A street cultural geography
whether taking over Pettycoat Lane or Community Garden space it is all
important.
David
On Tue, 22 Jun 1999 10:06:58 GMT0BST keith halfacree
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> > Any thoughts from CGFers about the J18 demos in London and elsewhere?
> >
>
> Dear Fraser, Gavin, fellow CGFers,
>
> I'm glad that you also felt somewhat empowered by the events on
> Friday. It meant a tremendous amount to me - just being there and
> getting involved in a small way! Arriving a little after 12.00 from
> Swansea - late 'cos the Circle line was out - I was greeted by
> the amazing scene of Liverpool Street station alive with people,
> whistles, anticipation, not rushing anywhere.
> Just as I got through the tube exit the Samba band kicked off and the
> party started. Amusing to see the lack of certainty at first: in the
> station, out of the station, back into the station again, but finally
> some of the streets were reclaimed...
>
> Not having seen the TV news that night I'm not sure quite how it came
> across. I can guess though, given the next day newspapers focus on
> the predictable small minority. (As far as I could see the `trouble'
> seemed to really start after the woman was knocked down along London
> Wall area and, as regards attacks on the police, it was more sound
> than fury. I, too, shed no tears for the Futures Exchange, although
> I didn't see any of that. By around 5pm, when the riot police
> heavies decided to clear the streets, people were already starting to
> disperse - it had been a tiring day - and I'm not quite sure why it
> was felt necessary to clear the streets then...) For most of the thousands of us
> there the event was I feel very empowering; okay, it was a gesture,
> but one which made many of those who left that day feeling they
> wanted to do a lot more in the future...
>
> > I recall Guy Debord writing that 'revolutionary theory is the sworn enemy of
> > revolutionary ideology - and it knows it', as if to say that a critical
> > theory not practiced is no theory at all.
> >
> A big issue that one, Fraser! I certainly think that we all should
> get our hands dirty in the streets sometimes i.e. get out there and
> take part even if the event itself, those involved, tactics etc may
> be far from ideal. The future cannot be set into clearly delineated
> acts, boxes, lines etc and to treat it as if it could be is a sure
> fire recipe for doing nothing at all. Okay, I knbow thats an old one
> but it still rings true...
>
> Anyway, must get on now... See you on the streets soon!
>
> Keith
----------------------
David Crouch
Anglia Polytechnic University
[log in to unmask]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|