14 Aug 2024

Diversity Lens - Issue 235

Diversity Lens - Issue 133 Diversity Lens - Issue 132 Diversity Lens - Issue 131

We can't continue as normal this week. Our country has descended to new lows with more overt animosity towards minority groups than we've seen in some time. People are scared to leave their house for fear of attack due to the colour of their skin. It's crushing that we've got to this point.

Wednesday's demonstrations brought some hope. Rumours of far-right action spread across the country with many spots in London expected to be targeted. Businesses closed early, Mosques were warned, and counter-protestors mobilised in their thousands - an impressive sight. The far-right either didn't show up or had their presence completely overwhelmed by anti-racism protesters ❤️

This issue of Diversity Lens will cover the demonstrations and direct you to some helpful resources. We're also dedicating a large part of this issue to the good going on in the world amid these pockets of hate.

- Cressida, Head of Content

Safety warnings to avoid UK due to riots ⚠️

Emerging far-right forces have culminated in increasingly violent actions over the course of this week. Many are facing a shocking question, is the UK no longer a safe space for people of colour?

How did we get here? It's shocking the state we've got to in the UK and how empowered the far-right now feel to stand loud and proud in their islamophobia, racism, and downright hate. But we must push back against the notion that this is an isolated movement coming out of nowhere. This sentiment has been bubbling in the periphery of our everyday lives for sometime, fuelled by misguided media narratives and the normalisation of xenophobia by public and political figures.

People of colour in the UK, many for the first time, are feeling scared to leave home, unsafe in their own country. A handful of countries have issued warnings against travelling to the UK. We tend to see the UK as a progressive, tolerant place, but is it time to abandon this notion?

Taking a step back... You're right to feel angry and betrayed right now. We must remember, however, that these mobs are not representative of our country as a whole. These groups espousing hate are a minority, but a vocal one. Amid all the vitriol, we look to the hoards of peaceful counter-protesters assembling across the UK, showing up for their communities, protecting the vulnerable, and rebuilding the broken. This doesn't mean the issues that built up to this moment have been toppled however, the systemic racism pervasive in this country must be faced down. There is a fight ahead, but our message is the loudest right now: no to racism, refugees welcome.

SOURCES WE TRUST 🤝

There is a lot of false information and inappropriate language being used in the reporting of these riots. Here's who we're listening to:

Stay aware, stay educated, and be an active ally.

Not sure what you can do as an individual? We recommend taking these actions.

THE GOOD IN THE WORLD 🌍❤️🩹

🏅 The first all-black gymnastics podium at the Olympics! 🏅

This iconic picture brought us so much joy this week; the elation of Brazilian Rebeca Andrade taking Gold, how happy the two Americans - Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles - on the lower podiums are for her...we love to see it!