British Voices tells the story of Joe Hayman's travels around the UK in the aftermath of the 2011 riots, speaking to over 1,000 members of the public about the state of British society an approach unique amongst contemporary studies of the UK. Hayman undertook the three-month journey because he wanted the voices of ordinary citizens in Britain to be heard. Their views are reproduced faithfully and without judgment in this book and include: 'It feels like the country is drifting; no one knows what to do.' Pensioner, Birmingham 'If the politicians and bankers aren't held accountable, the apathy extends across the whole country.' Student, Bangor 'When I was young, we used to go out and kick a ball but it's all PlayStations now. We had three roads, but now it's a town and you have no idea who people are.' Man, Shetland Isles 'It's all moving at an astonishing pace now strangely, my teenage years were actually much more peaceful in spite of the Troubles.' Woman, Belfast Tying these views together, Hayman concludes that the UK is a nation of kind, decent people but that confusion, loss and despair are all too common. British Voices is an uncompromising analyisis of the most pressing concerns of people at all levels of British society, that will appeal to those interested in politics and current affairs.
British Voices
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'Joe Hayman provides vivid and telling insights into how ordinary people think about the state of the country. He paints an often disturbing picture of disenchantment and disillusionment among young and old alike, a sense both of resentment at elites and of uncertainty about the future both of themselves and of the country. It is a worrying account which should be widely read.' --Peter Riddell, Institute for Government, Director
About the Author
Joe Hayman is the founder of The Community Trust which he set up to address the issues raised in British Voices.
Inside This Book
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Charles
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A fresh, brave look at what we're really thinking. Particularly interesting to me, having two daughters, was Sophie Meredith's contribution regarding body image and celebrity culture. I found her points extremely poignant and relevant and it was nice to see the topic included in the book, making Hayman's work a nice all rounder with all sorts of social issues touched upon. I echo the general consensus from the rest of the reviews, this is essential reading fro politicians.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By David Jaques
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
an excellent book where the author meets a vast variety of people giving their views - a must for all polititians!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Bartek _ M
Format:Paperback
Great idea. Great book. Rather than explaining his ideas, analysis and conclusions at depth, Joe Hayman decides to let the subject of the analysis speak and communicate directly with the reader. I found his discussions with hundreds of UK residents entertaining and repeatedly found myself wanting to simply read on and on. Its refreshing to be able to find out about people's concerns and worries directly rather than through the more typical media channels like TV, newspapers and related discussion forums.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Rob McD
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Found this book via facebook of all things. A friend had it, and the title seemed interesting to me as I enjoy reading what people in our society think and feel.
When I read the description, I liked the idea of the writer, who wanted to find out about the opinions of the people around the nation.
I found it easy to read going to and from work, as the topics and travels were broken down in a digestible manner. During many parts of the book I couldn't help but agree with the individuals as I see this day to day. The parts I found really interesting were the opinions of the Northern Irish, and Scots, as the cases put forward from all sides made me realize how complex this country really is, and the politics behind it all.
Nicely put together without being overly detailed about everything to keep the momentum. Objectively written, and you can find a few gems of wisdom that can easily be applied. Helped re-iterate a few of my own thoughts, and think more about other peoples point of view.
Worth a read, and very relevant to the multi-cultural people of Britain during this period of our history.
When I read the description, I liked the idea of the writer, who wanted to find out about the opinions of the people around the nation.
I found it easy to read going to and from work, as the topics and travels were broken down in a digestible manner. During many parts of the book I couldn't help but agree with the individuals as I see this day to day. The parts I found really interesting were the opinions of the Northern Irish, and Scots, as the cases put forward from all sides made me realize how complex this country really is, and the politics behind it all.
Nicely put together without being overly detailed about everything to keep the momentum. Objectively written, and you can find a few gems of wisdom that can easily be applied. Helped re-iterate a few of my own thoughts, and think more about other peoples point of view.
Worth a read, and very relevant to the multi-cultural people of Britain during this period of our history.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Kingsley
Format:Paperback
"Honest and fair" best describes this no holds barred documentary of how ordinary Britons (you and I, them and us) actually think and feel. Without doubt, we will all be able to identify with one or more of the voices who's contributions this thought-provoking work is about.
Through his independent and non-judgemental narrative, probing questions and an empathetic listening style, the Author scratches beneath the veener of open-mindedness and tolerance, political correctness and unity to reveal the fault lines which crisscross British society.
The Author gives a meaningful voice to all of us who are all to often are unheard. Thank you.
Through his independent and non-judgemental narrative, probing questions and an empathetic listening style, the Author scratches beneath the veener of open-mindedness and tolerance, political correctness and unity to reveal the fault lines which crisscross British society.
The Author gives a meaningful voice to all of us who are all to often are unheard. Thank you.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By David Muir
Format:Paperback
From the boarded-up shops of Milford Haven to the Scottish Isles, from north to south and from east to west, British Voices by Joe Hayman is one man's journey of discovery. Joe Hayman's response to the riots of the summer of 2011and the recent banking crisis led him to embark on this journey both to try to understand the problems of our nation and assess his own place in its society.
Joe Hayman approached people in the streets, in bars and cafes, in city parks and village shops through the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and by asking them no more a leading question such as: "What do you think of it here in ... ?", finds out what people really think about the state of the country and the conditions governing their lives. A number of common concerns emerge as a result of several hundred conversations, these include a mistrust of the police and a distinct lack of respect for members of parliament in the light of the expenses scandal. The lack of work in many communities and the resulting breakdown in the cohesion and mutual respect in such communities also emerges as a major issue of concern as is a feeling of powerlessness reported to Joe Hayman in many of his conversations.
Very many of the people Joe Hayman approached for their views reported that they had lost faith in British institutions. People said that they felt betrayed in that local and national government did not represent them. When austerity is added to the mix and a lack of work, it worsens the feeling of drift and powerlessness and amplifies nostalgia for a better past.
The stories that Joe Hayman tells serve as a call for stronger political leadership.... Read more ›
Joe Hayman approached people in the streets, in bars and cafes, in city parks and village shops through the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and by asking them no more a leading question such as: "What do you think of it here in ... ?", finds out what people really think about the state of the country and the conditions governing their lives. A number of common concerns emerge as a result of several hundred conversations, these include a mistrust of the police and a distinct lack of respect for members of parliament in the light of the expenses scandal. The lack of work in many communities and the resulting breakdown in the cohesion and mutual respect in such communities also emerges as a major issue of concern as is a feeling of powerlessness reported to Joe Hayman in many of his conversations.
Very many of the people Joe Hayman approached for their views reported that they had lost faith in British institutions. People said that they felt betrayed in that local and national government did not represent them. When austerity is added to the mix and a lack of work, it worsens the feeling of drift and powerlessness and amplifies nostalgia for a better past.
The stories that Joe Hayman tells serve as a call for stronger political leadership.... Read more ›
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By David Muir
Format:Kindle Edition
From the boarded-up shops of Milford Haven to the Scottish Isles, from north to south and from east to west, British Voices by Joe Hayman is one man's journey of discovery. Joe Hayman's response to the riots of the summer of 2011and the recent banking crisis led him to embark on this journey both to try to understand the problems of our nation and assess his own place in its society.
Joe Hayman approached people in the streets, in bars and cafes, in city parks and village shops through the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and by asking them no more a leading question such as: "What do you think of it here in ... ?", finds out what people really think about the state of the country and the conditions governing their lives. A number of common concerns emerge as a result of several hundred conversations, these include a mistrust of the police and a distinct lack of respect for members of parliament in the light of the expenses scandal. The lack of work in many communities and the resulting breakdown in the cohesion and mutual respect in such communities also emerges as a major issue of concern as is a feeling of powerlessness reported to Joe Hayman in many of his conversations.
Very many of the people Joe Hayman approached for their views reported that they had lost faith in British institutions. People said that they felt betrayed in that local and national government did not represent them. When austerity is added to the mix and a lack of work, it worsens the feeling of drift and powerlessness and amplifies nostalgia for a better past.
The stories that Joe Hayman tells serve as a call for stronger political leadership.... Read more ›
Joe Hayman approached people in the streets, in bars and cafes, in city parks and village shops through the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and by asking them no more a leading question such as: "What do you think of it here in ... ?", finds out what people really think about the state of the country and the conditions governing their lives. A number of common concerns emerge as a result of several hundred conversations, these include a mistrust of the police and a distinct lack of respect for members of parliament in the light of the expenses scandal. The lack of work in many communities and the resulting breakdown in the cohesion and mutual respect in such communities also emerges as a major issue of concern as is a feeling of powerlessness reported to Joe Hayman in many of his conversations.
Very many of the people Joe Hayman approached for their views reported that they had lost faith in British institutions. People said that they felt betrayed in that local and national government did not represent them. When austerity is added to the mix and a lack of work, it worsens the feeling of drift and powerlessness and amplifies nostalgia for a better past.
The stories that Joe Hayman tells serve as a call for stronger political leadership.... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating read
British VoicesJoe Hayman is truly gifted in the way that he allows the members of the public that he encounters to open up so frankly and let them relate their stories, fears,... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Richard Julian
5.0 out of 5 stars
british voices
This was a gift for someone who had seen it advertised in the national newspaper reviews. I know they enjoyed it very much.
Published 3 months ago by Pol
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clever portrayal of the real Britain
This is a very insightful and enjoyable read. The author beautifully captures each casual conversation with a stranger allowing the reader to experience a fly on the wall... Read more
Published 4 months ago by amlauder
4.0 out of 5 stars
A great concept and an enlightening read
Real opinions from real people, completely uncensored for all to see. A brilliant idea and very thought provoking, particularly post the 2011 riots. Read more
Published 5 months ago by mm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bleak at times - but a great read
It's difficult to believe that no one's done this before - it's such a simple and effective idea. it's really important that we hear the unfiltered voice of the British public -... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Richard Turner
4.0 out of 5 stars
A tremendous account of modern Britain
In "British Voices", Hayman has bought us that rare beast; an honest account of every day people and their views on our society. Read more
Published 7 months ago by m g freeman
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