Had a great time at Greenbelt. Didn’t do the usual running around to catch speakers, as the baby took time and we had a nightmare journey. Enjoyed chilling with friends and the kids. Beth (9) went off with two friends for most of the festival, and I hung around with Jo (12).
It is great how kids surprise you. We were in messy space playing pick up sticks when Jo notices the Tote betting, Tote gambling etc branding and signs around the walls and rest of site and made a thought provoking statement.
“Just like Greenbelt, G-Store, G-shop, G-Talks,”
I was really surprised by the observation. He doesn’t worry about wearing brands, never asks for the branded cereal over the supermarket own. His connection was just an observation. Yet the “just like” is a little disconcerting. How does a 12 year old navigate the branded world, decide what brands to trust, or begin differentiate between an ethical brand or another?
Even where they try to facilitate a counter cultural apporach, is branding an inevitable consequence for Greenbelt as they recoup costs, keep prices low etc through merchandising? Is there a third way for Greenbelt?Mute Witness dvdrip