Across the pond, the Democrats held their national convention this week, and they didn’t hold back on star power with the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey and Stevie Wonder rallying behind them. But what’s really got people talking is a noticeable shift in tone. Remember Michelle Obama’s famous "When they go low, we go high"? Well, this time it was more - "When they go low, we call it out." Her cutting remark “Who’s going to tell him (Trump) that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?” was a moment! And Barack Obama joined in, mocking Trump’s “weird obsession with crowd sizes” with a suggestive hand gesture that’s now gone viral.

So, what’s behind this pivot to mockery? Are they playing this card to better connect with an increasingly divided public? It’s a tricky line to walk - striking the balance between crassness and sharp, thought-provoking critique. But in a world where misinformation, hate speech, and polarisation thrive, maybe this is what it takes to push for unity and inclusion. After all, can subtlety still cut through the noise anymore?

- Oli, Director of Marketing & Creative

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LETS GET INTO IT 👇

Sexual violence on public transport is rampant

There has been a 50% increase in violent incidents reported on trains in the last two years.

What's going on? The sharp rise in cases is likely due to increased reporting of incidents, however the figures are still deeply disturbing.

🔴 On average, 31 violent crimes a day were reported against women and children on public transport.

🔴 Over a third of all women have been sexually harassed while commuting.

And still, the reported figures are likely to massively understate the reality with so many incidents still going unreported. There are major barriers when it comes to flagging these incidents, from the assumption you won't be believed, to the behaviour being so normalised it doesn't even cross your mind to speak out.

Are "women-only" train carriages the solution? This is the route many countries have already taken; in Japan, India, Brazil, there are segregated spaces in attempts to reduce the widespread harassment of women. There have been calls to introduce the same in the US and in the UK, Jeremy Corbyn floated the idea in 2015. While in theory this seems like a fair proposal, the precedent it sets could be dangerous - asking women to change their behaviour rather than addressing the root problem in the male perpetrators.

What can I do? Be an active bystander. If you see an incident occurring, and feel safe to do so, try to intervene and de-escalate the situation. This can mean directly challenging the perpetrator on their behaviour, or simply distracting them by engaging in conversation. Try asking for the time, or what stop is next. If you don't feel comfortable doing so, you can ask a member of staff to intervene or check in with the target when the harassment stops.

👋 Psst, we have training on this! Learn more.

Racism in the Met police is getting worse

This is according to ten Black and ethnic minority officers who spoke to the BBC about their treatment inside the Met police. One officer described being treated like “an animal” by some of his white colleagues, and said racism was faced with "pathetic punishments."

“You make fun of a Black person’s hair and you’re sent on what they call 'learning through reflection' [...] It’s not exactly a harsh penalty.”

The officers also allege that any progression for ethnic minorities is blocked, your voice is ignored, and that any talk about change is just lip service.

What is the police race action plan? Implemented in 2020, the plan aims to tackle prejudice in the force, both internally and against the public. Progress, however, has been described as "glacial" with reports that our previous Conservative government showed "no real interest."

The National Black Police Association has now withdrawn its support for the action plan, citing a toxic environment in which Black people are ignored. They call on government intervention to deliver on the action plan.

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