Although Dystopia was originally an eclectic collection of thoughts and opinions on a wide range of topics I've since decided to concentrate on travel. Below are some of the original themes that I used to blog about most frequently, which might be useful in case you stumble across one of my older posts...
Politics
I'm a left-of-centre member of the Labour Party and have been so since my late teens. I believe that society as a whole can only function with our collective efforts to stem inequality, and that we all have a duty to help those who are in need of it. Such a thing can never be achieved whilst the ideology of capitalism dominates, for it is a system based on greed. The politics of the right are the politics of selfishness.
Nationalism
I'm an anti-nationalist in that I'm opposed to any and all politics based on race and identity, and I believe that such dubious ideologies have been the driving force behind many of the conflicts both in recent history and those that still take place today. Race-based politics will never lead to a better world, and I believe that the concept of the nation state as the dominant political unit is one that needs to be abandoned.
I describe myself in my blogger profile as 'pro-UK' but this is not entirely true; as a nation state it is still constricted by the all the baggage that that description entails. But as one made up of different individual countries - each with their own particular perceived ethnic identities - it is at least a non-homogeneous nation one step closer to a rejection of the nation-state concept. I'm also pro-EU and welcome any attempts for political borders to be dissolved, not created.
Environment
I'm a passionate believer in the promotion of environmental affairs and believe that our collective actions have a strong impact on the environment. Environmental degradation via economic exploitation is one of the greatest tragedies of the modern era.
I'm also a member of the League Against Cruel Sports and fully support their efforts for a complete halt to all recreational activities that involve the ill-treatment or killing of animals.
Religion
I hold no religious convictions and consider myself an atheist, but there are some religions which hold more appeal than others such as Buddhism and Protestant interpretations of Christianity. The study of religion is endlessly fascinating.
Monarchy
I'm generally anti-monarchy; it has always struck me as something of an anachronism that today in the 21st century the leader of the nation is chosen not by popular democratic consent but rather by the genetic lottery of birth. I'm also not convince that this preservation of privilege really does much to support the notion that in this supposed age of meritocracy one can achieve anything with hard work alone.
Media
I'm deeply interested in the media and have been trying to break into the industry as a journalist for many years. I have a healthy distrust of the tabloid press and intensely dislike the partisan bias that so many titles display. I also enjoy writing and have long hoped to combine the two interests.
Travel
Travel is perhaps my greatest love even as I recognise the potential conflict this may bring with my environmental beliefs mentioned earlier. I've travelled to around twenty countries and dream of visiting many more - and of course writing about them in the process.
Feedback
I welcome comments, criticisms and general pointers, so if you want to get in touch please feel free at keithruffles@hotmail.com. I hope that you enjoy the site.
