OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from Harry, an NHS nurse from Newport. Ed
In recent weeks, we have seen misinformation flooding our screens leading to outbursts of violence, hate crimes and far-right extremism across the UK.
After over a decade of right wing governments slashing public services whilst pointing fingers at people who look different to us, the far-right hate-filled chicken is finally coming home to roost.
Stoking divisions and culture wars
MPs from the Tory’s Right flank (the Nat-Cs) and those resurging from the iterations of BNP/UKIP/Reform have been stoking divisions and culture wars for years.
Moreover, we have seen weak centrist politicians appeasing those on the right to try and garner votes. But as we have learned, conceding ground to the far-right, only benefits the far-right.
Fake news
We have recently seen several Reform UK MPs elected into parliament – where they have used their platform to call far-right terrorists ‘ordinary folk’ and label their actions as ‘understandable’ whilst right wing pundits spread more fake news about made up Muslim terror attacks stoking yet more division.
And whilst the mainstream media (MSM) still enjoy flirting with Nigel Farage, none seem brave enough to label him what he is: in my view, a dangerous grifter stoking up hate to garner political power and forward his own interests.
I’m sure this is not why they voted reform UK
Now, for the majority who voted Reform UK on the Island and across the UK, I’m sure they find this rhetoric disgusting, and I’m sure this is not why they voted Reform UK – in my view, it is however a problem that radiates from the very core of the far-right party, with the figureheads of Tice and Farage at the top.
This week we have also seen a children’s author and transphobe spread malicious fake news about a female Olympian, assigned female at birth, to forward her anti-trans agenda. I believe that not only does this fake news whip up hate against a vulnerable minority, it also attacks the core identity of women who don’t fit the patriarchal stereotype of a woman.
We need to stand in solidarity against all forms of hate
As the rightwing press forward and perpetuate this hate, we have to make a clear stand. It is not enough to simply not be racist, or not be transphobic – we have to be anti-racist and anti-transphobic. We need to stand in solidarity against all forms of hate wherever they spring up.
For those spending their days purposefully trying to make people feel unsafe, simply for being who they are, shame on you. You do not speak for us.
Enough is enough
The vast majority of us say enough is enough. Stop the hate. Love is stronger than hate, and love will always prevail.
As an Island, let’s stand united with the victims of these violent right wing assaults and declare we are an Island of love, unity and hope.
Let’s be better
Let’s demand better from our politicians and better from our media. Let’s be better.
