Sticks and Stones

Writing On The Wall Festival
Redmonds Building, LJMU
Wednesday 29th May 2013

By John Owen

Hosted by the LJMU Centre for the Study of Crime, Criminalisation and Social Exclusion, the theme of the conference was to explore hate speech and hate crime. The evening featured interviews with Dominique Walker (sister of Anthony Walker who was murdered in Huyton) and Sylvia Lancaster (mother of Sophie Lancaster who was murdered in Lancashire), a discussion with Paul Amann (UNISON activist and LGBT rep) and a comedy set from Laurence Clark (acclaimed comedian, writer and actor who has cerebral palsy).

To begin the interviews, Dominique spoke of the difference in racism of the 80s compared to today. Racism is now a criminal offence, despite the lack of convictions, and since the case of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in 1993, it has transformed the way police handle such cases. It was the Lawrence case, in particular, that encouraged Dominique to join the police.

“I look at Doreen Lawrence with awe as she has only just got partial justice. 20 years down the line.”

The incident that took place in Woolwich recently also comes to mind and is a topic of conversation that can’t be avoided, particularly at this event and there is the worrying notion that more race hate crimes will follow. However, the idea that such attacks are being justified by so-called ‘patriotism’ is laughable when you consider that this country was built on the back of immigrants and there is no such thing as a 100% British person.

Sylvia Lancaster also discussed the impact that hate crimes have on communities and families. Five young boys were charged with her daughter’s murder but only two were convicted and are now serving life sentences; the other three were convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent. The family appealed and it was decided that it should be regarded as a hate crime. She was murdered because of her alternative appearance.

“I have natural empathy and affinity to those who also have had a loved one killed.”

Following the interview, Paul Amman catalogued the battle for identity as a gay rights advocate and the abuse he’d received as a member of the Union fighting fascist ideology.

The animated film, Black Roses by Sue Roberts and sponsored by Simon Armitage was then shown. It depicted the beating that caused Sophie’s death and is being shown at schools and colleges where appropriate. It is on behalf of the S.O.P.H.I.E. campaign (Stamp Out Prejudice Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere) set up in order to teach young people about alternative cultures and to respect everyone.

Finally, comedian Laurence Clark provided some light relief to the evening. After such serious debate it was enjoyable to hear stories and anecdotes from someone who has encountered prejudice but is continuing to turn the tables on the perpetrators. His short comedy set included some films to get across his message and he confirmed that cerebral palsy was not something that could – or should – hold people back.

Questions and answers followed – albeit with some total corkers and stinkers – and overall it was a lively and invigorating debate. There was the obvious Woolwich murder backlash to some of the contributions and people discussed for and against free speech on social media platforms. However, it can be agreed that they are not for the benefit of racist and fascist argument but instead for democracy.

All in all it was an insightful evening and although much needs to be done to fight against prejudice, particularly with the rise of soft machine politics of UKIP demagogue Nigel Farrago, we are well on our way.

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