During the past few days, we have been shocked by the racist, anti-immigrant, and Islamophobic riots in towns across Britain, targeting mosques, hotels housing migrants, individuals, homes and businesses owned by migrants and people of colour, and organisations supporting migrant communities.
These acts of terrorism are the result of years of politician’s anti-immigration discourses reinforced by media acting recklessly and forwarding political agendas.
We are witnessing the consequences of years of a hostile environment for migrants through anti-immigration policies that reproduce racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia and dehumanise, demonise, and criminalise migrant communities.
We are seeing the far-right using the same divisive narratives that politicians have employed for years when they should be inspiring solidarity across communities.
At a moment when the families are in pain, grieving their beloved children, the far-right weaponised the tragic loss of lives by the atrocious stabbings that took place in Southport, spreading fake news and using violence to push their agenda of hate and ignorance.
Social media has significantly contributed to spreading disinformation and inciting violence. Misinformation has proliferated on these platforms, becoming part of a dangerous web of propaganda.
It is crucial to ensure that people have access to factual and accurate information and that statements and videos shared on social media are verified. While social media can be a powerful tool, it is often misused.
With people increasingly consuming hate-filled content online, there is an urgent need for the authorities to enforce accountability and combat fake news and right-wing propaganda.
What is even more shocking is to see the media downplaying far-right and fascist terrorism, referring to it as “protest”. They persistently refuse to label what we are witnessing for what it truly is: racism, Islamophobia and terrorism.
Innocent people are being attacked, families are frightened, and hardworking mothers are struggling to explain to their children what is happening.
In this challenging moment, we need to bring communities together. We understand the importance of standing against violence.
Still, we also understand that our communities are exhausted from the intergenerational trauma caused by centuries of oppression through slavery, colonialism, systemic racism, and police brutality.
Black and brown bodies are the primary targets of this violence; the feelings of insecurity, impotence, and frustration are intensified in this moment of chaos.
Several anti-racism demonstrations are planned, and they are crucial as a response to the ongoing violence. Many people feel safe to attend, but if you don’t feel safe, it’s okay not to go. In a violent environment, keeping ourselves alive is a form of resistance.
We curated a list of important and useful information to help you better understand what’s going on, how you can contribute, and, most importantly, how to keep yourself safe.
Get in touch with a local group to see how you can contribute to this struggle.
If you want to write about all that is happening or how do you feel and help us change the narrative about how migrant communities are portrayed in the media, get in touch, as this space exists exactly for that purpose.
“It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism.” Angela Davis
Migrant Women Press Team
