The Jewish News

Maybe because of my exposure to things Jewish before coming to live in London (in 2004) was practically non-existent, I can’t help having a heightened sensibility to notice Jewish things around.
It’s the good thing about having an outsider’s view; it makes you be more receptive, more aware. Although, in saying that, it makes me think also of how many other things I might be taking for granted, for I’m probably as much an outsider as an insider here.

Anyway, here you are a testimony of ethnic identity, Jewish in this case, still playing a defining role for many people. Also, by the way, a visual record of advertising performing phagocytosis on a black cab.

Apart than that, want to hear the latest (and hyperlinked) Jewish news of this blogger’s life? Probably not, but I’m telling you nonetheless:

• A colleague has recently moved to Stamford Hill to find he was among the largest Hasidic community in Europe.
• The same colleague told me of his surprise at having spotted an overtly camp “black hat” (colloquial term for orthodox Jewish geezers) walking around Soho. Or was he maybe a bearded hipster?
• A non-Jewish acquaintance has just married a Jewish man.
• I’m becoming a big fan of bagels; maybe it all started with the hot salt-beef bagels of Brick Lane.
• I’m also a big fan of Larry David, from whom I've learned more about Jewish things.
• But if you heard the story about the hole in the sheet through which to have sex (and you may have if you are a fan of Larry David too), know it’s a myth, sorry.

Shalom now.


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JN Media Group: The Jewish News
Wood Green, N22
London

HIV is a virus. It has no race, gender or sexuality

It’s rare to find instances of not-for-profit advertising, but this is one. Cases like this make up for a more legitimate use of the public space than the general abuse imposed by advertising; here a public service is the main aim.

Quite eye-catching, yet a bit obscure, this poster made in a style reminiscent of the propaganda posters of the early 20th century raises awareness about the discrimination suffered by people infected with HIV, black gay men in particular, so it seems.

Apart from this HIV specific topic, the address of the issue of cultural identity based in sexuality, gender, race, etc, presents itself as a remarkable artefact of our space/time; those are the parameters we use to define ourselves today (and also the ones we challenge).

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Big Up & GMFA: HIV is a virus. It has no race, gender or sexuality
Leicester Square Station (LU)
London

I've never voted Tory before

The borough of Lambeth, where the ad here featured is placed, is one of the areas in London with a largest proportion of black population. Using data from the 2001 London census (latest available), a breakdown of the largest minority ethnic groups serves to illustrate the fact:

• London average: Indian (6.1%); Black African (5.3%); Black Caribbean (4.8%)
• Lambeth: Black Caribbean (12.1%); Black African (11.6%); Other Black (2.1%)

Thus, I can't help but thinking, the placing of this propaganda billboard seems to adequately fit its location and get closer to its target audience. Now, whether this is something intentional (I suspect yes) or not, I honestly don't know.

Hopefully, one day we'll live in a completely post-racial society where it will make no sense to be making such observations, but I'm not so naive to think we're there yet. So for the time being, observation observed.

Ah, if you're curious, and the video is still around, you can check the whole story of Danielle, the girl in the ad, quite of a role model the campaigners found: working for charity, going to church on Sundays (if she doesn't have to work) and believing in the freedom that David Cameron has promised to give her back. Quite telling:



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The Conservatives: I've never voted Tory before
Kennington Road, SE11
London