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(In) Dependence

Why is it better to be independent than to need others? Or are we ignoring how inter-dependent we all are?

This month the Caribbean island of Jamaica celebrates 50 years of independence from the United Kingdom, an anniversary that's got added spice to it, because of the debate in Jamaica about whether it's time to take the next step and also break ties with the British monarchy. So what does independence mean? How easy is it to sever ties? And what is its relationship with dependency, both for a nation, and for an individual?

Some of the questions we'll be debating on The Forum this week with the award winning Jamaican poet Olive Senior; Scottish writer Dennis O'Donnell, who spent years working in a closed psychiatric ward as an orderly; and Dr Adam Winstock, a clinical psychiatrist who specialises in drug addiction.

Available now

41 minutes

Last on

Sun 5 Aug 2012 15:05GMT

Chapters

  • Part 1

    Olive Senior

    Duration: 11:38

  • Dennis O'Donnell

    Dennis O'Donnell

    Duration: 11:22

  • Part 2 60 second idea: National Honesty Day

    60 second idea: National Honesty Day

    Duration: 05:16

  • Adam Winstock

    Adam Winstock

    Duration: 12:14

Broadcasts

  • Sun 5 Aug 2012 01:05GMT
  • Sun 5 Aug 2012 15:05GMT

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

We鈥檇 love to hear your views on charm and charisma for a future Forum.

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