Webchat with Russell Brand - Weds 12 Nov - 1 o'clock

[JustineMumsnet]

We're very pleased to say that Russell Brand is joining us on Wednesday 12 November between 1 and 2pm.

For those who don't know, Russell Brand is a comedian, actor and author.

His latest book, Revolution, sets out his views for political change - because, he says, "democracy has been taken away from us".

You might have caught his recent interview on Newsnight, which was widely discussed on the boards.

This is his third book, following My Booky Wook and Booky Wook 2: This Time It's Personal and has just published the first in a new series of children's books Russell Brand's Trickster Tales: The Pied Piper of Hamelin, written by Russell and illustrated by Chris Riddell.

Please do join us on Wednesday - or if you can't, feel free to post questions in advance, here.

(Reminder that we only allow one question and one follow-up per user, so make sure to use yours wisely )

Hi Russell - What role do you think the horses should play in the revolution? kh Lone

Daniel san

He is getting twice as much flak as flirting based on comments here
Not rape crisis, was a phone line for public to pass on info
Also 7 years ago - not being used for publicity for a book
He didn't say that, Jonathan Ross did
Name the gags...Have seen his stand-up, has only ever taken the piss out of kiss-and-tells in the paper. Made a couple of comments about marriage but said less on the subject than his ex and never took a dime which he could have done under Californian law.
Has never made rape jokes like Jimmy Carr or Frankie Boyle and is himself the butt of the joke on many occasion.
Georgina Bailey sold her story to the papers and has not spoken to Andrew Sachs since allegedly...He was quoted as being ashamed of what she was doing...whether that refers to the Satanic Sluts burlesque group or the newspaper story she did in the tabloids I don't know but the slut-shaming was coming from her family.
lilannie
Stop inferring dark revelations to come out..either spill or name sources. It is as slimy as Peter Andre with his I know stuff you don't know shtick. Same as KP alluding to something she has held back.
I've got a secret but am not going to tell you childish bull.
Printing photos that are old is also a.bit lame...He was in a dark-windowed chauffeur-driven merchandise the other week, should have got a photo of that shouldn't you? Have seen so many pictures of him walking in public that I suspect if he were to do that, cycle or skate everywhere he would be papped morning, noon and night.

Hi Russell, it's fantastic that we finally have someone passionate speaking out on behalf of our generation that has the courage to speak the truth and to expose some of the inexcusable failures in our 'democracy'. You remind me of Beppe Grillo who I've been following for years (I'm half Italian). My question is Russell, given the recent media hype around the poppy installation (which is beautiful I might add, but for all the wrong reasons), what is your opinion on the poppy appeal? My opinion, as a mother of two boys - the best way of protecting soldiers is to stop sending them into disastrous conflicts in the first place. Also what about the civilian life lost at war? As someone who works in marketing and PR, I see this whole campaign as another well thought out marketing strategy to glorify and condone war, so that our governments and many others can hide behind the real reason why we are still going to war a hundred years on. Love to hear your thoughts on this. Cristina

Hi Russell I love the trews and its great to see someone standing up for the working class and poorer part of the UK, sadly the media are worried about there bank accounts and seam to portray you very badly, they seam to love to repeat the same 'do not vote' article. Please can you clear this up for me, women did fight for a right to vote, but I can see why with our current politicians, and what is your view on the Green Party who seam to be pushed aside for the likes of UKIP?

Lizzie

HI Russell.

Although I haven't read your book yet,but I will.Do you think things will ever change.It's a system where the people running it have been reared from a young age to do it.eg The Eton lot.I think your book will plants some seeds into people maybe in a position to change society, but that'll take time.If we didn't vote wouldn't we be in total chaos and with the ever bigger threat of isis,total targets.

Going to eat my lasagne now!

Have a good day

Maxine.x

Dear Russell,

Thank you for your tireless work, opening peoples eyes, especially in the past few weeks when it's clearly been non-stop for you, you're everywhere!

My question is: I understand you practice transcendental meditation. For those like me, who are keen to access a spiritual realm and become enlightened through deep thought and meditation - where would you recommend we begin?

Are there any particular books you would recommend on the topic for beginners like myself?

Danielle x

Ps - thank you for regularly popping up in my dreams ;-) #mumsnetfilthbench

How can we involve poor people (myself) across the country in protests etc when the means are not there to do so? travelling, food, shelter. Ive often wanted to help the cause but cant afford to do so.

Gosh, some people seem to be terribly invested in loving RB. I bet he's pissing himself.

Hi Russell, I like how you spring up in a variety of locations, i.e. Twitter, Mumsnet, NYC, This Morning. My question to you is where do you get your inspiration to take part in all that you do?? I think people should give you credit for all that you have achieved, your passion and positivity to help others. Your a star that shines for me x:0). I hope that you take away good feeling yourself for all your energies you give & a golden coin or two. Just joking!! ;0)

Hello Russell
I often get frustrated with books challenging our thoughts, our way of life, because they fail utterly to demonstrate that the author understands the problems of the world from a Mother's perspective.
For example, I have a dusty copy of "The art of travel" by Alain do Botton on my shelf. However, because I am yet to the find the chapter, "The art of travel, with three small boys, one in nappies, one who has a cuddly toy that is more important than the passports, and another who talks louder than the whole population of France, which is a problem when camping", I just haven't read it yet as I am not sure how helpful I will find it.
Could you share an extract from your new book here that summarises how you have thought about the Revolution from the perspective of Mother's?
Oh, and if you fancy sending on a signed copy to me I'll happily let you know what I think of what you say, rather than what i think you might be trying to say based on what I am told to think. ;-)
Thank you
x

Mr Brand,

Given that you have such staunch defenders on this thread, who say that you have left your life of misogyny behind you. Why do you continue to insist on shouting over women who are talking and why did you pose for a picture with Julien Blanc, a man who has had his visas to Australia and Canada revoked because he encourages men to rape and sexually assault women, and has posted videos of himself #chokinggirlsallovertheworld and grabbing the backs of Japanese women's heads and forcing their faces into his groin? How do these things stack with your not-misogynist-now viewpoint?

MNHQ, what the hell are you thinking of here?

hi all i feel any publicity to promote different options and choices can only be a positive thing , i have seen many of the interviews wiv mr brand and do agree with most of what he says and i want to get his book but as im on maternity leave at the min and am receiving a rubbish 600 pound a mth i cant afford it ! hopefully my hubby will get it for Christmas for me ! this is a prime example of equality that Russell points out i work then have my third daughter and feel pressure to return to work asap as im skint ! i feel torn between looking after my children well and offering them a better standard of life i bet politicians dont have this concern !!! i must return to work therefore to offer a better life( and to pay for Russells new book) , however is a better life working for a low wage spending less time with loved ones ???? if Russell wants to send me a fee copy of book this would improve my life greatly lol :)))

He has not said dont vote, he said dont vote unless the party you are voting for actually represents you and your thoughts and views.. otherwise there is no point, and hes right.

Russell - can you apply your ample wisdom to tell me how I can mitigate the existential crisis I find myself in trying to reconcile opposing roles as mother to a toddler and worker / career person in higher education. I'm trying to be perfect or at least good at both and this is leading towards imminent collapse / exhaustion / heart attack. Is this all because of capitalism? Should I meditate more? Please help. I think you're great :) thanks!

Russell, I love and support you brother.
I have many things to say but you are doing well! Please elaborate on your "voting" issue as many are still unclear of the alternative.

"If the truth can be told so as to be understood, then it will be believed." - Terence McKenna.

Love + Positivity. X

Marry me Russell?

If anything should have brought down this government it should have been the Dickens dossiers but seeing as the historic child abuse inquiry has already seen two resignations and the Wanless report is being spun as 'no cover up' as opposed to no evidence then it will be whitewashed for a fourth decade.
Even the establishment paedophile thread was ignored in the main by thousands of visitors to this site...where anger rage and revolt were needed there was bizarrely a meh reaction.
It is in the 'in the news' section....if Russell needs an answer to who to shoot first come the revolution he might want to read those threads.

tx for doing audible version. Had RTA 2 weeks ago & hurts 2 much to hold a book (& type) plus harder bits make more sense-intonation helps greatly as do the laughs. Good work sir. x

After reading Russell's book, his point is made by stating that change cannot come from within our own system. the differences between the parties we are voting for are minuscule compared with the change we can make outside of the system. All parties are funded by large multinational companies, who they are as a result answering to rather than us. Our current system only benefits the elite/rich and ofcourse it does if someone gave you millions of pounds to aid you into power you couldn't go against their wishes and ignore what they want. I'm not to sure if what I've said is clear I'm sure Russell himself could answer better but I hope I've shed some light on why Russell believes voting is not the way to form a revolution.

I'm involved in a group called 'Mums say no to GMO' part of www.facebook.com/BeyondGM We are mums who would like to stop GMO farming from coming to the UK. If we take head of the 'Letter From America' published into today's The Times, it's easy to understand why we want them to stay out. What are your thoughts on GM foods and farming?

I haven't got a question- I just want to thank Russell for all the amazing work he is doing. He receives so much criticism and anger from people for daring to stand up in public and talk about these radical issues. I want him to know that there are people like me behind the scenes who support him fully and are taking strength from his actions to finally stand up and do something ourselves ( and to encourage our children to!) Could we finally be at a point of change? Russell's words give me real hope. Thank you.

Hi Russell pleasure to listen to you! I am aware that you are setting up projects to support drug addicts and reintegrate them back into our society which is wonderful. Following your success with the pied piper have you any projects that targets our younger audience to help them become aware of the system and sociology in general? X

First of all Russell, I flipping love you I do! But back to the point, I'm a social worker and am interested in any vision you have regarding workers being able to re claim our profession from the limitations of austerity measures & government control in order to truly empower people and free them from the societal restraints of poverty & deprivation.
We need change so desperately but the days if lobbying for change are sadly behind us as our time is taken up battling workloads so we can't fight for the change society needs...big love & keep up your good work!

Dear Brand are you aware of this revolutionary idea of unconditial basic income and if so what do you think of it. If you want to know more about this game changer idea here is a TED talk about it. grundeinkommen.tv/why-we-should-give-everyone-a-basic-income/

How would you respond to the accusation that you are damaging any tiny anti-capitalist movement which does exist by shouting in a totally ill-informed and nonsensical way about a system which you clearly care about but also don't understand? Wouldn't you say it is counter productive to be an idealist without any knowledge of his own ideals?
NB I am a communist