Alan Turing: It Didn't Get Better

[grav_ity]

Depending on the day, thinking about Alan Turing either makes me incredibly angry or deeply, deeply sad. Here was a man, after all, who worked hard to save his country. Who used his not unconsiderable brain power for good. Who let himself get locked away at Bletchly Park to break and make codes. Who contributed in a big way to the British side during WWII, and who was, ultimately, betrayed to his death.

There was no one around to tell Alan Turing that it got better. And it didn't. His country used him, simple as that. Used him and forced "treatment" on him and then wouldn't let him leave to go someplace more tolerant.

One of the things I enjoy most about the Sanctuary fandom is how it can incorporate historical figures. To start with, I learned a lot more about them, but I also came to understand their feelings within the scope of history. I had heard Sir Ian McKellan talk about it, what it means to live as an unconvicted felon, but it didn't really hit home until I was plunged into a fandom full of people for whom it did not get better.

So today, spend some time on the Google Doodle. Remind yourself that the British government issued a formal apology for what they did to Alan Turing three years ago, showing that we've grown. Remember that it wasn't and could never be enough. Be kind. Be brave. Keep growing. Love. Do everything you can to ensure that it keeps getting better.

Comments

[shadadukal]

Depending on the day, thinking about Alan Turing either makes me incredibly angry or deeply, deeply sad.

*nods*

*hugs*

[dbalthasar.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the link - I can go a day or two without seeing the doodle, and I would have hated to miss this one. For all the complicated reasons! :-)

[eldanna.livejournal.com]

It took me a bit to figure out the doodle but once I did it was awesome! Someone spent a lot of time programming that...good.

[nenya_kanadka]

♥

Yes, all these things.