the lead human beings full trust. Despite the counter demonstration of this imroles as Abdul, a young refugee boy of passion, fear, love arduous situations Maia Birtles , BA Social Anthropology portant organ that is so much more from Afghanistan, in the film. that so many asylum Some of them are angry, some of them than a commoditized, sexualized ob―Leave to remain‖ cleverly and and hatred.‖ seeking youth land in are content, others are uncertain and ject. The vagina is presented in a intimately portrays the harsh reality at their arrival in others again are revolutionary and range of different perspectives and of seeking asylum in the UK. Throughout the film we become what they might have fierce. Regardless of how they feel, one touches on various issues in a very associated with Omar, a young man from Afghanistan who dreamt of as a safe thing about them is certain. They are direct way. Some of the topics brought realizes how a good story can be the deciding fact between and carefree haven, coming. And there is up in the monologues were about remaining in Britain or being sent back to where he came this film depicts asy- nothing you can do to ―Our society pubic hair and how women deal from. We also meet Zizidi, a Guinean girl who becomes a lum seekers not as stop them. The Vaginas has managed with it, female genital mutilation, symbol of domestic violence and rape as she reveals the scars court cases, mere are back! rape, masturbation, tampons and of her past. And finally Abdul, another Afghan boy, who at his pawns in a game they The Vagina Mono- to popularize gynaecologists. The monologues arrival in the UK turns the lives of those he meets upside themselves have no logues have yet again the idea of the brought forth both the splendour down. Every year, thousands of unaccompanied children enter control over, but ra- been launched, this time of the vagina as a beautiful, intrithe UK and apply for asylum. Most of them enter the country ther as human beings by SOAS Feminist Socie- vagina into cate instrument that can give under precarious and dangerous circumstances, many having full of passion, fear, ty. The play was written being nothing great lust and self-fulfilment to serious physical as well as mental damages by the time they love and hatred.♦ by Eve Ensler, an Ameri- more than a women as well as it being a burreach the shores of Britain. Some are lucky enough to be can playwright and femiden, an object many women either ―pretty, sexual don‘t know how to approach or nist, and is based on University of London Theatre Project Presents SPARE ROOM, a comedy drama interviews conducted canal‖…‖ deal with. that explores the culture and identity of London students. with over 200 women These powerful, startling and from different paths of life, social class overwhelming monologues are a desSPARE ROOM is a unique piece of theatre devised by students from universities and origin. The play was set up in perately needed contribution to womacross London. It combines real stories and hilarious anecdotes to shed some SOAS and ULU, as part of the 2014 V- en‘s empowerment and to a society Day campaign, on Thursday 27th and that is constantly masking and beautilight on three very unusual academic years. Friday 28th of February. fying women‘s sexuality. The monoOur so often claimed open, equal logues bring the vagina out of its polPerformances are on Thursday March 13 and and democratized society has man- ished glass case as a sexualized object Saturday March 15.Doors open at 6.30pm. aged to popularize the idea of the and instead turn it into everything it Performance starts at 7:30pm. vagina into being nothing more than a is, embracing it as a powerful, yet Entry: £5 Ticket on the door, £4 online. ―pretty, sexual canal‖ as it is referred tender organ. Location: The Venue, ULU Malet Street, London to in one of the play‘s monologues. If you missed out on the vagina monoThe Vagina Monologues therefore logues this year, keep an eye open for WC1E 7HY creates a powerful and important next year‘s play!♦
Maia Birtles , BA Social Anthropology
The Vaginas are coming!
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Features
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
SOAS
The price of a family?
The government‘s tough stance on immigration has led to changes in its family settlement laws regarding non-EEA nationals. Students are increasingly affected by these changes. Cristiana Moisescu, BA Politics As of July 2012, the new Family Immigration Law affected annually by these changes in immigration still can‘t. Also, I‘m an only child and I really wouldn‘t states that if a British citizen wants to bring a non- law, and among them are students at SOAS. Rachel want to leave, it would be very upsetting for my famiEEA relative into the country, he must earn £18,600 Preston, 23, studying Arabic and Art History, has ly if I moved. I also know it‘s very stressful for them, per annum and continue to do so after the settler‘s been married for close to a year, to Ahmed, 28, who is because they‘re constantly worried that I‘ll just get fed application has been approved. This financial require- a communications engineer, currently living in Cairo. up with it and say right, I‘m going to Cairo.‖ ment rises to £22,400 if a child is involved, with an- ―I met my husband four years ago, before I came to Steven Green, who leads Britcits, a campaign group other £2,400 for any additional child. The new rule SOAS, and the plan was always to get married during for families divided by immigration laws, also sees removes the right to third-party sponsorship and does my year abroad. [...] So we got married last year on students as a vulnerable group. ―Young people are not take into account the relative‘s earnings (whether the 25th of March – it‘s our one year anniversary particularly affected – this is the age at which many potential or guaranteed). As the law now stands, 47% soon. And since then we‘ve just been going back and people are likely to meet their partners, and also the of UK nationals would not be able forth from Cairo on holidays and getting visit age when people are embarking on a career and less to comply with it should they want ―Students are likely visas [...] which give you six months multiple likely to be earning huge salaries. Given that univerto bring a non-EEA relative into to meet their partners entry.‖ sity students are likely to meet their partners while the country (Migration ObservatoThey see each other during holidays, but it feels studying – and also that universities are international ry, University of Oxford). Of these, while studying – less like married life and more like a long- places – this is a huge issue for students.‖ the most affected groups are wom- thus this is a huge distance relationship. ―I‘m married and I‘m in a The court comments from last year have given hope en (62%) and young people (58%), certain place in my life, but my life here with- to many that there might be an official ruling on the issue for students‖ – out my husband doesn‘t really reflect that. It illegality of the laws, as the plaintiffs are arguing that and while the rules affect any relatives abroad, the greatest Steven Green doesn‘t feel at all like a married life and it‘s the rules clash with Article 8 of the Human Rights impact is being felt by married very frustrating having to go to Cairo and then Act, the right to a private and family life. ―Our posicouples, with families effectively forced to live apart. leave each other again. And you just can‘t plan any- tion is that we campaign for the human right of famiOn March 4, the Royal Courts of Justice saw the thing. Everyone has plans for after graduation, but lies to be united. We see this as a human rights issue, beginning of an appeal trial regarding these laws, my only goal is to try and earn £18,600.‖ not an economic issue. Families come brought forward by three separate parties challenging She isn‘t alone in this situation. Jan in many shapes and sizes,‖ says the Home Office. The appeal comes as a response to a Brulc, the communications manager for the ―The law is forcing me Green. trial held in July 2013, where Mr. Justice Blake ruled Migrants‘ Rights Network (MRN) says: ―The Dr. Ala Sirriyeh, Lecturer in Socioloto choose between a that the current laws were ―so onerous in effect as to income threshold affects a great number of gy at Keele University, specializing be an unjustified and disproportionate interference students who are at the beginning of their master‘s and my in migration issues, agrees that with a genuine spousal relationship‖. He also advised career and although their earning potential husband‖ – Rachel ―family life is a human right that that the financial requirement be lowered to the mini- is high, [they] can't provide that sort of needs to be protected. In a globalised mum wage, a move that would be more inclusive. income in the early years of their employ- Preston world families are not alWhile the trial is ongoing, the government has put all ment. We are in touch with a great deal of ways contained within a national applications on hold – with the number currently students and young people who wish to border. Unfortunately, these new standing at 3,014. settle in the UK and start a family. This policy has rules link rights to income levels, meaning some famiThe government estimates that 18,000 Britons are had a devastating effect on them and many live in lies are less valued.‖ uncertainty about their The new laws have not been created in a political future or have had to vacuum, but as a continuation of the government‘s move abroad perma- tough stance on immigration, which has become the nently and leave their scapegoat for all of Britain‘s financial problems. While life in the UK behind immigration laws have toughened and antithem.‖ immigration narratives increased, it is the poor who Although the implied are bearing the consequences. According to the Home message of the govern- Office, however, the laws have been put in place to ment seems to be that safeguard the British taxpayer, by preventing unlawUK citizens who cannot ful immigrants from becoming a burden on the state comply with the regula- and by ensuring that their integration is an easier tions are expendable, process (the implication being that the less money you Rachel doesn‘t want to have, the less likely you are to integrate well). If you relocate. ―When people will, a sort of ―for the people, against the people‖ ask why don‘t you just move. What many are now decrying is the dependency move to Cairo ... I link created between earning a certain income and the wouldn‘t mind that, but right to have a family; essentially, the monetization of I don‘t want to be stuck love. in a position later down ―We believe that being able to start a family in your the line, when children own country should not be subject to the amount of are involved, where money you make,‖ thinks Jan Brulc. Nevertheless, there might be a reason ―many genuine families have been kept apart, includwhy I have to come ing children indefinitely separated from a parent with Under the new laws, family life has become monetized Image: Iselin Shaw of Tordarroch back here and Ahmed implications for their well-being and development.‖
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
SOAS
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Features
...Too high for some students The case for children‘s well-being was argued during the 2013 trial, and will likely be repeated at the appeal. In 2013, an all-party parliamentary group (APPG) heard evidence from 175 people regarding the impact of the new family immigrations laws on their livelihood. That meeting produced a report which clearly states that while children‘s livelihood should fall under the same article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), there is no sign that this was taken into account in any visa application in which children were involved. Another interesting aspect is the implication brought by the term ‗immigrant‘. It immediately evokes poor, ‗third world‘ origins, low qualifications, and that is the way the term is used in the government‘s rhetoric. In practice, however, the laws affect everyone who is a non-EEA citizen, including members of the Commonwealth and US citizens, who are arguably affluent enough not to ‗be a burden on the state‘. Sirriyeh explains: ―There has always been discrimination on the basis of financial status in migration policy. However, I think the new family migration rules heighten this even further. The hierarchical organisation of acceptable and less acceptable international relationships and family reflects class-based inequalities in the government's wider austerity policies. In contrast to transnational elites or 'expats', the new family migration rules imply that those on low incomes who are in international relationships and wish to be reunited with their family are somehow living beyond their Rachel Preston and her husband have seen each other four times since their wedding day Image: Rachel Preston means.‖ The same APPG report mentioned above highlights well-paying job, as a lot of graduates enter into gradu- situation only grows when she sees that ―one of my some of the ludicrous consequences of the new Family ate programmes or internships. It could mean that I friends is buying a flat with her boyfriend right now, Immigration Law. An Australian national who earns could effectively just get a waiting job and work at it another has just bought a house with her boyfriend, more than £250,000 is not eligible to settle in the UK for six months, and then hopefully it would be fine.‖ and just seeing their combined power, what they can because his wife, a UK national, has never worked According to her, the government has do together ... that makes me think (and does not intend to). Although this is an example ―made these rules because they want to ―The new family [that] I want to be able to plan my of financial extremes, there are countless people who try and cut immigration in any way migration rules imply future, whether it‘s in England or in are affected under the same laws because the rules do possible, because they‘ve made immiCairo, I‘d like to be able to have the that those on low not take into consideration the income of the non-EEA gration targets completely unrealistic. choice.‖ Similarly, the new laws have spouse. While there is discrepancy in the rhetoric of They can‘t pick on the EU with regards incomes [...] are somehow taken away her choice regarding her the government (expat versus immigrant, business- to immigration so they‘re going for any living beyond their immediate future: ―I would love to do a man versus jobseeker), the law acts the same for all, other route – non EU students and non master‘s but can‘t do one. [The law is] means‖ – Ala Sirriyeh giving way to ridiculous situations which better serve -EEA spouses.‖ forcing me to choose between a masto highlight the absurdity of the rules. Ironically enough, EU citizens, ter‘s and my husband‖. Many of those the APPG heard also 47% of UK who fall under EU immigration laws rather than The appeal currently being trialled has a lot of complained of the regional income dis- nationals UK/home country law, can bring their non-EEA potential regarding the government‘s response to the crepancy which the financial threshold spouse into the UK. This is known as the Surin- way this policy is affecting people, although in all set in the new rules completely ignores: would not be der Singh law and it is a route that many UK likelihood the case will be taken forwards to the Su―[I]f I was doing exactly the same job for able to comply nationals have considered: move to another EU preme Court. A ruling is expected in almost five the NHS in London I would meet the country for six months, then come back into the weeks‘ time, although the 2013 trial took five months with the new UK under EU citizen rights rather than UK ones to offer a decision.♦ financial requirement and would be able to bring my wife here so I could carry on law and bring their spouse/relative with them. with my work and live a happy Rachel‘s aware of this possibility, but thinks ―it‘s For more information, check out: life.‖ (Individual submission, West Midlands, as quot- a waste of money‖ and does not want to uproot her life ed from the APPG Family Migration Inquiry Report from the UK or Egypt in order to move to another EU britcits.blogspot.com and the Love Letters to the Home Office June 2013) country. project Rachel, who is originally from Cornwall, agrees that There is no doubt that the new law is financially regional discrimination makes a difference, as well- prohibitive – an application fee alone costs £1051 – www.migrantsrights.org.uk and the We Are Family campaign paying jobs are hard to find away from London. and that it‘s meant to be that way. The problem is freemovement.org.uk Should the financial threshold be lowered to the mini- that it‘s also disrupting people‘s lives, their future and mal wage, ―it would put less pressure on me to find a their children‘s future. Rachel‘s frustration with this www.jcwi.org.uk
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
SOAS
Features
Ain’t I a Woman? For Coloured Girls who have considered Suicide when the rainbow isn’t enuf. Imogen Sian Edwards , BA History The auspicious sound of the daily SOAS fire alarms could not have shaken the inauguration of this simply inspiring play. As part of ―Ain‘t I a Woman‖ week at SOAS, black feminism is taking centre stage with this hammer force of the raw experienced of AfricanAmerican Women. Detailing the lives of seven women, this is a play to be seen and felt and lived. At the beginning, the sharp contrast between sex jokes and furious twerking jarred sharply with monologues of rage, but after a while the cacophony of music and speech slowly simmered down. The performers begin to respond to each other‘s stories, imparting comparisons and empathy, narratives of rape, abortion and abuse sending the audience deeper, and we were completely engrossed in each tale. What some audience members might find shocking is the language (the ―N‖ word, graphic descriptions and swearing can all be found here) and although this isn‘t done sparingly, it avoids the gratuitous. G2 is a small space, yet the cast maximised the Brechtian technique
Lady in Green‘s (Damiola K Fashola) portrayal of complete hopelessness in the face of romantic failure (in other words every one of my Valentine‘s Days)
of limited props, a blank screen and coloured carna- nism.‖ How relevant in today‘s heterodoxy of the tions. The ―movement director‖ was worth every pen- white masculine. Women and POC have a quietened ny. voice in the mainstream agenda, and here is a play The acting itself was flawless, which I was not whose speech bellows from the rooftops. However, this prepared for. All ready was I to hear some horrible play is not immune from its critics: accusations of American accents and over-gesturing; instead, I was characterising the black female experience as predomgreeted with the subtle. The Lady in Blue (Liagh inantly man-hating and suffering borders on the Yecalo Tecle, our own SOASian) on being trapped in stereotypical; yet the narrative is universal and learnHarlem: ―I could get a train anywhere but I would still ing to love oneself is not restricted to skin colour. In a be an outsider.‖ A line so throwaway and yet so reso- world where catapults of misogyny and bombardment nating. Lady in Green‘s (Damiola K Fashola) portray- of beauty surround the female body, what could be al of complete hopelessness in the face of romantic better a better peacemaker? ♦ failure (in other words every one of my Valentine‘s Days) could only be matched by her Royal Ballet standard pirouettes. The Q&A ultimately revealed each performer‘s own dialogue, drawing on personal experience to achieve their character‘s revival. So why this play and why now? The play itself is somewhat timeless: written in the 50s, performed on Broadway in the 70s, immortalised by a Tyler Perry all-star remake in 2010, and now making the rounds in London, this cultist play has an eternal place in the collective memory of the African Diaspora. Though if you ask organiser Ella Achola, she‘ll reply that she simply missed putting on ―For Coloured Girls‖ in the British Black History month in October and so the American month had to do. After the laugher died she stated that ―For Coloured Girls‖ actually ―really unpacks black femi- Some of the cast members Credit: Official photo from “Ain’t I a Woman”
Mental Health at SOAS: Is demand being met?
As awareness of mental health increases, so are the number of students seeking support from the Student Advice and Wellbeing Department. Paloma Rao , LLB Law
The Student Advice and Wellbeing department at SOAS offers several services to support us students, including advice for international students, financial advice and aid for students with disabilities. Mental health is just one other area this department needs to fund. Most of us know, especially with the success of Mental Health and Wellbeing Week last month, that the awareness of mental health continues to increase. This could be due to various factors such as more education and understanding of this area or increasing financial and academic pressure on students, as well as students recommending SOAS‘ services to others. Nonetheless, demand continues to rise. According to the Heads of University Counselling Services survey (2013), demand for psychological support services has risen by 16%. Last year approximately 400 students were seen for counselling, almost double that of 2002-3, and 300 students have already been seen so far this year, with four months of the academic year to go. So this raises the question of whether demand is being met. Alison Barty, Head of Student Services and Senior Student Counsellor, explains that even if the staff was doubled, there would still be a waiting list. The availability of drop-in times is short and often busy, which may deter students from seeking help.
However, appointments are available to be made ―I don‘t like that many of the support services are in throughout the week (between the hours of 8.30 a.m. the Vernon Square campus as it is really annoying to to 6.30 p.m.) and as availability increases, demand have to go there for just one small thing.‖ Surprisingly increases. The department is struggling to meet this this department has not been designated any of its demand, with around 30 people on a waiting list, and own rooms despite the need for several small rooms is having to prioritize waiting lists based on urgency for counselling and workshops. With the importance and whether or not students are in their final year, on and awareness of mental health issues becoming clear a year abroad or at risk of dropping out, leaving other ‒ one in four people in the UK will experience some students waiting up to several weeks to be seen. The kind of mental health problem every year (Mental total budget for the Student Advice and Wellbeing Health Foundation) ‒ the fact that this department Department for 2013-2014 is £411,341, with staffing assists hundreds of students needs to be increasingly costs amounting to £364,857 of that. Whilst the staff- addressed by the university in future years. Although ing budget slightly increases annually, the the £33 million expansion into the North Block non-staffing budget more or less only Last year of Senate House will hopefully provide the increases with inflation. The staff are all approximately mental health and wellbeing department with qualified psychologists or psychotheramore much-needed space, this will not be until pists, and one advisor, Sachiko Kishi, 400 students 2015-2016. This will allow more space for facilicomes in twice a week for mental health were seen for ties and services the department are introducand first aid training. A visiting psychiaing, which at the moment include light box counselling trist comes in once a month who can refer therapy for seasonal affective disorder, massagstudents to a GP for treatment where es and acupuncture at a discounted rate at necessary. This service has been fully booked for the Vernon Square every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. past three years, suggesting that there is a high level If you or a friend are having mood-swings, feel as of demand and no increasing availability. though you are suffering from anxiety or depression or Talking to Alison Barty, it became clear that the simply need someone to talk to, contact the Student biggest problem area for the mental health depart- Advice and Wellbeing Department, attend workshops ment is actually lack of space. One student complains: or access their self-help advice online.♦
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
SOAS
Features ―‗What is wrong with the people on the ground?‘ That is what they want to hear, not some old news that everybody knows already,‖ says Nii from Ghana who is working on establishing a small and everybody knows community radio in Jamestown, Accra.
SOAS Radio helping to launch a station in Ghana Katerina Veliskova, BA Middle Eastern Studies
educated, formal and wearing suits. So [the local] people don‘t already,‖ says Nii. ―We give them correct information or want to look into the they don‘t want to talk to them at community, give the all.‖ coverage to local issues The criticism that often surand give a change for rounds projects like this communithe locals to carry out ty radio is the feeling of another their own ideas.‖ ‗white people saving Africa for a Coming to the end, Nii month‘ kind of idea. Addressing tells me what he has this notion, both Nii and Mary learnt from the way emphasise almost in every senthat SOAS Radio works. tence how much they have learned ―What I love about it is mutually from their cooperation. the accessibility for the Secondly, this project has been students. Everyone can designed specifically to break come in and make a the chain of short-term projects ―When other media show.‖ and attempts to establish a SOAS Radio, alttalk to people, they hough a bit out of stable link and cooperation between the two radios and the present themselves sight on the fifth two communities. as educated, formal, floor of the main Nii himself grew up in Jamebuilding, is wide stown. While trying to prepare wearing suits. So open for anyone who for the interview I made honest people don‘t give wishes to get ineffort to expand my poor volved. ―People that them correct knowledge concerning the come do not necesquarter of Jamestown and information ‖ sarily have to be Ghana in general. To my surmaking a show,‖ prise, the picture I got from reading says Mary. ―Anybody can come in and articles and looking at photos on the get trained in basic studio use and internet was even more distorted editing and after that people can get than I had anticipated. ―The problem involved in fundraising, for example, is that what you read on the internet or help with coordination of our proand in the media in general is often jects.‖ Mary also tells me that for far away from the truth,‖ says Nii. anyone who wishes to support this ―Actually, that is one of our goals project in Ghana, SOAS Radio is with this station: to promote Jame- organising a party on the March 20 at stown and get a more accurate pic- the Bedroom Bar in Shoreditch with ture of the community living there.‖ live West African music and DJs. Most of the radio programmes Asking about Nii‘s view on SOAS, produced by JT LIVE Radio will be in he tells me that he was expecting a Ga, a local language spoken mainly bit more than he found here. ―Coming around the Ghanaian capital Accra. to a school that calls itself the ‗School ―We want the world to listen to us, of Oriental and African Studies‘ I but also we want our people to have a anticipated more courses and more voice. There is only one commercial engagement concerning Western station that broadcasts in Ga, and we Africa. On the other hand, I very want to change that.‖ The content of much like the sense of vibrant comthe station will cover everything from munity and the fact that there‘s alentertainment to educational pro- ways something happening here.‖ Nii grammes, all focused on the local smiles and looks around: ―Sometimes community. ―Sometimes in Ghana, I don‘t feel that I‘m just visiting. I what we hear in the news is some- feel part of SOAS.‖♦ thing that happened three weeks ago
(from top left clockwise) JT Radio’s logo; SOAS Radio logo; Nii at work; the lighthouse, Jamestown’s symbol; Bedroom Bar -Azonto Beats, presented by SOAS Radio; map of Ghana; the Ghanaian flag; Nii campaigning; Ghanaian textiles Image: JT Radio; SOAS; British Expertise; flickr
Here is a quick story of one project connecting SOAS with a quarter of the Ghanaian capital Accra. On a dark winter afternoon in London, I sit on the fifth floor of the main SOAS campus, talking to two people enthusiastic about radio and the work it can accomplish in community. Mary Thackray is a former SOAS student who now works as SOAS Radio Station Manager. On her visit to Ghana last summer as part of a radio project, she met Nii Kwartey Owoo who grew up in Jamestown and was passionate about his own ideas of setting up a community radio station. Together they have created a project that should help Nii establish his station and set up a permanent link of cooperation between the two radios and the two communities. Sitting in a colourful studio of SOAS Radio, Nii tells me about his own motivations for launching a community radio in Jamestown. He started off as a sound engineer with an idea to do something productive for the community. He already worked on a radio initiative, but his project came to an end when the community centre in which he was working lost its internet connection. This is when the SOAS Radio decided to help support Nii and his plan of setting up the community station JT LIVE Radio in Ghana, for example sharing ideas about how to create content and podcasts even without a permanent internet connection. Nii and Mary explain to me some of the differences between community radio and mainstream media in Ghana. ―What surprised me the most was the dominance of the mass media,‖ says Mary describing her own visit to Jamestown. ―There is no real community representation in there.‖ Nii adds to this, explaining that the news in Ghanaian mainstream media is often old or inaccurate and that the local people find it hard to express themselves freely within the established media and engage with its content. ―They present themselves as
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Features
The pleasures and perils of growing food in London Leonardo Cini , BA Social Anthropology and Economics There once was a dump in Weston Rise, on the ground owned by Dinwiddy House: a concrete esplanade of urban neglect, abandoned at the mercy of the unrelenting accumulation of garbage. Today this yard hosts a prosperous garden, where not only vegetable but indeed human life at its best healthily flourishes. The transformation of this wasteland into a burgeoning patch of land has been carried out by the SOAS Common Ground society since 2009. The Common Ground strikes many as an oasis of natural quiet, unexpectedly emerging from amidst the fumes of Islington. London boasts 17 city farms and more than a hundred community gardens. Our Common
Prepared to get your hands dirty?
Image: Leonardo Cini
Ground certainly isn‘t of a size compasical participation However, it is not always a bed rable to, say, the Kentish Town City and troublesome Farm. Yet it is among the most cen- of roses. Today the garden succession. As a mattral community gardens in London, suffers indeed from whimsical ter of fact, students only a mile and a half away from Cov- participation and troublesome are generally busy ent Garden. and find it hard to succession. The Common Ground Garden was commit. Furtherconceived by a group of active SOAS students more, students graduate and leave. Much in 2009. Armed with enthusiasm and backed knowhow and enthusiasm gets lost in these by a supportive Student Union, these stu- transitions. dents ordered tons of soil from the North There is only one way to prevent these London Waste and loads of wooden planks to issues from disrupting our gardening activibuild up six beds and a beautiful shed. Their ties: communal work! The garden doesn‘t work was done with admirable skill, and to merely need warm feelings and sympathetic this day the structures have endured Lon- words: it needs commitment and labour. And don‘s harsh and rainy winters. this shouldn‘t come from a handful of comNowadays, the garden offers the opportuni- mitted individuals: embedded with the name ty to all of those that have some kind of at- and aim of the Common Ground is the idea tachment to nature to cultivate it right in the that the garden can only be sustained as a heart of London. Although our main commit- community project, where a multitude of ment is to learn how to grow organic vegeta- people all bring in their small contribution to bles, the Common Ground is much more than shape the whole. that. The garden is a place to socialize and This is why we are calling for all students chill, meet new people and share your gar- that like to get their hands dirty, or that dening experiences. Few of those that get have a passion for gardening, to get involved involved in the garden have grounded experi- in this fantastic opportunity to sustain and ence in agriculture, which makes it a great preserve such a beautiful corner of London.♦ opportunity to experiment and learn from For anyone interested in taking active part in this communal work and dialogue. However, it is not always a bed of roses. project, please email Leo at 536183@soas.ac.uk. Today the garden suffers indeed from whim-
SPREAD THE HYSTERIA SOAS Feminist Society SOAS Feminist Society was founded by a group of five students in the summer of 2013. All of us were frustrated about how feminism was treated at SOAS: almost invisible in our reading lists and neglected by the macho-leftist group of male students running various political activities in and around SOAS. We all felt the need for change. Today, SOAS Feminist Society has over 250 members and is one of the most active societies at SOAS. Throughout the year, we have started a number of projects. In January, FemSoc launched the first issue of the feminist magazine ‗HYSTERIA‘ – a collection of radical feminisms, arts, articles and texts, which have become a huge success. The second issue will be launched in April. Moreover, FemSoc helped put together the success from last year‘s ―Vagina Monologues‖, a theatre play looking to reclaim vaginas, both in the spoken word and in the physical space. Further, we promoted a non-shaving-month at SOAS, which we called ―Normember‖. The aim of the Normember project is to question norms and taboo
Feminism matters. But can be easily overlooked or shrugged off. That is why a group of frustrated SOAS students decided to make it visible through funding the very first Feminist Society at SOAS and spread the word – on the campus and beyond. surrounding (women‘s) body hair. The project resulted in an exhibition at the Gender Matters Too conference held on March 8 at SOAS together with Agender, Women's Society and Women for Women International. Overall, the year has been a pure success, with more and more feminists joining the society everyday. Even though feminism is a broad, and in many senses fragmented, ideology we manage to gather feminists ‒ from queers to radicals – around a common cause: questioning gender roles and fighting patriarchy. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Feminism is still a very marginalized ideology that we need to keep fighting for and make people aware of.♦ Join the movement! Visit our facebook-page (SOAS Feminist Society) or e-mail us on soasfeministsociety@gmail.com.
Any contributions or inquiries hystericalfeminisms@gmail.com
Image: Tove Lyssarides
Love, FemSoc
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
SOAS
That’s so SOAS Our guide to being the coolest kid on the block —by Anon The most fulfilling part of your university experience is often to be found in dialogue with your peers, and nowhere are you fulfilled more thoroughly than here at SOAS. This dialogue is given a formal, structured and (above all) compulsory framework in the form of your tutorials, in which you share your thoughts, hopes, fears and dreams with your fellow students. You‘re also given the opportunity to start sentences with things like ―I just couldn‘t help but think of Foucault during this week‘s readings …‖, and Lord knows the rest of life offers precious few opportunities for that.
Features SOAS.Faces:
‘Vernon Tea Party’ It is the people that make SOAS the unique place it is. People we might interact with daily without really knowing their stories. In this issue we talk to some members of the ―Vernon Tea Party‖ who are part of an interesting and well-liked project. Darian De La Cruz, BA Japanese As most SOASians attending lectures at Vernon Square may attest to, Thursday and Friday mornings just would not be the same without the generous offering of hot drinks and biscuits by a group of volunteers stationed outside the campus. But who are the faces behind the much needed caffeine boost given to us, poor students? The tea and coffee giveaway, which has been running for about five years now, is a project started by a SOAS alumnus, Peter James, who is also the main coordinator of the group. His humanitarian calling and a ―desire to engage positively with the injustices and broken situations that we observe,
both here in the UK and beyond‖, he says, were the main impetus behind his decision to study at SOAS. Having graduated in 2006 with a BA in Development, Peter decided to remain in London and But tutorial groups have their own help those in need of different very particular set of awkward pithelp and support rather than falls, and one‘s journey to fulfilment pursue a career abroad. Now, he can very easily be stymied by annoyis employed by the King's Cross ing fellow travellers. I think you Baptist Church (KCBC), working know what I‘m getting at here ‒ that One‘s journey to with a community which strives particular style of student who fulfilment can to ―serve students and show God's knows an awful lot about the SWP very easily be love not just in words but in pracand not much about anything else stymied by tical action‖, too. Together with (combat boots, beards, air of misogyother volunteers from the church, ny ‒ by their fruits ye shall know annoying fellow he does just that by bringing a them). Or the guy who‘ll throw into travellers … little happiness into each stuthe mix ―yeah, but … what even is a combat boots, dent's life by offering ―a cup of thought?‖ to hide the fact that he beards, air of coffee, a smiling face and maybe a hasn‘t done the readings, attended listening ear after a long lecture the lecture and is actually in the misogyny ‒ by or a difficult exam.‖ wrong building. their fruits ye Via Peter, the KCBC established shall know them. a working partnership with a Well here are a few pearls of wischaritable organisation called dom, from my soul to yours, which Student Life whose members will help you in your quest to domialso play a key role in what has nate a tutorial without seeming like come to be known as the ―Vernon a dick… Tea Party‖ among its student friends. On top of that, Student 1. How to cut in when someone is making a stupid Life members help to organise point? My patented method is the classic ―oh but!‖ regular social events of which, as that bursts forth as if you just can‘t help it. You Peter explains, the ―primary clap a hand over your mouth, look sheepish, apolopurpose is to create a space for gise, pause for a moment and then launch into students to meet new people, your criticism. Because you didn‘t mean to interbuild a sense of community and rupt, it just happened. discover new friendships.‖ 2. How to do as little reading as possible? The advice Indeed, when I got from an older and wiser student, many years I attended ago, is to pick one thing at random really far down one such the reading list, then get in really early with an event, the insightful point on it. Everyone will think you‘ve unmistakable chewed through most of the reading list and didn‘t feeling of want to bother yourself with a comment on one of closeness the lamestream texts at the top. a m o n g 3. And above all, the phrase that will get you friends was through any sticky discussion topic in any departeasily perment at SOAS: ―you know what, I think we could ceivable. totally apply a Marxist model to this.‖ ♦ During a break from delicious food and a loud game of trivia, I had an Peter James, the man behind the coffee giveaway, and the team opportunity
to talk to some volunteers from Student Life in a corner of the bustling room. Eea, the SOAS team leader for the charity, explained to me that Student Life is an international organisation working among university students which gave them the chance to intern in one of a number of countries. That was the case for Hannah, one of the interns from America, who decided to come to London and spend the year getting involved in charitable tasks and events, after being involved in the organisation for all four years of her student life. Interestingly, considering that Student Life is a Christian charity, there was surprisingly little discussion of religion during the social – much like at the table of the ―Vernon Tea Party‖. When I asked about this, Eea explained: ―As Christians, we want to serve people and if there is anybody who‘d like to know about the Christian faith and what we believe in, we are happy to explain or offer information. But we don't offer it at the table.‖ The sense of belonging is emphasised by the fact that all the socials are open to people of all faiths and Eea‘s amused remark of ―I think most people here today are not Christians‖ stands as a tribute to that fact. The Christian values behind the generous actions of both the KCBC and Student Life are clear and, as Peter emphasises, both organisations ―want to share some of [God's] selfless love with students at SOAS‖. However, it must be stressed that their generosity should not be seen as an exercise in ‗recruiting‘ new Christians and so all students, no matter what their religious tendency, are invited to simply get to know this bunch of lovely people and make what could be lasting friendships. ♦
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
Features
Special
No more ‘money politics’ for Thailand Thailand is in the throes of a political crisis whose origins stretch back to the country‘s development since the 1997 constitution. We talk to Thailand‘s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kasit Piromya, to see what he makes of this loaded situation. Rebecca Harvey , MSc Development Studies On Feb. 15 Mr Kasit Piromya, Thai started to question the miliDiplomat and former Minister of For- tary government, so [we had] eign Affairs between 2008 and 2011, a series of protests right up gave a talk at SOAS discussing the until the 1990s, and in 1997 current political climate in Thailand. for the first time we had a Mr. Kasit Piromya, a member of the very participatory constituDiplomat Party – in opposition to the tion. Phue Thai Party led by Yingluck What do you mean by a particShinawatra, the current ipatory constitution? Prime Minister ‒ has In the sense that the publicly denounced the people could put their existing government in ――I think the trend [heads] together and Thailand. propose a draft law; in Thailand is in The crisis in Thailand they could join hands that direction, started in November with their signatures 2013, when Yingluck more power to the to remove a politician Shinawatra‘s govern- local governments, or senior officials that ment passed an amnesty were deemed to [...] be empowerment to bill that would allow abusing their authoriformer prime minister, the communities‖ ties. But getting rid of and Yingluck‘s brother, the military involved a Thaskin Shinawatra to political process, where Thailand's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kasit Piromya, thinks 'money politics' should disappear Image: © Abhisit Vejjajiva return to Thailand without serving jail we had more ‗money politics‘ time. coming to replace a military govern- of the current protests as class based; interest groups and so on, and once the Protesters flocked to the streets to ment and I think it is that form of poli- however in the opinions section of Al- reform is completed in 6 months‘ time, voice their discontent and Yingluck was tics that allowed corruption to become Jazeera you claim this is false. then there should be a referendum on forced to call an election which went very sophisticated by the time Thaskin From my point of view this conflict is the reform and national elections ahead on Feb. 2 2013 and ended in a came to power. about morality and whereby participating political victory for the Pheu Thai Party. Howev- H o w h a s c o r r u p t i o n b e c o m e governance and ethiparties would have to commit er, opposition leaders, including Mr ‗sophisticated‘ within Thailand? cal standards, and ―This conflict is themselves to the reform proKasit Piromya, have called for the elecI would say that in the 1970s right up accountability and cess, so any parties winning the about morality tions to be annulled; they claim the to the 1990s, it was a project type of transparency and the election would be committed by elections broke constitutional rule by corruption – so if a government wants rule of law. So it is not and governance‖ the referendum to carry out the taking place in one day. to build a road, some type of crooked what the Economist detailed reform or the restrucThese protests emerged due to dis- politician just had to buy land in ad- and the Financial turing of Thailand. content with the current democratic vance and would have their family Times and the BBC and the New York So what next? system of Thailand. Can you explain members gain the construction rights. Times have been paid to paint, the First, decentralisation, because Thaiwhy they are necessary? But with Thaskin it turned into a pro- picture of the urban rural divide, it is land is too centralised; second, lessenI think democracy is a process, and gram and policy corruption – for exam- nonsense, romantic. It is not about the ing the role of professional politicians this democratisation process started in ple you come out with a program to help elite and the masses, or the regionalism and political parties; and third, 1932, at the end of the absolute monar- the poor, and within those programs between the southerner and the north- [empowering] the local governments, chy and the elite of that time. At the there already are the corruption prac- easterner and so on. This time it‘s about their administrative power, where I end of the Second World War and the tices waiting for its launch, like the Rice the elitist status quo of money politics think one of the ideas is to have elected spread of communism, and with west- Scheme or whatever. versus the masses, who would like to governors, similar to what the Japanese ern support, the preference at that time I think it has come to a point where end [that] status quo and have more of did 20 years ago with the governors of was more security, antithe Thai people a participatory democracy. their respective prefectures. I think the communist. So a mili- ―What the people on the [have] started to There‘s a call for a people‘s council to trend in Thailand is in that direction, so tary government was a question money come and help the reforms come about, more power to the local governments, preferred form of gov- street ask or demand is a politics and [there but how can an undemocratically elect- more empowerment to the communities, ernment and the de- reform process‖ is] rising discontent ed government provide democracy? to people‘s organisations, to the profesmocratisation process with the abuses of What the people on the street ask or sional occupations.♦ was sidelined until the power; at the same demand is a reform process [...], Occupy 1970s. time people have started to question Wall Street if I were to draw parallels. Then, with the opening of the world [representative] democracy. This indi- They want to have the reform, and in N.B. Mr. Kasit Piromya would like to at large, student movements and anti- rect democracy has led to the abuse of order to launch that reform, the people note that throughout the interview, the Vietnam war [protests] in the US, stu- power and corruption and so on. The on the street do not want to have the opinions raised are his own, and do not dent protests in Paris and Frankfurt representatives of the people have the involvement of all political parties, necessarily reflect the official stance of and so on, [reverberations] could be vested interests in themselves and not including us the Democrat, they want the Democrat Party seen in Thai domestic politics; then the in the society. this to be the work undertaken by the students of the urban middle class Western Media has portrayed an image academics, the private sector, NGOs,
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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Features
Thailand’s Political Upheaval
Thailand‘s image of a peaceful tourist hub is changing every day as protests rock the country. Jagoda Sekular reports from Bangkok.
mental rights of the very people he has vowed to deliver justice to. AcThailand is polarized and deeply divided. The current cording to the Thai Election Commispolitical crisis was triggered by Prime Minister sion, the closure of polls affected Yingluck Shinawatra and her caretaker government‘s more than six million registered attempt to pass a controversial amnesty bill in No- voters. Suthep most recently petivember. The bill would have nullified former Prime tioned the Constitutional Court to Minister Thaksin's corruption conviction and would annul the election, but his request have allowed him to return to the country. Thaksin was rejected. was removed in a bloodless coup in 2006 and currently On Jan. 22, Thailand‘s government resides in Dubai in exile. It is also worth mentioning imposed a 60-day state of emergency that Yingluck Shinawatra is the sister of the former in Bangkok and surrounding provincPM. As one anti-government protester put it: ―I hate es, following months of protests by her government because they're dishonest. They anti-government demonstrators in spend our money, our tax money, on Shinawatra busi- the capital. The United Nations nesses and their networks.‖ Office of the High Commissioner for Colloquially, the Human Rights (OHCHR) has been ―No one knows how the Yellow Shirts and monitoring the situation and has Red Shirts are the recently called on ―leaders of both political transformation will two dominant sides and security forces to ensure turn out and the violence is colors in Bangkok the safety of those genuinely engag- Anti Pheu Thai sentiments on the streets of Bangkok Image: © Jagoda Sekular escalating .‖ at the moment. To ing in peaceful demonstrations, and put it simply, the to make sure that all sides strictly comply with the with sandbags and piled up tires, as well as strategiYellow Shirts are the ones protesting and are mainly law.‖ The OHCHR further called upon ―the authorities cally placed vans, all in order to maintain control of middle and upper class residents of Bangkok, united to carry out a prompt, full and impartial investigation the streets; at every corner, vendors sell ―Bangkok by their belief that Thaksin is still controlling the to establish the facts and to ensure accountability for Shutdown Jan 13‖ t-shirts, caps and banners, as well current Pheu Thai government through his sister. this and other similar violent incidents that have as ―Shutdown‖ paraphernalia. Because of their rural support base, Thaksin-allied occurred over the past months.‖ During my first day in Bangkok, my taxi driver parties have won the last five elections. According to the Erawan Medical Center, at least decided to share with me his opinion on the current The Red Shirts support the Shinawatra siblings and 20 people have been killed and 718 wounded since the political climate. He was a ferocious supporter of the current government and are mostly from rural protests began in November. I walk through a demon- Thaksin and proceeded to list all the reasons to conand northern Thailand such as Chiang Mai, which is strator camp on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue every sidered Thaksin to be a good man, worthy of repatriathe ousted PM‘s hometown. The Red Shirts supported morning in order to get to my office building, situated tion. Despite some words being lost in translation, it the most recent amnesty bill attempting to allow opposite the Government House, an area which on the appeared clear to me that he feared he‘d be targeted Taksin's return to his homeland, and they support his morning of Feb. 18 was rocked by violence that led to for what he wholeheartedly believed in. I did not know sister‘s continuation in office. five deaths and more than 70 people injured. Six-year- it at the time but it seems that the deeply divided The mounting pressure led Prime Minister old Pajarakorn Yos-ubol, or Nong Cake, and her country is metamorphosing into a state in which exYingluck to dissolve parliament and call for new elec- younger brother Koravit, or Nong Ken, were the most pressing your opinion could potentially cost you your tions on Feb. 2. However, the opposition boycotted the recent victims of a grenade attack near the life.♦ elections and Suthep Thaugsuban, Secretary General Ratchaprasong rally site on Sunday of the People‘s Democratic Reform afternoon, Feb. 23. Committee (PDRC), has consistently ―I wish I could say ‗you are Tranakorn Yos-Ubol, called on people countrywide to rally in the father of the Bangkok in order to oust Prime Minis- forgiven‘ to the people who children, stated: ‗‗I ter Yingluck Shinawatra and her gov- committed this violence. But I wish I could say ‗you ernment. Suthep is demanding the don‘t know who they are.‘‘ ‒ are forgiven‘ to the current government be replaced by an Protestor in Bangkok. people who commitunelected ―People's Council‖ and an ted this violence. interim administration which would But I don‘t know implement political reform for 18 months before it who they are.‘‘ The Bangkok Post quoted would be dissolved, prior to a general election. Tranakoring saying that he hoped his The results of the election have not been released, family‘s loss would be the last tragedy of and hundreds of polling stations were forced to shut the political violence. down or prevented from opening by protesters trying The prognosis for Thailand appears to to derail the vote in Bangkok and in the south of the be bleak, and Human Rights Watch country. This spurred an alarming concern about the senior researcher Sunnai Pasuk recently violation of political rights. The PDRC prides itself on warned that a deep-rooted hatred was having acknowledged the painful fact that the politi- spreading through communities across cal system in Thailand is broken and that democracy the country. No one seems to know how has not been in play for a while now. Much like a self- the political transformation will turn out appointed vigilante, Suthep needs to arguably tread and the violence is escalating as ten- Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, in front of the UN headquarters, is cordoned off. carefully in order to not accidentally violate the funda- sions grow. Most main roads are blocked Image: © Iselin Shaw of Tordarroch
Jagoda Sekular, MA International Politics
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Features
World
Turmoil in Ukraine In the past few weeks alone, the situation in Ukraine has changed more dramatically than in the past decade. A revolution, an occupation, a referendum for the secession of the Crimean Peninsula. Katerina Veliskova sums up the situation for the SOAS Spirit. Katerina Veliskova , BA Middle Eastern Studies The news concerning the Ukraine has flown through Western media like a hurricane. At first, the world was shocked by videos of police shooting live cartridges at demonstrators holding improvised shields, in the heart of the Ukrainian capital Kiev. Things shifted completely when president Viktor Yanukovych fled the country and sought refuge in Russia, and now, the crisis over the Crimean peninsula brings flashbacks of Russia‘s 2008 invasion of Georgia. What is behind this unprecedented turmoil in Europe‘s second largest country and what future can be predicted for its people? Everything began in November last year when President Yanukovych decided not to sign an agreement with the European Union which would have brought closer cooperation between the Ukraine and the West and which could have seen the country get closer to EU membership. Instead, Ukraine turned towards Russia and president Putin announced a loan of $15bn for the Ukraine, which many see as a kind of
Image: © Eskil Wie, Norwegien Universitas
reward for Yanukovych‘s decision to turn its back on the EU. This turn of events provoked massive protests, especially in the western part of Ukraine, known to be more eager for closer ties with the EU. The demonstrations were centred around Kiev‘s Maidan (Independence Square) and according to the BBC, the bloodiest days of the protest came in the middle of February, with at least 77 dead. Violence escalat-
ed on both sides with the demonstrators using Molotov cocktails and the riot police live cartridges. Things changed dramatically when the parliament voted a return to the constitution of 2004 (which reduces the power of the president), Yanukovych fled the capital and the country, and the imprisoned expremier Yulia Tymoshenko was freed. The situation escalated when Russian military units arrived in the Crimean Peninsula on the pretext of protecting the large Russian population living there as well as the Russian naval base located on the peninsula. The Crimean Peninsula is officially an autonomous republic of Ukraine and its prime minister needs to be authorized by Kiev. However, following recent events, the Crimean parliament appointed a pro-Russian leader on its own, who then asked Russia to protect the Russian majority on the peninsula. At the moment of publishing, Russian military forces were practically controlling the territory of the Crimean and a referendum concerning Crimea‘s future was scheduled for March 16. The legitimacy of this re fe re nd um is widely contested by Kiev as it is a proposal of the Crimean parliament, not approved country-wide and restricted to the Crimean population. Russian exchange student from UCL Gleb tells me that back home in Moscow the Crimean Peninsula is actually perceived as Russian already: ―I‘ve been there many times for holidays,‖ he tells me, ―and Russians in general see it as a part of their country. Even on the peninsula, half of the people have relatives in Moscow.‖ The repeated threat of Ukraine dividing into pro-Russian (East Ukraine) and pro-EU (West Ukraine) still seems unlikely, but is gaining ground with recent events, all the while the political
scene in Ukraine is far from united. ―All up the Budapest Memorandum. This Ukrainians wish Ukraine to be united,‖ document was signed in the 1994 by the says Jana, originally from western UK, the US and Russia and mandates Ukraine, now living in the Czech Re- the signatories not to use force to public. ―I still hope that this is how threaten the territorial or political Ukraine remains, but no one knows independence of Ukraine. what to expect from Russia‖. ―I would While this is a complicated situation, not say there was something like the speculating about a return to the Cold EU vs. Russia or Democracy vs. Dicta- War seems like an overstatement. It‘s torship. People simply wanted and still tempting to see the world in an easy want a better life and they thought that bipolar division, but reality is usually the EU would provide it,‖ says Daria, a not as black and white. Although Russtudent from Queen Mary University. sia and the US are on opposing sides on Moreover, even the different matters, we demonstrators cannot forget that tobrought together by ―Russians in general day‘s economy is far disgust at police viomore connected than it lence and Yanu- see [Crimea] as a part used to be during the kovych‘s corrupt govWar. Plus, over the of their country. Even Cold ernment are now last decades we have realizing the differ- on the peninsula, half seen the emergence of ences in their own new powers across the views of the future. of the people have globe (such as Brazil, The new interim gov- relatives in Moscow‖ India and China) which ernment is certainly are not as interested in not praised by everythis political battle as one, especially as the most important they are in long-term stability and posts are held by close associates of ex- economic cooperation. premier Tymoshenko, a fact that makes More than anything else, the events many demonstrators suspicious. in Ukraine have proven that a system Here in London, the Ukrainian com- which seems stable and strong can munity is also active. There have been change dramatically in just a few days, demonstrations in front of the Ukraini- and to predict any future developments an embassy and the UK parliament. is thus extremely difficult. The interim ―It‘s an incredible feeling when you government will face a number of probrealise that you can also take part in lems, starting with an urgent economic building your country,‖ says Arthur, crisis and ending with consolidating its who studies law at Queen Mary Univer- own power and bringing together varisity. Nadia from SOAS shares this ous factions of society. Now, the Euroopinion and tells me that she took part pean Union and the West must come to in the demonstrations here as well, a decision on how much money and mainly to see Britain implementing assistance they can provide to balance sanctions on those responsible for the Russian influence, while Russia has to violence. ―We need support not only in carefully decide how much influence words [...], but [with] real actions which and power it wants to use in its neighmight stop Russia,‖ she says, bringing bour‘s politics.♦
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
Features
London/World
Cheap Chirpse: Bikram Yoga
Cost: about £15 Location: upper middle class areas (exclusively…) Pro: the chance to impress with your lithe, flexible physique
Looking for a first date option that is a little bit different? This edition‘s Cheap Chirpse idea… Louise Perry , Social Anthropology BA Bit of a weird date idea this one, but hear me out. I‘m sure, as SOAS students, you‘ll know of Bikram and his yoga – you may think it‘s way cool, culturally appropriative, a shameless commodification of an ancient religious practice or all of the above, and you‘d be right on every count. Bikram Choudhury himself is a bit of a tit – that‘s not libellous, it‘s documented fact – but the man does make a good yoga class, and it also doubles up nicely as the perfect sexy date venue. Here‘s why – skimpy outfits, physical intimacy, sweatiness, endorphins. This is the stuff that sexy is made of. Whether your date loves it or hates it, you come up trumps. If they hate it they‘ll be so pleased to have got out alive that your offer of a post-workout coconut water will have them
Con: exposing your less than impressive physique sobbing on your shoulder with relief and adoration. If they love it … well, let's just say that one female (usually identikit little Bikrams, just without the friend describes the euphoric feeling of ‗camel pose‘ as alleged sexual harassment) – no, what really makes or ―a cross between a head rush and an orbreaks a studio is the stinkigasm.‖ God knows there aren‘t many who ―One female friend describes ness. Cramming dozens of can offer a woman that on a first date. sweaty people into a confined the euphoric feeling of ‗camel Now you have to choose your Bikram space five times a day is a recis t u d i o . pose‘ as ―a cross between a pe for pungency, and not all C o m e , head rush and an orgasm‖ studios have an adequate cleangather ing routine. It‘s a grim truth, round – this is some but I‘m warning you now because there‘s nothing like hard-won advice, a cheesy feet smell to kill a romantic buzz. Of those garnered from my studios close to SOAS, I‘d put Sohot Bikram Yoga at years at the coalface maximum cheesy and Yoga Haven Islington at miniof hot yoga studios mum cheesy (in fact pleasant!) – I can‘t overemphasise in London, so listen how useful that advice is. You‘re welcome. up – not all Bikram A final tip: a successfully executed toe stand is a yoga studios are very impressive thing. I‘d advise any newbies to sneak created equal. Not in a few preview classes before inviting any potential because the poses lovers along. Obviously don‘t tell them this – your are different (that‘s expert ‗first class‘ will be a marvel. And your face kinda the point) or might be a bit less tomato-y at the end, which can only the t e a c h e r s be a good thing. ♦ Image: Go Interactive Wellness
Central African Republic: More Than Religion Recent statements by France and the United Nations that they will expand their missions in the Central African Republic have prompted renewed interest in the latest conflict to affect France‘s former colony.
forces was documented in a Human Rights Watch report published last September that reported the Few will have been aware of the crisis unfolding with- razing of 1,000 homes between February and June in the Central African Republic (CAR) before the 2013. The killing of civilians was also widely reported. French government‘s announcement last November In response, predominantly Christian groups ‒ known that its former colony stood ―on the verge of genocide‖. as anti-balaka ‒ launched reprisal attacks against Yet the latest crisis to affect this landlocked country Séléka troops. Worryingly, anti-balaka groups are had in fact begun eight months previously, in March now increasingly targeting entirely innocent members 2013, when Séléka rebels seized power from the then of CAR‘s Muslim population, prompting large swaths president François Bezizé. With the support of neigh- of this group to flee to neighboring Cameroon and bouring Chad, the Séléka leader Michel Djotodia was Chad. installed as Transitional President. Djotodia‘s tenure The escalation of events in this way has enabled would last just 10 months but in that time the country commentators to present the conflict in CAR as a Former mayor of Bangui, Catherine Samba-Panza has become the interim president of the CAR Image: Sia Kambou /AFP/Getty Images would be afflicted by escalating levels of violence, religious one. However, to do so is to over-simplify a culminating in the latter part of 2013. far more complex situation. While historically a vola- deployed ‒ is testament to this. Only a political soluThe disparate groups that initially formed the Sélé- tile state, CAR‘s instability has not traditionally been tion grounded in the conflict‘s true origins can secure ka rebels were predominantly drawn from CAR‘s a product of religious animosity. At a recent Royal the peaceful conclusion sought. Muslim population situated in the African Society event on the crisis it was It is in this context that an accurate understanding country‘s northeast. Aggrieved by argued that Séléka attacks had been concen- of the conflict is critical. A successful peace settlement decades of neglect by the country‘s Only a political solution trated in Bezizé strongholds and had not, as must address the social and economic grievances Christian ruling elite who per- grounded in the conflict‘s has been contended, indiscriminately target- borne by elements of CAR‘s society. Arriving at this ceived the minority group as ed Christian communities. stage will, as ever, be lengthy and France‘s aspiration ‗foreigners‘, they set out to estab- true origins can secure the Today the principal responsibility of interna- to stage multi-party elections in February 2015 cerlish a new order. Despite Djotodi- peaceful conclusion. tional peacekeeping forces present in the tainly appears ambitious at this point. The internaa‘s installation as the country‘s country must be to protect vulnerable com- tional peacekeeping force can expedite this process by first Muslim president, his efforts munities. This should take the form of sepa- helping to provide a secure and stable environment in to bring Séléka‘s violent protest to a cessation proved rating Séléka and anti-balaka forces hostile to one which negotiations can take place. The recent commitineffective; indeed his failure in this regard was in- another as well as the wider community. However, the ment of a further 400 troops by France, as well as a strumental to his removal in January of this year. presence of peacekeepers alone will not bring hostili- proposed 12,000 strong UN peacekeeping force, is to Catherine Samba-Panza, the former mayor of CAR‘s ties to a close, the deaths of a further 2,000 people and be welcomed for this reason. Sadly, this may prove to capital Bangui, has since replaced him. displacement of an estimated 700,000 since December be the easiest part of restoring CAR to a normality it The scale of destruction undertaken by Séléka – the month in which France‘s peacekeeping force was has rarely known.♦
Laurence Diment , MSc African Politics
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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Food
Features
Onedishcloser@Indian Victoria Brown , MA Anthropology of Food I had a hankering for Indian recently; I hadn‘t had a good curry for a long time. Anyone who lives in London knows that finding a good curry in Brick Lane is like finding a guilty pickpocket in Chandni Chowk and I haven‘t the time or inclination to venture down to Tooting on a lunch break. So what about the little enclave near Warren Street station? There are certainly plenty of options, but it turns out that finding a good one is a challenge. In fact the best I‘ve found is in Soho at The Red Fort. It may well be the best I‘ve ever had. HIT The food at the Red Fort is delicate and refined. A starter of spinach and cheese patties encased in fenugreek seeds was mild to taste and elegantly presented, the oozing cheese centre nicely contrasted with a crisp, fried exterior. Minced lamb skewers, so often tough and overcooked, were remarkably tender and the kick from the chilli was well balanced with a cooling tamarind and onion salsa. The Hyderabadi Bhuna Gosht, a curry of Herdwick lamb, was cooked long and slow to melting tenderness, with ginger, garlic, coriander and chilli. The Red Fort is in the Michelin guide and the prices on the a la carte menu reflect that, but they do a set menu, which is a steal at £15 for two courses or £18 for three. Perhaps a little more than your average Indian feed, but the portions are substantial and the quality far surpasses anything else I‘ve had in London. Sadly, we couldn‘t manage dessert.
MAYBE In the little enclave near Warren Sreet there are two cheaper options worth a visit. Ragam does great dosas – crispy pancakes made from rice and lentil flour – with a range of fillings. The rest of the food was disappointing, but a filled dosa would be more than enough for lunch and a good price at £5-7. If you
Image: Victoria Brown
are after a big feed at a low price, then the restaurant at the YMCA Indian Student Hostel is your best bet. A fish curry, two vegetable sides, rice, pickle and a chapatti cost me £8.80 and could easily have fed two. Fish curry was a bad choice on my part. It had been sitting in a bain-marie under hot lamps for rather a long time so the fish was dry and overcooked. Still, the sauce was tasty – hot and tangy – so I mopped it up with my chapatti and pushed the fish to one side.
MISS The catalyst for my search was a Sainsbury‘s curry; an inexcusable error for a foodie, I know. I didn‘t go into Sainsbury‘s with the intention of buying a curry, but it was a miserable rainy day and the smell of warming Indian spices slapped me around the face and dragged me over to the hot food counter. Silly me, I know very well that all you have to do is chuck some cumin seeds in a pan to get much the same aroma, but I was cold and very hungry so I was drawn in all the same. I thought tikka masala would be the safest option – it was invented in the UK after all – but the chicken was overcooked and the sauce was bland and under seasoned, the spices watered down by an obscene amount of cream. I am not a weight watcher, but I do object to eating highly calorific meals which are not the least bit enjoyable. What a waste! If your main concern is getting a lot for your lunch money, then the YMCA is the place to go. If, like me, good value means quality as well as quantity, then head to The Red Fort. You won‘t regret it.♦ The Red Fort: 77 Dean St, W1D 3SH; 020 7437 2525; www.redfort.co.uk Ragam: 57 Cleveland St, W1T 4JN; 020 7636 9098; www.ragamindian.co.uk YMCA Indian Student Hostel: 41 Fitzroy Square, W1T 6AQ; 020 7387 0411; www.indianymca.org
Victoria‘s blog is www.onedishcloser.com
Spirited Eats @GAIL’s Kitchen
Every month, for the pleasure of your tasting buds (and, we admit, ours too) we invite you to check out a delish-place to eat, splurge and have fun at. This month, we‘re sending you to GAIL‘s Kitchen, a tapas-style/gourmet restaurant that‘s perfect for dinner (graduation, anyone?) Cristiana Moisescu , BA Politics Oh, where to start? Should I start with the end, and tell of how my friend and I practically had to roll each other home after our visit to GAIL‘s Kitchen? Or of how we were seriously debating ordering a third desert, just to be able to taste the awesome-sounding buttermilk panna cotta, spiced poached quince and gingersnap? Our evening there had begun reasonably enough, with a great bottle of wine recommended by the great staff at GAIL‘s: a Huia Sauvignon Blanc 2012, from New Zealand, which was fresh, wildly aromatic and with exactly the amount of kick needed to get the evening going, without bringing it to an untimely death. Foodwise, we started with the stoneground polenta chips – that‘s polenta thin enough to crack between your teeth, nicely crispy – served with burnt tomato salsa & sour cream in a delicious combination (£3), followed by the roasted butternut squash and mascarpone ravioli with lemon, sage and parmesan (£7), a mouth-watering dish, that left me feeling of childhood tastes of pumpkin pie. Feeling like the evening was ours for the taking, we proceeded to try another eight dishes, which explains
why we were unable to move by the time we were done. The highlight of the evening - and this coming from someone who usually dislikes fish - was undoubtedly the salmon with tarragon custard gratin and sherry and shallot vinaigrette, which melted into thin air once it reached my palate. The burrata with roasted sweet potato, currants relish and mint (£7.50) was good, but the burrata could have been even softer; the breast of lamb arrotolato with green beans, lentils and rosemary aioli (£8.50) was aromatic enough to entice me, but not so much that it overpowered the delicate taste of the meat. Not having tried enough by this point, we also went for the chargrilled octopus with chickpeas & harissa (£7.50), which was a bit of an overload tastewise (and aesthetically), and the pork special, which came accompanied by the tinniest of gnocchi, in a flavourful, warming stew. After the heavy meats and strong savours, what best to cleanse the palate than a rhubarb and vanilla ice-cream, which came in two great scoops – not enough, by our account! The photo opportunity of the night came when we got our cookies and milk, presented in the cutest of ways, which we gulped down
Image: GAIL’s Kitchen
together with an exquisite passion fruit and vodka cocktail – who said that milk and vodka don‘t mix? And that, dear reader, is how we ended up rolling home that night.♦
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
Features
London In Your Lunch Break go to...
L o n d o n Tr i o
“Vikings: life and legend”
Cristiana Moisescu, BA Politics The Head of the River Race
Sensing Spaces at the
March 29
Royal Academy of Arts
For the more athletically-oriented SOASians, this is a sporting extravaganza. The Head of the River Race takes place every spring when a staggering 400 crews from all over the globe take to the Thames to battle it out for the winning title. The course runs from Mortlake to Putney and stretches over 6.8 nail-biting km, with hundreds of boats taking part and each manned by eight men frantically battling it out to be crowned winners. Get there early if you want seats of front row quality and to see the teams take their marks then head over to Chiswick Bridge. The race officially starts at 2.15 p.m.
January 25 – April 6 For something completely unique, the architectural exhibition of “Sensing Spaces: Architecture Reimagined” at the RA is an artistic spectacle of huge proportions. This is ideal not only for those with an architectural interest but also for anyone looking after a completely immersive artistic experience. The revolutionary use of scents, lighting and colour bring this exhibition into the realms of 4D and touching. Climbing and contemplating are all strongly encouraged, with the visitor seen as much a part of the work as the exhibits themselves. Tickets from £9.
Installation by Diebebo Francis Kere
Image: James Harris
St. Patrick’s Day Festival March 16 Now in its thirteenth year and attracting over 100,000 people, London’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities are a must for anyone intrigued to learn more about this vibrant culture. For the very best of Irish song, music and dance, Irish jig your way down to Trafalgar Square to soak up all of the delights on offer. Don’t forget your dancing shoes because this year the focus is very much on the “World of Dance”, with headliners Riverdance set to perform. To recoup your energy, sampling Irish culinary delights such as cheese, salmon and black pudding will also be on offer at the food market in the square. The elaborate parade is not to be missed, complete with marching bands, floats, street theatre and the representation of all 32 Irish counties, dressed in their traditional country colours.
Most of us think of Vikings as bloody warriors, but the most recent exhibition at the British Museum seeks to disprove that. Think a lot of weapons, jewellery, household objects – and the largest Viking ship found to date. Darian De La Cruz , BA Japanese Pirates and raiders. These words best match the original meaning of ‗Viking‘ in Old Norse, which stands as a tribute to the reputation these people garnered. Certainly, even in the modern day Vikings are most widely recognised for their brutal conquests and plunders in a relentless pursuit of wealth – an image which has been emphasised by a number of recent films. However, the most recent exhibition unveiled at the British Museum, ―Vikings: life and legend‖ aims to give its visitors a different insight into the lives of the many peoples of Scandinavia between AD 800 and 1050, allowing us to form new perceptions of who the Vikings really were. From the moment that we enter the first room of the exhibition, we are informed that these men and women were not simply warriors; they were also skilled sailors, craftsmen, and adept traders. Most importantly, they were exceptional travellers which enabled them to develop a global trading network that was unparalleled in its time. In fact, Exhibition Curator Gareth Williams reveals that they voyaged ―as far West as Eastern Canada ... as far East as Central Asia ... as far South as Morocco‖. On their travels, the Vikings did not always engage in brutalities; they also actively pursued cultural interactions, leaving their mark on countries they had visited while being influenced themselves by objects imported from near and faraway lands. Evidence of this cultural adaption is displayed at the exhibition and consists of large numbers of foreign coins, such as Islamic silver dirhams from the Middle East, and intricate metalwork crafted in styles borrowed from such countries as Scotland. The numerous hoards of jewellery, expensively ornamented weapons and household objects cast in precious metals cannot be overlooked. Arguably, the most impressive and eye-catching of the lot are the excessive, oversized brooches and neck rings which would have been worn by prosperous Viking men. These were impractical accesso-
ries which, though hallmarks of wealth and status, would have been most cumbersome to wear, as exemplified in a gold-cast neck ring which originally weighed over 2 kilograms. ―It's not there to be comfortable. It's there to show that you can afford to be uncomfortable,‖ Mr Williams underlines. Indeed, prosperity and ostentation were valued qualities and thus generosity was the mark of a worthy ruler. Similarly, the gilded armlets and silver -clad swords do not fail to awe.
Roskilde 6, the largest Viking ship ever discovered
Image: National Museum of Denmark
Nonetheless, the centrepiece of the exhibition is undoubtedly the hull of a colossal Viking warrior ship – to date, the largest ever to have been excavated, initially measuring over 37 metres. Though only 20% of its timbers survived, the rest of the Roskilde 6 (which was discovered between 1996 and 1997 in Denmark and which was probably built circa AD 1025) is suggested by the metal mount that recreates the ship's original shape and size. In its entirety, the enormous skeleton stretches across most of the hall it is presented in. If not for any of the other fascinating items on display, one should definitely visit for this impressive testimonial of the Viking Age.♦
“Vikings: life and legend’” runs until Jun. 22 with a concessionary entrance fee of £13 for students.
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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Theatre
Features
RADA presents Ibsen’s “The Lady from the Sea” There is a treasure right opposite from our beloved uni. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts puts on great plays; if you haven‘t seen one yet, go check it out and follow the first steps on stage of the next Joan Collins or Anthony Hopkins Dorina Marlen Heller, BA Chinese and Social Anthropology I must say I completely underestimated RADA. And my guess is that I am not alone in this. For many of us RADA is that ―posh drama school‖ opposite from our common grounds, where you usually see the ―cool‖ actors in black clothes hanging out. That they frequently put on great and extremely professional shows might come as a bit of a surprise to some. For example, staging Ibsen‘s ―The Lady from the Sea‖ is a challenging, but rewarding project. This play tells the story of Ellida, a woman feeling anxious and claustrophobic, trapped in a rational marriage and a conservative, oppressive society. She is one of ―these people‖ who, having grown up at a lighthouse, live the life of the sea in ―waves and tides‖, as her husband, the kind, but overly prudent, Dr. Wangel puts it. They have been married for two years, living with his two grown-up daughters in an idyllic small, Norwegian town.
But Ellida never let go of her first love, a mystical sailor who before his hasty departure asked her to wait for him. Now he‘s returned and Ellida has to choose, only that the choice seems to be taken away from her. Her husband is bound to keep her small and under control, afraid of seeing his illusion of a happy, domestic future crushed. Ibsen‘s play is a brilliant and sharp analysis of his contemporary society. It tells a story about oppressed women, accepting responsibility and the struggle for (individual) freedom – could it be any timelier? This is a play about letting go and trying to protect the people you love from themselves; only, this never works out and setting them free is the only way to keep them. That is what Ellida‘s husband has to learn the hard way. Director Iqbal Khan found his ―intellectual journey‖ to be ―the most heroic gesture‖ in the ―whole play‖. And ―The Lady from the Sea‖ teaches us that some-
The Bodyguard Seeing ‗The Bodyguard‘ in the West End turns the 1992 American film, starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, into a live experience, and makes this romantic thriller a must-see. Beverley Knight plays Rachel Marron, a famous popstar, who is being stalked and threatened by an unknown, dangerous psychopath. Tristan Gemill (well known for his role in Casualty) plays the ex-Secret Service-turned body-
Beverly Knights is the 'Queen of the Night' in the Bodyguard
times it‘s not enough to ban the phantoms of your past from your mind. You have to physically face them. Having said that, the actors were very committed to their characters and quite exceptional in their performances. The staging and costumes were so professional that it seemed hard to believe that you actually were in a drama s c h o o l , watching actors who still are in training. At RADA they obviously take their job very seriously. So I can only warmly recommend
that you have a look at one of their productions yourself and who knows – one day you might be able to say that back then you saw the Anthony Hopkins and Joan Collins of tomorrow rise. So be sure to get your programme signed… ♦
Image: RADA
As the threat of the stalker grows, you have several eerie, hair-raising moments. Paloma Rao , Law LLB guard Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect Rachel, only to end up embarking on a romantic relationship with her. While his acting has been criticized, Gemill‘s stonefaced exterior is central to his role as a committed bodyguard, and flashes of his personality allow for the development of his relationship with Rachel and several humorous scenes, such as his robotic and monotonous karaoke attempt at singing ‗I Will Always Love You.‘ Marron‘s vulnerability is portrayed brilliantly by Knight, whose famous soul voice keeps the audience captivated from start to end, with emotional performances as well as classic, upbeat hits. Playing a popstar makes the musical numbers flow naturally with the plot, keeping the show intense and entertaining, instead of forced and banal, which is often a risk when turning films into musicals. Fletcher, Rachel‘s son, is cute and refreshing to have in such an intense thriller. Image: Paul Coltas
In my opinion, one person steals the limelight in this production. Nicki Marron, played by Carole Stennett, has a voice that will leave you with goose-bumps after each breath-taking performance. Whilst the play follows the original script quite closely, the underrated sister of Rachel is spun quite differently to how she comes across in the film. Instead of appearing older, unstable and unexplored as a character, she has a much better role in the theatre production, in which she‘s seen to be much more of an underdog. This evokes great sympathy from the audience which I feel the original film did not achieve to the same extent. The transition from a film to a play is done incredibly smooth by director Thea Sharrock, who creatively uses screens and dramatic techniques to add to the theatrical momentum musical and create an atmosphere of suspense, which is central to the plot. As the threat of the stalker grows, you have several eerie, hair-raising moments. Despite the dramatic and quite frankly, depressing plot, the play ends with an upbeat performance of ‗I Wanna Dance With Somebody,‘ leaving audiences with an opportunity to pull themselves together after the emotional storyline and really appreciate this incredible production. The musical has been announced as one of the 16 West End productions eligible to receive the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award at this year‘s Olivier Awards 2014.♦
Tickets have been released for shows up to 30 August 2014.
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
Features
Film
The Grand Budapest Hotel @The Phoenix Cinema Wes Anderson‘s latest movie is a rollercoaster ride to sit through, but a highly enjoyable one. Cristiana Moisescu , BA Politics
Hotel‖ bears Anderson‘s signature mark and gathers The Phoenix Cinema round all his fetish-actors, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, is London‘s oldest Owen Wilson, Edward Norton and Tilda Swinton continuously running (whose transformation into an 82-year old is amazingcinemas. It opened in ly fun and unfortunately not given enough screenThe Grand Budapest Hotel: 1912 as the East time). Together with Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law and Finchley Picturedome Harvey Keitel (the list goes on, and on...) they make and although the up quite the Hollywood-crowd. name has changed several times, the building has Then again, that‘s precisely what the Grand Budakept its Art Deco magnificence. The screening room pest hotel is about, its extraordinary guests and staff, has retained its original barrel ceiling, and Art Deco all either fabulously rich or fabulously quirky, and friezes were added in the 30s, all perfectly preserved ruled over by the gentlemanly, energetic, no-nonsense today. Although the entrance hall reminds one of M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes). When one of the hotel‘s better days, the cafe upstairs is most celebrated guests, dowaa nice surprise, selling anyger countess Madame Celine thing your heart desires at Villeneuve Desgoffe und more than reasonable prices – Taxis (Tilda Swinton) unexand it‘s all free to take inside. pectedly dies of strychnine All in all, it‘s a charming place, poisoning, M. Gustave gets which could probably use a bit blamed for her murder, for of a spruce-up, but with stuthey were not only lovers (at dent ticket prices starting at 82, she was apparently £6, we‘re definitely sold. ―fantastic in bed‖), but he is ―The Grand Budapest Hotel‖ one of the heirs in her will. A is a kooky affair, a frenzied family feud ensues as her combination of Agatha Christie sons, Dmitri (Adrien Brody) whodunit, complete with ex- M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) and Zero (Tony Revolori) form a grand and Jopling (Willem Dafoe) Image: FOX Searchlight travagant décor and eccentric pair in the Grand Budapest Hotel contest the will and M. characters, and ―Grand Hotel‖ Gustave is forced to flee.. remake, with everyone potentially high on LSD, direcAll this takes place in the backdrop of the Grand tor Wes Anderson included. ―The Grand Budapest Budapest, in the republic of Zubrowka (no, you can‘t The Phoenix Cinema:
The Book Thief Dorina Marlen Heller , Ba Chinese and Social Anthropology
Expectations are high when going in to see a movie based on a well-loved book, so how does ‗The Book Thief‘ hold up?
One thing you probably should not do when one of your favourite books is turned into a movie is go and see it with high expectations. But that is precisely what I did when I went to see ―The Book Thief‖, which is based on Markus Zusak‘s eponymous novel. And I don‘t want to turn this into a philosophical discourse about how one should see books and their screen adaptations as separate pieces of work – although one undoubtedly should - , but I think what is most important is the overall feeling that stays with you when walking out of the film. An ―I‘m-just-coming-from-a-different-wondrous-placeand-I-liked-it-there‖- feeling was what I definitely got from watching Brian Percival‘s German-American adaptation of Zusaks‘s novel. The story takes you back to Nazi Germany, where a young girl and her little brother, whose parents are persecuted by the regime for being communist, are shipped off to foster parents. On the train journey through icy wintery landscapes her brother dies and the narrator of the story, death itself, becomes fascinated with stubborn, headstrong, brave Liesel Meminger (impressive performance by Sophie Nélisse). There is just something outstanding about this little girl. Liesel is fascinated by books and soon gets her kind,
warm-hearted adoptive father Hans Hubermann (fantastic Geoffrey Rush) to teach her how to read. She gets along with her adoptive mother Rosa (a very authentic Emily Watson) and finds a friend in energetic, fair-haired Rudy (simply heart-breaking Nico Liersch) who soon loves and respects her deeply. So far, so good, but this seemingly idyll is overshadowed by the dawning of World War II, by food-scarcity, bomb-raids and the ever-present anti-Semitism. One night Max Vanderburg (played by a convincing Ben Schnetzer) knocks on the door of their humble house. Max is a Jew who is running for his life. His father gave his life to save Hans‘ in the First World War and now his son is asking the Hubermanns to return the favour. They hide him in their cellar, and a dangerous, high-risk game begins. It‘s a powerful, moving story being told here, and the actors seem to be very much aware of their place in it and their responsibility. The film brings out aspects which the book treats as secondary plots, an interesting facet. The oppressive, manipulative methods of a regime that brainwashed millions of people are brought out well and while the use of the German accent and certain German words or songs might seem slightly irritating at first, they also help in establishing the story‘s essen-
find it on the map), in between the two world wars. The changes that World War Two will bring are already being felt, the most permeating of which is a sense of an ending. Indeed, we first discover the hotel as a shadow of its old past, an image that preempts the fate of its inhabitants. Throughout the movie, M. Gustave‘s elegant mannerisms are the focus of attention, as a reminder that men like him, and indeed, that whole world, no longer exist. In that regard, it‘s a good thing that Zubrowka is an imaginary country, for only there could one still find an enclave of this glorified past. That being said, this is also a very fun movie, a crazy colours parade, with secret romances and secret wills, a lot of running around and many absurd moments delivered in the best matter-of-fact way. A carnival of the absurd, if you will, a fantasy created as an antidote to the realities of the fascist and communist regimes which the movie hints at, especially through the reference to novelist Stefan Zweig, whose writings inspired the script. He famously committed suicide due to the ravages the war had inflicted on that old world, the old Europe he had tried to preserve in his books and it is that same world which ―The Grand Budapest Hotel‖ wants to take us to, albeit with a little too much flamboyance.♦ “The Grand Budapest Hotel” plays at the Phoenix Cinema until March 18.
Image: FOX UK FILM
tial historical and geographical background. Overall this is a beautifully-told tale of courage, bravery and the power of literature and language, which, as any other film, has its ups and downs. Sometimes crucial details are sacrificed for the sake of simplifying the story and sometimes Hollywood‘s marks are too obvious between swastika-flags and burnt books, but the actors‘ commitment to the story is perceptible. That leaves you with a gratitude for life, its beauty and hardships, as well as with a feeling of empathy for death, who, in his own words, is ―haunted by people‖. And that is a lot to take out from a movie.♦
The Book Thief plays at the Ritzy Picturehouse until the 16th of March.
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Features
Putin and the Oligarch ‗With Russia and its president dominating the news for the past few weeks (from the Sochi games to its affairs with the Ukraine), we think it‘s only appropriate to look at Richard Sakwa‘s new book, ―Putin and the Oligarch‖. Asya Zuyeva , BA Development and Study of Religions Richard Sakwa‘s ―Putin all, after reading this, I feel like I underand the Oligarch‖ is a stand him better. It‘s not hard to see detailed account of Mikhail Khodorkov- Putin as an international joke: the bare ski's journey from childhood, as a com- chested Russian man on a horse, the mon Soviet pioneer boy, hero in the motorised hang glider to becoming the helping the cranes migrate or wealthiest businessdiscoverer of an ancient artefact man in Russia turned ―Khodorkovski, while diving unrealistically close outspoken s o c i o - sadly, rubbed to the shore. But with growing political leader and human rights controversies surnow ‒ the redeemed [Putin] the rounding Russia‘s anti-gay laws, victim of Putin's nasty entirely wrong continuous imprisonment of variside. The author proous human rights groups and way‖ vides a comprehensive political activists and the number analysis as to why it of journalists that have disapwas Khodorkovski in peared or been attacked over particular who was recent years, Putin‘s indifference targeted by state authorities, and takes to international opinion seems more and the reader through every courtroom more apparent. Sakwa paints a telling battle between Yukos (Khodorkovski's picture of a ruthless politician whose multibillion dollar oil company) and the vise grip over his carefully built authori‗Putinites‘. Sakwa argues that, as one of tarian regime does not appear to be Russia‘s leading businesses, Yukos was weakening. inevitably caught up in Putin‘s business The book is a thorough overview of -and-oligarch bashing campaign during the shifts and conflicts in the Russian his first term as president (the resound- economy and political system from ing message at this time being that big around the 1960s to present day. The businesses must comply with the law, transformation of a backward comwithdraw any political influence they munist nation into a money-breathing may have held pre-Putin and sit in their capitalist giant is portrayed with vicorners quietly, letting the state do as it brancy, though a hint of glamorisation. sees fit.) Actually, even during this My only criticism would be that at period in the early 2000s, plenty of times, it feels as if Khodorkovski is overshady agreements were still being made glorified as the speaker of the people or between the oligarchy and state offi- the protector of sacred Western capitalcials, and dodging laws and taxes was ism. Still, Sakwa accurately shows the easy for any company with a few high deep-rooted corruption at the elite level standing friends ‒ the only necessary of power hungry politicians and busithing was to rub Putin the right way. nessmen, which infiltrates every part of Khodorkovski, sadly, rubbed him entire- modern Russia and Khodorkovski is ly the wrong way. He was not the first used as an exemplary figure who stands to speak a little too loudly and get swift- in opposition to Putin‘s approach to ly ushered out of Putin‘s powerful circle, business, justice and political reand as Sakwa points out, he will defi- sistance. Overall, a very informative nitely not be the last. read!♦ Vladimir Putin's values, interests and strategies are illustrated well and over-
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
Books “Pieces of Civilization”, love and loss in Baghdad ―The Orange Trees of Baghdad: In Search of my Lost Family‖, by Leilah Nadir Beth Jellicoe, BA History of Art Where do I start? ―Orange Trees‖ is The prose is wondersimply exquisite: a tale that under- ful: often poetic yet stands the complexities of families, the always lucid, sometimes it borders on way war and imperialism rip through the mythical: ―One day it is necessary not only nations but individual hearts, to depart with nothing rather than stay lives and relationships. Raised in Brit- with everything, because everything ain and Canada as a third culture child you have is worthless,‖ Nadir writes, (with an Iraqi father and an English describing Iraqi refugees. But when mother) Leilah Nadir's curiosity about looking at the war, Iraq's historical Iraq began early in life, with visits background, and tragic stories from the from her magical Iraqi relatives. She Middle East, Nadir switches skilfully had still not visited Iraq when war to deadly accurate, insightful observabroke out in 2003, by which time she tion. This balance of the poetic and was an adult, but she retained child- journalistic is present throughout the hood memories of her Iraqi relatives book. This is a personal story of loss and a deep desire to visit them. Sadly, and deep love and near the end, Nadir s h e n e v e r h a d t h e c h a n c e . describes her agony at hearing about Nadir plunges us almost straight into the death of one of her relatives in operation Shock and Awe, March 22, Baghdad: ―Rage that somehow the war 2003: seeing the bombing through her has won, the war has kept us all from eyes, the reader can feel her fear in- being with her for the last years of her tensely. Nadir had relatives in Bagh- life ... Everything about our connection dad, and six of them died during the to Iraq was vanishing.‖ But in a bitteroccupation. sweet turn of events, it turned out all The war devastated her. ―I realised was not lost. Without giving away too that my mother's culture much, in Nadir's words was terrorising my fa―Iraq came to me.‖ ther's,‖ Nadir writes. ―It's The war in Iraq has been as one part of me is invadwell documented, but ing the other. I feel like ―Everything about often Westerners forget this war is between two our connection to that the country is more cultures whose blood flows than a ―conflict zone‖, and in me.‖ Nadir's story grows Iraq was vanishing.‖ lives are more than numoutwards from there as she bers. In my opinion, every explores her father's memWestern apologist for the ories of her family history, war, including Tony Blair records her relatives' expehimself, should be made riences of living through the war, and to buy a copy of ―The Orange Trees of eventually travels to the Middle East Baghdad‖ and read it, cover to cover.♦ herself – staying out of Baghdad, but exploring family roots and connections ―The Orange Trees of Baghdad‖ is in Syria and Lebanon. Nadir takes joy published in the UK on March 13 in the smallest details of Middle East- (Simply Read Books). ern life, but the visit is marred by horrifying reports of the war damage in Babylon and the inhumanity of the American forces.
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The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
Travel
Features Stand First When we first heard the engine light beeping in our car in the middle of a Lithuanian highway, thousands of miles from our home in the Czech Republic, we knew we‘d have stories to tell.
Road Trip through the Baltics Katerina Veliskova , BA Middle Eastern Studies It‘s been proven numerous times that the best holiday plans are always the last minute ones, created in a half-ecstatic, half-drunk mindset, with a couple of crazy people and a couple of beers. This year, the idea was to take my friend‘s gigantic eight-seat car, bring some sleeping bags, tents and a ton of canned corn and take off for about two weeks towards the Baltics.
Sunset near Lithuanian port Klaipėda
Image: Katerina Veliskova
From the very beginning, things were a bit hectic. At the last minute, two of our friends backed out, which made room for my friend‘s dog and the various hitchhikers we found on the road. We left Prague on a lovely sunny day, during which we then managed to tear off our wind mirror and get into an argument about whose music is the most suitable for a road trip. This rocky start was nevertheless more than made up for by the hot summer days we found in Poland. We passed by Krakow, a beautiful, vibrant city with a medieval castle and numerous narrow little streets that everyone falls in love with at first sight. Further on, we had a curious encounter with drunk Polish oldsters in a village in the middle of nowhere, during which we found out that regardless of how close our languages are, alcohol erases all similarities. Entering Lithuania, we exhaustedly searched for a place to light a fire and spend the night, close to the country‘s second biggest city, Kaunas. What we found instead was an abandoned military bunker with huge dilapidated hangars. Of course, we went through the place and stared in amazement at the flaked signs in Cyrillic and the forgotten equipment. Exhilarated by this, we decided to step on the gas and arrive at the seaside overnight. However, in the
festival mornings, we would always have conversations with whichever god My sister and I have never been partic- we were praying to. We'd read Amar ularly religious, but growing up, we Chitra Kathas, the comic books telling interacted a lot with the stories and these mythological tales, and at night mythology of Hinduism. My sister the stories would play again and again would sit in my grandfather's room and in our heads. These were real characask him to tell her stories of Krishna, ters for us, populating our world as how he would sneak away and steal tangibly as people did. butter from all the neighbours' houses, So for me, visiting Kumbakonam this how he killed demons and snakes, how December, a small town in Tamil Nadu his mother once saw the known for the number whole universe in his throat of temples crowded onto when he opened his mouth. its lanes, was a bit like When we would play dress- Temples, then, can be entering the toy-town of up, I wore a blanket around free of sectarian or my childhood. I had my shoulders and put on an about the temples even religious charge. heard old turban on my head and but was not prepared pretended I was Lord Shiva, for just how many temand I pointed through the ples there were: at least window at the house opposite ours and five on every street. Some were bigger, said that was where my children, Gane- of course; the well-known temples ‒ sha and Muruga, went to school. I Sarangapani Temple; Chakrapani Temadapted the story to fit modern urban ple; Ramaswamy Temple. But even the life! nameless temples that got no attention Whenever we would pray, like on were quietly slotted onto the streets
Shreya Ramachandran
The panels illustrating tales from the Ramayana, Ramaswamy Temple Image: Shreya Ramachandran
Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu: A Childhood Come Alive
middle of a Lithuanian highway, our car decided to break down, leaving us to spend the next two days on a lovely rest area next to the highway, waiting for our car to get repaired in a local garage. A few days and several other car services later, we ended up on the outskirts of the Latvian capital Riga, with no car available for at least five days. The group decided to split, and I along with two other people took a train to the Latvian natural parks close to the city. Our next days were marked by stunning nature, peat lakes, Russian tourists on holiday and a quite unbelievable number of bloodthirsty mosquitoes. Returning to Riga, we managed to see its historical centre with the huge cathedral, musicians at every corner and friendly locals. Only slightly delayed, our car, our beloved car, was up and running in all its yellow glory just in time to allow us to see Vilnius, Lithuania‘s capital, on our way home. Fifteen days later, we emerged at the same place from which we had started, with a little less money and a lot more stories and mosquito bites. The car was fine, the dog survived and Estonia still awaits discovery, on another crazy journey. What are your plans this summer? ♦
next to front porches, food stalls, the occasional restaurant or guest house, reminding you that there was a big world of cities and travel that had even made its way here. The temple towers were painted blue, green, yellow, as in the comics we‘d read. As we walked barefoot into the Ramaswamy Temple and saw the paintings on the wall telling the entire epic tale through stick figurines, I thought of my grandfather, and I could almost hear his slow, shuffling footsteps, the laugh in his voice after he drank his evening coffee. Temples, then, can be free of sectarian or even religious charge. I myself have always had a skeptical, distant relationship with religion and its reality, but I found that I too could see in it
something more; that connection that people are always talking about, that draws them again and again to travel, to visiting certain places that remind them of a simpler or stronger version of themselves. Kumbakonam is a beautiful town, and religion and art enthusiasts, as well as tourists eager to see amazing sights, often visit just to see the temples. But to me, the town was made beautiful through the meaning with which I imbued it. Two young children are reading about Ganesha and Krishna somewhere, and messily smudging blue paint onto their faces. Take them to Kumbakonam; they will know what to do there. ♦
The SOAS Spirit | March 2014
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D SOAS E K C Entertainment A J I H
Art Society!
The SOAS Art Society have hijacked a page in your paper! From now on, we‘re here to bring a Started: bit of creative inspiration and help you relieve 2013 those academic woes and stresses. Each edition, Founders: we‘ll bring you news of outings, creative outlets 3 Arabic year 2 Students; generally spotted dashing from class to the Each month, some of our members will showcase and general artiness. We‘re a fun loving bunch. library with short detours via the JCR. some of their works and thoughts on art and life in Members: And have we mentioned we love art?! (and general. Get in touch if you have work you would Over 190 online! like to share, and stand a chance of winning yourself cake!)
FACT FILE:
How We Work: We run arty sessions throughout the year. These include gallery visits, Drink and Draw evenings, Life Drawing– which has proved extremely popular and much more. The society was created in order to give SOASians a creative outlet and is organic in their approach of running events and sessions. If you want to do it, ask for it and the Art Soc will try and make it happen!
Recent Events and Excursions Discover Islam Week Art Exhibition - Aaya Al-Shamahi and Werisha Hussaini On the 24th February, the Islamic Society hosted the annual Discover Islam Week (DIW) which unfolded at SOAS; with a number of events and prevalent speakers tackling the most prevalent questions regarding one of the largest monotheistic religions in the world. One of the events taking place was the Islamic Art Exhibition; its aim to showcase Islamic art and how Muslims express themselves through different mediums. Taking place in the bustling atmosphere of the JCR, the event provided an interactive opportunity for both artists and audience, Muslim and non- Muslim alike, to explore the ways in which Muslims embellish their faith and develop their identity through art. From traditional calligraphy to contemporary photography of Islamic architecture, the artworks touched upon both political, social and religious concepts. A particular favourite of the students was the 'Prayer Mat'; a sculptural piece made out of bricks and fabric, signifying the importance of the obligatory daily prayer, Salah, as a foundation of Islam. As well as the exhibition, students had the chance to try their hand at some calligraphy on one of the stalls which proved to have some very interesting results! The exhibition was a success and the ISOC would like to issue a huge thank you to everyone involved! Keep in touch with the Islamic Society and the Art Society for details on any future events of this kind.♦ (Images: Ruman Hassan and Marium Ullah)
SOASian Artists at work… This month, Mastahn
Thoughts on art and imagination -A. D. Amongst the varying forms of art, Cinema is one which, if created with serious intent (and not only with “art-house” pedantry) has the greatest “possibilities”; offering a means of transcending reality and recreating a world of the imagined. Our imagination is often coloured by the tones of our cinematic experience – childhood memories of impressionable scenes, the close up of a certain characters face, the emotions of one heightened sequence of aesthetic rapture. Like no other “form” of art, it seizes the imaginative mind of the spectator, as well as implicating them in oftentimes complex reflections upon society, history, politics, language, expression… But I would like to try to disentangle the imaginative challenges that a film, or other art forms, poses to us. What is the place of our Imagination in experiencing a work of art? How does the “total immersion” of an expressive medium like cinema change or move us? A work of art can impact us through all of our sensory means; but it is precisely through heightened experience (of course only certain works can achieve such artistic merit) that we become aware of its very inadequacy. That is, the art work’s inadequacy compared (insubstantially) to our Imagination. The possibilities of our mind’s eye – where sensory impressions from our past, ingrained banalities of the present and the speculative plains of the future – converge, regardless of our identity, or our conscious perceptions and focus. Although a work of art will often share a commonality between the observer and the artist, the observer interprets and recreates the work of art anew within the confines (or, perhaps more appropriately, the expanses) of their understanding. This is perhaps one crucial aspect of story-telling, and the reason why we often feel enchanted when hearing the longwinding and enrapturing narrative of a story. The story, as expressed through the words of another, uses the most concise and precise evocations (given the restrictions of language) of meanings and images; thus leaving spaces of “silence”, much like the white on an unfinished canvas or a pause between suspended notes. These interstices beckon the listeners to not only imagine what could be, but to project their own understanding of creative possibility within the “blank” frame. This is one of the many gifts the artist gives. Not only presenting a necessarily (as all forms of articulation will always be limited in their expression of the “original” idea or impression) imperfect fragment of their conscious understanding of the world, but allowing the listener or observer to articulate –or rather, recreate- their own creative understanding, through the inspired framework that the work of art gives to our imagination. Something often lost in the inevitable functionality and obligations of our daily lives. But art is one means of reestablishing this – a call to the imagination, a call to our own individual creativity.♦
a sketch book!
'You must first realise the prison of your mind before you can escape it'
'He tattooed her memory so even death couldn't do them part'
If you’d like to attend any of our events, please email to confirm a spot! Want to get involved? Check out our Facebook page, drop us an email or follow us on twitter: Facebook Search: SOAS Art Society Twitter: @ArtSocSOAS Email: artsocsoas@gmail.co.uk