Activism, unions and growing the confidence to have my say writes Samuel Pearson
Being Yorkshire born and raised, I definitely knew people who weren’t afraid to speak their minds and told things as they were (my Dad being one of them). I am 3 out of 4 children – I definitely felt myself vying to be heard, wanting to be listened to and to have my say.
At school, I listened intently to the teachers as they were those with the answers. Apart from drama and performing, a subject that celebrated and created a space where you could get things wrong, where each different idea led to another and there were no definite answers. Drama – a subject where different thinking is encouraged, where creativity is expressed and individuality blossoms (probably one of the reasons this Government continues to cut the arts).
This freedom of thought opened up again at university, where I learned to question my own thinking, and the thoughts of others and to make my own judgements and opinions.
Direct action/involvement…
Last year I joined a panel for the People’s Powerhouse This is the North convention to speak about unions and young people as an Equity rep. I was apprehensive. What did I have to say about unions? I’m in no position of power to shape or say how young people should be engaging with unions. But through encouragement, I became empowered. I did have something to say. My experiences as a young person engaging in the union are important. The panel discussion went well and was well received. I enjoyed being able to talk – using the platform I had encouragingly and insightfully.
Usually, I struggle to attend marches, demonstrations, and public forums. Public events are usually in direct response to an event, announcement or decision. Therefore, as you’d expect they take place quickly. A mix of travel restrictions, costs and being a carer impact my ability to engage. Hence, why I felt so supported by Equity when This is the North. As Equity covered these costs, it meant I could attend and participate in the event, the barriers were removed, and I could engage and have my say. I was pleased I could publicly support my union, talk about and encourage young people to fight for what they believe in and have their say. To talk about my own experiences in the union and throughout my career.
Developing a voice and the confidence to have a say…
At last, I do have opinions and a voice. I want to be heard. As my confidence grows, I’ve started to engage more. Usually, it’s Twitter which can be a really informative or dangerous place. Much like those demonstrating, I hope my efforts from the side-lines are appreciated and valued. I may not be able to attend but I can share things online, sign petitions, challenge people’s thinking, and share my story and experiences I have faced.
But I am still apprehensive about getting involved further. What if I misunderstand/misinform someone. I’m not very good with facts or figures. There’s a lot to fear.
As I grow in confidence with activism, I’ve been angry. Arts cuts, drama cuts in education, theatres closing, and fewer opportunities for those in the arts. It is extremely frustrating to know that throughout COVID people found solace in tv programmes, films, streamed/recorded theatre, etc. Where do they think all these creatives came from? Where are the opportunities for the next generation of creatives? Granted employment and work in the arts is growing extremely scarce, as it has always been for actors. Yes, people do change careers, but for the most part, for those who are creative – this is everything to them. It’s in what we read, our interests, forming our personalities, and is shaped through our friendships. It’s not just a job to us, but our LIFE.
Where is the activism training?
Passion for a cause or concerning a decision made by those in power. To speak out, and make our voices heard is key. To say ‘I am here, I am important’ – to be part of something much bigger than ourselves. To say ‘that’s my future and you’ve taken it away’. It’s powered by frustration, anger and disappointment just because we were educated differently, live elsewhere, and don’t have similar connections. We SHOULD be afforded equity.
Samuel Pearson is a working class actor based in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. He attended the People’s Powerhouse convention in 2022 to sit on the panel to discuss young people and unions.
