Conscious Cas

Now I know what you’re thinking, men ain’t shit. Ah what a cliché, a 20 something year old woman about to go on a tangent and rant about how some other 20 year old man has recently broken her heart.

Well sorry to disappoint but no. Men truly are not shit. Society is. 

Okay to tell you the truth, I’m one of the biggest romantics on this planet. I love love. Every piece of it, every laughter, every challenge, every fight, every bit of pizza eaten together whilst watching netflix, every white lie, every kiss. I treasure every action one does out of love even if it is sometimes unpleasant. 

It is the one thing that makes me feel alive. 

I have just endured possibly one of the worst breakups of my life. A five year long relationship ending in unconditional love from my side even with his many many flaws.This man fucking hurt me, every fibre of my being and even made me question the point of it all.

Despite this, I don’t think he was shit. I don’t think he’s a horrible person. We need to stop talking about men and generalising them as shit. We need to find out the root cause of it and find ways to prevent this from happening. Toxic masculinity, societal expectations, capitalism and excess, and entitlement - of course not limited but these are just some of the reasons why many men exhibit behaviour that would make an entire generation of women scream men ain’t shit. 

More of us need to be aware that society is fostering and grooming the boys to be this alpha male that ends up from simply breaking people’s hearts with their inability to talk about their feelings and on the far end of the scale, participating in rape culture. 

Okay, everybody knows and talks about toxic masculinity, societal pressures to be the alpha male, as well as the entitlement of men but nobody really says anything about capitalism and excess. 

Hear me out, we as a society are discarding appropriate, traditional behaviour due to capitalism. If you're living in a first world country, you have access to pretty much everything, all you need to have is a phone or laptop. Sex, food, tv shows and films, anything you can pretty much buy from Amazon and it’ll arrive the next day. Capitalism breeds excess and the way most young generations approach relationships nowadays is excessive. We use tinder and get over 200 matches, start fucking 5 people nonsensely. We travel to ‘find’ ourselves only to end up surprise, surprise yet again fucking everybody we can, jumping from one relationship to the other. We have a concept called ‘hot girl summer’ (which is open for interpretation but still relevant).

I know that this doesn’t apply to everyone. I mean it doesn’t apply to me, I don’t seek this lifestyle but three out of four people that I know do the above. However, encouraging convenience, excessive behaviours will contribute to a generation not just men to treat people like shit. We need to eradicate behaviour that sees dispensability as the norm. We need to take responsibility for our actions as a society to the world. 

Capitalism is ruining not only our physical and natural environment but also our human environment.

- Cassie S.

Black Lives Matter Protests (Nottingham, 07/06/2020)

Nottingham becomes another city to carry out anti-racism protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Forest Recreation Ground despite the rain for a peaceful protest which according to the Nottingham Post, police praised as a ‘dignified and peaceful’ event. Social distancing was enforced to best of the protester’s abilities and masks were worn by most, if not all.

One of the most high-profile kidnapping cases in the world has been updated after 13 years since its initial report.

The Madeleine McCann case has resurfaced with critical developments after the German police has identified a new suspect – a 43 year-old German man who is currently in prison for a sex crime sentence. Due to German court privacy rules, the suspect’s name remains undisclosed.

The man has been declared to have been in the area where Madeleine was last seen in Portugal. The Police has also released photos of two vehicles, A VW camper van and a Jaguar car, believed to be linked to the new suspect.

(Image: Met Police Handout)

The Metropolitan Police investigation to the case began in 2011 and has cost more than £11 million.

Det. Ch. Insp. Mark Cranwell of the Met investigation, claims the suspect frequented the Algarve area in the years 1995-2007 in his camper van. He is declared to be in the Praia de Luz area where the McCann family was staying when Madeleine disappeared.

Police states the suspect received a phone call at 7:32pm, which ended at 8:02pm before Madeleine’s disappearance between 9:10pm and 10pm that evening.

Police has appealed to the public for any details on the suspect and has also released the suspect's phone number (+351 912 730 680) and the number which dialled him (+351 916 510 683), and said any information about these numbers could be "critical". A reward of £20000 has been established if the information given leads to the conviction of the person responsible for Madeleine’s disappearance.

Image Credits: Grotto Network

The Black Lives Matter movement still needs your help. As we enter the second week of continuous protests of not only in America, but the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, and the Netherlands, many memorial funds have begun to receive an overflow of donations and is redirecting them to larger organisations that dedicates themselves in fighting the case against racial injustice. Below is a list of organisations where you can donate instead.

For American organisations:

Minnesota Freedom Fund

The Minnesota Freedom Fund aims to help those who were wrongfully imprisoned. The fund itself pays for criminal bail and immigration bonds for those who cannot afford to. 

Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter’s main aim is to ‘achieve sustainable transformation on our communities’. They call to end systemic racism that allows and perpetrates the culture of corruption to go unchecked leading to the deaths of black people.

American Civil Liberties Union

The American Civil Liberties Union is one of the longest organisations in America fighting to end racial inequality amongst numerous other issues such as immigration, LGBTQ rights, Criminal Justice, Free Speech, Women’s Rights and many more.

Campaign Zero  

Campaign Zero aims to end police violence in America. More details can be found on their website which contains an agenda that contains specifics of what they’re campaigning for. 

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund works to help win “legal battles, protect voters across the nation, and advance the cause of racial justice, and equality.” You can donate on a one-time basis or have the option for continuous support through monthly payments. 

Black Visions Collective

The Black Visions Collective (BLCV) key statement is to achieve “a future where all Black people have autonomy,” safety to be community-led and to achieve the correct relationship within our ecosystem”. Donations will be used for projects such as the “healing justice and transformative justice” and to help Black people thrive in the Twin Cities and Minnesota.  

The Bail Project

The Bail Project helps American people in need (including protesters) by paying their bail. Officially, The Bail Project aims to “prevent incarceration and combat racial and economic disparities within the bail system.” Once a client’s case is closed, their bail money is returned to the project and is re-used to free someone else so one donation can go a long way.

For UK focused organisations:

Runnymede

As an organisation, Runnymede challenges race inequality through building intelligence through research projects. They aim to build networks, formulate debates and engage policy-makers. More so, their vision is to create a Britain where all citizens and communities “feel valued, enjoy equal opportunities, lead fulfilling lives, and share common sense of belonging.”

Stand Up to Racism

Stand Up to Racism demands to eradicate racism from society and aims to tackle discriminatory rhetoric across the world. You can become a member of the organisation for a basic rate of £2.00 a month or you can make a one-off donation.

SARI Stand Up Against Racism and Inequality

SARI aims to provide ongoing support for those who were victims of hate crime and racist attacks. More so, they take on projects providing equality training and education with businesses and organisations.

Show Racism the Red Card

Show Racism the Red Card is the UK's leading anti-racism educational charity. They provide educational workshops, and training sessions, amongst a number of resources to tackle racism in society.

From tomorrow, the 1st of June 2020, Boris Johnson has declared that you will be able meet up to six people from different households providing you maintain the 2m social distancing requirements. The question is should you?

Dominic Raab has claimed that England is “transitioning” from alert level 4 to level 3 and maintains this to be a “cautious” approach.

Last night, the Met Police were called to an East London party on the Springfield Estate in Clapton in breach of lockdown rules. Hundreds of people were in attendance resulting in a small number of arrests made. Yesterday, footage and images were distributed showing a large number of people all crowding at Durdle Beach, Dorset.

Image: PA Wire

Clearly, the UK population is being let down by a small minority of the population in overcoming the virus.

We have to bear in mind that coronavirus symptoms are not present in all of those who have it resulting in the phenomenon of “silent spreaders”. This makes the 2m social distancing measures all the more important. We have no real control over this situation unless everyone acquires some form of everyday tests they need to complete to ensure they’re free of the virus.

Contact tracing apps and thermal imaging must be in widespread force to determine whether an individual is safe to be in contact with any other person outside their household. The UK currently does not have any of these in force on a large scale.

Even if the lockdown measures are easing, I appeal you to think about the consequences of your actions. The danger is not over.

Covid19, the lockdown, the Hong Kong riots, the Black Lives Matter movement, online learning, and working from home? 2020 is a wild ride and it’s only the end of May. Our mental wellbeing is on the line as we are plummeted into an unfamiliar world, never experienced before in human history. 

If you’re feeling lost or on the verge of going insane, try out the tips below and see if they can improve your mood. 

Our ask is always open and if you have no-one else to talk to, we are happy to help. So, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

1.       Log off social media

It must be enticing to keep up with the current news, especially, with the numerous events occurring all over the world. You might feel like you have the duty to stay informed, protest your cause and feel like you need to always be online.

However, sometimes one of the best ways to take care of yourself is to log off. Staying online for hours on end can lead to mental fatigue, exhaustion, and depression.

Stop comparing yourself to everyone you see on Twitter, Instagram, or Tiktok and every other platform you are on.

Read a book, knit, paint, create, go for a walk. I promise you your mind needs a rest.

 *Image by Rob Bye/Unsplash*

2.       Go outside!

Be it a walk, a sunbathe session, a run, a calming cycle, or a full blown HIIT workout. Your body needs movement. Staying inside all day will take its toll on you. Take advantage of the glorious weather we have been having and remember to social distance.

 3.       Call/Facetime your friends

It’s very easy to lose track and get lost in your own thoughts during this time. Please don’t lock yourself out of any social activity.

Talk to your friends, your family, or your other half. Us humans are social creatures and we need to be socially stimulated one way or another.

 *Image from Ambitious Kitchen’s banana bread recipe*

4.       Eat well

Slightly controversial but eating unhealthy has terrible effects on your mental health. If you want to know more see https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/food-and-mood/about-food-and-mood/. (For scholarly articles see resources).

Cook at home, stop ordering Deliveroo or UberEats, and make sure you eat lots of fruit and veggies. Get on the trend and make some banana bread, some sourdough bread, brownies, whatever you fancy.

My favourite banana bread recipe is from https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/my-favorite-healthy-banana-bread-recipe/ 

You probably don’t want to hear this but limit your alcohol intake!

Make sure you keep your diet balanced and don’t be so hard on yourself.

 5.       Keep yourself busy and create a routine

If you find yourself bored to death and contemplating what life really is for, keep yourself busy.

Pick up a new skill – Futurelearn and the Open University has lots of free courses you can try out.

Learn a language, start that blog you’ve always wanted to do, make a YouTube channel. The world is your oyster.

Remember lockdown is temporary, your sadness is temporary. It will all get better.

 - Charmaine K. S.

Resources and phone numbers:

Samaritans: 116 123 (24hrs.)

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), for men aged 15-35:  0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight) 

www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Relate (Relationship support)  http://www.relate.org.uk/

Alcoholics Anonymous:  0800 917 7650 (24hrs.)

Narcotics Anonymous: 0300 999 1212 (10am to midnight)

Beat (For eating disorders):  0808 801 0677 (for adults), 0808 801 0711 (under 18s)

For the relationship between food and mental wellbeing: ‘The role of diet and nutrition on mental health and wellbeing’ by L. Owen and B. Corfe.

Today, on the 30th of May 2020, the United States has opened new avenues for space exploration thanks to the proven success of Elon Musk’s privately funded SpaceX program.

The SpaceX rocket carrying two NASA astronauts, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centre for the first time on United States soil since 2011 at 15:22 on the same site from which the crew of Apollo 11 lifted off for their mission to the moon – the 39a pad.

Despite the coronavirus lockdown measures, crowds gathered on Florida beaches in order to see the launch but the Kennedy Space Centre limited overall attendance numbers. Notably, President Trump and Vice President Pence (who was appointed the chair of the National Space Council) were in attendance to show support of the program.

SpaceX started in 2002 when Elon Musk founded the company with the goal of enabling Mars colonization.

The May 2020 SpaceX mission’s purpose was to ensure that the rocket and spacecraft can safely transport humans into space. If completed, NASA and SpaceX would then review the data and allow more missions to be carried out in the future to fly astronauts to the international space station and back.

This historic moment marks the start of private expansion into the space exploration business. NASA hopes to expand the market with the support of other companies such as those with SpaceX and aerospace giant Boeing.

George Floyd was murdered by a police officer on the 25th of May 2020.

‘George was handcuffed and restrained and being completely cooperative when this all went down. The officer put his knee on George’s neck choking him for minutes on minutes while George screamed that he could not breathe. Bystanders beg for the police officer to take his knee off George’s neck, but the officer didn’t listen and continued to choke him.’

Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd has started a GoFundMe page to assist the family with their loss. If you can, please donate on the link above.

*Image credit AP: Associated Press*

So why do I think rioting justified?

Today I woke up, minding my own business, trying to have a good day and proceeded to go on Twitter… and then boom. My timeline was filled with posts on the protests in Minneapolis over the death of George Floyd – An African American yet again killed by another American police officer.

Now naturally, I began messaging all my friends in an attempt to inform them and see what their opinions were on the matter. Most, being ultra-liberals were sympathetic, encouraging and downright supportive.

Although one person did stand out – one, who was complaining for the ‘black’ people being disruptive. He (who shall not be named) further insisted that all they’re doing was creating chaos and compared them to mere anarchists who were doing nothing for their cause.

However, the ‘black lives matter’ movement have been around for almost 6 years. Founded in July 2013 as a ‘social movement that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people, particularly racial profiling, police brutality and racial inequality.’ (Wikipedia)

Honestly, in my opinion, I cannot believe we still have not passed the point of acceptance and equality for all people, no matter their colour. The fact that people of a certain race are subjected to hurtful ‘banter’, discrimination, and MURDERS are beyond comprehension.

The struggle for equality and merely pure decency towards the black community in America has been going on for generations. The community has tried peaceful methods from Martin Luther King’s civil rights movement and numerous other petitions or pleas to the government over the systemic racial profiling against the black community. The events still happening today indicates that the government and the system is not handling this matter appropriately.

People are tired, they are angry, they are hurt, let them riot. They have lost all hope in the system. It should not be viewed as an act of villainy and disgrace. Riots are the only way to get attention anymore. Too often, these incidents are swept under the rug. 

Police brutality, racial profiling and racial discrimination is an age-old tale that needs to be stopped; if it’s so ingrained into society then let’s start the revolution. We cannot sit around and not say anything anymore. If you support this cause, then you must show it.