We need to be politically engaged every day not just at election time

I USED to have a colleague in the UK who, whenever he was asked what he did for a living, answered that he worked in a laboratory, looking after rats.

Apparently, having said this, he could usually be sure that no one would want him to talk to about his work. I find it quite hard to lie outright, so try to achieve the same effect by being vague. If I’m pressed, I say that I work in the university and then, thanks to the conventions of sexism, it’s usually assumed that I’m some kind of clerical worker and I’m not asked for any more information. This is sufficient to get me out of most awkward situations.

Nine times out of ten, if a woman of my age is alone with a man making small talk, she’s in a taxi or having an appliance fixed (if she’s alone with a woman, they’re both just enjoying the peace). For those rare occasions where more information is demanded, I blurt out quickly: “Actually I teach politics — but I’m all right really”. Well, it’s that kind of a job isn’t it? Only social deviants and misfits are interested in politics these days. Clearly I’m some kind of weirdo.