NIMBY-ism (not in my back yard) is a very prevalent condition. Certainly more so than most would care to admit. There are individuals and groups who are usually singled out with a 'name', who might also be referred to as 'them'. We just do not see or acknowledge them, they challenge us in our attitudes and way of life. We fail to recognise them or their gift.
Reflections might focus on
Reflections might focus on
- the roots to our current attitudes.
- where does the motivation for change in our attitudes come from? (if it is there!)
- practical steps we may take towards change
Refugees and asylum seekers
Those who remain unacknowledged while serving us with the essentials for life.
The Port of Felixstowe is Britain’s biggest and busiest container port, and one of the largest in Europe. The port handles more than 4 million containers and welcomes approximately 3,000 ships each year, from over 700 ports around the world.
Over 90% of the essential goods that sustain our way of life arrive in the UK by sea.
The scale of global trade to sustain our way of life is mind-blowing and humbling when one becomes aware of the human costs. Seafarers may be away from home and family for 6 months to a year. Wages within the shipping industry are kept to an absolute minimum to both keep the industry afloat and the prices we pay low. With safety standards often compromised, none of this is comfortable for us to know, which is probably why we don't bother discovering more than we need to.
Many others in different services and industries also remain unacknowledged by us. You might care to list what these are?
The Port of Felixstowe is Britain’s biggest and busiest container port, and one of the largest in Europe. The port handles more than 4 million containers and welcomes approximately 3,000 ships each year, from over 700 ports around the world.
Over 90% of the essential goods that sustain our way of life arrive in the UK by sea.
The scale of global trade to sustain our way of life is mind-blowing and humbling when one becomes aware of the human costs. Seafarers may be away from home and family for 6 months to a year. Wages within the shipping industry are kept to an absolute minimum to both keep the industry afloat and the prices we pay low. With safety standards often compromised, none of this is comfortable for us to know, which is probably why we don't bother discovering more than we need to.
Many others in different services and industries also remain unacknowledged by us. You might care to list what these are?
The homeless and those living on the streets
This was painted as part of a series "My back yard" - illustrating those in our society who we either keep at a distance or are not conscious of.
While this image highlights the figure of the street-sleeper, it also puts them in a juxtaposition to the image of our consumer society created by the sale window in the shop. We are encouraged to see the hideous creation of upside down values, where cut-price clothing (significantly on headless, de-personalised dummies) attract more attention than the street-sleeper. They are desired and sought after more than the performance of an act of concern for the street-sleeper. The living person lacks identity, as do the model dummies.
Those with learning disabilities -
Who are 'not in your backyard'? Hold before God - these people in their life and situation - your feelings and attitude towards them - how might your door be opened to them? Ask for grace where you struggle.
You might care to create your own works of art to make these unacknowledged people visible - and as a focus for prayer.
You might care to create your own works of art to make these unacknowledged people visible - and as a focus for prayer.