OUGD505 Studio Brief 02 - Independent Article (Research)

Independent Article (Research):

Racist hate crime is so out of control that even white British people are being attacked

Pointing out the rise in hate crimes post-Brexit is not an attempt to undermine the democratic will of the British people. We must stand firmly against xenophobia and hatred, regardless of our opinions on the EU referendum

(http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexit-racism-hate-crime-figures-rise-white-british-being-attacked-a7360836.html)

After reading through this article It highlighted many interesting points regarding racism post-brexit. Hate crime has risen as a surge of xenophobic abuse has swept the country. However, 'Pointing out the rise of hate crime around the EU referendum isn’t an attempt to smear Leave voters as xenophobes or racists, nor is it to discredit the referendum result. The problems lies with the leaders and campaigners who failed to shut down inappropriate rhetoric during the Brexit campaign.' This has allowed people to share their prejudices more openly.

Overall the article was trying to point out that racism and xenophobic behaviour should not be tolerated and that we must stand together. It is only a small minority that holds these opinions but 'Remaining silent will give xenophobes an implicit mandate to continue with abuse. We should set aside some of what divides us and unite around a common objective: to put an end to hate and intolerance.' 

Quotes
- “Go back to where you came from, we don’t want you here.”

- “I’ve always considered myself British, [but] I found myself questioning my identity after hearing those words”

- “We had enough of your kind, take that off your head or join Isis”

- "Fellow travellers looked on and I felt alone on the train because no one said anything to him. I felt as though I was the ‘odd’ one.”

- “It’s your word against theirs. I’d feel guilty for wasting police time.”

Having reflected on this information it could be beneficial to produce a campaign which encourages people to report hate crime and stop incidents of xenophobic behaviour. This will show that this isn't the view of the majority and that Britain doesn't share these racist views.