What's In A Name?

What's in a name? The title of my new pet hate, for to me it sums up the crazy game of fame. Shakespeare said it was, “...that which we call a rose. By any other name would smell so sweet.” The roses I'm talking about not delicately scented, their protruding thorns digging in my side. Fame gone to their head, these so-called celebs weave mega-deals the world over. Why so bitter I hear you cry? Because it's just not fair. Using their name to gain access to all areas. Celebrities given carte blanche to criss-cross from one talent to another.

Stars are presumed to possess other marketable talents. A TV presenter? Write a racy novel. A singer? Go into fashion. A model? Release an album or land a role in a movie. The industry sewed up. Hard to get a foot in the door if you're not already a “somebody”. Sure, some individuals are multi-talented, but others have little credentials. A way of making big bucks and publicity. Every genre covered, despite any noticeable flaws. TV, radio and magazines swoon at their feet , wanting to be the first to announce this newly discovered role.

“Work it, work it!” the agents shout, talented unknowns pushed to the fringes. Their faces pressed up against the glass, desperate for a small chink in the dome. Fame not their aim, but recognition of their skill. Their dream coming to fruition. Without an agent, you've had it. Dust, a familiar taste in your mouth, rejection an old habit. The services of an agent or publicist unobtainable if you don't have the right look or style. Unrepresented, windows of opportunity remain tightly shut. Do you instead splash your cash to get your material out there? It's a lot of hard work if you're unknown and unused to the business. The market saturated they say, but is this fact or fiction?

Everybody wants to be somebody. Thinking they can write a bestseller, dance, sing and act. Most of them obnoxious, misguided in their beliefs. Those lacking in skill, the ones making it through. Their saleability part of the problem. Celebs with a household name can be relied upon to deliver the goods, even if it's outside their expertise. It has to be said, are agents passing up raw, hidden talent? I think this could be true. I see the same artists working the room in a myriad of forms. “Nothing wrong in this. Strike while the market's hot,” the typical response, but I disagree. Fine, make a name in your field, but don't use it to the nth degree. Why not use it instead to advocate good, champion benefits and causes? Stand aside, let others light shine. Let them at least have the opportunity.

Yes, this is a rant, but better out than in. No resolution in sight to this woe. One option has now occurred, Just William's Violet Elizabeth entering my head. “I'll scream and scream 'til I'm sick!”, with a stamp of my feet, until I get my way. For I'm led to believe, it's how you achieve an undisputed name.

Mum's The Word

“Mum”, the first word so often heard in countless situations. In the playground, the home, and on the phone. Mum, an identity all of its own - a figure of fun and comfort. The one we turn to in distress, or make feed me requests. Cuts soothed, tears swept away. Clothes washed, ironed and mended. Kids and partners put first, their own lives upended. We owe a lot to our Mums or those who assume that position. It's a tough job, coming easy to some, but not others. Mothering a skill, not a role women were simply born to fulfill.

Instead of “keeping Mum”, I've chosen to speak out in honour of this coming Sunday. A daughter's perspective – their work unsung until now. The one day they're granted to be celebrated. I'm sure this isn't true for everyone. Most appreciating their mums, taking time to show it on unofficial days too. Mum, just one of the roles they play in 24 hours, wife, daughter, aunt and sister also. Passing on lessons they've learned, handed down the generations. Where would we be without our mums? The rock we all rely on.

Who you call “Mum” or think of in this way may differ. Mum may be a family friend, both parents rolled into one, or even a next door neighbour. The female qualities that matter. The mother-child bond not always the same for sons and daughters. The mother-daughter relationship a navigational course. Best friend, matriarch, or both? A figure simply to obey? My Mum and I share an Ab-Fab affair. Absolutely Fabulous, you might think taking the literal approach, but what I actually meant was the Jennifer Saunders sitcom. Who can forget Eddie and Saffie? That polar opposite pair. Both of us with similar traits of the characters in question. A period in my teens where I pondered, just who was the parent here? My “Eddie” now still fun, but toned down. Our bond matured with age.

The word “Mum” a mistaken guise. A presumption that to be one you have to have sons and daughters. Does “mothering” require children? I don't think this is true. Surely “to mother” means to protect, love and care. To offer support and guidance when sought. Blood relations not an essential requirement. Nurturing, the focal point and tailored to every avenue – from the human race, to animals, insects and plants. You don't have to physically give birth in order to mother. Even gardeners and authors learn to master this skill. Nourishing plants and birthing books their opportunity to nurture, giving life to something new. Yes, mums deserve a treat, a chance to be pampered and put up their feet, but it's not the only way. Mothering, a labour of love, which every one of us can employ.

Saved By The Bell

“We don't need no education, we don't need no thought control”, the British kids protest, the Pink Floyd song literally taken to heart. Most of them not knowing who the band are. Exercising their right not to learn, but very much to be heard. The point is they're not faring much better on their own. Public or state educated it doesn't matter, the results are the same. Drop outs and poor grades. Our hedonistic lifestyles competing with the boredom of class. Lessons contained within four walls, there's no contest. Outside distractions, the winner every time.

Jamie's Dream School showing this to be true. 20 teenagers offered a second chance, star teachers lined up at the gate. Eager to share their wisdom, inspire these young minds. A register of students, with poor grades to their name. These lucky few saved by the bell, Jamie Oliver's dream. A last minute intervention before it gets too late. Kids failed by the system so Jamie says, but where should we place the blame? Teacher, student or parent? Surely the figures do not lie. Schools are performing worse, as each year goes by. Some taught spoon fed, we'll-hold-your-hand techniques. A boost to the league tables, school moved up a notch. Board of governors happy with their new slot. Pupils and teachers, the ones who suffer from this backward scheme. Dark sarcasm in the classroom now coming from the kids. Back chat and mobile phones, the bane of teaching life. The Pink Floyd lyric now revised: “Hey, kids! Leave those teachers alone!” Teenage years a difficult time, learning the last thing on their mind. Keeping up appearances, surrounded by their peers, the world evolves 'round ME, and other teen thoughts made exceedingly clear. Education doesn't stand a chance in this sorry state.

How do we pull ourselves out of this black hole? By changing how we learn. The belief: you get out what you put in, the way ahead. Inspiring dreams and hidden talents to pursue. Younger kids engaged with a fun, creative way to learn. Teenagers craving respect, their input to be earned. Lessons informally conducted, given on a level they can comprehend. An interactive process of practical and debate. The exchange used to teach communicative styles, not war and hate. Desperate to be considered adults, it's life skills that should be taught. Why can't lessons be more relevant to how life's really sought? Health, nutrition and cooking a must, how to budget instead of maths a big plus, parenting and relationship skills, cultural and societal differences ideal. Life's richness conveyed in all its norm, these the lessons to be born.

This the new curriculum to enforce. An educational reform we can build and trust. Each of us “nother brick in the wall.” Brick by brick, a better society will be formed.