England & Scotland in Protest 1975–78
Phil Portus
(Cafe Royal Books)
Another fascinating photo book by the ever brilliant Cafe Royal Books, this time showcasing Phil Portus's powerful (and occasionally amusing) images of a multitude of protests captured over a crucial three year period from 1975. Those were turbulent times in the UK. The first Cold War was at its height, so the prospect of annihilation by Atoms or Neutrons was very real for everyone. Racist attacks were everywhere, unemployment was crippling, male violence against women was a daily experience for many. That spawned protest movements large and small. Some, like the anti-nuclear and anti-nazi rallies drew huge crowds in Trafalgar Square and clogged up Whitehall. Others pictured here are more rag tag; a small column marching along a high street, or a handful of pickets protesting outside a factory or newspaper plant.
That tradition hasn't ceased of course, and in many ways we seem to be back where we were then, with a resurgent Right Wing on the rise globally, racism and class hate infesting politics and society, Women's, Gay, and Trans rights under attack in the media and from populism, environmental destruction rampant everywhere, and a new Cold War firmly in place East and West. It is precisely because of that, these images are so relevant. They remind us that we have a right, nay DUTY, to protest and challenge ignorance, intolerance and extremism whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head. That all the effort that went into these marches and rallies has altered so little may feel like failure, but even the smallest change resulting from the pressure these events bring is a victory, as without them we surrender to the bullies. Flipping though this book is a timely reminder, as I write this review on the day of Trump's inauguration.
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