Higher Modern Studies pupils talk social inequality

The Scottish rapper, social commentator and Orwell Prize winning author of Poverty Safari: Understanding the Anger of Britain’s Underclass, joined the pupils for a virtual Q&A session on Zoom after responding to their invitation to take part in a social inequality conference which they are working on.

Darren, who also goes by the name Loki, answered questions on topics including inequality, domestic violence, and the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on those in poverty. The pupils also took the opportunity to pick his brains about his future plans, which include a documentary series and book.

Modern Studies teacher Karlene Douglas, said, “It was fantastic for the pupils to have the chance to speak to Darren about tackling health and wealth inequalities. They approached him themselves for their conference and he suggested holding a Q&A session. 

“He seemed to be impressed by the quality of their questions and the pupils themselves were thrilled to be able to engage with someone they are very aware of.”

The Q&A session will be included in a compilation video which the pupils are creating for their virtual social inequality conference. The film will include short, informal 2-3-minute videos of local charities and others with an interest in inequality speaking about their work. It is hoped that the finished piece will provide a resource that HSD and other schools can use for their studies and, more widely, as a tool for helping to tackle social inequality. 

If you would like to feature in the virtual conference, please contact Karlene Douglas at khedouglas@highschoolofdundee.org.uk by 1st December.