1/ Every time someone sheds crocodile tears about #AuratMarch placards I think of the inimitable @monaeltahawy and how she says that her civility doesn’t extend to people who dehumanise and target her. We don’t owe anything to people who would crush us in a heartbeat. 2/ We don’t owe anyone more explanations, civil discourse where we patiently and repeatedly explain what “my body, my choice” means, be told that unless we tow the acceptable line we won’t be considered at all, let alone with any respect or dignity.

At the Met, there’s a beautifully preserved Syrian reception room, literally flown in piece by piece by someone who could afford it. It’s a wondrous room, with a tiny fountain, carpets and intricately decorated wood panels. My ten year old wondered why someone would want to transplant a room, of all things, anywhere. I said it’s because rooms like these don’t exist any more, because Syria- ancient, civilised, lovely Syria- has been reduced to rubble. The havelis and their baithaks are gone.