This meme has been associated with us (in our various guises) and our comrades at Basildon & Southend Housing Action (BASHA) for almost four years. It’s one that can be read at a variety of levels. Some people and authorities actually see this as a clear intention to threaten violence – perhaps they may be reading things a tad too literally! Then there’s the historical reference to the Peasants’ Revolt which started in Fobbing in Essex in 1381. Then, when you take a look at the cartoon, you may well think…this is actually a bit puerile. Which to be honest, is fine. Along with BASHA, we have acquired a reputation for being a bit mouthy and taking the piss at times. In our defence, we’re from Essex and…that’s just the way we are!

We’ll, a comrade from BASHA is currently handing printed copies of these out to his neighbours on an estate in Laindon. To ordinary working class people who’ve had enough of being ground down and pissed over by the authorities. When some have asked what the reference is, the mention of the Peasants’ Revolt wins them over. They’re going up in people’s windows. They’re also up on a few fence posts as well. When the officers from Basildon Council make a rare visit to the estate, it’ll be interesting to see how they react:)

The thing about this graphic is that there’s no political branding. If someone sticks one (or more) up in their windows, it’s an expression of discontent and anger at the way they’re being ground down. If the authorities clock these, they will be unnerved because they haven’t got a clue who’s behind them. That is exactly the purpose…to unnerve and to unsettle…