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Should We Resent Those Older Than Us? // Can We Justify Censorship in Student Media?

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Should We Resent Those Older Than Us? // Can We Justify Censorship in Student Media?

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An opinion piece and one half of a debate piece. From past issues of Ellipsis Magazine.

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Gender Politics?! In my Guild?! A Short History of the Gender Preferendum (Autumn 2017)

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Gender Politics?! In my Guild?! A Short History of the Gender Preferendum (Autumn 2017)

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Further news articles by me can be seen at lsradio.co.uk/news.

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Gender Politics?! In my Guild?! A Short History of the Gender Preferendum

For many, the 2017 Guild Officer elections were as celebratory as they always were, reinstating the tried and tested and welcoming a new voice into Guild politics. However for a significant number of people, with the election came a crushing disappointment. The team was, for the first time since 1982, compiled only of men- something many hoped to stop happening again in the future. So what's been the story between then and now?
The Aftermath
Unsurprisingly, student media was deluged with writers looking to share their opinion on the controversy. Websites such as The Tab and The Sphinx featured pieces from all sides, including former SO candidate Rhiannon Farrell, who condemned the current system as having "undermined the whole inclusion of representatives for all kinds of people".

Others were more dismissive, including Sphinx writer Michael Sonne, who posed the question "Why did women who voted in this election vote for candidates who happened to be male?".

New officer Rory Hughes was quick to speak on the matter, calling the anger surrounding the results "justified", but pointing out that the election had seen some obstacles in electing a gender equal team, including the fact that the three incumbent (and therefore easily re-elected) officers were all male. However, Hughes also vocalised his support for "some sort of quota" regarding women in future elections, going as far as calling it a "necessary" part of "[resetting] the inherent imbalances of our patriarchal society".
The Proposal
In late April, outgoing officer Yasmin Gasimova gave the "Gender Balanced Representation" proposal on Student Voice, suggesting that 50% of the student officer team places should be reserved for women, transgender or non-binary people. "Unbalanced gender representation within the Officer team", said Gasimova, "is based on deep-rooted patriarchal problems". The proposal received 249 dislikes to 116 likes before voting closed, despite numerous comments of support. It was also countered by SO candidate Scott Johnston's suggestion that volunteer students work as 'liberation officers' alongside the paid officers, although this was not taken further.

In spite of the initial vote, the proposal reached the Guild Summit on the 9 th of May, led by SO candidate Beth Meadows (who lost out on a place by 26 votes) and Tor Smith. Enough vocal argument came from those for and against that consensus was unable to be reached. However, rumours continued to abound that the following semester a vote would take place.
The Final Say
What is a Preferendum? The Guild Website explains it as a referendum that instead of simple 'yes' or 'no' votes, "people can vote on three or more possibilities". In this case the options would have been to keep things as they are, reserve one place for women and transgender/nonbinary people, or reserve two. They have not, historically, held a massive sway on the student body. The most recent, which decided on the National Student Survey Boycott, saw a voting turnout of around 6%.

That said, it was probably not this that swayed the final decision- but rather a meeting on the 26 th of October, consisting of the 4 Student Officers, and 8 trustees, 4 internal and 4 external. It was here that it was decided it was legally impossible to hold the referendum- the reason being that the student officer role does not have separate briefs, in which it could be specified that being a certain gender is a prerequisite (unlike, for example, NUS delegates). It is, as a result, not legally possible to hold the vote.
What now?
Speaking to the Sphinx, Guild President Sean Turner expressed feelings of disappointment at the decision, but acknowledged that the officer team were unable to challenge the law. Despite this, he insisted that "the issue of representation is at the top of our agenda", although it is yet to be seen what actions are to be taken following the shock decision.

The News Hour (as of the 27 th of October 2017) will be doing a Gender Representation special @6pm on LSRadio. Tune in for the latest updates on the issue, including discussion with the Guild President and FemSoc representatives.
Featured Image courtesy of getintothis.co.uk

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Gender Politics?! In my Guild?! A Short History of the Gender Preferendum | LSRadio - Liverpool Student Radio

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For many, the 2017 Guild Officer elections were as celebratory as they always were, reinstating the tried and tested and welcoming a new voice into Guild politics. However for a significant number of people, with the election came a crushing disappointment.

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Looking on the Bright Side- An Interview with Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd about ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’

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Looking on the Bright Side- An Interview with Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd about ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’

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If Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd want to be known for doing one thing in their podcast, it's for being hands-on in all areas. They affably, and, as I tell them, somewhat bewilderingly, answer their Skype call without any preamble from their helpers. Lloyd compares it to their recent interaction with the Icelandic prime minister: "we thought we'd be on to spin doctors and handlers and it was just her!".

The pair began the well-received Reasons to be Cheerful in September last year, the latest development in a mutually described bromance which began when Miliband was interviewed by Lloyd during the 2015 election campaign. Seeing the then Labour leader as "not getting the chance to be himself [during the campaign]", Lloyd, then at Absolute Radio, hoped to create an interview that revealed him to be "funny and warm". The results were a departure from the usual dry political interviews: "I think you asked me whether I'd ever done a moonie", muses Miliband.

The relationship between its presenters does give an all-important charm to Cheerful, but its aims delve deeper than just that. The podcast acts as an attempt to give an earnest and positive side to a world of contemporary politics, that often tends to seem anything but. Its premise is fairly simple- Miliband's mission statement is "optimistic ideas, to make the country better, presented in an accessible and entertaining way". Topics vary widely- episodes have featured upbeat takes on everything from the NHS crisis, to the privatisation of travel, to the gender pay gap (cue the Icelandic Prime Minister). Although presented with panache by the two- Ed fresh from standing in for Jeremy Vine in 2017 and Geoff an experienced presenter- a lot of the podcast's important information comes from its expert guests. These range from professors to celebrities, with the most recent episode on mental health including psychiatrist Professor Sir Simon Wessley, but also Ruby Wax and George Ezra.

Both are excited by the possibilities the podcast has to offer- for Lloyd, he sees even better audience engagement than with traditional radio. Speaking about their listeners, he enthuses about getting "so much great stuff" from their texts and emails, all of which adds to debate. Miliband, although clearly comfortable in his new role as podcast host, is adamant that the job remains linked to his continuing role as a politician and Labour MP (for Doncaster North)- "I take that job very seriously". Nonetheless, he is eager to stress the non-partisan appeal of Cheerful, which is "about people from all parties [...] who want to know that there are good ideas out there".

Liverpool proved an obvious choice for their second ever live recording, thanks to listener demand- one of those listeners being current Guild President Sean Turner. However, there were also some personal motivations that drew them to the city. Lloyd admits that "I really want to go to Mowgli for my tea!".

And how long do they think they might keep this going? The original plan was only for ten episodes, and they have now exceeded twenty. It would seem listeners can safely assume that the podcast will continue for a while yet, as both seem stumped by the question. It is decided that it will probably keep going until the two get bored, or run out of things to say. Fair enough. There could be trouble in paradise, though: "We may split up due to musical differences", Lloyd warns.
To listen to the full interview, tune in to the News Hour on LSRadio @ 4pm on the 15th of February. The next live recording of Reasons to be Cheerful Listen to previous episodes here. will take place at Mountford Hall in Liverpool Guild of Students, on the 19th of February @ 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased here.

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Looking on the Bright Side- An Interview with Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd about 'Reasons to be Cheerful' - Ellipsis Magazine

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If Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd want to be known for doing one thing in their podcast, it's for being hands-on in all areas. They affably, and, as I tell them, somewhat bewilderingly, answer their Skype call without any preamble from their helpers.

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Civilization and Savagery: The Launch of the Security and Conflict Research Group with Orla Guerin

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Civilization and Savagery: The Launch of the Security and Conflict Research Group with Orla Guerin

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For as long as people have existed, so has barbarity- you do not have to be at the forefront of current affairs to realise that at any given time, there are people in the world suffering due to war. This was the big draw for academics and interested parties alike to the grand Leggate theatre in October. Its featured line-up promised to think about how we engage with trying to make the world a safer and more peaceful place.

Bookending Liverpool's 15 th Irish Festival, the event was hosted by Peter Shirlow from the Institute of Irish Studies, and the legacy of the Northern Ireland peace process served as a running theme for most of the talks; the hope of reconciliation it gave countering some of the more seemingly hopeless present-day situations mentioned. Shirlow underscored the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach in striving for improvement.

Before Guerin as the keynote speaker, Liverpool academics from law, geography, sociology, languages, and politics pitched their research that encompassed issues worldwide. Topics included representation of war crime victims and human rights issues, the role of art projects in reconciliation, reproductive rights, counter-terrorism and law as a mediator between state and civilian. The seemingly far-flung areas of study only underlined how impactful security is a basic human need- not to mention how easily things go wrong without it.

This provided a grounded backdrop for Guerin's talk, buoyed by Shirlow's assurances that so many had attended her speech the previous evening they had had to barricade the doors. "I am aware" she joked, "it is not necessarily a good sign when I show up". This did not dull the feeling of anticipation- backed by the projection her laptop background, a tank topped with a Kurdish flag, she gave the audience a comprehensive tour of her career in her characteristic reporter's deadpan.

Her main suggestion: conflicts now, versus the early nineties when she started her career, are more insidious and harder to stop- in many cases frontline war has mutated into the random terrorist attack. However, regardless of what time period she took an anecdote or a report from, its conclusions were usually similarly harrowing. One of her first stories spoke of seeing her 25-year-old war photographer friend rushing to a stand-off in Sarajevo, 1992 and not returning, questioning "who will explain what is being done in Sarajevo?". Listing some of the colleagues she had lost over the years, Guerin underlined the inherent dangers of her profession with precision.

Unsurprisingly, this did not stop her still making a great case for the continuing necessity of war journalism, detailing recent excursions to Iraq and Yemen. Drawing from her BBC reports and her personal experience, she provided impactful accounts of events in both countries. Being smuggled into Yemen as it underwent bombing by Saudi Arabia and interviewing "seemingly ordinary" jihadi militants on their justification were some of the most striking parts a talk already full of deeply important moments.

She was also careful to mention the positive change to have come through the industry- a more macho, emotionally repressed culture is being gradually replaced with one aware of a need for personal safety and mental stability. Her reflections on behind the scenes also offered a different picture to the narrow lens of the news report, revealing both the generosity of strangers who helped film crew and the mundane happenings in between filming.

When the floor was opened to questions, one audience member took issue with Guerin's suggestion that today's wars were a fight between "civilisation and savagery". They were, however, placated with the answer that she did was not describing a fixed duality, least of all between 'West' and 'East'. In keeping with her declaration that conflict was harder to judge in the world today, it seemed that politics from all corners of the world shared some culpability.

Although enemies may be shifting and conflict may be everywhere, Guerin, as with the other speakers, remained keen to point to areas of hope. She mentioned both that Northern Ireland "have shown how the guns can be silenced" and the to date near removal of ISIS from Iraq, down from one-third of the country down to a tiny portion near Syria. Positive transformation, as always, was the most important matter on the agenda, and Guerin concluded in showing us that we are not entirely without it.
Featured image courtesy of The Independent

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Civilization and Savagery: The Launch of the Security and Conflict Research Group with Orla Guerin - Ellipsis Magazine

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For as long as people have existed, so has barbarity- you do not have to be at the forefront of current affairs to realise that at any given time, there are people in the world suffering due to war. This was the big draw for academics and interested parties alike to the grand Leggate theatre in October.

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A Day in the Life of a Student Officer Candidate

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A Day in the Life of a Student Officer Candidate

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All week, this year's student officer candidates have been working tirelessly to reach as many students as possible with their different campaigns. Anyone who's been behind the scenes can tell you that it's a hell of a lot of work!

For most of us though, the only thing we see throughout the five days is a lot of eager, flyer-holding people on campus offering sweets in exchange for a minute at a voting station. Perhaps if we make it to a lecture, we get to hear a shout out or two as well.

But what do candidates really get up to on a daily basis? Ellipsis reached out to everyone campaigning this year, asking them to explain what they are usually doing at certain times every day this week. We've put all their responses together to paint a picture of what the average candidate does as they look to win your vote. We'll give you a hint: all that talking to strangers has to be fuelled by something, and if it's not caffeine, it's snacks (or a rewarding end of day pint).

Jonathon Foster- Every hour of the day during election week is vital, especially getting up and getting going! This year, I think, social media will play a huge role in the elections - especially due to the current strikes meaning there will be fewer people on campus throughout the day. Between 9am and 11am, you'll be able to find me in the Courtyard or the Guild Starbucks, black coffee in hand, getting some social media promo done... When that's finished off for the morning, I'll be out canvassing all over campus!

Ruth Ransom- At 9:15 I will be attending the breakfast briefing, in which we will talk about the election so far and eat breakfast. I will be drinking a lot of coffee to keep me awake. After the breakfast briefing, I will be finding more coffee and going out into the guild and campus to talk to students about my campaign. I will be chatting to students by 11. I hope to have spoken to a good number of students and done some promotion through lecture shout outs.

Emma Hart- So this year's campaign week is a bit different from previous years - supporting the UCU strikes means no 9am lecture shout outs! Instead of this, you'll probably find me out and about on campus campaigning - and trying not to freeze! If you're around, come and have a chat with me or anyone in my campaign team about my policies - I really think I have something for everyone!

Lucy Pilling- At 11am, my team will be canvassing students on campus, offering them leaflets and the opportunity to have conversations with us about my policies and aims as Guild President. I encourage all students to support the strikes and so will not be crossing picket lines to campaign! My team will be exploring campus, halls and other places students congregate to tell them my plans on supporting students academically, tackling sexual assault on campus, and making campus more sustainable, inclusive and accessible. By 12pm we'll be stopping by the Guild Courtyard for one of their famous burritos, veggie of course!

Farrah Talsi- What would I be doing between 11am-1pm normally? Well, on any given week I would be grabbing some sort of snack to stuff into my bag before running off to lectures and hoping the lecturer is later than me. During campaign week? Meeting students and discussing my manifesto so that they know what I stand for and how I aim to make our Guild better... whilst probably holding some snacks and (maybe) sharing them. #SoFarrahSoGood

Rory Hughes- On a typical day in campaign week, I'm out canvassing students on campus talking about issues and the power of grassroots action. I will also be releasing memes as regularly as possible. However, this year's campaign is very different as I won't be crossing any picket lines... so no lecture shout-outs. Students democratically mandated the Guild to support the UCU in their strike action and I passionately believe in the power of Student Unions and Trade Unions. Student/Worker solidarity is the key to winning the fundamental battles and campaigns in Higher Education. So catch me leafleting in the cold this year!

Noura Qusairy- I'm an active campaigner- at this time I would have done some lecture shout outs and have spoken to some people. I would grab a quick lunch and continue talking to people about why they should vote for me, as if I win I aim to develop an interactive, integrated, and social campus with lots of fun networking events. Also, I aim to improve mental health services, as university life can be hard sometimes. Finally, I aim to ensure students gain more valuable skills, which makes it easier for them to get jobs when they graduate. And I'm sure if I win, you will win so make your vote count!

Joe Ferguson- With the strikes looming over the majority of election week, I as a candidate refuse to cross the picket lines for such a trivial reason, which my team supports. So after lunch (having avoided looking like Ed Miliband with a bacon sandwich) my team and I will canvas outside of the libraries to chat about my manifesto. Following this, I'll be in the Guild, trying to avoid the temptation of a pint, talking to folks about my campaign promises on assured representation of minority groups, divestment from the arms trade and better mental health provision. Come find me and chat!

Esther Bukoye- Hey guys! Remember- change has no age limit, so get stuck in during the election process! #BeHeard There'll be loads of cool posters around campus! I'll be fluttering around having great conversations with you, rapping and even modelling my beanie! #HatSwag

I'd sum up my campaign in two words - innovative and achievable. Tackling traditional student issues with innovative solutions, as well as bringing to the platter unique and achievable ideas to improve the lives of students, so YOU get the BEST out of your university experience. So if you WANT BETTER, Vote ESTHER!

Alice Arnstein- My campaign approach depends on the strikes currently happening on campus. I'm proud to be campaigning at a time when so many people are standing up for what they believe in. I intend to do lecture shout outs if the strikes are resolved and if not, I'll campaign on campus, sharing my manifesto with students face to face. Having a piece of cake during this time will mean I'm full of energy to discuss my ideas with students. Keen to meet with first years, at 5pm I'll head to catered halls of residence to spread the word.

Tor Smith - 3pm is a pretty quiet time on campus, so I'll grab some tea, as well as making sure all of my campaign team have eaten properly. After a quick break it's time to head back out, canvassing outside one of the libraries. It's important to talk to people and listen to their problems rather than just shoving a flyer in their face, as I'm never going to able to help them if I don't listen first. Just before 5 it's back to the Guild to go to some society events. Societies are the beating heart of the Guild, after all!

Aaron Furman- A day in the life of my campaign will firstly consist of a candidate breakfast briefing, then quickly going to a 9am lecture shout out and consistently doing these on the hour throughout the day. In between the lecture shout outs, I will heading all around campus to speak to as many students as possible about the election and why it is so vital to vote. Lastly, after lectures finish I will be going to speak at society meetings. I wish good luck to all my fellow candidates, whom will have the same tough week ahead.

Mary Otasowie- Most days I will be interacting with students via social media using the hashtag '#AskMary'. My aims are to respond to questions about the election process, get voters to share their opinions and to inform them on why they should be engaged! This will be primarily through Facebook and Twitter. I also intend to have pop up #AskMary events in halls of residence to personally interact with students.

Hannah Nguyen- After a long day campaigning (you'll probably see us around campus!) I'll most likely be spending my evening with the Help the Homeless Society. As co-president, it has shown me the issues our university societies face, including clashing events and struggling to promote the society to the student population. I see the solution to these problems to be the creation of a Guild app. After a successful meeting with Help the Homeless, you can find me having a well-deserved pint in the Sphinx and preparing for another day of campaigning! #YESWEHAN

So, there's a bit more to it than meets the eye! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to tell us more about what being a Student Officer candidate involves.

Have you had your say on who will lead our Guild next year? If you have yet to vote, you have until 2pm tomorrow. You can do so by visiting the Guild Website and following the link from the 'Vote Now' banner, or you can cast your vote at one of the pop-up stations that can be found in in the Guild and around both libraries at different times during the day.

Once you've cast your vote, don't forget to tweet us on Friday! Use the hashtag #GuildSOElection to have your say, and possibly see your tweet live on one of the Guild screens. Details here.

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A Day in the Life of a Student Officer Candidate - Ellipsis Magazine

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All week, this year's student officer candidates have been working tirelessly to reach as many students as possible with their different campaigns. Anyone who's been behind the scenes can tell you that it's a hell of a lot of work!