The Unsettling Rise of Islamophobia and Racism in Britain Imagine being told you are acceptable in your own country only because you speak the right language and have the right skin tone. This is the reality many black and brown British people face, and it's a notion that has gained strength over the past decade. The recent launch of an attack by Tommy Robinson and his followers against British Muslims, calling for "re-migration" - a euphemism for ethnic cleansing - is a stark reminder of the viciousness of this ideology.
The Mainstreaming of Hate Robinson's movement, Pegida UK, may have died quickly, but the sentiment behind it has only grown stronger. The idea that right-wing men are the arbiters of whether black and brown British people are acceptable in their own country is a toxic one. It's an idea that has been perpetuated by the likes of Robinson and his followers, who gathered to launch an attack on British Muslims. This is not just a fringe movement; it's a symptom of a broader problem in British society.
The Gentrified Assault on Diversity Meanwhile, a more refined, superficially respectable group is launching a gentrified version of a similar assault. Their target is Misan Harriman, a popular figure on social media and in British cultural life. Harriman, who became the first black man to shoot the cover of British Vogue, is being attacked by a small group of right-wing white men who want to see him removed from his role as chair of the Southbank Centre. The attacks on Harriman are not just about his track record; they're about whether he is the right sort of ethnic minority to be permitted in their milieu.
The Campaign Against Harriman Harriman is being assailed from many directions, with critics questioning his expertise in classical music and his friendship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He is also being targeted for his critique of Israel, with some alleging that he has compared Reform UK's electoral success to the Holocaust. However, this is a gross misrepresentation of Harriman's words, which were actually a quote from the philosopher Susan Sontag. The campaign against Harriman is a cynical attempt to confuse his critique of Israel with antisemitism.
The Broader Agenda The campaign against Harriman is not just about him; it's about the broader agenda to discipline cultural institutions that give expression to different perspectives and values in British public life. It's about maintaining the status quo and keeping black and brown people out of positions of power. The fact that Harriman's detractors are using the right-wing media to launch their attack is a testament to the fact that this is a coordinated effort to undermine diversity and inclusion.
The Effect on Black British People The message to black British people is clear: step out of line, and you will be targeted. The experiment with "allowing" black figures into positions like Harriman's could all be over in a heartbeat if we dare to challenge the status quo. This is not accountability culture; it's reputational warfare. The effect of this message could not be more clear: black British people are expected to be grateful for the opportunities they have, and not rock the boat.
Conclusion The rise of Islamophobia and racism in Britain is a disturbing trend that must be addressed. The attacks on Harriman and the broader campaign to discipline cultural institutions are just symptoms of a larger problem. It's time for Britain to confront its own biases and prejudices, and to create a more inclusive and diverse society. We must recognize that the trauma of one community is not mutually exclusive with the trauma of another, and that we must work together to create a safer and more just society for all.