From Sabrina in the UK:
Class (still) Matters*
This is an informal call-out for contributions for a zine/pamphlet I am putting together on class, it feels overdue, but also in good time, what with the recession and ever widening socio-economic inequality in the UK (and elsewhere); the use of class by political parties recently to try and win support in the forthcoming election; class stereotypes around how particular ‘classes’ feel about immigration; climate change policies that tend to involve raising prices, which in affect means that working class/poor people are asked to contribute and sacrifice more, but arguably benefit least, but also I am interested in less conventional explorations of class – class as a process, feeling etc.
I am particularly interested in the loose themes outlined below, but I want to know what class means and feels like for you, in your words, pictures or however you express yourself.
-the relationship between economic and emotional scarcity
-notions of the ‘poverty mentality’
-intersections of class, race, gender, sexuality, nationality and so on, and experiences of inhabiting multiple marginalities
-being working class and in academia
-the need to prove oneself
-creativity and class/art and survival – i.e. staying in touch with your creativity when meeting basic needs are a struggle.
-class and the body -how class is worn/felt/affects how you use space.
-class and trauma – I am especially interested in notions of bodily remembrance (the relationship between memories and flesh), how trauma lives on the skin and so on
-how you understand class/your class? i.e. is class a position or process, how does education effect ones class location etc?
As you can see this is all very rough, but meant merely as an impression of intentions and suggestions. If you are interested in contributing please contact me at: Sabr1na_s@yahoo.co.uk preferably by mid/late March to express interest or send contributions. In order to include as many contributions as possible I ask that contributions don’t exceed 4 pages. Thanks!
* a nod to the wonderful Bell Hooks and her book Class Matters.