If, like us, you’re in the UK, you may have experienced a recent shift in energy.
It could be said that it’s a global occurrence; however, in the UK, over the summer and more recently, we have seen a growth in far-right rhetoric. Planted in the news, on our socials and in our streets, we have seen vitriolic sentiments, ignorant discussions and frightening violence that is underlined by dangerous agendas and baseless propaganda.
This growth in far-right behaviour and action has been fueled by politicians and far-right figures pushing an agenda that is rooted in making immigrants, ethnic and religious minorities, and women feel deeply uncomfortable. Passing their discrimination off as rational concern, we have seen the far-right push an anti-immigration/minority agenda by weaponising concerns around violence against women and girls, capacity in resources and access to opportunity.
Using minorities and immigrants to instil fear in the public for political gain is something we have seen politicians do for years, and while it’s normal to feel frightened, anxious and overwhelmed at the current state of the country, please know that we are not helpless.
This push in far-right rhetoric from the members of the public and politicians is truly a wake-up call.
Our voices, communities and votes are powerful.
Action is vital to counteract the violent rhetoric we are seeing, and we plan on showing up.
There is so much we can do to make a change and combat the growing racism, violence, and xenophobia we are seeing, and to help the country become a safer and more just place for us all.
Educate Yourself
Education has always been powerful when standing against hate, violence and nationalism. Reading, attending lectures, hearing lived experiences and learning about the past are all useful tools in becoming more educated about the way systemic racism and discrimination work, and importantly, how it can be dismantled.
Interwoven into countless systems, remaining educated on the prevalence of discrimination is vital in challenging it. Whether it’s the anti-immigration agenda, religious nationalism or far-right rhetoric, understanding how these sentiments seep into our communities helps us figure out how to counteract and overcome these notions.
For example, gender-based violence has been a growing epidemic in the UK for years and is still yet to be taken seriously. While the far-right are weaponising women’s safety as their rationale and motivation for their anti-immigration/minority rhetoric, we know that it is from a racist lens, and one that does not seek to protect, support and empower all women and girls.
Riddled with ineffectiveness and ignorance, we know that the far-right will not tackle violence against women, address wage inequality or create access to opportunities.
Remaining educated and ensuring that our knowledge, experiences and those of others are shared and platformed as well is vital in addressing the violence of the far-right.
Education is the cornerstone of remaining informed and fighting back against misinformation.
Show Up
As the far-right movement swells in momentum and support, we must show up and stand in solidarity to counteract it.
Whether it’s attending protests, publicly showing your support to those targeted, or voting accordingly, showing up and standing against the violence and discrimination taking place across the country is essential in stopping its growth and the security that those who perpetrate such acts feel.
Stand up for the immigrants, minorities, religious minorities and women in your community and come together in solidarity to empower one another, fight back against the far-right and stop their vicious agenda.
Practice Self-Care
The world is a scary place right now, especially if you are a woman or a religious or ethnic minority. The constant denigration of our humanity, experiences and rights can take a toll. You may be feeling overwhelmed, frightened and unsafe.
With a new need for hyper-vigilance, it is normal to feel exhausted and hopeless about the state of the country and your security here.
To overcome these feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm and hopelessness, we encourage you to practice self-care and show yourself more support and love as we navigate these trying times. Remain informed but take breaks from the news and headlines. Attend protests and speak up, but take rest and time for restoration when needed. Do not hold yourself to a higher standard than others or place unfair expectations on yourself.
There is only so much one individual can do. It is times like these when our communities and allies need to show up and stand with us so that the burden of fighting against the far right is not only ours to bear.
Our right to exist is not contingent upon the degree to which we can be in service or submission.
We do not need to sing for our supper, prove our worth, or lay out our value to justify our existence.
We can just be.
