I was by happenstance going to post this photo today even before I heard the magnificent news. I was always slightly confused by what was written on this wall as couldn’t tell if the writer thought the above were actually good things or this was a sarcastic list of his (lack of) achievements. Either way it don’t matter no more…cos its bye bye Boris! Finally amidst a relentless barrage of bad news something good actually happens…let’s just enjoy this moment.
Pictures of women going about their business this week and you can probably guess why. I don’t really wanna wade in (sorry) on the American abortion debate mainly because it shouldn’t still be a debate. Certainly not in 2022. However the overturning of Roe vs Wade proves once again that the human race is not going in a forward direction. Progress in our species is not linear and it’s definitely not permanent. We are going back and forth. Battles that had already been won must now be fought again. And just like the regressive Middle ages followed the highly advanced ancient civilisations we appear to be entering into darker more unevolved times.
Not that the oppression of women is new. That seems to have been going on for millenia. Maybe for ever. But it only shows one thing. The old men in power are clearly afraid of women and feel they must suppress them or else they will rise up and take control. And maybe that is exactly what needs to happen. Haven’t we all had enough of insecure alpha males swingin their lil dicks about? Wrecking everything in sight just so they can prove they’re the biggest baddest boy on the block? (yes Putin we are talking about you)
Let’s face it, male dominance has wrecked life on this planet for far too long. We need to rapidly adopt a more empathetic less destructive approach to our existence before it’s too late and women seem to be the only gender that are really capable of that. Step aside menfolk, you had your chance, you fucked it up, time to move over..
And I know we’ve obviously already had women in power and they haven’t all been kind and compassionate (yes thatcher we are talking about you) but often once they reach office they sadly feel they must be even more aggressive and cutthroat to be taken seriously in the men’s club (yes Priti, we are talking about you). But what would a women’s club look like? Men have waged wars, destroyed the environment and are pushing us to the point of extinction..I mean is it even possible do a worse job than that?
And this isn’t some woke virtue signalling proto feminist angle from a self-loathing man (did I hear someone at the back yell kill the patriarchy?) this is just basic common sense. If the men who ruled from this century alone were an employee (which technically they are. they supposedly work for us) they would have been fired a very long time ago as all they seem to be doing with their power is trying to maintain it by controlling (or attempting to) everyone they see as a threat (which is apparently half the human race just for starters).
And dictating what a woman can or cannot do with her body is the ultimate form of control. It effectively makes women property of the state. Forced pregnancy is slavery. It leaves women with the same reproductive rights as dairy cows. As in none. This is not a political issue. This is not a religious issue. This is a massive infringement of basic human rights. And this is from the land of supposed freedom and democracy.And we all know this is just the beginning. Ultimately it’s not going to end well for anyone. And to prove this point the Supreme Cunts (juvenile I know but very appropriate) yesterday ruled they will block Biden’s attempts to reduce emissions which means the actions of these absurdly powerful unelected dark lords affects us all. And what do they even want these babies to be born for if they aren’t even going to give them a liveable future?
Summer is here and love is definitely in the air. Heat triggers hormones and the primary drive is initiated. If that sounds a bit too biological and sciencey I am actually an old romantic at heart. There is nothing more positive than seeing young love in blossom. It brings a sense of hope and optimism, which are in short shrift these days.
And for the record, ‘young’ love isn’t exclusive to young people and isn’t even necessarily love in the early stages of a relationship. It can still exist beyond the confines of the honeymoon phase. It will survive intact for as long as you continue to feel it unconditionally and without reserve. Time only eats it away if you let it. Keep fanning the flames and it will burn bright forever.
In all honesty I’m not sure what else there is to say about love that hasn’t already been said in a billion (not accurate calculation) poems, songs, novels and works of art, all who have attempted to explain this all encompassing feeling. Truth is, it’s really not that complicated. It’s actually very simple, possibly the simplest experience on Earth. You love someone. And they either love you or don’t love you back. That’s it. What else is there to know?
And yet we feel compelled to try and understand it so we can hopefully control it. But that is a futile and ultimately impossible endeavour. Many of the shots feature couples holding hands and it does sometimes feel like this public display of affection goes beyond just wanting to touch and be connected, they are actually gripping on to them so they don’t fly off. They want them tethered. There is also a sense of ownership attached to this innocent act, a display to any interested parties to show they are not available. I’m not personally a fan of holding hands but having said all that I try not to be cynical when I see it in others. It’s sweet really, especially when you see it with older couples.
Maybe they are all holding on with all their might because love is a bumpy ride. It’s a bucking bronco, a rollercoaster, a whirling dervish. (I actually don’t really know what one of those is, but it popped out of my brain and it sounds good. Yes I guess I could look it up but where’s the fun in that?)
What I am curious about though is not really the mechanics of love but when did it begin? Love is a construct. The concept was created at some point. Apparently around the 12th century. But who was it? Who invented love? And did they brag about it? Yeah, love, that was me. I did that. And what did couples do before then? What did they say to reassure each other they still felt it when there wasn’t a word for it? But babe, of course I still…umm…you know..no, what? You still what? Actually I don’t know either…
Did labelling it enhance the experience? Or did it allow people to hide behind the word? You can say it when you don’t necessarily mean it. Top tip: Always look in the eyes. Eyes don’t lie but mouths do. I also think the relentless overuse of the “I love you” phrase makes it lose its potency and power. You gotta hold it back. Make that shit count.
I was watching an episode of the new Star Trek series the other night (don’t judge I’m a Sci-fi nerd) and one of the characters said “Love is the only thing that makes the coldness of space bearable”. But I think the same is true here on Earth. Although there is also another saying: “Couples are so boring, everybody knows it” and that’s also difficult to argue with.
And I know I said everything had been said but it turns out that didn’t stop me from chucking in my 10 pence worth…what a surprise.
Stolen portraits this week featuring people at the older end of the spectrum. The demographic wasn’t consciously intentional but I have found I am drawn towards photographing the aged not just because they have a lot of visual appeal but because you can see more of their life in their faces. The trials and tribulations of their existence are etched into their lines, whilst the eyes reveal more than they would maybe wish. On a practical front they also move a lot slower so are easier to capture.
This is of benefit to me as I am also running slower at the mo and this elderly focus is because I am sort of living the life of an old person currently. I shuffle about at a snail’s pace, have aches and pains and make a day out of going to the local shops and back. So think this affinity could definitely be putting them more on my radar.
I used to look at old age as something undesirable. My Grandma always used to say “It’s no good getting old” for but now I see that it is a sign of success. It means you got to live a life and that is a gift regardless. And I have also worked out that age does not matter. But health does. As does functionality. Without either you have nothing. It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s what you can do that matters. If you are fit you are fine. If you are not you are not.
From a youthful perspective old age doesn’t look like fun but when you are young you fail to appreciate that existence is everything. Quality of life is crucial to happiness but you will continually move the goalposts as to what is acceptable or tolerable because the will and the need to survive overrides all other feelings. You will endure whatever life throws at you because in any capacity it is better than the alternative which is not living. Yes I know our molecules will never die and we will be re-incorporated into the cosmos for all eternity and who knows what might follow (altho the fluffy cloud harp option does seem unlikely) but it won’t stop any of us clinging on to this precious beautiful fleeting life with all our might. I mean, we might as well, what else are we gonna do?
