John Oram's photos with the keyword: Social Commentary

This picture serves not to highlight a specific case but, rather, the more general case of the blight on our high streets. You will note that I used the plural in my title. I first photographed this disused retail property, at 141-143 High Street, Lee on Solent on 24 February 2019 . Four months is a small part of the many years it has been empty and decaying. I took a closer look at it this morning after noticing that the estate agents boards had gone from the outside (see my earlier post). In addition to the visible vegetation on the first floor, the ground floor too is something of a garden such is the extent to which water has entered the building. It would appear that work took place at one time to prepare for a conversion of the property from its original use as the interior features what might euphemistically be called 'exposed brickwork'. Only when I stepped back to compose my picture did I note that Trafalgar's signs are inside although they no longer proclaim 'For Sale'. Such sights are not uncommon as retail property is allowed to stand unused for months and years and, in so doing, diminish the attraction of existing businesses. This is in no way acceptable at a social level or any kind of practical level. TZ70_P1000107CE

Autism can be neither viewed nor discussed in black and white. It is a complex subject and I certainly understand the Asperger's end of the spectrum if not the spectrum in its entirety. What is certain is my unwavering support for families with children or adult relatives affected by autism. Already faced by daily challenges, such families are not helped by negative social attitudes or unhelpful authorities. The behaviour of autistic people can be difficult even, on occasion, disturbing for the onlooker but, importantly, for their families too. Ostracism and stigma are not helpful. Tolerance and acceptance of this particular form of diversity are ways to help those directly affected. We do not need to isolate the autistic person or those around them either physically or through our attitudes. Hence the message - Isolation No More 200_2_P1100730C1_M