Brains, Balls & Politics

The death of George Floyd and the events which followed, have caused me to seriously analyse the privilege afforded to me as a white male. The journey of realisation has been a turbulent one and my outlook has adjusted significantly as a result. Before the death of George Floyd, and even in the months following this horrific loss of life, I would have snarled at the idea that the pigment of my skin has, in any way, afforded me any advantage. How wrong I was. I must take a moment here to recognise that, as a white male with a reasonably large audience who take the time to indulge my (often poorly) written endeavors, I am exercising my white privilege by even sharing this entry because structural inequality gives me a sturdy platform that is rarely afforded to my friends of colour. I point this out not as a bid to signal virtue, but to avoid any misconception that I am attempting to undertake the racial equivalent of 'mansplaining'. I recognise my unfair societal advantage, but t...

I have waited for the storm to settle somewhat before commenting on the words of Piers Morgan in response to the barnstorming televised interview between Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey (which, for the purposes of reference we will call ‘the interview’). In circumstances such as these, the level of conflicting coverage and media opinion can lead to one struggling to see the wood for the trees. So, it is always advisable to allow the whirlwind to pass and retrospectively analyse events calmly, coming to a sensible conclusion in the absence of social-media furore. I should, at this point, make my position, indeed my ‘biases’, on three points crystal clear: 1). I am, always have been and, but for some significant unforeseen event or change in circumstances, always will be a strong supporter of the British monarchy. 2). I have little to no interest in the private lives of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, mainly out of respect for their privacy. 3). Whilst I don’t find ...