After deciding what my goals were, I thought I’d better make a solid plan of action.
I read something by Brian Wheeler recently that made me smile. As a British Journalist visiting the European Parliament he had kind of inverted versions of my goals. He wanted to find out what actually happened at the parliament and what use they were. I want to find out why British people don’t care about what happens at the parliament and why they don’t think they’re any use. I hope you’re following me!
He makes the point about the “baffling terminology” and this might be a reason behind our EU apathy, but you could also relate this to apathy about our own government.
I very much enjoyed his article – I feel that most Brits would be enlightened by his work to the point of second-thoughts, which is what I aspire to with everything I write. So here we go…
A big part of my blog journey will be visiting the towns and cities of the North West. I want to speak to people who are affected by the decisions the EU makes, but possibly know nothing about them. Armed with a microphone (or, budget permitting, one of those swish flip cameras) I want to visit each of the North West regions below (towns and cities in brackets):
· LANCASHIRE (Preston, Blackpool)
· MERSEYSIDE (Liverpool, St Helens)
· G. MANCHESTER (Manchester, Bolton)
· CUMBRIA (unconfirmed)
· CHESHIRE (unconfirmed)
Hopefully I will be able to work interviews with MPs or journalists into the same visits to form a nice colourful blog-per-region.
Brian Wheeler’s article reminds me that “even people such as lobbyists and journalists, who are paid to follow it, sometimes have a shaky grasp of how the European Parliament and other EU institutions work.” This is very comforting for me, as a journalist following Euro-topics! It also provides a little bit of insight into why the public don’t have a grasp of how it all works. If journalists, activists and even some MEPS don’t know how it works – do we even have a chance?
(15 votes, average: 3.13 out of 5)
Loading ...
This is a very impressive action plan Helena. Big Kudos here! The fact you are prepared to cover the big counties… May I sugest visiting Crew by the way (Good rail links, and quite a heavily populated place). i will be very interested to see the results considering I’m probably one of the people, like so many others in the UK who is just not informed about the EU Parliament, it’s influences, what it does.. or how it impacts us.
Thanks Andy I will definately think about Crewe! Great idea
Yeh, go to crewe! then i can come and we can go to the limelight and get merry.
interview me.
Also, unless its complaining, we don’t give two effs about our own govt. let alone one run by frogs and crouts.
Baffling terminology is a product of the filthy upper classes *grumble grumble* capitalism *grimble grumble* fascists.
in a small piece of seriousness, this sounds awesome young lady. i wish you the best of luck with it all!
Simon
or Simin
Depending on the time and star allignment.
Or FIMON if we’re all poor.
x
The apathy about the European Parliament applies to politics in general, particularly local elections.
Most people’s perception is it a remote out of touch interefering establishment
Good plan. Much respect if you pull it off.
Good luck Helena. Look forward to reading about your travels
Thanks guys! I’ve had some good ideas about strategy and how I’ll be presenting it and I’m feeling a lot more confident
Im tom, im well out of my depth talkin about the government etc… but sounds like a good plan! nice one
let me know if u need my help! (driving n stuff)
good luck!! very much looking forward to your posts. also, I’d check if you can’t borrow some equipment from your Uni; I’d think them complete idiots if they won’t lend you a camera for your plan!!