Empowerment and Exploitation: A Complex Discussion

I’ve been busy in my own little world, but I know it’s time to check in with my blog—for me, for my memories, and for the record of where I stand.

There’s a lot going on in the world, and legacy media often decide which stories we should focus on. But many of us are drawn instead to voices we trust—those who speak with truth and passion. Agreement isn’t the point; accuracy is. Without it, our heads fill with rubbish.

Recent controversies, like the BBC’s handling of footage involving Donald Trump, show how damaging technology can be in the wrong hands. Editing, AI, and selective framing can distort reality, and when trusted brands are involved, the impact is even deeper. Accountability has to start somewhere. Media outlets and influencers with large followings carry responsibility: leadership should mean honesty, not manipulation.

It isn’t only politicians who are vulnerable. There have been cases where footage of deceased people appears in legal battles, or where historical emails and digital footprints are dragged into the light. These can be byproducts of AI misuse and smear campaigns—reminders of how fragile truth becomes when technology is weaponised.

And with the Epstein files, one part disgusts me deeply: if Prince Andrew did recruit men to bully his victim online and send worrying messages, then who are these men? Who took money to terrify a woman, and will they ever be held to account? It is a known fact that men are recruited to bully women without any moral conscience, and that behaviour must be named and condemned.

At the same time, we must acknowledge that not everyone who attended Epstein’s parties was complicit. Some were manipulated, or simply present without knowing the darker reality. Except those who knowingly enabled or profited from the exploitation—whether Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, or men recruited to bully victims—must be held to account. To terrify women for money shows a lack of moral conscience that cannot be excused.

Another danger lies in spyware. Modern tools allow men to invade women’s homes and workplaces digitally, creating pretend relationships to the point of believing they are real. This is something we should be focusing on. How many fathers, husbands, and friends of women are unaware their loved ones have had their spaces invaded by cowards hiding behind keyboards?

Anyway back to the BBC, simply suing a broadcaster may not be enough or the right option at all. Imagine instead the BBC being urged to craft a prime-time program, promoted widely, that educates the public on how editing and digital tools can bend the truth. People deserve to know how easily bias and radicalisation can slip through their screens.

When I’m out in the community, I notice how younger men in particular look up to Donald Trump. Us Northerners tend to respect people who “say it as it is.” Whether you agree or not, dismissing that perspective without reflection risks misunderstanding. I’m entitled to my opinions, just as you are to yours.

On wider issues, I believe women deserve respect for their choices. Sex work has always existed, and while exploitation must be condemned and survivors protected, not every woman is forced into it. To assume weakness offends me. For clarity: I am not a sex worker, but I admire any woman who stands in her power and makes her own decisions. Empowerment looks different for everyone—whether it’s choosing a profession, or even posing nude with confidence. Each to their own. Life is too short to chase misery or revenge.

The internet, sadly, has become a playground for cowards—fakehood, revenge, and malice thrive there. I’ve felt it myself. That’s why I keep my focus on my own projects and growth, rather than poking into others’ business. Malicious intent is something I’ll never understand.

And back to Trump: whether you like him or not, he’s endured burdens most of us can’t imagine. He isn’t part of secret cults or handshakes; he identifies as Christian. Each to their own. Don’t shoot the messenger—read my “About Me” page if you want to know who I am. And if you don’t like me—whether you’re a relative, former neighbour, influencer, comedian, or bookworm—then simply go away. The interest will never be mutual.

Most importantly, remember this: most people are good and lovely. We should not let the cowardice and weakness in others destroy our right to enjoy our individual journeys.

I do feel enormously disappointed about the BBC, who do have a reputation for bias and fake news. Though I hope this can be resolved amicably, as the BBC also boast some great travel, geographical and baking shows, for example. And I have often felt unable to sleep before watching a few documentaries of such content, that broaden my horizons.

Tiffy Belle ❤️

My News – Women’s Work

On November 8th 2024, Tiffy’s Place exchanged ownership. I wish the new owners ‘Claire and Richard’ all the best with the building. St Chads Road was an interesting street to occupy for over six years, alongside the other proprietors. A mixed bunch (to say the least). And I let the place go for less than I spent on the purchase and renovation. That aside, the memories, experience in all aspects of life and the entirety of the journey will remain priceless. Not to mention hand rearing a seagull. Adopting a Ginger Tom left for dead in a plant pot (my Billy). For whom has gone on to have some pretty edgy experiences around Lytham too. And then Buddy who belonged to neighbours and is now the little bloke who is our pack leader. He’s six next year.

I had three things to accomplish in a matter of days. Move out of the hotel, tend to the suffering of my beloved dog ‘Angel’ for whom would have been 18 on Xmas Day. And release the top floor of Windmill House that is currently occupied by a series of events that have left me somewhat drained for words.

More seems to be advancing in terms of positive progress for women and abuse. I am pleased. Not just pleased for the victims, but delighted for the men who stand by the women. Because we need to name and shame such acts of intimidation with less fear. For a long while men are increasingly becoming demonised because of a small percentage that do not represent the male species. The cowards of the male populous should be isolated, held accountable and removed from society in the name of ‘the good guys’ who often get tarred with the same brush.

Though, sole traders do not have as much protection as women who work within organisations, offering some kind of structure against harassment, terrorisation, baiting and stalking. In my case the perpetrator managed to get spyware inside of the building, to include my bedroom, recruiting clearly a team of criminals trained in targeting the victim, with slim chance of being caught. It’s not a common thing and due to the fact the Hampstead Comedian is not a multiple terrorist. That it’s me he is focused toward, puts my case in a tough situation as with all acts of cowardice and well thought acts of victimisation, his tracks are well covered. What a tragic way to go about life whilst simultaneously misleading the public. Ten years of social stalking and two further years of damage and interference of my property, garden, car and workplace, with the hacking of my personal devices thrown in for good measure.

But you can’t let a low life stop the natural transition of the worth of another. You just have to hope for a miracle of truth and change that can put the bloke where he belongs. That someone, somewhere will take the time to get the justice deserved for a trail of absolute horror for his own entertainment, where the need to create worry and hardship toward the lives of others (far removed) become a substitute for all that is lacking in his own (not very interesting) world.

When I read about what is happening to the women in Afghanistan, my recent experiences feel more acceptable by comparison. Yet, I am left with a daily feeling of frustration that I do not currently have the tools to find the rightful salvation for the women and girls whose lives currently exist of nothing other than vague hope and total despair. To be covered from head to foot with involuntary robes, no education. Not even allowed to listen to music or express creative skills. It’s barbaric. A repugnant sense of financial deprivation and control of human life. We are all born with our rights to freedom. No man is big enough to break the spirit of the sisterhood. And there’s nothing more depraved than the male who wishes to do so. It’s the work of Satan. And Satan hides within fools who would not cope under the same environments they so readily rejoice with acts of abuse toward women and girls.

And there is no woman more corrupt than she who justifies the abuse of her sisters. Who allows lies and phycological acts of sordid deeds to go without her defense. We the sisterhood, we nurture. We are abundant in our cyclical nature. We give life and we take the burden of our soul source, the universe. We need to awaken and rise because the world is our only home. Everything is life. That said, each living thing has the right to die with dignity. But nature can be cruel.

There is no glory in suffering that can be avoided. Shame on war. Shame on the money machines that create it. Homes, families, environments torn down at the click of a button, whilst the smug dictators feast in bunkers made of fools gold.

Tiffy Belle.

‘Telling the Truth’ by Tiffany Belle Harper

I may be fairly insignificant in terms of the hub of the web but I love my blog. I’ve had it for two years now. It has healed me. I think it’s saved my life a couple of times too. I’d hit the bottom – really.

Two significant changes in my life are my love of some great people out there – they are mostly men! Ironically, having come from physical and mental abuse – I do love men. I have two sons. I adore them most.

I care and I mean what I say. I believe I tell the truth. I don’t play games – I don’t use signs and mimic others. I say it how it is. And If I can use my heart and love combined with my qualifications to give someone a wake up call. I will. Sometimes my kids must hate me. I don’t care because I am their mum and only want what is best. Not to be loved or adored and certainly not thanked. But to know, I have tried. I don’t want enemies. But if someone treats me with disregard for being kind (tough) whatever – then I will defend myself.

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We can forgive but we should never forget – people will become humble but can flip like a sixpence. Always be your own best friend – encourage others to do the same. We can all be unique together. When we pull the vulnerable into the equation it becomes a battle and there is never a winner. I will always support the under dog. I would prefer to be invisible with those who need help than stand tall and look down upon love. That’s the way I am. I ain’t changing. I don’t hide – I don’t gossip. There is not one person out there that can hold me to account. I will always talk face to face – but don’t ever expect an easy ride.

TBH©