Whoah, just a minute!
This seems like a wild rant about a quite unsubstantiated incident which has sparked off a whole host of accusations.
Originally posted by editor
As Ruby has pointed out, an endless stream of unsubstantiated accusations here will most probably come over as a load of personal axe-grinding [/B]
Well said, Ruby and Ed. I am not surprised that Larry has not replied to this thread. He made quite a good case for the last attack, alot of which became personally directed at him. Judging from most of the comments here, save possibly claims from Anna & Richard, there are alot of people with axes to grind, or that have simply jumped at the chance to have moan and that see this as another excuse to have a pop at someone/something (is this what is known as rubber-necking?!)
Lets have a look at some basic facts:
Race issues & Living
-Lawrence himself is mixed race, I think
-the manager of the bar is from Indonesia
-the barstaff are a pretty mixed bunch too
-security on the door / ash tray collectors are both black, white etc
-it may have a predominantly white clientele, but on most nights that i have been there (quite a few) there has been a rough split of white/other 60/40
-none of my friends (black, white, yellow blah blah) have ever encountered any form of harrassment, save pissed up twats on the dance floor on the pull (although i realise that this does not discount that others may have encountered racism there - this is my own testimony)
-what sparked off this thread? possibly someone with his own personal axe. music policy is directed by demand or by other forces. club nights do change (even successful ones!)
Racism in general
Race is an issue in Brixton! There are many places that are predominatly black. I left the place about 3 years ago and was glad to go because there is alot of segregation between communities -much more than in other parts of London.
It is good to raise this type of debate, but surely it can be raised in a more sensitive way? How easy it is to jump on the bandwagon. How hard it is to turn back the clocks once racial hatred is ignited. The type of comments on this forum, and possibly some actions planned through it can fuel more tension. Allegations should of course be fully investigated, but is there not enough tension in Brixton already, without the need to incite more?
The wider context - the society in which we live
Other allegations have been thrown into the mix which bring up questions from a much, much wider debate. Many U75 members come from an anti-globalisation anti-capitalist leaning, could these issues therefore, not be addressed properly in that context? On the decking and the window complaints, i personally do not see these as a problem, but then i dont live on coldharbour. I can understand that some residents may, however, have a prorblem with them. But aren't the Macdonalds, Tescos and KFCs of this world not far more offensive/socially & environmentally damaging?
Although we live in a democracy, it is a rat democracy. How many of you voted in the last election? Probably quite a few on this board! But society in general doesn't give a toss. Why waste time thinking about who to vote for, when labour/cons/libs will get in anyway? Most people therefore either don't think about candidates' actual policies or don't vote altogether, but get on with watching 'who wants to be a millionaire' or with 'blib=nd date'. This is called free-riding (free-loading?) and sadly is the basis of our society. As long as society doesn't give a shit (big) business buys policies to suit their interests. Whilst I am not justifying bribes, corruption blah blah it is a fact of the society we live in, and is part of our so-called democracy.
I am new to U75, but there is clearly alot of acrimony towards Lawrence and his bars. Is this because of his success and any perceived effects this has had on the gentrification of Brixton? There is much talk of old and new Brixton, but surely aren't we all new?
All things, be it the culture of a community, or the culture of a civilisation must change and do change. Nothing is static, but is constantly moving. The sooner people can see that, the easier it is to both move on and accept change whilst still preserving the good out of the old!
End of rant (my hand hurts!)
I do not condone racism. Allegations need to be looked at carefully. Debate should be sensitive. Brixton no need more tension. Wider debate...anyone up for it?
It's an entirely different term.
