What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
To paraphrase Lady Bracknell, to lose one WhatsApp message may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose two – or, in the Prime Minister’s case, significantly more – looks to be beyond carelessness. Sunak’s WhatsApp mishap points to a bigger question: could this tendency to mishandle communication technology be contagious? Are those that orbit the … Read more
I can’t recall what caused me to wake up; perhaps the sudden jerking of my head falling towards my chest as I drifted into a deeper sleep, or the gentle pull of the train as it departed Didcot Parkway railway station. The result, however, was an immediate sense of clarity that temporarily negated the earlier … Read more
Once upon a time in a place not too far away there were brown and white faces of varying tones, straight and gay guys and girls all together, either revering a raft of religious beliefs, or not believing at all. They worked, played, fell in love, and formed friendships that would be forever celebrated. They … Read more
I confess that the inspiration to write comes naturally. I find rich reserves of motivation within subjects that puzzle, surprise, and overwhelm me; however, on this occasion I wasn’t hankering for an angle when I wrote to a Conservative MP ─ but as the ensuing conversation developed my confusion cranked to the typing trigger. Their … Read more
I’ve often heard proud Brits extol the virtue of our democracy. Some will even go as far as championing our unwritten constitution – a mishmash of conventions, common law, and Acts of Parliament ─ as a marvel of democratic resilience and flexibility. The fact is that the majority of citizens don’t have a Scooby-Doo about … Read more
Five years ago, I wore a blue rosette on my coat, knocked on doors and asked residents to vote for me. They did, and I was elected a councillor. In fact, I also won two subsequent local elections. A few weeks ago I stood down and have no intention to ever again cast a vote … Read more
The Book of Mormon engages with the terrains of disinformation, religious ideology, and hope; influences that affect everyone, but most just doff their hats in the general direction and conveniently shuffle away. Intertwined with female genital mutilation, dysentery and fucking frogs, the show manages to be both hilarious and powerfully thought-provoking. Sticking a finger up … Read more
Standing solemnly on a cold, dark evening I heard the words of the politicians, and maybe if I’d been asked to make a formal speech I too would have reiterated the importance of reflection, reconciliation and reverence. But I had a nagging and growing doubt about the sincerity of the pledges. Attended by a handful … Read more
We Brits are renowned for our sense of humour; undisputed world champions in the disciplines of sarcasm, satire, and innuendo. We can dish it out with craft and conviction. Taking the piss out of others is second nature to the British ─ so good are we that we just as elegantly turn this superpower inwards … Read more
The main character in this catastrophe is the United Kingdom, and the chief protagonists in its demise into a pariah state at breath-taking velocity are a precocious liar and a man who is absolutely unrivalled in reaping division – with a surname similar to the small structure you park your car in. On reflection, what … Read more