Comments for Melissa Benn

Comment on School wars heat up by John Eyers

John Eyers — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:05:21 +0000

Dear Mr Daube Please let me know when your biography of Harry Ree is published. I am very keen to buy a copy. He was my Headmaster at WGS in 1952. A great man!!

Comment on How do we keep our daughters safe, but not controlled? by homemadekids

homemadekids — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:46:20 +0000

Yes definitely! I’m with you now. Nicola

Comment on How do we keep our daughters safe, but not controlled? by melissabenn

melissabenn — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:30:14 +0000

Yes, perhaps I should have elaborated on that row a bit more. I was applauding the argument of Slutwalks. My friend thought they were daft. I guess my position is; assert the right of women to walk where they want, wearing what they want – but accept that, in the real, imperfect, dangerous – ? – world, our daughters need always to be aware. Put it another way: I want to shift the burden OFF girls and place it where it belongs – on the cultural sanction of harassment and violence against women. Does that make my position a bit clearer?

Comment on How do we keep our daughters safe, but not controlled? by homemadekids

homemadekids — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:45:59 +0000

Your quoted figures about how many women raped and assaulted in the UK is shocking. I applaud your decision to protest against the hideous rape and killing of that unlucky 23yo in Delhi – here in London. But clearly there’s a lot to be done in the UK too. I definitely count myself as a feminist (and mum), but I’m really quite baffled by the row you had with your friend about clothing teenage girls wear. In a city like London that is an absolute melting pot it is obvious that girls/women out late or alone need to be aware that the culture we have to deal with is a long way from the womankind culture we might want. Nicola.

Comment on ‘Any chance of some proposals fit for the 21st century?’ by melissabenn

melissabenn — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:44:05 +0000

Please look at the Local Schools Network website. http://www.localschoolsnetwork.org.uk/ This will give you a good idea of the kind of arguments and campaigns going on – and then you can decide where to direct your activism.

Comment on Is sixteen too young to vote? by melissabenn

melissabenn — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:43:03 +0000

I have real sympathy for your argument. A sense of political parties with distinct programmes and perspectives has vanished. However, there are political movements with clear goals. And always worth giving one’s support to them.

Comment on ‘Any chance of some proposals fit for the 21st century?’ by melissabenn

melissabenn — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:42:02 +0000

Am not quite sure of that argument! Education is still free – but perhaps not publicly run, as it once was.

Comment on School Wars: new edition published… by melissabenn

melissabenn — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:41:18 +0000

Try Amazon or a local independent bookstore. Hope you like it.

Comment on School Wars: new edition published… by Mark

Mark — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 20:15:45 +0000

Hello Melissa, I am interested in purchasing your book. I have been informed that this is a good book to read for those interested in Comprehensive education. Where is the best place to obtain it, please.

Comment on ‘Any chance of some proposals fit for the 21st century?’ by naeth

naeth — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:46:46 +0000

Every leader every education Secretary will have his or her idea on education, it’s been a mess since the 1950′s the only good thing was free education and Blair ended that one.