3 days, 3 quotes: day 2

Kowhai; a New Zealand native (the word means yellow in Maori). Kowhai is also the symbol on the Women’s Refuge NZ logo. Photo: Su Leslie, 2014

Leanne at Nihongojapango challenged me to participate in 3 days, 3 quotes and I’ve decided to share lyrics from songs by Billy Bragg — one of my favourite song-writer/performers.

Valentine’s Day Is Over, from the album Workers’ Playtime, is a song about moving on from an abusive relationship.

Thank you for the things you bought me
Thank you for the card
Thank you for the things you taught me when you hit me hard
That love between two people must be based on understanding
Until that's true you'll find your things all stacked out on the landing
Surprise, surprise
Valentine's Day is over

I’ve chosen this song to quote from because it’s difficult to live in New Zealand and not be reminded how big an issue domestic abuse really is and how far we as a culture have to go to address the underlying issues. Just this week a local broadcaster with a conviction for assaulting his former partner was called out on not only making flippant comments about violence in a FaceBook post, but then downplaying his own abusive behaviour in a second post (1)

As many of you know, for several years I’ve been involved with NZ Sculpture OnShore, a charity sculpture exhibition that raises funds for Women’s Refuge NZ. This organisation helps over 20,000 New Zealand women and children a year who are experiencing domestic violence. Leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for a woman and her children as violent partners lash out, causing greater harm or death (2). Organisations like Women’s Refuge are essential; providing help to leave and safe places for women to go.

 

Part of this challenge is to invite three other bloggers to contribute. I’m always a bit nervous about this. On one hand, it’s an acknowledgement that I am interested in what you have to say, and on the other, I know that we’re all pretty busy and don’t necessarily welcome an extra “opportunity” to blog. And then there is my concern that the people I don’t ask might feel slighted … you get the picture?

Oh, I know, I’m over-thinking it, right.

Well here goes. Joanne from My Life Lived Full, Maureen from Kiwissoar and Gallivanta from Silkannthreades;  I’d enjoy knowing what quotes inspire or motivate you, make you laugh, or just made you stop and think. So, if you’d like to participate post 3 Quotes ( one a day) on 3 consecutive days and nominate 3 bloggers in each post to participate.

 

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(1) What Tony Veitch should have said. Newsworthy, 3news.co.nz, 20 October 2015

(2) The Most Dangerous Time, Guardian Australia.