#greatmanc

Our Rochdale Pioneer Shaz (19) tells us why it's time to leave intolerance behind, and why it's time for #GreatManc

From my experience as a young person growing up in Greater Manchester, we make ourselves appear to be accepting, loving and caring of each other. For the most part this is true, but we still have so many ongoing issues.

We still judge each other by our skin colour, sexuality, gender, dress sense, ethnicity, class, how we behave...almost everything you can think of.

I know this for a fact because I've seen it so many times over the years. In this century especially where people have become even more accepting, there's still a heavy presence, there still lies the issue of hatred and intolerance.

This needs to change, it's not doing anybody any good. In fact, it's damaging our society slowly as we speak, everyday, everything we're working towards; peace, equality, human rights, fairness, justice...if we don't do something about the intolerance in society today, our goals won't move forward.

A change needs to happen soon, it needs to happen now. Not just for us, but for future generations to come, help us stop intolerance.

RECLAIM's #GreatManc campaign starts on the 11th April, click here to find out more

Five months ago RECLAIM embarked on its journey of work with a group of young people selected as Greater Manchester’s ‘greatest’; our Powerhouse Pioneers.

This year, their critical thinking of the issues that they believe to be consuming their communities formed their Powerhouse Pioneers 2016 Manifesto. Its premiere was timely, as the group have shared their hopes for the future at a time when solidarity seems like a somewhat distant memory in wider society, seeing one point calling for more action:

'Discarding intolerance makes a great society, embracing our differences makes our Manchester Greater'

In January, our Beswick based Pioneer spoke of the racial intolerance she experiences within her community, by her community. Immediately supported by others who have been victims of the same discrimination, it was evident the group could empathise. Racial intolerance is (as many of us know) still present, but not everyone sees it…and therefore the vast majority can remain blissfully ignorant.

But experiences widened, and it was clear that intolerance meant more than racial prejudice alone, with focus steering towards the many judgements young people face on a daily basis. Teachers not tolerating students because of where they live, picking on them for being from the exact borough in which that teacher educates. Intolerance of those from other postcodes, tension between North and South Manchester, Stockport estates separated by the finest of lines. Conversation around judgement in regards to a young person's sexuality, their accent, or how likely it is they will succeed in their future. Discussion… neverending. Experiences… intolerable.

Meanwhile society mirrors this rhetoric, adding fuel to the fire by the media's representation of Greater Manchester’s challenges. We cannot be surprised if those from other areas of the UK believe there is nothing but negative headlines and the rain to associate us with – The Times’ disrespectful coverage of a Rochdale imam’s murder, considerable focus on Salford gang crime and hysteria around violence in Moss Side. We cannot be surprised if we are not willing to help change what's on our social media feeds.

One thing is being ignored in our morning paper, our 24 hour news coverage and the apps just waiting to be opened; Greater Manchester is… well, great.

The only way to unite is to be bold, brave and to embrace our differences at a time when even the wider world is in disarray. It’s time for positivity, to stand together as the Great North while the South makes decisions about how we progress into a future of devolution.

The Northern Powerhouse is Powerless without its people standing in solidarity.

People of Greater Manchester – we are asking YOU the question:

What is Great about Greater Manchester?

From the 11th of April you will see postcards distributed in your boroughs by our Powerhouse Pioneers and RECLAIM staff. If you find a postcard, write on them, post them and let our young people know what there is to be HOPEFUL about in such an incredible county (they are pre stamped after all!). If you meet our young people, engage with them, support them, and amplify their voices.

Join our #GreatManc campaign on social media. 'Why?' - because Greater Manchester is the heart of the North, we all know it, we just don’t share it. Yet.

#GreatManc