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Modern Women: February Writing Prompts & Theme
An invitation to muse on something together
The idea of a postcode lottery has been part of my awareness for a long time. As I entered my 20s it seemed like everyone was talking about the ramifications of where you lived on the quality of your educational opportunities, the standard of healthcare you could expect to receive, and a host of other social aspects.
As a mixed-race girl who grew up on a council estate in South London during the 80s, class was something I innately understood from personal experience, and it seemed surprising to me that others weren’t aware of how much your life chances were dictated by where you were, which of course would be influenced by class and money.
Having left the city after having child number 3 and opting for a place in which I could have the forest on one side of me and the beach on the other, I can see the influence of place on very different areas of my life. I see the lack of ethnic diversity and the impact that has on feeling like the ‘other’. I see how easily intimidated my country mouse children are by London’s noise and busyness. I also see how the asthma that was once present has disappeared and how comfortable they are in wild, natural spaces.
