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EqualiTEA
EqualiTEA Society continued to meet regularly, albeit
remotely, throughout the summer term.Their first discussion
concerned ethnicity and Covid-19 deaths.A disproportionate
number of people from the BAME (Black,Asian and Minority
Ethnic) community are dying from the virus; and they
discussed why this might be.
Another topic discussed was “What makes something
cultural appropriation?”Where do we draw the line
between appreciating someone’s culture and appropriating
it? In our modern society, it is increasingly significant to
understand what cultural appropriation is, how to avoid
it and how celebrity ‘role models’ are influencing us. They
even considered things close to home, such as “is everyone
wearing Bindis for Taal cultural appropriation?“
Black Lives Matter was also the subject for discussion and
EqualiTEA Society finalised plans for Black History Month.
Hannah Zia Chair of EqualiTEA Society said plans include,
“speakers, competitions and all manner of ways to encourage
and instil messages and crucially educate about the ongoing
vice of institutionalised racism in the US and at home. Staff and
pupils have offered their hand at getting involved through their
respective strengths and subjects.This year’s Black History Month
is vital, not least because of the current protests against police
brutality in America, but because it seems we still haven’t got it
right.This being said, this month will be that of both remembrance
and celebration. It is easy to focus on the disheartening and on
injustice but we hope, through our events, to not lose sight of the
power of conscious and universal understanding and togetherness.
We want this Black History Month to appeal to all and so have
tailored specific events for the Prep School and
beyond.Wehope
that all will take this opportunity as a timely reminder of what
is being and can be achieved with firstly, a recognition of human
decency and rights and secondly, positive and focused action.”
International
Women’s Week
Once again Bancroft’s marked InternationalWomen’s Day
(March 8) with a week of activities. One of the highlights
of the week was a talk by OB, Journalist and Broadcaster
Anita Anand about her book
Sophia: Princess, Suffragette,
Revolutionary.
Hannah Zia (L6W), Chair of EqualiTEA Society,
(L6W) writes about the talk:
“At a few minutes past 6 on Thursday 5 March, parents, teachers,
members of the general public and pupils gathered in the Great
Hall to listen to the highly anticipated talk given by celebrated
broadcaster, author and, not to mention, OB Anita Anand. Her talk
was on the subject of her book, the research for which took Anita
five years.
In a brilliantly engaging and witty hour, Anita captured the vivacity
and drive of one Indian princess, Queen Victoria’s goddaughter. She
was born into aristocratic roots and subsequently ‘fell from grace’,
as it was perceived by many, into becoming a fully-fledged member
of the suffragette movement. Anita invited us all to consider
the implications of a piece of history that is not only far more
recent than we think but also exceptionally relevant to all of us,
as members of British society. Somehow, through a little humour,
Anita managed to lighten a story rooted in, firstly, colonialism and,
secondly, the void of women’s rights ultimately delivering a timely
message that was fascinating, enlightening and powerful.”
The week also saw a mixed football match, a performance of a
short suffragette drama from 1912
Miss Appleyard’s Awakening
;
a thought provoking assembly by members of the EqualiTEA
Society, a lunchtime careers fair and a return visit by OB
Rioghnach Sachs, who spoke to members of the Classics Society
about Sappho and her poetry.