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A London architects' office recently invited me to give a talk about my book THIS IS BIRMINGHAM. But shortly afterwards they discovered that I support Brexit, and disinvited me.
I attach their email and my reply below.
I attach their email and my reply below.
Hi Jan,
Hope you’re well.
Our youthful office were very keen to get you to talk however a few of our staff looked at your Twitter and Instagram and some were offended by your views on Brexit and felt it might turn into a bun fight if were not careful.
Hope you’re well.
Our youthful office were very keen to get you to talk however a few of our staff looked at your Twitter and Instagram and some were offended by your views on Brexit and felt it might turn into a bun fight if were not careful.
Apologies for this and perhaps we organise something at another forum event since I’m very keen on sketching, storytelling and your amazing ability to catch the moment regardless of political views.
Hope this ok and I hope you’re not offended.
Cheers
James
Hope this ok and I hope you’re not offended.
Cheers
James
Hi James
Thank you for your email. I’m very sorry people in your office feel this way.
After all, I wasn’t expecting to discuss my views on Brexit, but rather how I came to create my book. I hoped to also discuss the usefulness of sketching.
Thank you for your email. I’m very sorry people in your office feel this way.
After all, I wasn’t expecting to discuss my views on Brexit, but rather how I came to create my book. I hoped to also discuss the usefulness of sketching.
Please assure your colleagues that I’m not a racist, but a believer in democracy. The two are diametrically opposed. (And I’m perfectly capable of debating Brexit without a bunfight.)
My book defends Enlightenment values such as those of free speech and open debate.
My book defends Enlightenment values such as those of free speech and open debate.
In the past it used to be possible to be friends with people despite your political disagreements. This is a precious human tradition which I fear we risk forgetting in today’s fervid climate.
I’d like to offer to meet your colleagues for coffee, to introduce myself in person and prove to them I’m a rational human being just like them. Please would you suggest it?
Perhaps they might want to discuss cancel culture, and the dangers of staying in one’s own social bubble and avoiding difficult arguments. I fear I do it too much myself.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes
Janet
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes
Janet
