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Frances Roberts assesses why Amazon's 'The Red Pill' is propaganda for Men's Rights Activism and why making feminism the enemy is not the answer. During lockdown, my screen watching took me into the depths of the Amazon Prime rabbit hole where I came across ‘The Red Pill’, a documentary about the men’s rights movement released in 2016. The name comes from an analogy in the film ‘The Matrix’ where the central character is given a choice between a blue pill, where he can forever exist in the bliss of ignorance, or the red pill, hurtling him down a rabbit hole of his own where uncomfortable and shocking truths will be revealed. The MRA and founder of ‘A voice for men’, Paul Elam, claims that feminism is the blue pill, the woke status quo that we’ve been brainwashed to believe. An Amazon review perfectly articulates the film's fundamental flaws, arguing the documentary “plummets down a rabbit hole of bad information and fantastic stories”. The Red Pill seems to blur lines between fact and fiction to such an extent that it’s more accurate to describe it as a piece of propaganda than a documentary. The film maker Cassie Jaye has made documentaries focused on women’s rights for over a decade and starts the film by looking back at her route into feminism, as a young actor being cast in stereotypical roles. However, her feminist credentials are put into question as we watch her frustratingly vague video diaries and interviews where she passively listens to the MRA, nodding and smiling on numerous occasions. She later explained in her Ted Talk that the “number one rule of a documentary filmmaker is to not interrupt” but the job of an interviewer is also to ask the hard-hitting questions, rather than just ones that provide an ample opportunity to further their agenda. Paul Elam, for example, is a highly controversial figure writing articles like “When is it ok to punch your wife” and “I’ll decide if you were raped”. She did not live up to the immense responsibility of a divisive documentary maker; if it had been made by a different feminist, it would have been an entirely different film. Many of the themes seemed to treat men as a homogenous group, ignoring disparities. For example, in education where only a third of white working-class boys pass their maths and English GCSE and 9% will go to university, compared with around half of the general population. Or in the workplace where it was recently revealed that men working in the lowest skilled occupations had the highest rate of COVID-19 death, with security guards, taxi drivers and bus and coach drivers having a raised rate of death; these jobs are disproportionately held by BAME men with low socio-economic status. Until the men’s rights movement acknowledges its naivety, it will continue to swallow the blue pill and will never be taken seriously. There is method in their madness but it lacks the nuance to implement change. The disposability of male lives, was a central argument to the film portrayed in the further example of soldiers who are sent into battle and almost certain death which again, ignores class structures. Young working-class men were sent off to war by powerful generals and politicians (which continues to be the case in modern warfare), removed from any danger but often accountable for fatal mistakes. They were the ones making men’s lives disposable, they are the ones responsible for the millions of lives lost. Women also had to bear the brunt of the war effort without any concrete recognition, doing dangerous work in factories and being victimised by society for being raped by soldiers. Dr Warren Ferrell, author of “The Myth of Male Power”, describes a historical tale of woe where men have to die to receive recognition in history books and statues. Firstly, that’s fundamentally incorrect as there continues to be a huge gender gap in awards with women winning 27% of science prizes and receiving just 14% of nominations in the Oscars. Statues have been dominated by male figures not because we view male lives as disposable but because we celebrate them to the highest degree. They are a physical symbol of honour and respect, qualities that women are still fighting for. As a history student, his attempt to rewrite history (a practice enacted by many right-wing governments across the world) to portray men as the real victims of patriarchal forces was shocking. The Domestic Violence argument that the issue affects men almost as much as it affects women was a shocking revelation, but once my research directed me further down the rabbit hole, I discovered that the statistics don’t tell the full story. 1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime but 1 in 4 men will too. The MRA’S in the documentary were very vocal about the injustice in the lack of men’s domestic violence shelters; in the UK 20 out of 3,600 beds are reserved for men (0.8%). There’s no question that their argument has value but where Men’s Rights activists fall short is in their constant complaints but lack of action. The first women’s shelters were only established 50 years ago and it’s only much more recently that they’ve begun to receive significant government funding. Almost half of women killed in the UK are murdered by a current or former partner and during the first two months of lockdown this saw a 27% increase on the year before. Unfortunately, it is difficult to draw comparisons with men, as the equivalent statistic doesn’t exist. It’s a feminist issue that there aren’t more options for male contraception and as women we need to be able to put trust men to use them. It’s a feminist issue that family courts have become bias towards women, reinforcing the domestic stereotype of the caring motherly role. It’s a feminist issue that women’s lives are portrayed as more vulnerable and death’s more shocking than men, implying we are weaker. So making feminism the enemy is not the solution. While the film is documenting the views of MRA’s, it’s also portraying a personal journey for Jaye at the end of which she renounces her feminism. This is where my fundamental issues with the documentary lie: It’s treatment of experience and opinions as fact. It’s propaganda. Perhaps most interesting of all is the political hindsight which viewers now possess. 63 days after the film was released, arguably America’s most misogynist president, Donald J Trump was elected into the White House. An exceedingly wealthy man with no previous political experience, now holds one of the most powerful positions in the Western world. He claims he has “tremendous respect for women” but has been accused of rape and is famous for joking that “grab[bing] them by the pussy” is “locker room banter”. In the last four years of his office he has banned international organisations providing abortion access to federal money and attempted to block legislation ensuring equal pay. The Red Pill’s timing couldn’t have been more misjudged.

Tomos Morgan provides his song recommendations for some much needed escapism. With six months living in almost complete isolation, there must have been a point where you thought to yourself, how can I upgrade my music playlists. Well I’m here for you, and have crafted an entire playlist just for you to close your eyes and imagine you managed to escape lockdown Britain and flee to Daddy’s summer house in Biarritz. In this section I’ll take you through some of the top picks and why I’ve have chosen them to feature on this playlist. So with the depressingly British weather settling in, and especially for those of you who are stuck in isolation once again; subscribe to our playlist, sit back and relax. PLAYLIST: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vdyIrlFtSqdIGfpYembxe?si=nBS6w91SQ6eHWRM33EmUNA SOFTLY --- Clairo This young lil’ girl from Atlanta, Georgia, I hope goes on to find the fame she deserves. Ultimately I would have been happy putting any one of her singles from her recent album Debut Immunity and still be raving about it in the discussion section. This mistress of Lo-Fi pop has collabed with massive artists like Rejjie Snow and shows no signs of stopping her massive fandom growth since her break out single Pretty Girl. If you’re looking for a new reading album or late night study playlist - your girl Clairo is here for you. ting jeg lurer pa (things I wonder about) --- KA2 A very wacky Norwegian artist, who if you heard some of their other hits, you might genuinely believe you are stuck in a questionable area of Berlin’s clubbing district. Back after not much of a break with their new album of soft chill beats, but still with their original wacky artwork, their upbeat anthems will trick your senses that you could actually be at Reading festival right now. Good guys -- LANY I have been entranced by this band since their original sell out Bad, Bad, Bad. Just thinking about every one of these guys' successive albums gets me excited about their future music, as they are on their way to succeed with their soulful synth. With this new tune being born in LA, California, even in lockdown this band can pull together some of the best afterparty tunes. Lockdown -- Anderson.Paak, JID, Noname Responding constantly to the criticism of their fans, Anderson.Paak is another soul master featured on this playlist, but also an amazing rapper at that too. Perhaps I only like this remix as it has been the only accurate song to accurately capture the vibes of living through a global pandemic, but the featured artists here steal the spotlight. I have forever been a fan of NoName since her original debut album; she's another one to watch. Fitness - Freddie I honestly can’t tell you much about this artist, but he gets featured because he raps about being a power bottom in such a life-changing way. If you’re about supporting an upcoming black and gay artist, he is the only one worth recommending. Bodies -- The Knocks, MUNA This more upbeat song is by The Knocks. I can't tell you why but listening to this new hit has a sense of nostalgia that takes me back to the first welcome week I had as a fresher. The electronic Duo (The Knocks) and pop Trio (MUNA) have managed to capture life back when it was easy, the sort of song you picture yourself racing through the town, roof down, speakers up and throwing your hands any which way having one of the best nights of your life. Real Love x Sunchyme -- Clean Bandit, Dario G, Jess Glynne A punch of summers missed, and probably only making it to the listen because she is a fellow ginger. Jess Glynne can never do us wrong, and this remix is no exception. Watching us having to recycle old hits can be depressing with a lag of production in the current situation, but this innovative take on the classic makes getting out of bed every morning in a pandemic a little bit easier. Life’s A Mess -- Juice WRLD, Halsey I think the most common mindset is to keep calm and keep going as hard as possible, but this song is a gentle reminder it’s okay to take a break sometimes. I think people can become long sighted and put too much pressure to be productive on their vacation, but it's just as important to take time out for yourself. If We Never Met - John K, Sigala It's old, it's basic, it’s pop at its finest. There's a lot of time for self-reflection on you and your character at the moment, and we shouldn’t forget all the friends and progress we have made getting into such an amazing university. This song is about meeting the one; I’d probably argue there's multiple people out there perfect for you but that’s not my point here. You meet amazing people everyday and if you look at them as teachers along your way, we wouldn’t take any experiences we gain for granted. Rager Teenager -- Troye Sivan I tried, really I did, not to put Troye Sivan on this playlist but I am gay and we didn’t have much of a summer to celebrate pride - did we? His music ages like an Aussie Shiraz, the music growing from a youtuber busting out some songs in a studio to an actual artist on the scene. His new nostalgic hit belongs in a fine shelf of its own unique style, but the subtle beats of what was generic pop now feels more meaningful than just that.

A playlist for inspiring creativity by Frances Roberts. A mix of smooth but energising tunes to lift you up but ground you down. Perfect for those cloudy August days where the sun is trying its hardest to break through our windows and you're in need of a creative boost. PLAYLIST: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1vLKNmj0g1rxMtnz1l00tl?si=1b7NQMLdRkybg1UqgFVq9g FEATURING: 54 songs, 3 hr 39 min

Kirsty Vass Payne examines the influence that news we read has on our everyday outlooks and the importance of diversifying its content. In recent months we have seen the Black Lives Matter movement be propelled front and centre. Many other social justice movements have also reappeared and gained prominence all over social media and in the news. There’s a lot to be said and frankly a lot to be learnt. A key step in this process of learning is diversifying the news you are reading in order to broaden your knowledge of issues facing people across the world, and the different opinions surrounding these. This can seem overwhelming, but it’s actually been found that those who diversify their news feed end up feeling less anxious about the world we live in. What’s to lose? Firstly, it’s vital to consider where you currently get your information about what is happening in the world from. Each source of information comes with its own issues, biases and dilemmas and offers a wildly different perspective on current affairs. Therefore, taking in a wide variety of new sources and opinions from around the world is essential to be a well-informed person and protects you from falling victim to carefully picked facts and one sided arguments. Think about considering some of the following: Where does your information come from: do you get it from social media, newspapers, the TV, politicians or a combination of places? Who are the actors behind these sources: who owns the news company, what are the prevailing issues in the party that your politicians are part of, what are your friends’ political views, how free is the press coverage that you’re reading?. Are the voices you're reading diverse: do they come from different backgrounds, races, countries, political stances? Most importantly, how does all of the above influence what you read? Are you simply engaging with only British sources or voices from one end of the political spectrum? With this in mind, remember the power of social media. For many (44% of adults in the UK) social media is a main source of news. However, with strong algorithms and easily shareable and addictive posts, it comes with its pitfalls. Often, social media will show you what you want to see, so if you love left wing news, the Telegraph is unlikely to pop up (especially since you probably didn’t like it) and vice versa. The notion of fake news is often talked about, yet most believe they are not victims of it. Yet, just the other week, many people I know shared posts incorrect posts about putting Palestine back on the map. We are all susceptible. However, with this in mind social media is a great tool for learning more about news otherwise neglected. It is often a source of information and gathering for new and upcoming revolutionary, protest or social justice movements that are struggling to get mainstream media attention. These sorts of accounts are worth following. Social media is a vital component of our news intake nowadays but it is fundamental that you seek out factually correct, trustworthy sources and double check these by verifying through a quick research before you believe everything you read. In addition, social media perpetuates the modern age issues of trending topics. Everyone had thoughts and feelings on BLM in June, but by late July social media was lacking the same vigor. In order to continue your engagement with really worthwhile causes, look at following activists and organisations associated with these movements on your accounts. This will keep you up to date with the current issues facing the causes you care about and more importantly stop them falling off your radar completely once people stop sharing posts. We all fall into habits and like to listen to voices that we sympathise with. It’s hard to choose to read articles and opinions you don’t agree with and challenge your perspective or even find new sources to trust. Yet, it’s worth it if it causes you to actively listen and learn more about the wide variety of struggles in the world and how everyone (not just the people with matching opinions) feel about them. So, challenge yourself to seek out some different opinions on Facebook; follow an opposing newspaper; engage with foreign sources of news; listen to podcasts that host debates from both sides of the political spectrum or try to find and listen to diverse voices within causes you already follow. Simply put, actively seek out new and varied sources of news however you wish. By taking simple actions such as those mentioned above, you will broaden your awareness thereby making yourself a better force for change in the world.

A poem by Lourenço Anunciação alongside one of his favourite pictures of Lisbon. gently he raises his head and breathes in the seemingly endless sea the clouds’ whispers had woken the old fisherman from his nap but this was normal for Tuesday, for everyday he is in a hazy trance only wakening to feed his mind the ever-blue tableau around his boat chatting to himself he stops to consider; consider what you might ask? first he asks the tuna if God will turn the lamp on come morning or if the sun will ever rise again. he discusses morality and mortality with the mussels ethics, among other things, in the eels’ thoughts for the evening and between their silky patrol of the waters, one shark asks the other what makes one life better than another? later he turns to the dolphins and opens his lips before the wind words scatter like swallows disappearing into the shadows of the sky a stream-of-consciousness for the salmons to savour the old man and the sea, so soft is his soliloquy ‘what if the sky and the stars are for show, and we are all puppets programmed to go?’ he then stops and stares into the eyes of the ocean and wonders ‘what is this daily dance I do? sometimes my life feels like a maze or a lonely book …’ but this newly born thought is usurped a fleeting rhyme seeps into his mind ‘purple orange sky giving me a high, only half alive in this life I call mine’ the light was brightening again, his doubts of the sun’s loyalties in vain for returned she has this softly spoken flame arching his back the man sits on the ship’s floor he realised he had forgotten to fish again his mind takes one last walk with the clouds ‘i was going to write a poem but how would anyone know?’ we are all playing a guessing game with no end waiting silently for life to next move us and our moods there is no rhyme or reason to life and love; we are what we are, we are all fishermen

A poem by Frances Roberts inspired by place cards at the BLM protest in Bristol. You cannot enjoy the rhythm but ignore the blues You cannot appreciate black culture but not black lives I see you, I hear you, I stand with you, Well 2m apart At an appropriate social distance But Stand for something or fall for anything Boris Johnson Doesn’t care about Black people a racist cunt And trump has a tiny knob Wash your hands of racist bigotry you detty pigs Rashan Charles Mark Duggan Classen Lewis How many more more innocent black men will die at the hands of police? How many names are there that weren’t filmed Disappearing into the depths of a forgotten past Never to be uttered Silence is violence Emptiness speaks Protesters in PPE Exhale heavy under a cotton cover It’s harder to breathe I can’t breathe WE CAN’T BREATHE Racism is a pandemic BAME communities disproportionately dying from this virus, systemic If you’re not angry, you’re not listening You’re probably white Some have the authority to kill a minority! And you chose to echo the status quo The view of a blind majority Colour is not a crime I see no changes, all I see is racist faces

Kirsty Thomson provides an exploration into the support shown by government towards creative industries across Edinburgh in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Having been under lock-down since the 23rd of March, many have faced difficulties subsequent to losing work and becoming unemployed. It is a problem faced by all sectors of society and impacts all industries, perhaps most significantly those who work in the entertainment/culture/creative sector. The COVID-19 Pandemic has proven an incredibly challenging time for not only performers and artists, but also for creative practitioners and organisations who have been both personally and professionally implicated by the disease and its lasting preventative measures. Furthermore, as well as being endangered in the immediate sense, the future of the arts industry amidst the possibility of emerging from the crisis is uncertain at best. In the last few months Westminster has set aside £1.57bn to be spent across the United Kingdom to offer protection to creative spaces such as theatres, museums and galleries. While this money will help to weather some of the impact of COVID-19, is money alone truly going to be enough to help support creative industries? If not, what better support systems could be put into place? At present, the aid given to the arts and culture sector is primarily financial. Alongside the £1.57bn investment set to benefit all aspects of the culture and events industry, the Scottish government have also set up a series of support systems targeted for Scottish creatives. There have been funding opportunities opened up, as well as a scheme similar to the Job Retention programme established for those who are self-employed. Further, Creative Scotland have collated together a list of resources and opportunities for monetary compensation. These funds, however, and government investment raises many questions; professionals are seeking more clarity as to who exactly can benefit from the programme and how money will be spread across the different disciplines within the creative industry. The government grant in particular highlights that museums, heritage sites and music venues all can benefit from the scheme. However, independent music festivals, which have lost the entire summer season, are not included in the fine-print and thenceforth, will struggle to return to normality. The situation worsens further for individuals. When reading the information behind the various funding opportunities and grants being offered, a great deal of emphasis is placed upon the rebuilding of infrastructure and buildings. This suggests that perhaps the money committed isn’t created as a means of support for creators and performers. Whilst ensuring the survival of infrastructure is imperative in keeping performers and creatives in work, there are some disciplines where it is not entirely appropriate and money would be better spent by offering support to creators themselves. Despite the industry being synonymous with big names, agencies and networks, it also is highly dependent on freelance workers and small independently owned businesses. So long as the support is aimed at corporations and infrastructure, their future is incredibly uncertain. Support for artists as well as their core team (managers, crew members, agents etc.) is necessary for the live performance sector to exist. Clarity for these individuals is vital. 'So long as the support is aimed at corporations and infrastructure, their future is incredibly uncertain.' The conversation about support for creators lies right on our doorstep; Edinburgh following the cancellation of the Fringe Festival is currently facing an estimated £300m to £1bn loss. The festival itself is not only an opportunity for creators from all over the world to come to Edinburgh to share their craft, but also is considered a fruitful season for local business owners and creatives. There are also concerns about the loss of the social environment; during the Fringe, Edinburgh becomes a hive for fostering meaningful connections with fellow creatives and sharing cultural experiences. As the festival is largely centred around the social context and inherently social connections made, it is not as possible to transfer the experience over to an online space compared to other areas of the arts sector. The financial impact of closing the festivals in Edinburgh and indeed all artistic events and spaces are considerable, but the social impact is just as profound. Whilst money can help fix some problems, no amount can match the loss of a space that builds social solidarity through the sharing and appreciation of cultural and artistic experience. As well as monetary compensation, what the industry needs is support from the community at a localised level. In supporting local artists, you support the local art community and this continues to higher levels, helping the arts community at large. Often it feels as though the only way in which you can support local artists is to purchase their work, but in reality there is lots more that can be done and it is neither complicated nor expensive. At the moment more than ever, creatives have moved into the online sphere. Whilst the experience is not the same, attending virtual events and following along with and sharing updates on social media is a very easy way of supporting local artists. The creative sector relies upon passion and enthusiasm: both are things which can translate into the virtual world. 'The creative sector relies upon passion and enthusiasm: both are things which can translate into the virtual world.' Lots of artists at the moment are enjoying the opportunity to master their craft and this is something you can support by investing in their work. With increased time on their hands, several local artists in Edinburgh are offering commission pieces, so by supporting them you are able to receive a custom personal piece. When it comes to support, no amount of time you put in is going to be too much - you have everything to gain and nothing to lose from supporting local creatives. The pandemic has illustrated to us the importance of art and culture; it brings people together and allows for us as individuals to better understand and appreciate those around us. It is imperative that it returns back to normality as now more than ever we have discovered just how reliant we are upon it.

Elena Silverstein examines whether eating local meat or less meat is better for the planet and how we can reduce our impact on the climate. Introduction The meat and dairy industries are in the headlines again with Covid19 outbreaks in meatpacking plants and pandemics caused by animal agriculture and wet-farms worldwide. Yet, ‘Big Livestock’ is being bailed out by the UK government. Buying local foods, whatever they mean in practice, is often seen as a better option for the sustainably conscious and welfare aware but is it the future of ‘good’ food? There are many variations amongst large and small-scale farms around the UK. Scientists generally agree that large ‘intensive’ farms are devastating for the environment and animal welfare. Approximately 90% of British meat is currently produced by large UK intensive farms and the number of small farms is declining. Supporting local businesses is vital, especially during the pandemic, but local animal agriculture is not the dream as advertised. There is a misconception about local small-scale farms being environmentally sustainable if they scale up to meet UK demand. However sustainable a small farm might claim to be, it is irrelevant because they will never be able to keep up with demand without employing appalling intensive farm practices. We must consider the overwhelming number of small farms needed to replace intensive farms in the UK when figuring out their impact on the planet. Environmental Impact Animals live longer on small farms because they aren’t fed industrialised feeds or artificially selected to grow abnormally large very quickly. Therefore, they usually require a larger input of resources like food and water but also more land to roam. Intensive farms produce larger volumes of waste pollution because of their size and cost efficient but deadly practices. The waste coming out of a small farm is more manageable because of their size but the volume of small farms needed to replace intensive ones defeats the environmental purpose. Transport accounts for just 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions from food production. The greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation of most animal products is a relatively insignificant environmental factor in the life cycle. Importing certain crops can actually be better for the environment than buying local animal products like beef or lamb. We are not reliably informed that grass-fed animals are good for soil because their grazing helps absorb CO2 into the ground. However, an Oxford University study showed that CO2 absorbed by grazing livestock in no way offsets the rest of the emissions from livestock. Carbon offsetting by grazing (‘carbon sequestration’) would not make farms sustainable if we switched to that form of farming. ‘Big Livestock’ say that grassland can’t be used for anything but livestock. It isn’t just the grassland that livestock need, 59% of UK croplands are used to grow animal feed that should be used to directly feed humans. Local vs Plant based Plant-based diets require less land which allows land currently used for livestock to be rewilded for carbon capture and create habitats. Livestock and lack of biodiversity on farms destroys soil health. By not farming monocultured crops (i.e. corn and soya) for animal feed and using up so much land for livestock, we could improve soil health and grow a variety of crops sustainably for human consumption. Almost 80% of the world’s agricultural land is currently used for livestock. In the UK, it’s estimated that plant-based diets require 1/3 of the fertile land, energy and fresh-water of a typical British ‘meat-and-dairy’ diet. There is not enough land in the UK to supply the population with their current consumption habits without factory farms. The sustainable solution is to reduce or remove meat, dairy and eggs from our plates. Accessibility Global trade allows for essential foods to be distributed to people across the world. This is good for trade and international relations and we shouldn’t necessarily discourage people around the world from buying overseas produce when transport is a relatively small proportion of agricultural pollution. Transportation is an issue but we can cut food related emissions far more effectively by reducing the volume of animal products. Purchasing seasonal foods from local farms can be good but we can’t expect everyone to do it. Small local and express supermarkets are amongst the most convenient places for students to shop. Avoiding animal products is usually more straightforward, affordable and less restrictive than searching for locally sourced meat products. As difficult as it can be to find local products, ‘local’ labels can frequently be misleading but an attractive marketing tool for ‘greenwashing’. We don’t always know where livestock feed has come from; your neighbour’s cow might be fed imported grain. Buying from small farms also costs more for the consumer which is elitist when asking everyone to stop buying meat from factory farms. The affordable and sustainable option is to reduce or remove animal products from your diet. Supporting Farmers The average UK farm makes more money from subsidies than they do from agriculture, but the subsidies could instead be invested in supporting farmers' transition from livestock farming to other careers like crop farming or assisting with rewilding and generating bioenergy from crop by-products. Is it Necessary? Some say livestock live ‘happy’ lives on local farms which excuses us from breeding them and prematurely taking their lives ‘humanely’ for us to eat. ‘Humanely’ and ‘happy’ are just about vague enough to prevent us asking if it’s necessary to kill over 6.4 billion animals in the UK every year. What is a humane method to kill a sentient being if their death is not needed for our survival? Red and processed meats cause damage to our health. Plant-based diets are healthy and have been around for a long time. The rising number of delicious choices in supermarkets makes it a comfortable, affordable and positive switch. Your Impact You have the power to choose plant-based meals! Campaign for Meat Free Mondays at our university. There are new companies in the process of reinventing meat and they’re confident that in time we won’t be able to tell the difference between a beef steak and a plant steak. All over the world, companies and student start-ups are developing clean meat from cells without harming anyone or the planet. In the meantime, let’s eat some plants. Further Reading Videos and documentaries Netflix Documentaries: Cowspiracy, Explained (Season 2, Episode 3 ‘The Future of Meat’), What the Health, Knives Over Forks 73 Cows documentary about ex-cattle farmer - https://vimeo.com/293352305 Vox ‘Why beef is the worst food for the climate’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lrJYTsKdUM Alex O’Connor on animal rights - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcVR2OVxPYw The Future of Meat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn-GG1zDu1E Collection of short clips: Earthling Ed responding to different arguments - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL03LZR09P2gQJyBgHk_XE8gbj8j9uFs8GThe Need to Grow (regenerative agriculture documentary) - https://grow.foodrevolution.org/?fbclid=IwAR1B_ET3FtBgoD6kk6lIUOvqFvfKisAXoWSGLkO7phzwR1rYQXg2ATWOwyo Reading Our World in Data, Meat and Dairy Production - https://ourworldindata.org/meat-production Our World in Data, local food - https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local Our World in Data, agriculture - https://ourworldindata.org/environmental-impacts-of-food Local food isn’t always an option - https://www.aalto.fi/en/news/relying-on-local-food-is-a-distant-dream-for-most-of-the-world Vox, local food - https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/2/20/21144017/local-food-carbon-footprint-climate-environment Zero waste Scotland, carbon footprint of food - https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/press-release/consider-carbon-footprint-food-climate-week-2 Vegan cheat sheet: Nearly everything about veganism on one spreadsheet - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19Cm5yHp16zSTSFrQ3B_3_vIK0b5QlJ8jpyPVrPrCKS0/htmlview?fbclid=IwAR3-D7T8ARArB73w3BveLIB8KymluPRUMaEUOOUrfFUillMzDwTEX8mKaG8# Huge Reduction In Meat-Eating ‘Essential’ To Avoid Climate Breakdown - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/10/huge-reduction-in-meat-eating-essential-to-avoid-climate-breakdown Food Production Is Responsible For One-Quarter Of The World’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions -  https://ourworldindata.org/food-ghg-emissions The consequences if the world decided to go meat-free - https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170612-the-consequences-if-the-world-decided-to-go-meat-free The best way to save the planet? Drop meat and dairy - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jun/08/save-planet-meat-dairy-livestock-food-free-range-steak Giving up beef will reduce carbon footprint more than cars, says expert - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jul/21/giving-up-beef-reduce-carbon-footprint-more-than-cars Making Veganism accessible - https://wearyourvoicemag.com/white-vegans-accessibility-poc/ Vox, crops going to animal feed - https://www.vox.com/2014/8/21/6053187/cropland-map-food-fuel-animal-feed 800 (US style) mega farms in UK - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/17/uk-has-nearly-800-livestock-mega-farms-investigation-reveals Health NHS easy guide to a vegan diet - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-vegan-diet/ *I take a B12 vitamin most days. It’s a good idea to take this vitamin whatever your diet is since many people are slightly deficient, including some meat eaters* Protein - https://nutritionfacts.org/video/plant-protein-preferable/ Apps I’m vegan/vegetarian – keeps track of what you save every day Happy Cow – restaurants nearby TooGoodToGo – for food waste Abillionveg – restaurant and food item reviews *** The vegan cheat sheet linked in the reading section contains a huge number of books, studies, speeches, podcasts, videos, recipes (basically everything) on one nice spreadsheet.

Kirsty Vass Payne shares her favourite spots in the capital, featuring plenty of cycles, walks and hidden spots. 1. Ramsay lane An ode to the lane next to (and past) the red and white houses you see off from Princes Street. The lovely old houses before and the walk down from the castle down Ramsay Lane, joining onto the mound, is frankly very pretty. 2. Rosslyn Chapel Bit of a cycle out (6 miles or so from Marchmont) but a lovely one if you follow the bike paths and worth it for the historic and gorgeous (15th century) chapel, castle and glen. Also, it’s in the Da Vinci code; Tom Hanks was there. 3. The Vennel Great views of the castle and unusually quiet even though it comes off Grassmarket (though popular for the Instagrammers). Plus, it’s a scenic shortcut from the art college, worth the trip for the view and a stop at Mary's Milk bar. 4. Crammond island A tidal island that you can access from Crammond beach for the 2hrs before and after low tide. The island is grassy and features WWII fortifications which are fun to look around. The beach is sandy and the views of the Forth are worth the visit alone. 5. Threipmuir reservoir (the Pentlands) Everyone knows the Pentlands are stunning and this reservoir is easily accessible by bus or bike (following the water of Leith to Balerno). The reservoir itself has sandy beaches and is warmer than most swimming spots due to being peaty. 6. The Wild West: Morningside An Edinburgh oddity built for advertising purposes by a south western furniture company, but now dilapidated. It has a western/ghost town atmosphere whilst also being opposite a garage. The space features a jail, cantina, and general store and is bizarre yet fun to visit. 7. The Water of Leith Cycle Network to the Port of Leith 12 miles of beautiful cycle network from Balerno to Leith. Great to run, walk, or cycle along and with lovely views the whole way. It takes you past many lovely places, such as Dean Village, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art and St Bernard’s well. Personally, I recommend following to the end the trip at the Port of Leith. 8. The Canal and Craiglockhart hill The canal is always a fabulous run and Craiglockhart is a truly underrated and enjoyable to run up. Follow the canal until you reach Craiglockhart, veer off and up Glenlockhart Hill and you’ll reach the base, a nice pond, and multiple paths to follow up the hill. Once at the top you’ll have fab views of Blackford Hill/Arthur’s seat and the Pentlands. 9. Holy Trinity Church Truly a stunning church, you can see it from below in Dean Village. However, I recommend walking across the bridge it’s on and looking out over the area and houses. The view from there is truly glorious. 10. The Top of Victoria Street Everybody and their mother have visited and photographed Victoria Street. But the top of it is often forgotten and has a great view of Grassmarket and the Royal Mile as a whole. Truly underappreciated.

Evie Snelling discusses the harsh reality and social stigma attached to the AIDS pandemic and how it has taken a binge-worthy show for our generation to recognise the devastating impact that it had in the 1980s. Image description: The work invites the viewer to create a discussion around gender, queer stereotypes and toxic masculinity. I, like 6.5 million other viewers, managed to binge-watch It’s a Sin over three days and two packets worth of tissues. It’s shocking and heartbreaking; an amalgamation of anger and passion. Following a group of proud, hedonistic gay men and their friends, the show brings the shocking truth of the 1980s HIV/AIDS crisis to our screens. Creator Russell T Davies draws on his friends’ experiences to highlight the horrific stories of marginalisation and prejudice at the time. The show follows five friends living together in a London flat they call ‘The Pink Palace’: Colin, a sweet-tempered suit tailor; Ritchie, an actor who moves to London after living on the small ‘conservative’ Isle of Wight; Roscoe, a young, confident man whose family disown him after he comes out; Ash, a drama student who catches Ritchie’s eye; and Jill, the mother of the group, who struggles to educate herself when her friends fall ill. Throughout the five episodes, we move from loving the characters to grieving with them; both shocked and heartbroken as countless young men around them disappear home, never to be seen again. Davies’ emotive programme, set against a familiar London background, leaves us stunned, even wondering how much of it is true. In 1986, every household received a leaflet, ‘Don’t Die of Ignorance’, years after the first HIV case in the UK. That year, 9 out of 10 people thought there was something wrong with sexual relations between two adults of the same sex. Campaigns refused to address homosexuals directly and did not communicate ways in which sex could be made safer. It did not help that Thatcher’s government labelled homosexual behaviour “deviant” and ignored the realities of those in marginalised communities. Two years later, in 1988, Section 28 was passed, a law by a conservative government that stopped schools and councils “promoting the teaching of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”. Thatcher stated that children need “to be taught to respect traditional moral values” instead of “being taught that they have an inalienable right to be gay.” Thatcher suggested children were being "cheated" at the start of their lives as they were steered away from the ‘normal’, nuclear family. The blatant homophobia of past generations is undoubtedly unsettling, but what programmes like It’s a Sin bring to light is how these issues are very much relevant today. Indeed, both our previous Prime Minister Theresa May and current, Boris Johnson have supported homophobic laws. So, when, in Davies’ show, I wept at men dying alone in hospital rooms, or parents denying their own children’s sexuality, it was because it was all true, and even more shockingly, I didn’t know. I wasn’t taught about the AIDS crisis in school. It took a TV programme for me to sympathise with the harsh reality that 32.7 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic. Even in 2019 alone, the numbers are staggering, with 690,000 deaths. What It’s a Sin highlights is the level of shame ingrained in our society, from policy to law to people’s emotions. The label ‘gay cancer’ or ‘gay disease’ elicits shame. As Jill’s dad in the programme states, “If heterosexual boys were dying left, right, and centre, people would be out on the streets.” But they weren’t, and so the access to support was small. In 1987, Princess Diana famously challenged attitudes throughout the UK, after shaking the hand of an HIV-positive person at a hospital in London. This opened up the conversation in all the ways Thatcher’s campaign had tried to shut down. Today, shows like It’s a Sin matter because it, like Princess Diana, can change public opinion, enhance our understanding and bring about change. It has forced the issue of those suffering disproportionately during the Covid-19 pandemic, including high numbers of young, gay men, to the House of Commons and has also increased publicity around current HIV/AIDS campaigns. The It’s a Sin effect is in full swing. This long-overdue show deals with powerful and sensitive topics but more importantly, it reminded us to celebrate sex, to love openly, and remember our grief. It encourages us to learn about marginalised groups and recognise that though progress has been made, we should all still be talking about this. The respective journeys of Ritchie, Roscoe, Colin, Ash and Jill remind us all to be free and proud and to continue to eradicate shame from our modern society. Evie is a Politics and Philosophy Student at the University of Edinburgh. This article was sourced by Kirsten Provan and edited by Phoebe McKechnie and Tamara El-Halawani, also students at the University.

Amy Houghton recommends her top five podcasts for keeping up to date with the latest news, while not letting the doom and gloom of the pandemic get to you. Image description: I personally find being surrounded by plants and sipping tea is therapeutic, so I went with that. It's a wholesome expression of comfort and safety, something we all need during these weird times. It is important for everyone to take care of themselves during these times, including the way one consumes information. An alternative to highly triggering news media is podcasts, it is important to handle yourself with care and attention We remain amid a global pandemic, and political turmoil, it seems, waits around every corner. Feeling pressure to keep up to date with the news can be overwhelming at the best of times but at this moment it is even more important to take time away from the perpetual rush of headlines for the sake of our mental health. Whilst doom scrolling is a dark and slippery slope, there are ways that you can remain engaged with the world and maintain a glimmer of optimism. Podcasts offer a slower method of consuming information. Unlike live television or news websites, they do not come with the immediate visual influx of global conflict and upset. That is not to say that podcasts neglect to confront the big topics. On the contrary, those that are listed below take the headlines and the current political environment to discuss them with more nuance and consideration than is afforded in a short hourly broadcast. In between those crucial breaks from the news cycle, consider listening to an episode of one of these podcasts to have your worldview broadened and political outlooks challenged. 1. Today in Focus If you have any interest in current affairs, this podcast is likely already on your radar. The daily half-hour episodes, presented by Guardian journalists Anushka Asthana and Rachel Humphries, fill listeners in on the stories that are dominating the front pages, as well as those that should be. Offering a platform to individual voices involved alongside expert analysis, each episode is an invaluable dive into the humanity behind the headlines. 2. Reasons to be Cheerful Brimming with dad-jokes and a warm bromance, this podcast by former Labour leader Ed Miliband, and friend Geoff Lloyd describes itself as ‘a podcast about ideas’. As it says on the tin, ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’ lends an angle of optimism to political debate. Alongside the odd episode devoted to lifestyle topics, you can listen to Ed and Geoff discuss everything from private school abolition to political polarisation. Their guests have included US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. 3. The Yikes Podcast A podcast by two of Edinburgh’s own! Mikaela Loach and Jo Becker offer listeners a way into taking action. Both engage in activism alongside their studies and in this podcast talk through ‘the Yikes of the world’ through an intersectional lens. Topics of discussion so far have included trans rights, anti-racism, and ecofascism. The Yikes podcast is particularly recommendable if you are looking to turn frustration into tangible action and learn more about demanding social justice. 4. Moral Maze Moral Maze is a BBC Radio 4 show that takes the headlines and situates them within wider debates. Each episode consists of a politically diverse panel who hear from experts and commentators to engage in critical discussions of morality. Most recently, topics covered have included personal responsibility in the age of Covid-19, the morality of vaccination, and the issues of defence versus foreign aid. (A personal favourite is the ‘Love and Relationships’ episode from August 2019 in which panellists, mostly from an older generation, begrudgingly discuss everything Love Island!) 5. Pod Save the World This is a podcast founded and co-presented by a former spokesperson for Obama, Tommy Vietor. Alongside former deputy national security advisor, Ben Rhodes, he discusses foreign policy as and when it happens. The two offer highly informed breakdowns of key developments across the world. Though it is from a specifically American point of view, Pod Save the World is nonetheless valuable listening for anyone looking to expand their understanding of foreign policy and how nations interact with one another. (Also check out Pod Save America and Pod Save the People, two other podcasts produced by Vietor’s company, Crooked Media.) Amy is am English Literature (MA) at the University of Edinburgh. Abigail is an Illustration BA student also at the University. This article was edited by Tamara El-Halawani.

Kirsty Thomson writes about her experience receiving the Pfizer vaccine as a key worker in a Care Home. Image description: 'Not Enough Hands' was produced during the 2020 period of quarantine, when many countries around the world went into lockdown to tackle the spread of Covid-19. It’s a personal response; particularly with the student nurse I live with in mind, to crisis, uncertainty, and altered states of being. On the 13th of January, I received my first dosage of the COVID vaccine. Specifically, the Pfizer COVID vaccine. I’m 21, an essential worker in a care home, a student at the University of Edinburgh, and last year in April, I had the virus. There’s a lot of information going around about the vaccines and what the procedure of getting it done entails. I’m here to run you through my entire experience, so that any fears and anxieties you may have had about getting the jab can be washed away. I’m by no means a scientific expert, so it was important to me to talk about my experience in a way that people would understand, even without a medical or scientific background. Think of this section as a very haphazard and basic, but important, crash course on the vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is what is known as an mRNA vaccine which, instead of giving you a small and inactivated version of a virus, works by teaching your cells how to make the proteins that can help to trigger an immune response. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects you from getting sick. It essentially gives your cells the means to fight the virus. The jab itself is administered into your arm and comes in two doses which are spaced 13 weeks apart. I got mine at work, and the nurses who were administering the vaccine came in their own car, while the vaccine was transported completely separately. This was to ensure that the vaccine was kept at the correct temperature. As I work in a Home where there are elderly and frail residents also getting the jab, the nurses had adrenaline on hand. Whilst I’m not too keen on needles, I did see that it was quite a small one, so that should debunk any worries about being given a tracking microchip by Bill Gates! A lot of people’s primary concern with the vaccine is the potential aftereffects, which is understandable as we don’t know a great deal about it nor the virus itself. I was lucky that my side effects were mild to the point of being non-existent. All I have is a very small bruise. Some of my colleagues spoke with me about their arms being numb or sore, something which often happens after an injection. I am glad to report that even after two weeks, no new limbs nor nipples have appeared. Vaccines are so important in helping us protect not only ourselves but our communities too. Vaccines of all different kinds continue each year to prevent up to 3 million deaths worldwide. They also help to eradicate illnesses that, throughout history, have had devastating consequences. At the moment, the COVID vaccine is being offered to a specific group in society: essential workers, people aged over 70, and those who are vulnerable and have been shielding. Over the next few months though, the rollout will begin to extend to other communities. We must try to protect ourselves and those around us from this virus; it has plagued our lives for too long and now we have the means to begin fighting it before it has the chance to infect more people. After all, it’s only a small scratch. This article was edited by Tamara El-Halawani and Phoebe McKechnie, students at the University of Edinburgh.