Thought For The Day – Monday 27th November 2023
“That Is Not OK”
The final performance of “Oliver!” was outstanding and stunning.
“Oliver!” showed “The Black and Gold Spirit” at its finest, with so many excellent students from all year groups leading and supporting one another, expertly guided and nurtured by superb staff, supported by such a rightly appreciative audience.
Mr. Reeve articulated everyone’s massive admiration for the incredible cast, company, crew, staff and parents perfectly on Friday evening.
“Oliver!” was such a brilliant, deep, fabulous, inspirational, joyful, positive and wonderful production that will be a forever memory and moment.
One scene, or set of scenes, was very important, moving and upsetting. These scenes involved Nancy and the criminal Bill Sikes. Nancy stands up for Oliver. Nancy suffers horrific domestic abuse and violence.
Saturday 25th November was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
Awareness was raised around the world, including in the U.K., at sporting fixtures, for example.
An important focus of the day was on promoting male allyship, both in person and on-line.
All men can work to solve the problem and be part of the solution in saying “That is not ok” when hearing or seeing gender prejudice and discrimination, sexism and misogyny; in never being sexist and misogynistic; and never engaging with, and promoting, sexism and misogyny, either in person or on-line.
Over the course of history, and still now, women and girls have suffered, and still suffer, abuse beyond words to truly describe. That is not ok. That is completely wrong and unacceptable.
Challenging gender stereotypes; calling out wrong; standing up for gender equality and equity; promoting healthy relationships; being compassionate, respectful, sensitive and understanding; and talking about feelings; are absolutely vital.
