VQ Summer 2010 Issue 01 £6.50

Car culture: attitude or way of life? I Chumbawamba The life of a Dominatrix I Abandoned Hospitals Meet Britain’s homegrown climate activists 1 2 EDITOR’S LETTER CONTENTS VQ Cover image: warm, hearty welcome to the premiere issue of VQ, Visual-journalism By Sharbendu De Quarterly. Our vision to bring in-depth coverage of today’s diverse issues to from the feature ‘Order of A independent and curious readers is finally coming to light, and I feel excited the Cllimate Marauders’. that our ideas and ideologies can now reach out to you. ENVIRONMENT You’ll be welcomed by a fresh story on free runners with ‘Setting the Pace’ by Jonathan Morris, our staff photographer in Swansea. And, in ‘Curbing your Enthusiasm’, Jonathan demystifies car culture from the shadow of boy racers. He spent months building a relationship with these young drivers to bring you a thoroughly researched photo 12 Abandoned: Decadence to Decay story. In ‘Abandoned’, Giulia Candussi roams the outskirts of London researching and photographing the majestic, and eerily picturesque hospitals destined for decay, she 56 Order of the Climate Marauders investigates the abject waste of these once beautiful buildings.

Sharbendu De lives out of his sleeping bag and survives on skipped food to bring you the inside story of the survival, tribulations and ideologies of environmental activists in URBAN his feature ‘Order of the Climate Marauders’, while Charlotta Ljungberg treads the dark sexual alleys to find out about the life and psyche behind a dominatrix. Charlotta also brings you the latest coverage of Chumbawamba, the music group who gathered ac- claim with their 1990’s smash hit ‘Tubthumping’. And finally, I personally go globetrotting Setting the Pace 7 for an extensive feature on ‘Britain’s Forgotten Children’, the child migrants deported to Australia and subjected to exploitation, neglect and abuse. CULTURE Curbing their Enthusiasm 32 VQ is a product of our accumulated vision and passion. We aim to delve deeper into Britain’s social and cultural issues to engage, inspire and challenge general attitudes and perceptions. We hope you enjoy reading our stories as much we have enjoyed bringing 27 Sound of Dissent them to you. 64 Whip It Yours, SOCIAL

Julie Anne Glover Voice of Revolution 20 Chief Editor REVIEWS Dance for Life 44 Britain’s Forgotten Children 50 Editorial Team: Registered address: 70 Your Photo VQ Magazine Chief Editor - Julie Glover 210 Brixton Road, London SW9 6AP Assistant Editor - Charlotta Ljungberg 73 A Flamenco Diva Picture Editors - Sharbendu De, Charlotta Ljungberg Tel: 0800 4256743 Assistant Designer - Giulia Candussi International: + 44 20 74256743 74 World Press Photo Designer - Jonathan Morris Copy Editors - Sharbendu De, Helen Twomey Website: www.vqmag.co.uk 76 Dans Le Noir Email: [email protected] Printer: The B&H Group, Amersham 4 5 URBAN

SETTING THE PACE Story by Jonathan Morris

Youth culture is more than just defining fashion; it is also at the forefront of pushing for new social and sporting trends. What happens if the rest of society can’t keep to the same pace?

6 7 Da Williams is practising front flips off the ‘Letters’ outside the Maritime Museum in Swansea.. 8 9 The Swansea Bay Freestylers are holding a meeting for their newly formed group, discussing how the funding will pay for a team kit and video camera.

from nearby towns to meet in Swansea to practice together. In March 2010, they successfully pitched, and received fund- ing from Ultimate Sports Relief fund to develop a Free Running group. They ac- complished this without help from adults; they had a common bond, motivation and a competitive edge to want to take their mutual interest further. The young athletes largely stress how Free Running allows them to stay out of trouble, keeps them mentally and physi- cally fit, and more importantly boosts self- ree Running is freedom of expres- there is nothing for them to do. confidence. Sixteen year old Sam Collins, sion, more than a philosophy, offer- In reaction, Swansea council has put the joker in the group, always showing off Fing valuable insight into its origins up signs discouraging the use of bikes his magic card tricks, explains “I feel more as a reaction against urban planning, and and skateboards, and has made efforts to physically robust, I’m in greater control of lending a helping hand towards fostering a march the large numbers of youths away my body, and because of Free Running, more positive attitude for young people. from the centre. This action by the coun- I’ve started to learn how to overcome City centres are great for enabling cil is repeated across the nation when obstacles in real life as well.” the flow of foot traffic through shops, su- trying to address these issues because of Free Running has also helped mem- permarkets and cafés, however, they don’t outdated urban planning. bers of the group to develop stronger fully stretch themselves to the needs of There appears to be no scope for ties with one another, building long lasting young people once they have lapped a solution. Free Running says otherwise, bonds at an early age. Matt, the group the shopping centres and exercised their turning everyday urban fixtures that the leader revealed they would often stay wallets. public walk around, such as concrete together as a family, even having dinner together at their parent’s houses. “I ap- “Because of Free Running, I started to learn preciate how Free Running has helped me cope with other stresses in life and how to overcome obstacles in real life as well” enabled me to have meaningful relation- ships with other people,” he said. Urban planners should be com- walls and metal bars, into platforms that Often, it is believed that all youths mended for city centres that are designed allow for flips, jumps and other acrobatic want to do, given the chance, is to sit at to allow everyone to enjoy the city centre feats. Open spaces become arenas, other home and play computer games. It would together; it is a sign of good health as the youths and the general public can watch, be a wholly positive endeavour if children centre offers the necessary facilities for engaging with those that Free Run. It’s had greater exposure to Free Running human interaction. Urban planning lags a sport that can be practiced anywhere, to experience the benefits of the sport, behind when it comes to attracting young by anyone (with training in a gym before whether through school or council run forward-thinking individuals to socialise. venturing outside). Nothing can be con- programs. To do so would result in a posi- City centres were not originally designed fiscated by the council, and the require- tive step towards introducing a new and for skateboarders, bikers and large meet- ments are simple: Free Running does not exciting way to keep fit, while allowing ups. Swansea city centre, for example, can cost anything, all that is needed is suitable younger people to develop important life have on a given Saturday, over 300 youths clothing and the time to do it. skills, to stay out of trouble, and impor- congregating together in a single group For the last three years, a small group tantly, to give city planners a chance to try causing congestion on footpaths, because of teenagers regularly travelled again. VQ 10 11 ENVIRONMENT

ABANDONED: DECADENCE TO DECAY Story by Giulia Candussi

We live in an era where it is easier and cheaper to throw old things away and buy new ones rather than fixing them. New things might have a higher mon- etary value, but what about the historical and sentimental value?

Every building is a product of its own time, and reflects the style and level of technology from that period. Hospital buildings in particular change according to the progress of medicine and science. Up until the 1970’s for example it was a common belief that people diagnosed with mental illnesses should be kept well away from society. Only recently have we acknowledged that asylum patients suffered atrocities such as total isolation, sensory deprivation and electric shock. Fortunately treatment has improved since then, but by abandoning the build- ings where these practices were perpetrated is like erasing our past.

A peek through a key hole at West Park Hospital, Epsom. 12 13 Once the home of one of the most advanced brain surgeries in the world, Atkinson Morley Hospital is now abandoned.

uring the 18th and 19th Century use. Few hospital landscapes remain en- ous ways, such as luxurious flats or holiday were forced to close, and patients were Similar to West Park and many other on humans by Sir Godfrey Hounsfield, a proliferation of purpose-built tirely untouched since their initial con- houses, however, the majority have been released. Some had a home to go to, asylums, Springfield Hospital, was closed who went on to win the Nobel Prize in Dhospitals was constructed to suit struction. Most of the structural bounda- abandoned, leading to their slow degrada- but the majority had serious problems down in the late 1990’s and never reo- Medicine. The hospital was opened thanks a range of needs: asylums, psychiatric hos- ries – enclosure walls, iron fences and tion and ruin. reintegrating into society having been in pened. Located in Tooting, South London, to a generous donation by Sir Atkinson pitals (originally called idiot and imbecile gates – were removed during the 20th West Park Hospital, located in the ru- institutional care for many years. West it was built in 1840, and designed in Tudor Morley, a wealthy landowner who was establishments), children’s care houses and Century when policies regarding patients’ ral setting of Epsom, was the eleventh and Park emptied gradually, finally closing its Gothic style. A proposal for the redevel- once a medical student. epilepsy sanatoria. Around 150 asylums health and safety allowed them more last mental health asylum to be built in the doors in the mid 1990’s. opment of the site was submitted in 2008 The Second French Empire style of and hospitals remain in various isolated freedom to access the grounds. However, Greater London area. Opened in 1921, it Now abandoned and, in addition to and refused. The building is now boarded Napoleon III is characterised by sculptural locations around Greater London - the long closed path systems and fences are is based on an American model consisting the effects of the erosion over time, West up and surrounded by numerous new details around the doors and windows prosperity of the period reflected in the still visible. of many small buildings with patient wards Park Hospital has suffered from acts of construction sites. that give the effect of making the struc- sumptuousness of the architecture. The late 20th Century National connected by long closed corridors to vandalism, including a fire in 2002 that Known to have been one of the ture appear imposing and expensive. Dur- Many hospitals were built in rural Health Service estate rationalisation poli- prevent attempts to escape. By the 1960’s, burned the main hall. In 2006, proposals most advanced brain surgery centres ing World War II, the AMH acted as an settings for the benefit of the patients to cies, and the modern approach to treating the asylum resembled a small isolated vil- for the site included the development of in the world, Atkinson Morley Hospital emergency hospital and a specialist Neu- enjoy the fresh air and tranquility of the psychiatric disorders and other illnesses, lage - housing up to 2,000 patients. luxurious flats and holiday residences, but (AMH) was founded in 1869. It was built rosurgery Unit, including its own helicop- countryside. They were situated on large resulted in an almost entire closure of As a consequence of Prime Minister to date, these plans have not been imple- in Second Empire style on 1,800 acres ter landing facility. The hospital remained confined grounds, and included kitchen these health care facilities. Some estates Margaret Thatcher’s “Care in the Com- mented and this important part of British of land in Wimbledon. In 1972, it was the open until 2003 when neurology services gardens for therapeutic and recreational have been sold and redeveloped in vari- munity” policy, asylums across the nation heritage is still in decline. first hospital to ever use a CAT scanner were relocated to the nearby hospital of 14 15 The erosion of time creates visually beautiful signs on differ- ent materials: the peeling of the paint and the rust devouring the metals.

16 17 St George. The building is now abandoned and expensive medical equipment can still be found inside. In 1880, The Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children was built in Victorian style at the top of Clifton Hill, in central Brighton. Over the years additions to expand the hospital continued until the structure was declared unsuitable for care services in 2003. The building remains intact and untouched; children’s pictures and colorful paintings along the corridor’s walls are still displayed. Taylor Wimpey, an experienced devel- oper, acquired the site with the intention of demolishing it and building flats. He had no planning permssion, and the current appeal includes concessions and a guaran- tee to the government to provide a per- centage of affordable housing, commercial floor space, a GP surgery and a pharmacy. The greater the concession, the higher the chance of success in obtaining permission. Twice, their planning application has been rejected although they continue to appeal this decision. Progress is the word of the present, but sometimes we need to look at the past to understand the present. The historical and architectural memory are fundamental in keeping a country alive, as much as the ecology and the building her- itage are. It might be cheaper to rebuild a totally new structure in a different area, but what about the occupation of the soil, the erosion and the deforestation caused by our incessant need for raw materi- als to build new houses, new shopping centres and new hospitals? The few green areas left on earth are suffocating within the huge sprawl of cement and little – or nothing – is being done to stop this trend. VQ

The vast garden surrounding the wards at West Park Hospital where patients would rest during their ‘airing’ time.

18 19 SOCIAL

VOICE OF REVOLUTION Story by Julie Glover

“My name is Bridy and I’m an Irish Traveller.”

She courageously stood up at her school and introduced her- self to her peers. Before then, Bridy was embarrassed, and reluctant to let people know. “But as I gradually told my best friends,” said Bridy “they didn’t treat me any differently. I knew I was the only Traveller at the school, but I didn’t want to hide it, and I just came to a point where I don’t care what other people think. Now I’m proud to be a Traveller.”

20 21 ridy Purcell has made a significant people want to be around her. Among impact in challenging social and en- her many talents she has won awards for Bvironmental issues on a local and poetry, is an accomplished Irish dancer national level – and she is only 13 years and is often invited to speak at confer- old. A member of the London Citizens ences around London about racism, Group, already she is renowned for youth violence and other issues facing initiating campaigns at her school includ- young Travellers. She’s always involved in ing setting up a charity to collect school groups, campaigns and projects for the equipment for children in deprived areas wider community as well as specifically in Africa. She was also instrumental in in- for Travellers, sometimes not getting creasing the minimum wage for London home until 10pm at night. “I couldn’t live citizens on low pay by speaking out to without my groups” says Bridy enthu- Ed Balls MP at the Fair Trade Campaign siastically, “it’s really important and I’m in 2009. motivated by them because I like to do The eldest of five children, Bridy is things, I want to help.” the first in her family to continue school A major concern for Traveller com- to secondary level. Even now, many Irish munities throughout the UK is the lack Traveller children are taken out of school of accommodation sites and resources. for reasons including changing camp sites According to the Department for Com- and being a target for bullying at school. munities and Local Government, one Bridy herself has been, and continues to third of the Gypsy and Irish Traveller be, subject to bullying, having to deal with community do not have a legal or secure slanders such as “You Pikey bitch. You live place to live. Bridy’s family is just one of in a caravan. You’re poor.” But as Bridy thousands at risk of eviction, even though says, “I try to ignore them, sometimes I they have lived on the site in Greenwich repel but I wouldn’t want anyone to stop for twelve years – nearly all of Bridy’s me from getting a proper education. Bul- life. Furthermore, despite continuous lies could hit me or call me names, but campaigns to the government to change that won’t stop me from going to school. the Mobile Homes Act, legally only 24 No one can ever stop me from being hours eviction notice is required by the what I want to be.” authorities, which leaves many families The children on the Traveller camp feeling vulnerable. site look up to her, vying for her at- Travellers’ biggest fear is racism tention. A natural leader, Bridy has and prejudice. When Bridy’s family first a charisma and presence that makes moved to their site, bricks and petrol

At their camp site in Greenwich: Bridy takes time out to play with her little sister and friend. “What I want for Travellers is a grant for young people so they can be involved in all sorts of bombs where thrown at the trailers munity, and potentially, deal with more in Liverpool. One evening in 2003 he was a trailer for children to help them under- while they were asleep in bed. But over unwelcome discrimination. Bridy relays on his way home from boxing training stand rather than having preconceived activities every week; for all Travellers to have the years the local community has come the shocking incident well known in the when two 16 year old boys were heard opinions about Travellers. “If you intro- good, stable and safe sites to live, to be given to know and respect them, and they no Traveller communities as an example of shouting racist abuse while they beat duce it to schools now, they’ll go ‘oh yeah, longer have any trouble. However if they the prejudice against them – the vio- Johnny to his death. Travellers, I know about them’,” she says. more rights and have less discrimination” were evicted, the families would need to lent attack on 15 year old Irish Traveller Every year since 2007 during the “That way they might understand that re-establish themselves in another com- Johnny Delaney, who lived on a camp site Travellers History Month, Bridy organises living in a trailer is not a matter of choice,

22 23 Bridy with her mother, Elizabeth Purcell at Eltham Palace, Greenwich where she received the Young Citizens Award 2010.

“What many people don’t understand is that we don’t want to live in houses because we feel isolated. If I had a choice to be given a mansion or a brand new trailer, I’d go for the trailer.”

it’s a matter of culture.” We also want to continue the culture ible, Bridy represents the future genera- “What many people don’t under- out of respect for all those people tion of Irish Travellers. One of her future stand,” Bridy continues, “is that we don’t before us.” goals is to assist the poverty-striken chil- want to live in houses because we feel “What I want for Travellers is a dren in Africa. With her current projects isolated. If I had a choice to be given a grant for young people so they can be including the development of a national mansion or a brand new trailer, I’d go involved in all sorts of activities every Young Irish Travellers youth forum and for the trailer. Living in our trailers gives week; for all Travellers to have good, participating in a future UK television us more freedom and we feel closer as stable and safe sites to live, to be given documentary, be assured this won’t be a community. All our ancestors lived in more rights and have less discrimination.” the last you hear of Bridy Purcell. VQ wagons, and they suffered discrimination. Intelligent, outspoken and irrepress-

24 25 CULTURE THE SOUND OF DISSENT Story by Charlotta Ljungberg

Chumbawamba: (From left to right) Neil Ferguson, Lou Watts, Phil Moody, Jude Abbott and Boff Whalley. (Photograph by Casey Orr)

It has always been about politics and Chumbawamba were an unruly suc- “We used to be desperate to play in parody, although Chumbawamba have, cessful band as self-confessed anarchists, big cities, but now we go for a great audi- for nearly 30 years criss-crossed between and had no wish to move from Leeds ence. We were so lucky to be able to do musical styles from punk to dance beats where they have been based for most this, but a lot of this has been really hard to today’s folk influenced acoustic sets. of the time. In 2001 they parted ways work – being away from home, friends The members have never lost their sense with EMI. Today, Chumbawamba mem- and family,” says multi-instrumentalist and of humour or fondness for heckling politi- bers have full control over the band, the singer, Boff Whalley. cians, or issues they dislike. records and the tours. Recently, Chum- “The good thing is the fact that Chumbawamba have recently bawamba stripped down to a five piece you can engage with an audience under released their latest album ‘ABCDEFG’ act and replaced their electric instru- acoustic shows. And when we were a with acoustic tunes. It’s a long way from ments with acoustic ones. They have rock band we never spoke on stage,” the end of the 1990’s when the hit always been influenced by folk music, but adds singer and trumpeter Jude Abbott. ‘Tubthumping’ catapulted the band from the influences are stronger now, including Now they certainly speak during the obscure to the mainstream and they a lot of harmonies with some toe-tapping the gigs. They are known for their political toured the world while signed to EMI. and hand-clapping. stance that makes them question author- 26 27 Left: Chumbawamba sound checks before the Above: Jude Abbott is one of two female members concert in Aldershot, Hampshire where they played in Chumbawamba. On stage she sings, plays the a gig earlier this year. trumpet and recorder.

amounts of money which we in turn gave When asked if they regret anything, to striking workers,” Boff says. During the they emphatically say no. “We made a ity, but often in a parodic manner. The long journeys and boredom have quite along the way we realised that we were by poverty. Jude and Boff both agree that ‘Tubthumping’ heyday they also made it bad record deal in the beginning, but we audience in Hertford, which was the third disposed us to humour,” Jude says. best at writing songs,” adds Boff. the band hasn’t tired of the song. They to the tabloid headlines when one of the learned from it, so I don’t regret that,” stop for Chumbawamba on their 2010 The story about Chumbawamba be- The song ‘Torturing James Hetfield’ recently played it during two gigs for pris- former members, Danbert Nobacon, as says Boff. spring tour, seem to love it; an easygoing gan in 1982. They formed as a band while from their latest album is an anti-hom- oners. The band still receives offers from a protest against Labour politics, poured After Chumbawamba finishes their atmosphere with the audience replying they lived in Burnley, a small town in Lan- mage to the Metallica singer and guitar- companies that wish to use ‘Tubthumping’ water over former UK Deputy Prime 2010 tour, the band will take a year off to the band’s jocular questions – and cashire. During the early days they were ist’s approval of using Metallica songs for for advertisements, usually, they turn them Minister John Prescott, who was in the from recording and being on the road. singing along to the songs. inspired by punk and post-punk groups. torture in Guantanamo. down but not always. audience at the Brit Awards 1998. “It was They don’t yet know how exactly their “It obviously helps making your They were also politically active outside ‘Tubthumping’ is a dedication writ- “It’s part of the devil’s bargain you really interesting to follow the tabloids, it music is going to sound in the future. audience laugh to get them on your side. the band. “It was a duty to be involved in ten about ordinary people’s capacity to make. A lot of bands would have said no was hilarious for about a week,” says Jude, “It can be any genre, apart from heavy Telling jokes comes naturally to us – the the day to day struggles and actions. But enjoy life despite being knocked down as a principal stand. We got ridiculous reflecting on the incident. metal,” says Jude. VQ 28 29 30 31 URBAN

CURBING THEIR ENTHUSIASM Story by Jonathan Morris

32 33 less of the inaccuracies or biases held Further headlines with similar stories within them. The Boy Racer stereotype only exacerbate such panics, establishing exists in the public psyche as a negative a distance and degrading relationships one, the actions of the newspaper were between the different generations of driv- to manipulate the driver’s character in ers, solidifying its use as a descriptive and front of the public. With the constant derogatory word. hysteria relating to youth culture in the If the driver from Swansea was older, UK, the term is also seen as a deroga- would the local newspapers obsess over tory one. The words themselves convince the story so much? Would their scrutiny readers to believe those labeled as im- have produced fewer headline grabbing mature, with the idea that drivers must stories if the driver couldn’t fit into the The media will readily use stereotypes such as ‘Boy Racer’ because they exist as a simplified set of conceptions and assumptions about specific groups of people

n 2006, there was a road accident in in Swansea with young drivers; caught and at fault, creating a scapegoat for all an earlier time before the accident. Even grow up. Keeping that in mind, adding Boy Racer stereotype? The danger of a Swansea. A young driver had hit and speeding and driving recklessly along the the previous events on that street. The now, four years later, the driver is banned the word ‘Racer” will suggest their driving stereotype is once it has been established Ikilled a pedestrian. The pedestrian, same stretch of road at night. Young driv- newspaper went further by searching car from entering the city as well as having is also of a deviant and dangerous kind. as a form of expression it is very hard to intoxicated, was on his way home from a ers are typically described in the papers related websites, obtaining the driver’s served a short prison sentence. The term ‘Boy Racer’ has been very shake. New young drivers will find them- night out. The driver hadn’t been drink- as being ‘Boy Racers,’ a frequently used profile and selectively printing photos of The media will readily use stereo- successful as a catch-all buzzword be- selves being made to fit into the category ing or speeding; it had appeared to be an term directed at younger motorists. him enjoying himself and boasting with types such as ‘Boy Racer’, because they cause it describes large groups of young for the media or people to talk about. It is unfortunate accident where the pedes- The local newspaper sensationalised his car. The framing of the driver with exist as a simplified set of conceptions drivers across the country, and with that, now taken for granted that young people trian unexpectedly stepped onto the the accident by describing the driver as these images, painted him as being reck- and assumptions about specific groups of suddenly the public will equate young are going to be a nuisance on the road. road leaving the driver with little time to a Boy Racer, allowing readers to assume less and without compassion for his ac- people. This makes reporting the news people with being Boy Racers, creating a As reality will show, this isn’t the case. But react. There have been other incidents the driver was ignorant, irresponsible tions, even though the photos were from easier; more accessible to readers regard- national phenomenon and moral panic. what is ironic about the incident is that 34 35 36 37 the driver considered himself to be a Car with normal drivers. This distances them Enthusiast. Ironic, once people under- from the media’s unforgiving stance and stand what a Car Enthusiast is. the public’s fear. But there have been in- It could be seen as pedantic by cidents with some Car Enthusiasts where describing how young drivers define members of the public have reacted themselves, but there are fundamental towards them in unkind ways upon as- distinctions between a Car Enthusiast suming they were Boy Racers. (also known as a Car Modifier or a Petrol The sentencing in 2006 upset many Head) and a Boy Racer. young drivers in Swansea who felt the A Boy Racer is generally known media interest was too harsh. Delving for being loud, anti-social and reckless into the driver’s personal life had taken with their cars, lacking respect towards things too far and the media deliberately members of the public. Boy Racers will looked for links to manipulate him into also project their lifestyle outward; cars being something he wasn’t – therefore with large spoilers, colours schemes and receiving a harsher sentence. It had playing loud music on the street, making affected his peers who had been work- them easily noticeable for the public to ing to distance themselves from the Boy demonise, while Car Enthusiasts are the Racer word. It had disenfranchised them total opposite in their behaviour, instead and possibly many others in the local focusing inward beyond the Boy Racer’s and national area, as the story travelled superficial affinity with the car. Status around. As far as Car Enthusiasts knew, goes to those who delve deep into their they thought they were a harmless group engines, modifying or improving the per- of people with a passion for cars before formance, past the original specifications the media had invaded their chat rooms. set by the manufacturers by sourcing In reaction to the sentencing, that better tyres, suspension and brakes. With particular group in Swansea had reached this level of interest comes expense, so out to the local press and BBC. Organis- most of them are employed. Some have ing themselves well, they even have an jobs related to their interest with cars agreed spokesperson, speaking on behalf such as motor insurance or working for a of the group in order to inform the me- car showroom. dia about who they are and how they are Car Culture lacks this adversarial relationship, Car Enthusiasts just don’t want to be associated with Boy Racers This culture is positive, representing different. Much to their disappointment, an inspiring social group for young drivers their interviews were edited to fit the to aspire to, but this is mostly ignored. pre-existing stereotype; their desire to With some stereotypes there is often Enthusiasts don’t want to be associated Car Enthusiasts will be a shade of grey is a subconscious symbol of social devi- Like Boy Racers, Car Enthusiasts are usu- show they were different went ignored. one that can play off another. The public with Boy Racers. Without an extreme within car culture where the common ance. As mentioned before, members ally young. Many will be motor engineer- It is understandable to a degree; understand the difference between Goth perceptible difference or the chance of belief is that there are only Boy Rac- of the public have reacted negatively ing students, and Car Enthusiasts will also with the pressure of working in a news and Chavs for example, while they dress conflict between two opposing groups, ers and law-abiding drivers. This is the while driving alongside Car Enthusiasts congregate at night in groups. environment, the financial pressures, along and act differently, they are portrayed as the wish to be defined as another current adversarial position set up by if they associate them with Boy Racers. Another interesting aspect of Car En- with fighting for audience attention, limits being adversaries. They are a relatively social group will be largely ignored. Car the media. Car Enthusiasts want to be They will continue to be considered as thusiasts is they don’t want to be recog- how stories are going to be told. The new stereotype but this way of think- Enthusiasts will forever stay within the seen as law-abiding citizens but they are the same group of people as long as the nised on the road and with modifications larger problem would be the difficulty ing was around when the ‘Mods’ and the envelope of being known as Boy Racers also young and again it is typical of British public lack the ability to be aware and being less superficial than Boy Racers, enabling the public to understand these ‘Rockers’ were making headlines. and the black and white thinking within society to criticise them. understand the differences. they are proud of being able to blend in very subtle but justifiable differences. In Car Culture this isn’t the case, Car society won’t easily cater for its existence. The car itself is a problem because it Car Enthusiasts will also associate 38 39 themselves with people who collect vin- tage cars. Whether this is with exploring classic cars at trade shows or organising Sunday Motor shows where the public can view old vehicles and, more impor- tantly, modified ones. These are family type events and a lot of the money raised is funnelled into charities and medical ap- peals. Car Enthusiasts are proactively try- ing to change the image of their culture by using their cars to engage with the public. It is something any car driver can take an interest in, and helps to reverse the dam- age caused by the media, even though it is the same media that promotes the Motor shows. The Car Enthusiasts in Swansea are a typical example of many others across the country, trying to stop people equat- ing young drivers with being Boy Racers. Their willingness to instigate change in the public consciousness, and in their lo- cal area serves as a microcosm for what should be a change of attitude towards other young drivers across the country. The media shouldn’t continue to hold onto negative stereotypes with eye- catching headlines, otherwise it allows for a simplistic interpretation of our society; such interpretations will mean society won’t take the time and effort to under- stand who they really are. Younger people must be given the chance to express themselves; prove they do have a posi- tive life style, going against how the news describes them. Otherwise it encourages the public to make assumptions, demon- strated by the story of the driver who was sent to prison for accidently killing a pedestrian. Questioning his character became more important than the situa- tion because he was a victim of prejudice predicated on a limited view that holds an unnecessary fear towards young drivers. VQ

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SOCIAL

on’t ever let anyone tell you there is something you can’t do. A golden rule DANCE FOR LIFE Dfor all of us, but especially meaningful to those with added challenges and disabilities. Story by Giulia Candussi Corali, founded in Southwark in 1989, is a dance-theatre company with a difference. Its members are artists with learning disabilities – the majority suffering from Down’s syndrome. Under the leadership of Sarah Archdeacon, the artistic director, the company is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year with a series of events across London. Recitals at the Tate Modern, Whitechapel Gallery, Sadlers Wells and other major art gal- leries showcase the latest Corali performances,

Sarah, Founder and artistic director of the company helps Graham to internalise dealing with dancers’ memories: each the music composer of the company approach is probably so different because his piece of choreography during a rehearsal. narrating through his/her body and voice, says “After the show, the audience would this type of dance undermines a lot of some events of their past that has left an come to us and have very powerful preconceptions about what dance is, indelible mark on their hearts. conversations, very different from the about the skills we think dancers must Visitors to these art galleries are not ones I used to have after performances have to make a good performance. expecting a performance and it’s clear where there weren’t people with learning The relationship between the tu- DJ plays in a performance that explores how emotions are expressed through the that they are very moved by the experi- disabilities.” All the technical discussion tors and dancers is very strong. Sarah body when remembering happy events of the past. DJ’s memory is about a horse ence of watching the dances performed is taken away, instead they discuss their Archdeacon started as a volunteer and, ride in the countryside when he was little. by adults with learning disabilities. Daniel emotional response to the show. The after completing her studies, proposed to 44 45 Jo and Hannah share a moment of affection during rehearsals for their next performance at White Chapel Gallery. Their strong relationship goes well beyond being members of Corali, forming a unique and long-lasting friendship.

After a long day of rehearsals, the dancers wind down through stretching and relaxing. Hannah gently massages Graham’s shoulders and looks forward to her turn. direct the company herself. “My training all she is, she is beautiful.” and interest in arts practice encouraged Beyond the company, all performers a new focus for the company and set the lead their own lives and have worries that way to develop into what it is today,” said they bring to rehearsals; sometimes it is Sarah. easy to leave the problems outside, and Bethan’s commitment to Corali is concentrate fully on the piece, sometimes total. She has Down’s syndrome and along the internal pressures boil and there can with performing as a dancer, she works be tears. There is a kind of unwritten with Sarah as office assistant two days a contract between the performers and the “As a child I was chubby and didn’t have many friends. Now I’m with Corali and it’s amazing. I can express my feelings with my body and I have many friends here and I love them a lot” week. She describes her relationship with tutors to ensure the work is about the other members in the company: “I like participants rather than the producers. DJ was chubby and did not have many company. “Now I’m with Corali and it’s companies: Random Dance, Jonzi D and skills. Even though many higher educa- Jacky a lot because she is funny and she “Although the majority of people friends. He is now one of the most ac- amazing! Maybe I was gifted, maybe it was New Adventures. tional routes are closed to disabled danc- is my best friend ever. Jo does beautiful think that being disabled means being less tive members of Corali and his joy in my chance to shine and go into the future. Corali is part of a community dance ers, there is an increasing number of art- things, she is always happy with a smile. I able, through Corali we demonstrate that life always brings a great sense of fun. Now I can express my feelings with my network that bases its principle on ists with learning disabilities earning their like Bryan because he is funny and always we can be better than fully able dancers in “I remember when I did my first dance body and I have many friends here, and I ‘everybody can dance’. It focuses on what living as dancers. The hope of the dance laughs. One of the best persons is Sarah, expressing our feelings through our bod- workshop and I was very happy, and it love them a lot.” DJ is the first dancer with people can do rather than what they community is that this trend will continue because she is the best best best person ies” says Jacky, member of Corali Dance was wonderful and I had such a good learning disabilities to gain an Arts grant can’t, engaging disabled people in a wide and that, at the same time, individuals and ever because she always supports people Company since 2003. time.” As as result of his dedication, he for his own professional development. He range of activities that go well beyond institutions will go on to support these in Corali, she is a wonderful person, that’s As a child, Housni, better known as was offered a position as dancer in the will dance with three other mainstream health and leisure to develop their artistic initiatives in the future. VQ 46 47 48 49 SOCIAL BRITAIN’S FORGOTTEN CHILDREN Story by Julie Glover

After a lifetime of waiting, all they wanted – and deserved – was acknowl- edgement, an apology and acceptance back into the country in which they were born. It was long overdue, concealed by political red tape and the government’s refusal to take responsibility for one of the worst crimes of the 20th Century. The atmosphere at the London hotel was charged with emotional intensity – most had arrived the previous day follow- ing long, hauling flights. Sixty-five former child migrants from Australia, New Zea- land and Canada were invited to repre- sent the thousands who were exiled from Britain as children. Many were anxious, some relieved, a few even skeptical – but all were looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Gordon Brown the next day, 24th February 2010. At last, they were about to receive the apology on behalf of the British nation. It will be, many desperately hoped, the day that offers some resolve and maybe, help heal the pain endured by so many for so long. The truth began to be unveiled in 1986 when Margaret Humphreys, a social worker in Nottingham received a letter from a woman in Australia requesting help to find her relatives in the UK. The woman claimed she was shipped to Australia when she was four years old, told that her mother was dead, and sent to a children’s home. Initially Margaret Humphreys thought there must be some mistake – it sounded absurd that a child would be deported to another country alone. Unbeknown to her at the time, this one letter would lead to the exposure of child migrant schemes and the shocking treat- ment many British children endured after being dispatched from their homeland to be placed in orphanages, institutions or to Former child migrants enter Portcullis House, Westminster, to meet Prime Minister Gordon Brown. work as labourers on farms. After relentless investigation, Margaret Humphreys discovered that over 130,000 Left: Children, deprived of normal home life, prepare to leave by train. They are on their way to care children from Britain were forcibly emi- homes in Australia under the Child Migrant Scheme with the help of the Church of England. grated during the last century, between (1955, Hulton-Deutsch) 1870 – 1970. The children, some as young 50 51 as three years old who resided in care were often changed so they could not be pulled out, because we would then re- homes and orphanages, were sent mostly traced. Some mothers, returning to the ceive an extra piece of bread or a boiled to Canada and Australia. The primary care homes to collect their children, were egg to eat.” motivation for this government assisted advised that their child was adopted out There are countless reports of chil- scheme, which involved well established to a good British family, sent abroad – or dren being beaten with canes and sticks child care agencies and organisations such worse, falsely informed that their child until they bled, or having to rummage as Dr Barnardo’s, the Salvation Army, the had died. through bins for food, or being taken from Fairbridge Society, the Church of England The children believed they were their beds at night to be sexually abused. and the Catholic Church, was to populate going to a new country for a new life, In ‘Empty Cradles’, the book written by commonwealth colonies with ‘good white and often fed tales of going to the ‘land of Margaret Humphreys, she relays one British stock’. milk and honey’. But the reality was very man’s story: “I was five years old and a It was a scheme plagued with deceit. different. Many children suffered harsh Christian Brother put me on the back of Many children were told they were physical, sexual and emotional abuse and his horse and took me out to the country. orphans, or they were rejected by their lived in appalling conditions. Food was He tied me to a tree and raped me time mothers, or that their parents had died in used as a method of control. Honoria after time, then left me there.” a car accident, when in fact, this was not Goldberg who was sent out to Austra- The welfare of the children was the case. Many, who were placed in care lia at the age of eight recalls: “We were clearly not safeguarded. A memo written homes temporarily, were sent abroad always hungry, so hungry that us girls by The Secretary of the Child Welfare without their parents’ consent. Their would pretend to have a toothache so Department in Western Australia on 3 names, birthdates and even birth places we could go to the dentist to get a tooth July 1946 read: ‘I have been very disturbed in mind about some of the boys who have been brought into WA … I am of An advertisement by the Fairbridge Society appealing for the opinion that something should be donations to send British children abroad. (1954, London) done to adequately protect the interests of other children coming to WA whether in connection with the Fairbridge Scheme, the Roman Catholic scheme or any other scheme which may arise in the future…’ This report was blatantly ignored, the John Hennessey (holding a photograph of his mother) meets Prime Minister Gordon conditions remaining unchanged for at Brown during the formal apology. Photograph by Peter MacDiarmid. least another 20 years. John Hennessey, who believed his mother was dead, was deported in 1947 had a mother – and she was still alive. child migrants in 1998 – yet it has taken and for you to receive the apology that at age 11 and sent to Bindoon Boys “I found out that my mother was told another 12 years for a formal apology, you so richly deserve.” Town, Western Australia. He recounts her son was adopted to a good English and to gain substantial funding to sustain Gordon Brown announced the the time when he was almost beaten to family. The fourth time she went to the the Child Migrants Trust to continue their establishment of a £6 million family death, which left him with the stammer convent she was told not to come back vital work. Finally, this day had arrived. restoration fund to support the work of he still has today. “We had been down the anymore.” By the time John got to meet “On behalf of this nation, to all the Child Migrants Trust. “Although we vineyard picking grapes because we were her, he was 62 years old. His mother was former child migrants and to all families, cannot undo the events of the past we hungry,” said John. “When the Brother so frail John could not even cuddle her, we are truly sorry you were let down,” can take action now to support people found out he stripped me naked in front and she died five years later. John was said Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the to regain their true identities; to reunite of everyone and beat me with the steel one of the lucky ones to have the op- private reception with the former child with their families and loved ones, and end of a cane then kicked me out the portunity to meet his mother in time. For migrants in Westminster. “We are sorry to go some way to repair the damage door with his big boots.” others, with the Trust’s limited resources, that you were allowed to be sent away inflicted,” he said. With the help of the Child Migrants the extent of searches for parents had when you were at your most vulnerable. Harold Haig, one of the first child Trust, established in 1987 by Margaret sometimes spanned 20 years, which was We are sorry that instead of caring for migrants to work with Margaret Hum- Humphreys to provide support and often too late. you, your country did turn its back on phreys in campaigning for justice, re- reunite child migrants with their families, The British government officially you. We are sorry that it’s taken so long sponded to the Prime Minister’s apology John Hennessey discovered he actually acknowledged the maltreatment of for this important day to come round stating, “This is a momentus day for child 52 53 Margaret Humphreys, Harold Haig and John Hennessey.

migrants, a day when the pain and loss gone on to build their own lives, demon- comparison to the price the former child we have suffered for a lifetime has been strating remarkable humility, courage and migrants have paid. recognised and acknowledged… I hope strength. “It was very emotional, and it In the apology, Gordon Brown states: that as a result of the apology today, that feels like a huge weight has been lifted,” “And from this disgraceful set of events people who have heard what happened said Maureen Trewin about the apology. that we’ve had to acknowledge, we learn will never allow anything like this to ever “Now I just want to get on with my life that it is the responsibility of all of us to happen again to children in the future. and be me, Maureen – not Maureen, the safeguard and promote the welfare of That can be the legacy of this apology.” child migrant any more.” our children.” What happened to the Not all child migrants received such Although most of the agencies and child migrants is still happening today – in harsh treatment; some claim they were religious organisations involved in the the form of child trafficking. It is reported well looked after. But in too many cases scheme have admitted to the mistreat- in the BBC documentary ‘Britain’s Child vulnerable children suffered unimaginable ment and offered their own apologies, a Migrants Scandal’ that hundreds of hardship while their families left behind judicial inquiry has not yet taken place. thousands of children are exported every were devastated. To be stolen from their “It would prove these accusations were year from other countries to be used families, deported from their country, right,” said John Hennessey. “So although for labour and prostitution. Although the betrayed, abused and denied their child- the government’s apology has helped original context of the British child migra- hood and identities with absolutely no- recognise what has happened, there is tion scheme was different, essentially, the one to turn to, damaged many lives. still unfinished business.” Many still believe deliberate exploitation of children contin- As adults, many child migrants never legal action should be taken to record ues to be a serious global issue. VQ completely recovered, dealing with enor- this mass-scale crime, and to ensure it mous emotional problems, and strug- will be included in history books for Footnote: gling as they went on to have their own future generations. There are still many A new feature film ‘Oranges and Sunshine’, which tells the true story of Margaret Humphreys will families. Some committed suicide because unanswered questions, and no provi- be released in late 2010. The film, directed by Jim the wounds were too deep and painful sion for financial compensation by the Loach, stars Emily Watson, David Wenham and to endure. Those who have made it, have governments involved; a small token in Hugo Weaving. 54 55 ENVIRONMENT

ORDER OF THE CLIMATE MARAUDERS Story by Sharbendu De

56 57 Previous page: Climate Camp members voting to a proposal. Any volunteer can disagree, block or choose to put a proposal on stand, which is then further deliberated.

Right: The environment at the climate camp re- mains very easy-going despite the tense subject of their deliberation. Others volunteer to cook, wash dishes, and make tea and coffee in rotating shifts.

“It is just not enough to communicate with the outside world, but important to build strong relations among ourselves”

Volunteers at the Bristol gathering. The environment at climate camp remains very easy-going despite the tense subject of their deliberation.

he Climate Camp volunteers taken in United Kingdom. They’re just one back-up support from group members.” stood up – one after the other, environmental process, and they know it. His voice trembled like a gravitating Tbellowing about how they felt A committed one. earthquake. Another member added, betrayed by their comrades, who did not Uncertainty, however, seems to be “We need to be adequately briefed about stand by them – in action or conviction. growing in the camp. Some felt disorient- the consequences of an action. When This went on throughout the evening. ed, some disillusioned and some betrayed. this is not done, I feel betrayed.” Another Direct action against capitalistic institu- Climate Camp had organised a three-day volunteer echoed the sentiment saying tions (including the state) is their non- national gathering in Bristol in February “Four years back I started feeling betrayed negotiable tactic for them; lobbyists are 2010 where aproximately 200 volunteers when we started shifting towards centrist not welcome here, and frankly, they might from various parts of England discussed politics,” while 14-year-old Peter from be pushed out of the window grazing and debated environmental action strate- Pembrokeshire, the youngest volunteer their bellies (from where the urge for gies to stop the oppressors. added, “Everyone speaks about bringing lust and greed emerges) over shattered Nik, a softly spoken young man, rose down capitalism, but no one here is offer- glasses. The volunteers do not claim to his hand in the venting session and said ing an alternative.” be a force that will redeem the flawed “I felt betrayed when I got arrested at At first the meeting seemed like it environmental policies and actions being the Blackheath protest but didn’t receive was falling apart until people like Roger, an

58 59 Evening party with a gig at the squat house. One group collected food from skips after the super- markets had trashed them. Some Climate Camp members live on skipped food as a stand against the waste of over eight million tonnes of food tossed away every year in UK.

employee with UK’s National Cyclists’ Or- ganisation (CTC) in London, spoke with a pragmatic outlook, “It is just not enough to communicate with the outside world but important to build strong relations amongst ourselves.” Their urgent sense for deeper reflection, nurtured by a vehe- ment passion for defending democracy on their conscience, and an extremely democratic structure (with no hierarchy) promised they would not go down as Nik and Tom discuss their lives. Nik felt betrayed underdogs. when he didn’t receive adequate support at an ac- tion. He presently squats in London and is struggling Climate Camp is a UK based environ- with most material aspects of life. Tom, a volunteer mental action group, born out of exasper- from Manchester makes an effort to offer him hope. ation for empty government rhetoric. The group has taken it upon themselves the task of blocking hazardous environmen- Success has greeted them well. ideas were slated for wider deliberation. tal policies in the name of development. The list of direct actions against Volunteers helped with cooking, washing Comprising of just over 3,000 conscien- flawed environmental policies is ever dishes, standing guard at the reception, tious citizens, the camp is made up of growing for Climate Campers, but their watching the squat house and caring for volunteers from all walks of life – includ- commitment comes at a heavy price. the children so that parents had equal ing teachers, nurses, students, plumbers, Many Climate Campers have been ar- time to participate. “We’re challenging graphic designers, doctors, youth workers, rested, and are being prosecuted for an idea and not an individual,” was an lawyers, carpenters, artists and carers. taking forcible actions at these protests. opening remark by Hannah, a facilitator From its humble beginning in 2006, Jack from Bath lives in a squat house. He from the Midlands. This one strange group when 600 people gathered for ten days of is currently unemployed and finds it dif- seemed to be living by it. mass action against Drax coal-fired power ficult to hold a relationship. He explains Armoured with a clear conscience, station in West Yorkshire (the single that “Some of us have to be free from all and a deep conviction to live as true largest source of carbon dioxide in the attachments, so that we cannot be made human beings without giving in to op- United Kingdom), Climate Camp began to bow down under pressure and as well pression or injustice, to themselves or its journey. In 2007 media hysteria drew be available to head out for direct actions their fellow men, these climate campers attention towards the 2,000 volunteers whenever needed.” earn scepticism in today’s ‘convenionised’ camping outside Heathrow Airport aim- Over the three-day national gather- world, when they rightly deserve admira- ing to stop its owner, BAA from building ing in Bristol, everyone lived out of their tion. They are urban gladiators who have a third runway. Equally, 2008 witnessed sleeping bags in a communal squat house resorted to ‘force’ as a strategy because a large camping protest in Kingsnorth sharing rooms, partying through the night, the state has colluded with vested interest against E.ON’s plan to set up a coal-fired and brainstorming by day. They waded groups, trampling the people they were power station, seeking drastic measures through a plethora of issues from blocking meant to protect. Direct action at the to combat carbon emissions. Other mass nuclear plants, protesting during general hands of the public resounds a brewing demonstrations and actions initiated by elections in May and protesting tar sand revolution and is definitely dangerous, but Climate Camp include swoops in Black- mining to demanding free public transport the restraint they’ve demonstrated ensure heath and Nottingham against coal-fired to international solidarity. Some decisions that the order of these perceived maraud- power stations. were made, and other non-consensual ers might just pervade with time. VQ 60 61 62 63 CULTURE WHIP IT Story by Charlotta Ljungberg

he is whipping, hog-tying, and humili- involve sexual intercourse. CamTan’s rule ating men. She operates under the is strictly domination, not copulation. She Sname Madame CamTan as a domi- describes the relationship with her slave natrix, it is her lifestyle, but she also does as sexual, but only in the mind. However, it as a professional. She can’t imagine many people compare a professional herself not being a dominatrix even if she dominatrix to being a prostitute. doesn’t have to do it every day. “My attitude to prostitution is that CamTan often travels on the tube you do something for money that you when she goes to the clubs in London, don’t want to do, something that makes it might have something to do with her you feel less worthy afterwards,” says exhibitional streak. Tonight is my fetish CamTan. “If I didn’t like whipping people debut. I’m geared up in a way I haven’t I would be destroying myself doing it. I been for ages. She isn’t entirely happy have to feel it in my heart and soul.” with my make up, I have put too little It is strict, but for CamTan, humour is on. Her own eyes are heavily laid with just as important as her whips and make mascara and eye liner, and together with up when she is out playing. “Humour is her long dark brown hair, pale skin and important in everything I do. You must red lips tell of a dramatic personality. We have soul and compassion when dealing wear coats over our corsettes and lace with people or it would be impossible to tights. When we sit down in the train, a make the desired impact – in this case man half asleep, suddenly wakes up but excitement, a bit of fear, attention and pretends he hasn’t. CamTan happens to pleasurable pain.” touch him with her whip. “This one was It all started when CamTan was wait- for free,” she says with a smile. The man is ing for a friend in an unfamiliar Swedish certainly not going back to sleep for the club 15 years ago. As she got bored of rest of the journey. waiting, she took out a pen and some A dominatrix is a woman who takes paper from her handbag and began writ- a dominant role in BDSM games. The ing poetry. A few men started talking to expression BDSM comes from the terms her. One, wearing leather hotpants with “If I didn’t like whipping people I would be de- stroying myself doing it. I have to feel it in my heart and soul” bondage and discipline, dominance and a naked torso, asked for her telephone Madame CamTan became a dominatrix in Sweden but the fetish scene in the UK is submission, sadism and sadomasochism. number. When she asked why, he said ‘for something completely different. Five men went on their knees when she came through A submissive, or a slave, often addresses sex’. She said no and thought little of it, the entrance to a fetish club - her first night out in London. the dominatrix as Madam or Mistress but was amused by his honesty. and is usually not allowed to touch the The next man who approached her dominatrix unless to show gratitude by commented: “You have to admit it looks sleeping bag and tie a rope around it. She of humiliation,“ she says. “And of course means responsibility. She always asks the mature people, because it is their own kissing her boot, or the back of her hand. odd that you’re in a fetish club and write.” slept like that, waking up occasionally. He – being a bit of a control freak wouldn’t subsmissives if they take any medicines, choice. The role playing should be based It’s a roleplay, between two or more “Fetish club, what is that?” she asked. sat protectively by her side the whole help.” have any physical or mental issues – like on safe, sane and consenting behavior of individuals, where pain and power are CamTan and the man became friends night. “The thought of trusting someone CamTan realised quite soon that she phobias, depression, or a bad knee. This all people involved. This is partly because used to create sexual tension, pleasure and formed a relationship. After a while else that much felt like relief. But I’m al- was dominant, not submissive. principle is common for people on the the submissive person has to trust the and release, but it doesn’t necessarily he asked her if he could put her in a lergic to pain and can’t stand the thought Being dominant in BDSM activities fetish scene: It should be performed by dominant person completely. The mutual

64 65 consent makes an important distinc- tion between BDSM and crimes such as sexual assault or domestic violence. Some people use a safeword when playing, but CamTan seldom does. Instead she is very attentive to the submissive. When the submissive is in ‘subspace’, both pain and pleasure trigger a response from the body which increases the pain tolerance. In the beginning, CamTan was scared, because she thought her own anger would be an influence when she gave pain to another person and she didn’t know if she would be able to control her actions. “I have always been frightened of my own anger,” she explains. “But it felt like giving someone a healing massage from an arm’s-length. Any issues of my own were completely absent, which showed me that I could trust myself. I concentrated fully on the other person.” Some people argue that engaging in fetish activities as an adult is a result of experiences in childhood. CamTan treads carefully when asked if being a dominatrix is the product of her upbringing. “Of course childhood characterises you, as well as all your relationships and experiences throughout life. You aren’t born with a BDSM-gene. People in the fetish world come from various back- grounds, I don’t think there is a common background for anyone involved.” How- ever, it is often thought that BDSM can help turn a previously bad experience into something pleasurable. “But it is for no one to judge,” says CamTan. “To some, this is an expansion of their sexuality. Pleasure and pain are closely related. Adding to that brings the ultimate trust and a differ- ent kind of intimacy.”

Safety is important and CamTan pays close attention to the submissive throughout the session. “Natural adrenaline kicks in. I look at their eyes and they look drugged. Then you have to be there when they come down again.” 66 67 People on the fetish scene usually call conventional sexual behaviour vanilla sex as it doesn’t involve fetish, kink or BDSM. CamTan has been involved in personal relationships, both BDSM and vanilla, since becoming a dominatrix. She has always been honest with her partners and they have been open minded and accepting, even if they haven’t always wanted to know all the details. She sees herself as equal with her partners. “I’m not as dominant if I involve physi- cal sex. If it’s my partner and we know each other really well, then domination may well be a part of our sex life. I don’t have sex with strangers so it’s not on the cards at all. But I do believe that, in my personal case, sex is an emotional as well as physical act where you let go. A dominatrix letting go is not really a picture of someone in control.” But she still wants her man to kneel and kiss her feet or at least act like a gen- tleman when in the company of women. “Actually, I think everybody should be courteous to each other. I do however like to be made to feel that I’m special to him and that he listens to me. Giving me flowers and opening doors is halfway there. Don’t forget, if I’m with someone, I give them flowers and time too. And if I see something I think they’ll like, I get it for them. I just like to be treated as I treat others who mean something to me. As a dominatrix, when in that role; I obviously demand more.” Going to a fetish club for the first time is exciting in many ways. The atmosphere at the club CamTan invites me to is relaxed, the music is good and the people are interesting. But after my Madame CamTan usually has an idea of what she wants to do before she meets a client, and the relationships she forms fifth foot massage I can’t bring myself to with them stays in her dungeon. She prefers if they become command anyone to give me another, regulars as that allows for experimenting. and I find it odd that the men must kneel in certain areas of the club. I realise that I could never be a dominatrix, nor a sub- missive. VQ

68 69 YOUR PHOTO THEME: View from a window Images submitted by our readers to be reviewed by VQ

Photograph by Marla Reddin, Derry, Northern Ireland. Photograph by Sarah Wellard, Falmouth.

VQ editor’s comments: The composition of a brick VQ editor’s comments: The warm, late afternoon glow wall seen through the window frame is simple, and yet catches our eye and upon further observation, leads us to is a scene that most of us pass without a second glance. the sleeping cat and surrounding objects which cater to Marla’s perspective causes us to look at what is directly in the imagination. front of us. There is a sense of timelessness here.

Next issue’s theme: Festivals Photograph by David Williams, captured while on holiday inTehran.

- Submit your images by emailing entries to: [email protected] VQ editor’s comments: The vibrant colours and cityscape view from David’s hotel window shows us the busy streets - Include your name, location and a short description about the image. of this capital city. David has processed this image with a double exposure enhancing and duplicating the close-knit - One entry per person, per issue. Images to be in jpeg format and under 2Mb. homes and buildings. The scene now looks more crowded and we perceive the city being larger than it actually is. - Submissions to be received by 30th June 2010. - If your work is published, VQ will send you £50. VQ 70 71 PROFILE A FLAMENCO DIVA Interviewed by Giulia Candussi

small performer for a big perfor- Who has had the greatest influence on personal from the artistic side of your lives? mance. She is just five feet tall your work? Well, I think I’d be less upset about Abut Eva Yerbabuena embodies the All my teachers have been very disagreeing with a stranger, but on the multiple faces of flamenco: innovation and important to me. Other artists have an in- other hand, it is good because he can tradition, voice and music, suave move- fluence on my work as well. Not only the sense how I am feeling before, during and ments and sharp steps, fears and emo- way they perform, but their way of being after a performance. tions. in normal life (if I have the chance to meet Your work is very driven by personal Eva Yerbabuena was born in Granada, them personally). feelings. How does this affect your perfor- Spain, as Eva Marìa Garrido Garcìa. The You work very closely with your hus- mance? name Yerbabuena was given to her later band Paco. How is the relation between the Flamenco is all about expressing your after a famous flamenco singer. By the music and the choreography? feelings through your body and sometimes time she was 15 years old she started We work very closely together, it I even think that I dance better when I to dance professionally, soon performing comes in stages, a bit of this, then a bit of am nervous because all my inner tensions in festivals and accepting invitations to that, and we keep working to see what explode through my muscles. Does this work with big-name artists, from both the we get to have the best final results on understanding make you more in tune with flamenco world and contemporary and stage. each other on stage? classic dance. Do you ever disagree? When I’m dancing there is an inner In 1998 Eva formed her own dance Of course, but after a fight the good part of me which no-one will ever be able company in her hometown Granada work comes out. There can be a kind of to enter, just as it is for Paco, no-one can together with her husband, flamenco creative tension, or understanding because enter this part of him when he is playing guitarist Paco Jarana. we are so close - it can be difficult. or writing music. VQ Many awards have honoured her How do you manage to separate the work both as performer and choreogra- pher; her latest show “Lluvia” (Rain) was shown in London at Sadlers Wells Theatre in February 2010. Why is flamenco so important to you - and to Spanish culture in general? It’s a way of life and the culture of a people. It is still one of the most impor- tant cultural aspects of Spanish life. On a personal level flamenco gives me freedom. I step on stage and it gives me the great- est sense of freedom that I’ve ever had in my life. Do you feel this freedom every time you dance flamenco or do you need an audi- ence? When I am dancing for a large audi- ence it is almost the same as when I am dancing by myself except the audience pushes me on. On the contrary, when I dance for a smaller audience I can see their faces and there is a stronger connec- tion with them. But whoever I’m perform- ing for, the important thing is that I am centred and in touch with myself.

Photograph courtesy of Festival Nacional de Jovenes Flamencos 72 de Calasparra. 73 REVIEW REVIEW WORLD PRESS PHOTO Story by Charlotta Ljungberg

Editing pictures from conflict areas some kind of collaboration between the across the world for newspapers has Associated Press photographer, Farah taken its toll over the years in the form Abdl Warsameh, and those who carried of cynicism, and I now stand detached out the punishment. Jacobson wrote that whilst navigating through the violent im- viewers are left with insufficient informa- ages of World Press Photo 2009 winners. tion, as there was a single, brief caption Graphic images nowadays seldom show for the full series. It is unknown whether me how awful life is for the people who the photographer wants to appeal to live in war zones. I have seen them too world opinion against a stoning death often, so similar in style that they could sentence, or if he is after a “shock horror have been shot in the same place. scoop,” because the pictures are out The Iraq war of 2003 is an example. of context. This applies to almost all of In the beginning the war was headline the pictures on the WPP website – the news across the world. Seven years later, captions are minimal, leaving the viewer 25 deaths from a suicide bomb in Bagh- without enough background information. dad, hardly makes the foreign news pages. World Press Photo was founded in The viewing experience follows a 1955 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The curve; first it causes upset, then gradual contest, held annually, is one of the most depression, and in the end, numbness. It important for press and documentary saddens me as my reaction to tormented photographers. Stephen Mayes, the images has diminished. Susan Sontag former World Press secretary said in his refers to this compassion fatigue in her farewell speech that “photojournalism, essay ‘Regarding the Pain of Others’; war rather than trying to reinvent itself, it’s photographs don’t convey very much to trying to copy itself.” me anymore. By awarding Pietro Masturzo, the By far the most debated images of overall winner, I have a feeling the jury the 2009 World Press Photo winners has tried to avoid exactly this – finding an were taken in Somalia. The series of image that isn’t copying other images. The four photographs depicts a man being winning image shows women shouting stoned to death, and they are, even to to each other from the rooftops in the the weariest eyes – appalling. The first Tehran dawn in protest against the gov- in the sequence shows the condemned ernment. The photograph is non-violent man buried in earth up to his torso. Next, but doesn’t do the trick, even if you know Once a cosy drawingroom, but the war in Gaza last year changed that. The photog- a scene of the villagers hurling stones at the background story about the women. rapher Kent Klich travelled to Gaza to show another view of the conflict. This picture him, followed by an image of men pulling They are so distant in the picture that this won first prize in the General News category. Photograph courtesy of Kent Klich. the bloodied body out from the ground. could be anywhere in the Middle East or The fourth shows the men continuing Central Asia. to stone the corpse. When The Sunday Another aspect that Colin Jacobson Times published these photographs, many points out is that only a few newspapers The contest started during the heyday of A good example is Kent Klich’s picture asks questions: Who lived here? Are they events, but these stories are often seen readers were outraged and the images have the capacity to publish the winning press photography, maybe it’s time World taken in the aftermath of the Gaza war. It still alive? What is the story of this room? only by a selective audience. Bad news is were described as “a kind of pornography images using a double page. Jacobson Press Photo reinvents itself? won the General News Singles category, Rina Castelnuovo’s picture of an almost always good news for the media. of suffering” by Sean O’Hagan, in The cites Pietro Masturzo’s image as one There are however, some im- and shows an empty drawing room with Israeli youth throwing wine on a Palestin- However, being fed violent news pictures Guardian. example fearing it can be self-defeating ages that show another view of world a gaping hole in the ceiling. The picture ian woman is another interesting image. daily is overwhelming, and there’s a risk of Colin Jacobson, respected picture to praise images that are so intricate that conflicts. They manage to balance the effectively details the horrors that Gazans The long, seemingly irresolvable conflict is graphic images becoming cliché. On the editor, and tutor at University of West- they will render press photography into a fine line between being too subtle and endured early last year in a way that many brought to an everyday level. It works. My contrary, showing a more varied over- minster, wrote a blog post on Foto8 conceptual form of photojournalism for too violent. The audience can see that graphic images do not. I’m drawn to the heart feels for the humiliated woman. view of society in everyday news cover- Magazine’s website about the series. gallery walls, at the expense of spreading there’s something going on, but there’s picture because of the absence of human Some World Press Photo stories age might salvage even the most cynical He argued that there must have been the message to the newspaper audience. also another story beyond the surface. presence and the silent drama. The image demonstrate the complexity of world journalist. VQ 74 75 REVIEW RESTAURANT DANS LE NOIR Giulia Candussi visits the only restaurant in London waited by the blind

with 60 people speaking at that same bellowing pitch, hunting for attention; total chaos. When the meal arrives (finally), my struggle continues with trying to figure out how eat the food with the fork, but fortunately the lady on my right suggests circling my hand around the plate to form a sort of a barrier, lest I risk pushing all my food off the plate. That was great advice, but after a while I gave up and started eating with my hands. By now I had started to lose all sense of dining in a civil manner, and instead recognised the germi- nation of some kind of macabre wildness. Photograph courtesy of Dans Le Noir. I forgot to mention one fundamental thing: you don’t know what you are eating. You can choose between four different menus: the chef’s surprise, vegetarian, fish ollowing the success of the original ing to cross at a traffic light, we sometimes or meat lovers; that’s all you’re told. The restaurant in Paris, “Dans le Noir” rush to help, and in exchange feel good rest is up to you to guess. Fopened in London in 2006. Dans le about ourselves. Now it’s them who are I recognised cherry tomatoes and Noir is not just a restaurant where you helping us enter the dining room, locate mozzarella cheese in the starter and some might go for a nice meal, it is an experi- the chair, the knife, the fork and the strange vegetable in the main all cooked ence where the food is not necessar- glasses (tall one for water and small one in a very traditional French style rich with ily the most important element of the for wine). They explain how to pour water mousses and sauces. My partner chose evening. into your glass without spilling it and they the fish menu and, even though he said The place is dark. So dark that not take you to the bathrooms, where there is that it was not too bad, he stopped at even shapes can be seen. And I have actually light. Tesco to get a sandwich afterwards. But pretty good sight. But this was not the To my left and right, there are strang- he liked it. I mean, he liked the experi- reason for my visit: the waiters are blind. ers seated. A brief thought and the fear ence. He enjoyed eating with his hands Despite their disability, or especially of getting robbed in this darkness amidst and not having anyone complain about his because of it, they are the only people we strangers enjoying a ‘status incognito’ flits inappropriate behaviour or his not-fancy- can rely upon to safely reach the table to across my mind. Actually it was not such enough outfit. have dinner. an absurd thought; in fact we are strongly As a photojournalist it is hard for The business is based on two fun- advised to put all our valuables in a locker me to think of a world without images, damental principles; first, the heightened at the entrance, where there is still light. but in a society where appearance is all- experience of concentrating on senses For a couple of interminable minutes important, it is nice to be “invisible” for a other than sight, thus enjoying the taste after entering the dining room I feel a while. That is probably the reason why this and the smell of the food without much heavy pressure on top of my head, like a restaurant is appreciated by the celebs; ado for the aesthetic presentation (of million hands squeezing my brain and the they can disappear into the darkness for course, you can’t see it!) and secondly, only thing that refrains me from running one evening without being spotted. the empowerment of these blind people. outside (towards where? Where is the To me, £125 for a two course meal Certainly the latter is the most interesting. exit?), is my partner’s reassuring voice, and a bottle of wine seemed a bit on the It is surprising how lost and scared we feel which is unusually loud. We have been higher end. To stop the remorse from when we lose the use of our eyes, even advised by the guides that when we can’t grabbing my stomach I keep telling myself if it is temporary. We become excessively see the person we’re talking to, we tend that a certain amount of that £125 is vulnerable. to speak louder to be sure that we are going to charities supporting people with When we notice a blind person try- being heard. Now, imagine a big room disabilities. I begin to feel better. VQ 76 77 VQ Magazine VQ Autumn Issue On Sale August 2010

Little Miss UK – Giulia Candussi investigates beauty contests for children across the UK.

No more squatting – How landlords rent out rooms cheaply in order to prevent empty houses being taken over by squatters.

Fashion before Fashion – Meet the people who create the trends.

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