Love against division

Our commitment to equality, to diversity and inclusion, should and must be endlessly reaffirmed. Now and always. 

“What you stand for today, what we stand for together, is hope against hatred, is love against division.”

These words were spoken by Jo Cee of Stand Up to Racism at an anti-racist demonstration in Walthamstow on Wednesday 8 August 2024. They brought a tear to my eye when I read them on Thursday morning. Over the past two weeks, I have felt disturbed, disgusted and deeply upset by the wave of violence, disorder and divisive, racist and intolerant rhetoric spread by far-right groups in the UK. This past Wednesday, I once again felt deep anxiety and fear at reports that further far-right actions were expected that evening.

Feeling my anxiety levels surging, I kept away from news outlets and social media that evening. The next morning, I put on the TV news with apprehension. What I saw was the exact opposite of the violence and brutality that I had expected. As Reuters reports, on Wednesday night “thousands of police and anti-racism protesters gathered on streets across Britain  to challenge expected far-right groups that failed to materialise following more than a week of violent racist attacks targeting Muslims and migrants.” These protesters (for want of a better word) were members of the public determined to show that they do not share the intolerant, divisive views and values of those behind the wave of violence.

This was a true and positive community spirit. A beautiful and much-needed expression and affirmation of inclusivity and tolerance. The mental health charity Mind posted a lovely description of this moment:

“Hope. Last night the UK came together to stand against racism, Islamophobia and violence. There’s still a long way to go but today, hope wins over hate.”

Moments like this can go a long way towards restoring one’s faith in humanity, if it is in need of restoration. I felt an incredible sense of relief at this large-scale demonstration of love against division. I feel immense respect for and gratitude towards every soul who had decided to express their feelings in this way. In her speech in Walthamstow, Jo Cee put it perfectly:

“[The far fight] will not intimidate our Muslim brothers and sisters. We stand united. Every single person here tonight should be proud of themselves, because across the country on the televisions people are watching with horror and disgust at the filth that these people are dishing out.”

Difference is strength

What you stand for today, what we stand for together, matters.

The path towards equality never proceeds in a single direction. We can never take equality for granted. Any progress towards equality is always at risk.

Our commitment to equality, to diversity and inclusion, should and must be endlessly reaffirmed. Now and always.

Prejudice doesn’t disappear. Rather, it assumes new shapes, just as water floods a footprint. We must always do what we can to counter and to disprove prejudice.

I would like to close with some impassioned words that my friend Dr Paul Taylor-Pitt posted on social media last weekend, reacting to the first few days of rioting. Paul said:

“The racist violence that erupted in the UK is disgusting. Years of deliberate and consistent erosion of tolerance have broken the skin and bled over us.

“As a white person I am embarrassed, ashamed and full of rage at the people who are involved, and those pulling their puppet strings. Fuck their fascist bones to dust.

“Difference is strength. Solidarity is power. I stand alongside anyone feeling intimidated, afraid and angry. I am on your side.”

Amen, Paul.

Difference is strength.

Hope against hatred.

Love against division.

May you be nothing but kind today, to others and to yourself.

May today be nothing but kind to you and yours.

IMAGE

• Sunrise (7752293502) via Wikimedia Commons.
• Mind charity ‘Hope’ image – this is a screengrab from Mind’s Instagram page. I do not claim to own the copyright for this image and will remove it from this post immediately, if required.