ASDA and Tesco "Psycho" costumes - How far can horror go?

Asda's withdrawn costume (Image taken from the BBC News Website)

This afternoon, a BBC story was posted online about the withdrawal of Asda's "Mental Patient Fancy Dress Costume", and Tesco's "Psycho Ward" costume after a number of complaints that they enforced a stigma on those living with mental illness. The companies, in their best efforts to keep the peace, also offered a donation to the charity, Mind, which had criticised the stores for offering these outfits.
 Soon, politicians and the public alike gathered around to share their thoughts and opinions on the topic, with a large amount of people agreeing that it was offensive. Naturally, as an avid fan of all things Halloween and horror, I couldn't help but take to my keyboard to offer my own thoughts - and here it is - are we taking this a little too seriously?

Tesco's withdrawn costume (Image taken from the BBC News Website)

 I'll be honest, I dressed up as a psych ward patient a couple of years ago, and at the time I couldn't say I even considered that it might be offensive. I am a sufferer of depression myself, and have been on a number of different anti-depressants, but when I donned my costume that Halloween, I was not myself, and I did not aim to replicate anybody with this illness - I was a character of my own fiction, one which I had designed to be scary. I do recognise the concern these people are trying to raise. There is a stigma that comes with mental illness (I have seen the brunt of it) and this, like a lot of issues to do with disability, needs to be addressed. There are people living with these sorts of illnesses and others often don't know how to support them. HOWEVER, is there a difference between selling these types of costume and a character like, say, Hannibal Lecter - a psychopath, succumbing to his mental illness, who is deemed terrifying and used as a horror icon? Can we now say that literature, television shows and films that MAY enforce a stigma on those living with mental illness should be removed on the basis they are offensive?  Do we consider that we might be offending nurses, or surgeons, people who may have lost a patient on the table and have felt affected by it, when slipping on our bloodied scrubs and wielding plastic knives as accessories? These costumes are not mocking, or attempting to be cruel, they are a nod to the horror genre.

Norman Bates from Psycho (Image taken from Wikepedia.en)

In my first year of university I wrote a piece on the horror genre, listing a number of features that regularly occur. My argument was that the horror genre often reflects a shared fear of something relevant to the time the film was made. It blows the issue up and makes it plain scary. For instance, Britain's rising concern with teenage crime and violence could arguably be reflected in horrors such as Eden Lake. One thing that has always been relevant and reoccurring is the idea of the human mind, something we still know very little about, and this often veers into the idea of human capabilities. Think films such as Switchblade Romance, Silence of the Lambs, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and, of course, Hitchcock's iconic Psycho. Like horror, Halloween addresses our fears and allows us to express them. I must be clear and stress that I am not saying we are afraid of people with mental illnesses, but afraid of our own capabilities and the power our mind can have over us.

On the subject of costumes, I was surprised to see that this was the only costume choice that was targeted. I understand how people may be offended by the term "mental patient" being used on the costume, but if we are going to go as far as to ban these outfits, then perhaps we should consider a few others to also rid our shelves of. A common fancy dress choice, not only for Halloween, is the "Sexy School Girl" outfit. If we look into this, are we not just objectifying school children? Could we go as far to say that it is encouraging pedophilia? To take it further, if we dress as the dead, might we offend those who are bereaved? There are many costumes that may upset, or even shock people, but the reaction to this particular issue leads me to question whether we are really doing something good, or whether we are encouraging the stigma ourselves. By creating such a reaction against it, are we simply making mental health a taboo subject once again?

 
My final word on this debate is that it's really all a big kerfuffle over bad wording. If it was the same costume with the name "Serial Killer" or if it was an authentic costume of, say "Leatherface" or (again) "Dr.Lecter" then I have no doubt that they would have been fine to sell. In fact, one could argue that the "Psycho Ward" costume from Tesco pretty much IS a knock off of Hannibal's outfit. This is probably because it's trying to be cheap and affordable without breaking copyright laws. I am certain we will still see people in orange jumpsuits, who are playing the Silence of the Lambs villain, and nothing more. At the end of the day, I feel that all we can do is promote awareness of such illnesses, whilst also accepting that costumes like these are really trying to sell cheap-o versions of popular horror icons without treading on copyright toes and were not intended to offend.  

Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs (Image taken from Fanpop.com)

To read the BBC News report online, click here.



I encourage debates and would love to hear your opinion. However, I urge you to be considerate of others, as I have tried to be, when responding to this blog. Thank you. 

 


 

Hiatus

Recently, I have been 100% away from my computer as my busy work and play schedule filled up. For that, I apologise. My life has currently been flipped upside down, where both wondrous and not-so-wondrous things have happened. Within the past few months I have had the stresses of finding yet ANOTHER flat (well, bedsit), and the pleasures of meeting new people, including some particularly lovely ones who I hope to see more of. I've also been through an operation, and tried to get as many working hours as I could so I could keep afloat. HOWEVER, I have indulged myself in good company, and some fantastic food, drink and fun around Kent and I have plenty stocked up this autumn, my favourite of months, to share with you. Watch this space.

In the mean time, here are some pictures, and a series of 'mini-reviews' of what has occupied some of the cooler times this hotter than hot of summers. Enjoy.

       

  Art Installed in Margate Train Station

Art has started to become an integral thing in Margate, with the number of galleries rising, particularly after the opening of the Turner Centre. Margate is becoming an Art Town, and it was a real delight to see these little installations brightening up the spacious train station for new visitors. 

Margate Carnival

I'll admit, in the past couple of years I have been disappointed by Margate carnival. It felt like something was missing...the colour, the excitement and the hype. Instead, we were bombarded with leaflets and half-attempted floats. This year, however, the carnival 'zing' was back. It was bright, lively and filled with a variety of  colourful costumes and creative themes.

The tropical theme was addressed strongly, particularly due to a budget agreement from the arts council, and the fantastic return of the Notting Hill influence.

Let's hope next year sticks to the same agenda!

Vodka Slushies at Kiss Me Quick, Margate.

You should definitely check this place out. I consider Billy (the fantastic man behind this emporium) the only man to have listened to Mary Portas on her show Queen of the High Street, and trust me - it worked. His Emporium is a true homage to the seaside culture. Trinkets and sweets adorn the shelves and, for the more adult audience, there is even a saucy selection of sweet treats at the back of the shop (along with a mini bar) to tickle your fancy. This naughty but nice tongue-in-cheek memorabilia is all hidden behind a curtain, so little eyes are well protected! 

This is also a place where you can buy Tracey Emin's "For a dirty weekend, come to Margate" items, such as pillows, mugs and much more. She created the design especially for Kiss Me Quick, and it's the only place you can buy them, so make sure to pop in, or take a look online - Click me quick for kiss me quick!.

Theatre on the Sands

The Theatre Royal was taken over by what was Thanet Leisure Force, now names Your Leisure. At first I was tentative about what this might mean for the theatre, but after this fantastic performance of Shakespeare's Richard III on Margate Sands, I was convinced that my beloved theatre was in safe hands.

The idea was a simple one - everyone brings a blanket or hires a deck chair, and enjoys a classic play for free. The creativity of the set and the sheer willpower of the actors' voices against the blustery evening winds was admirable. However, the sound was an issue, with key lines being lost to the wind, or the volume of the background music which carried itself in the air much more than the vocals. Though it had its faults, there was no doubt that this idea brought many to Margate Seafront, and the overall performance was innovative and interesting, making for a good evening.





Again, I apologise for my long hiatus, but watch this space for some very exciting events that I'll be participating in, both in Derby and Margate.

Vintage Style Swimwear...It's SO now.

Whether you prefer bikinis or full body swimsuits, it's all about vintage style. Choose polka-dots or colourful prints (tropical fruit is a big YES) and don yourself in a high-waisted piece. These cuts are perfectly flattering for curves as well as our skinny minnies and will certainly turn heads on the sunny beaches. Think Bettie Page, pin-up glamour and you're right on target.  Have you found your must have for this summer? I think I have! 




VintageStyle...it's SO now. by rachaelismejewels featuring asos

Motel red bandeau top, $53 / Vintage pin up bathing suit / ASOS , $24 / Pinup swimwear / J.Crew beach bikini

Get some soul food - it's Irie Margate!

If there is one thing I enjoy about Thanet, it's the ability it has to present you with a wonderful variety of places to eat and drink, and the newest addition has to be one of my favourites. Irie has just opened on Margate Seafront and is a definite must if you like comforting, spicy, Caribbean soul food. The restaurant itself is filled with a variety of reggae-esque decor, not forgetting an image of the icon Bob Marley, and music fills the room to set a relaxed atmosphere. I certainly felt the summer during my visit!

The food itself took a while to arrive due to there being only one cook on the day, but the overall result was worth it. With a mixture of various meats and veggies prepared for you in wraps, fritters, rice and much more, there is certainly enough choice for everyone. With extra notice, Irie will also cater for special diets, so nobody is left out. For myself, I had a vegetarian wrap, a medley of various grilled vegetables, including sweet potato, tomato and peppers. This was  accompanied with a creamy coconut, and spicy chilli aftertaste. That alone was filling enough, and certainly was hot enough to have me sipping on my mango juice in regular intervals.

I decided to have a light dessert, and chose the exotic fruit salad - a mixture of delicious fruits in juice which was topped by a gorgeously light, melt-in-the-mouth coconut meringue. It was a wonderful way to finish the meal, though I have heard that their Rum Waffles with ice cream are something to be tasted!  If indulgence is something you enjoy, you should also try their 'festivals' - soft, doughy, deep fried balls rolled in sugar and cinnamon. They're incredibly moreish, but a little bit naughty! 

So, if you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere, reggae tunes, sunshine and friendly service on Margate's beautiful seafront this summer, then I would highly recommend Irie for a taste, sight and sound experience.

Fine Dining At It's Best - Restaurant Zest.

When coming back to Derby, I am always on the lookout for new places to spend time with friends, and one such place on my agenda this time was Restaurant Zest. Tucked away in George Street, just off of Friar Gate, Restaurant Zest stands as a cosy, intimate restaurant that boasts relaxed fine dining at its best. The ceiling is somewhat rustic, with great wooden beams that seem to be from an old mill, and the walls share interesting and modern artworks (I failed to ask if it was local art or not). Nonetheless, the surroundings fill you with a relaxed, but quite 'posh' atmosphere. This can only be matched by the staff, who were fantastically courteous and extremely accommodating.

When arriving, we did encounter a mix up with our booking, but I cannot complain about this as the staff handled the matter fantastically, offering a bottle of sparkling wine on the house as an apology. We were seated and handed our menus, drinks poured for us and topped up whenever they passed. We barely lifted a finger.

We ordered from the July A La Carte Menu, a deliciously summery selection of dishes which ensured enough choice for you to hover and think hard before ordering. I chose the Summer Squash, Feta & Olive Salad to start, and was not disappointed. The problem with some restaurants is that they add far too much feta, which makes a salad a little too tangy for my liking. This, however, had feta crumbled in small chunks that was just enough for the mouth to handle. The onion and olives complimented the cheese beautifully and the portion was just enough to satisfy you before the main.

For my main, I selected the Courgette Fritters, Goats Cheese & Lentil Salad, Roasted Beetroot & Creme Fraiche. The mixture of tart goats cheese and sweet beetroot was gorgeous and the fritters were in such a light batter that there was no reason to feel guilty at all. There was minimal creme fraiche, but this may have been because I chose the BLF (Bottom Line Fitness) option for the dish. This is something else that Zest does very well; it is a healthier option to certain dishes on the menu so you can watch your health and still indulge. Nevertheless, the taste was not affected in the slightest.

Now this was the truly indulgent course of my meal - Dessert. I chose the Gooseberry & Elderflower 'Zest' Mess, Lemon & Lime Sorbet, which came in a tall glass. However, when it arrived I failed to see any gooseberry or elderflower in sight. Instead, I seemed to have been given the Strawberry Zest Mess from the Early Evening Menu. Without complaining, I ate. It was a delicious take on the typically British 'Eaton Mess', bursting with fruit and pieces of meringue, but with a tangy lemon-lime aftertaste from the refreshing addition of the sorbet.

Despite the two minor hiccups, I felt that Zest is an affordable and lasting experience that I highly recommend. It is also worth booking a Champagne Breakfast (something I have enjoyed before), which serves you a highly indulgent three-course breakfast and a glass of champagne. A truly wonderful restaurant hiding in a side street in Derby!

Moving Nightmares

My new kitchen!

Part of my first flat after halls. I loved this place.

It's a scary, but inevitable thing, moving. I, for one, prefer a solitary living space where I can dance in my pants and use all the hot water on myself. However, it isn't always the cheapest option, and that's why moving was on my agenda. Lucky for me, I have a housemate who understands my lonesome tendencies, and respects my privacy as much as I respect theirs. But still, that doesn't tackle the nightmare that can be Landlords and estate agents. No, really, I've had some awful experiences in my past and I'm here to share with you in the hopes it will help you in your moving endeavors.

PRIVATE LANDLORDS 

I went to a private landlord through a friend with the hopes of getting somewhere halfway decent without the fees and deposits of estate agents. Now, the rent did work out cheaper without an estate agent fee, but the price didn't justify what I went through. I spent 3 months with a broken hob and no fridge/freezer. My housemate and I spent a fortune on food and microwaveable meals that didn't need to be refrigerated  and that soon racked up far more than an estate agent's fees.

The trouble didn't stop there. The house was a shared house, which meant others soon started moving in, and one of those people were not pleasant in the slightest. When he started to become a threat to others, we reported him to our landlord, who did nothing. I think that was the worst part of all - because you didn't have an estate agent to go through, getting hold of the landlord and sorting things through someone professional was not an option. In the end, I chose to move.

What I learnt from this and will pass on to you is that private landlords are not always a decent option. Though the rent was cheap, I wasn't entirely sure if everything was above-board, and without someone professional to back your corner (I'm 5ft and not great with numbers), things can easily start to become difficult. I'm not saying it's all bad but, with private landlords, who knows if they've been okayed?

Estate Agents 

Ah, so after my little rant about renting privately, I'm sure you're thinking Estate Agents are a breeze. Not necessarily. The truth is, you have to find the best estate agent for you. Some can be a little unorganized with the sheer amount of houses they run and some can be fantastic. The fact is, you don't really know what's going to happen until you've been with them, but there are things you should think about doing to ensure that you get exactly what you're entitled to (this works with private landlords too).

A damaged door

1. Take Pictures

   It sounds daft, but once you move into your accommodation, take pictures of the room and anything that you find wrong with it. Often, estate agents will hand you an inventory (if furnished) or a form to fill in any faults you find with the place when moving in. This way, any faults with the flat that are still there when you leave won't affect your deposit, and any problems like damaged goods can be dealt with as soon as possible. I found taking pictures was a good means of evidence, as in the past, I have had estate agents deny that there's anything wrong.
   
   

2. Don't Give Up!

   Sometimes it can be really difficult not to give in and just go with what the estate agents are saying. If you feel like you're right, it might be best to seek advice from others more experienced than you, or even the citizen's advice bureau. Remember, you have your rights!
   

3. Keep Copies

   You should get a copy of your contract and receipts, MAKE SURE YOU DO. It's also worth keeping copies of any letters or information you receive from your landlord or estate agent - you never know when you need it! 

4. Write Everything Down

   

   The desk in my old bedsit!

   People scoffed when I told them that my new flatmate and I kept a flat logbook, but the truth is - it's been really helpful so far. Write down anything that you're told, or promised and the name of the person who said it. This was, you can quote exactly what was said over the phone, or via email without having to strain your brain. For example,  "Sarah told me on the 28th that it'd take two days..."
   We also use our log book to ensure that we know what each other has said to the estate agents and what response we received so we can cross-reference each other if need be. See? Not so scoff-worthy.
   
   
   
   All in all, renting can be a great experience and is ever-more popular than house buying at present. Just remember these tips, find your perfect property, and have fun!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

I'm back!

 It has been a horribly busy, but also fantastic, two weeks and my adventure has not stopped.

It all began with the Company Blogger Forum, where I enjoyed listening to some great pearls of wisdom from blogging wizards. It was interesting, and I think the biggest message of the evening was definitely to be yourself, blog your passions and enjoy it.
Everyone also got a free goodie bag packed with some real tasty treats, including a gorgeous filofax, make up remover wipes, the tastiest (and I mean it) rhubarb and apple drink and an alpro soya pudding (my favourite dessert).

Afterwards, I went to my Dad's graduation at the Royal Festival Hall, which was a lovely venue for a wonderful achievement. He's graduated in fine art after a long 6 years of part time study. I'm very proud of him and can't wait to see what he does with his new BA.

But my travels didn't stop there. On the same day, I traveled up to Derby to pack up my tiny student bedsit and move into a two bedroom flat (which is much nicer, I must admit). This was the main reason for me not being able to write my blog. There was a distinct lack of time and internet, and a vast amount of clothing and clutter to pack away.


Anyway, here I am, back and ready to review some great restaurants and products!

M next post will be about moving house, renting and top tips on not being swindled by estate agents!