K Biswas, Leah Cowan, and Selina Nwulu discuss popular culture in Britain and its potential role in accelerating social change and highlighting structural inequality.
Youth led movements – against racism and sexism, for LGBTQ+ and disability rights or environmental sustainability ‐ feel locked out of elite political and economic circles, and see culture as their site of expression. A new wave of radical pop-cultural expression, dormant for much of the 21st century, may have emerged in film & television, music & fashion, gaming and social media campaigns. Under discussion was Britain’s belated public reckoning with racism in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, what is possible from the social justice-led activism around Euro 2020, and the emerging counter-reaction crystallised in a new Culture War.
The panel was recorded on July 14th on AirMeet as part of the PopChange Salon Series hosted by Counterpoints Arts.
//
Hosted by Counterpoints Arts‘ PopChange Initiative, this is the first of five PopChange Salons in 2021 exploring the opportunities for real change presented within the New Brave world Report (2021). The Salon Series will explore racial justice, comedy, TV, gaming and narrative change. To be updated of future Salons in the series, sign up to our mailing list.
