By Anjum Peerbacos, London schoolteacher
The reality is, that despite the soap-opera East Enders being entirely fictional, it has recently consisted of themes which have been incredibly real and raw. The cast and the writers have unravelled and unfolded on our screens up and down the country, some of those issues which have been side-lined in mainstream politics, largely courtesy of Brexit.
The themes in the soap have ranged from poverty, destitution, knife-crime and homelessness. These are the ailments of our society today – despite the UK being the sixth richest country in the world. And even more recently the story line of the gang-related stabbings and the grooming which has become increasingly prevalent in inner cities.
I think that Theresa May, as the then Home Secretary, and now as Prime Minister, would greatly benefit from watching such a soap opera, as it might provide her with an insight into life in the UK for a large proportion of people. The harsh reality for many is highlighted within a fictional drama aired on our screens several times a week. It would help her and her cabinet members to be aware of the daily challenges that are faced by many families: like having to wait three weeks to make an appointment with your GP, or not being able to afford rent, or even food, or the absence of youth centres – take your pick.
I think that the benefits of watching would possibly dispel the notions of the Downton Abbey-esque view of the UK that may be harboured somewhere in the back of her mind. Or the idea that we are all dancing our way out of our current issues and problems. A weeks’ worth of EastEnders might bring her back to reality and up-to-date and so hopefully catapult her into the 21st century world in which we now live; with all the social and domestic issues that need to be dealt with. Yes, Brexit negotiations are important- but to see a 50 per cent increase in homelessness in London in the last 5 years is not just appalling and shocking, but truly unacceptable for such a wealthy country.
An episode of East Enders would provide a realistic and hard-hitting glimpse into the reality of so many. In a country where the use of foodbanks has long since exceeded 1 million users. These people are often working people who are struggling to put food on their tables for their children and families. They are not solely the people on benefits as the right-wing tabloids would have us believe. In this country in the world we are not concerned with running through fields of wheat, we want to provide three square meals for our children. People are struggling with this basic requirement, and even more so during the school holidays.
Maybe we are not concerned about the aftermath of World War One in twenty first century UK, but more so about the legacy and the lessons learned from the Grenfell Tower disaster. Maybe we should be more concerned about the distinct possibility that we could have a ‘No-deal’ disaster post Brexit? Perhaps May could resist demonstrating her dancing prowess as we have seen in her recent visit to Africa. Perhaps she could focus on the pressing issues which face the UK at home.
One character in East Enders was seen rummaging in bins at one point as she struggled with the ongoing issues with the benefit system, which had ultimately failed her. The humiliation she felt of not being able to afford food was a tragic storyline but a reality for many, today in the UK. She was mortified and did not even feel comfortable telling her immediate family of her situation. Kudos to the writers that were able to take this very real issue and reflect it on our screens.
Another character struggles to make ends meet with her five children, some with learning disabilities, in cramped quarters and often goes without so that her children can have the basics. And the most recent hard-hitting continued story line is one of a stabbing that shook the residents of Albert Square. The death of a teenager, the stabbing, the impact on the mothers, the families and the community was very, very real. The excerpts of real victims’ families within the drama was exceptionally hard-hitting. The feeble attempt of the grieving mother to start a Youth Club for the young adults on The Square was actually a real criticism of the closure of the youth centres nationally. It was a cry from the communities, where young people lack purpose and a place to be young.
The tragic reality is that where politicians have failed, script writers and creators of dramas and the Arts have stepped in, to reflect the society, with all the cruel and sometimes devastating circumstances in which we live. So I ask May to watch a week’s worth of EastEnders, and ask her: surely you should feel compelled to do something to alleviate some of the issues we face as a society today? So perhaps less Strictly and more Reality?
September 3, 2018
