Some public and political agitators try to divide our society with anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric. But, to create a world beyond racism, we need a different story that brings us together.
The Messaging the Moment series is designed to help. Here, in part 2 (of 3) of the series, we offer evidence-based guidance on what to say right now to intervene in an often-toxic conversation and move people towards ideas and sentiments that support multi-ethnic togetherness. Then, in part 3 (coming soon) of Messaging the Moment we turn to the task of vividly communicating what life-affirming anti-racist futures look and feel like.
Anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and racist rhetoric is prominent and seemingly popular with some. This needs attention and resistance. But advocates also need to articulate what we are for; we need to say what it looks like to have a society where the multi-ethnic many live well – and to say how we get there.
At Reframing Race, we have previously used the term ‘far-right’ as a label for xenophobic and racist rhetoric. That term definitely has its place – but these ideas extend beyond conventional left/right politics. So rather than simply label something ‘far-right’, it is better to scrutinise what anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and racist rhetoric does to dehumanise parts of the population and to pull society as a whole apart.
A lot of people are concerned and feeling insecure and unsafe about their life circumstances. But that is no excuse for racist scapegoating. We need to place responsibility where it really belongs. For example, successive governments have underinvested in things that matter most, e.g. good jobs, affordable homes and public services.
Our public conversation is often typified by raging at what is going on in the world outside. That puts people in the middle of a blame-frame. Instead, we can move people into a more reflective space and ask them to focus on what they need to thrive. That prepares the ground for question about what we need to create together.
Contrary to what we hear, there is much multi-ethnic togetherness – with people from different backgrounds finding ways to connect and work harmoniously. This spirit of co-operation, combined with meaningful sharing of wealth and power, offers new possibilities for us all to live well: good jobs, affordable homes, brilliant healthcare, buzzing town centres and a healthy planet.
We're being offered a false choice by some agitators. They tell us that for white British people to do well means that migrants and Black and brown people need to suffer.
That's not how thriving societies work.
Instead, we can join together, support one another and ensure that our politicians do what is needed to make things better for us all.
Most of us want the same things, like good jobs, affordable homes and strong public services.
These basics are within reach for us all.
When we share wealth and power and draw on the ability of people from different backgrounds to work together then we can all live well,
Division grabs the headlines, but for the most part people from different backgrounds find ways to live and work together and care for each other.
Human connection is also something we can learn and practise.
We can become more curious and less judgemental about each other and take responsibility when we cause harm. In short, we can learn to live together better.