I would be the first to say that my experiences differ vastly to others, and I condemn Any form of murder, from wherever it comes and whilst I can accept and even understand in some instances, that people during the conflict here took up arms for a variety of reasons, I can never condone the deliberate taking of a life.
I am from a Unionist family; however, I can never remember being brought to the 12th parades as a child and only remember mum in the latter days of my gran’s life being coerced into taking her. My only experience of the parades is having to police them every year and it was not a duty I looked forward to. I have to say though, that Belfast is a totally different atmosphere (certainly within North Belfast) than other areas. I have been publicly critical of the Orange Order and of the way some loyalists conduct themselves at parades, and in fact year long.
Having said all that, in the past few days I have seen what looks like inflated misrepresentation by people who should know better. Journalists, political figures, so called political commentators - all have had their digs at the PUL community, in some cases spinning in order to try to score points against it.
We saw Sinead McLaughlin weighing in from Derry to castigate the 12th by tweeting:
Everybody leaves, everything closes down, you would struggle to get a restaurant open in Belfast on the lead up to and the couple of days after. It is a disaster for Tourism.
Can I categorically state now that Ms McLaughlin is not factual? Restaurants were busy, shops were busy, museums were open, as was St Georges Market - and all were bringing in revenue. Even in my own area, all restaurants were booming, petrol stations were open etc, so that’s Sineads’ myth busted. Then only today, Chris Donnelly decided to weigh in with the same type of argument.
A journalist wrote about their ‘trauma and scars’ as a youth and having almost to evacuate the awfulness of the 12th. If this was not one of the most sickening displays of unadulterated sectarianism and ‘poor me’ I have had the misfortune to read in quite some time, I don't really know what is. Only that I am aware of some of their past, I knew that they were well aware of North Belfast prior to having to report from the riots.
What should have been homed in on by all was the disgusting and vile effigy and (with some headers in the Loyalist community claiming this to be‘art’) of the boat with immigrants on the top of Moygashel bonfire. The silence from some Unionist politicians was deafening on this utter display of racist hate and intimidation. Quite rightly this is being investigated as a hate incident which is however, different to a hate crime. Where were the decent community of Moygashel when this disgusting display was being raised to the top of this pyre?
What should be reported on are the good works going on within communities, people who, prior to what we call ‘peace’, would have never come in contact with each other. Journalists and commentators should also challenge any attempt to stir hatred and division from wherever between the two communities, showing that it is counter-productive, juvenile and wrong. Journalists should be impartial when reporting on events rather than propel their own sensationalist agendas onto the unsuspecting public for clicks and drama.
We should all take ownership for calling out the wrongs in our own communities. All sides spouting vile nonsense only serves the purpose of dragging us back and has zero positive impact on our society.
A journalist wrote about their ‘trauma and scars’ as a youth and having almost to evacuate the awfulness of the 12th. If this was not one of the most sickening displays of unadulterated sectarianism and ‘poor me’ I have had the misfortune to read in quite some time, I don't really know what is. Only that I am aware of some of their past, I knew that they were well aware of North Belfast prior to having to report from the riots.
What should have been homed in on by all was the disgusting and vile effigy and (with some headers in the Loyalist community claiming this to be‘art’) of the boat with immigrants on the top of Moygashel bonfire. The silence from some Unionist politicians was deafening on this utter display of racist hate and intimidation. Quite rightly this is being investigated as a hate incident which is however, different to a hate crime. Where were the decent community of Moygashel when this disgusting display was being raised to the top of this pyre?
What should be reported on are the good works going on within communities, people who, prior to what we call ‘peace’, would have never come in contact with each other. Journalists and commentators should also challenge any attempt to stir hatred and division from wherever between the two communities, showing that it is counter-productive, juvenile and wrong. Journalists should be impartial when reporting on events rather than propel their own sensationalist agendas onto the unsuspecting public for clicks and drama.
We should all take ownership for calling out the wrongs in our own communities. All sides spouting vile nonsense only serves the purpose of dragging us back and has zero positive impact on our society.
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| Lesley Stock is a former PSNI and RUC Officer currently involved in community work. |
I was there up to the 12th meself. The Loyalist marches are contracting into much smaller affairs, becoming much more family focused and getting rid of all the shite that put me off, the drunken howling sectarian shite is definitely abating (jeer all you want it's what I observed) though absolutely is still there, and needs terminating. Fair play to BCC for cleaning up the abomination of unnecessary rubbish left behind in Bradbury place. This always fucked me off no end. I come from a Loyalist family but we have all mellowed significantly over the years and all are done with this type of nonsense. I never could stand the rubbish left over after marches. At least act like responsible citizens after enjoying yourself.
ReplyDeleteMuch fewer Israeli flags too, my community should set aside the shite "My enemy's enemy is my friend" bollocks and take rightful outrage at what the Israeli's are doing in Gaza, it's beyond an obscenity to Humanity and we should hold no truck with it.
I'm still getting over the jet lag so forgive me for just commenting and not writing a piece. Hope everyone and their families are well, and I mean that most sincerely.
Stevie.