Challenge racism – don’t let Cameron divide us
By Kanja Sesay, NUS Black Students’ Officer
» download the full SBL NUS Conference 2011 newsletter
Economic crises are times when racism thrives even more as politicians seek to scapegoat communities.
In France this week the ban on the Niqab came into full force. This illiberal policy shamefully denies Muslims women their right to choose what they want to wear and their freedom of religion.
In Britain the English Defence League have targeted Muslim communities, claiming Britain is in danger of ‘Islamification.’ This false argument is used as a justification for generalised hatred and violence towards Muslims. The EDL group has been terrorising Muslims up and down the country and have been caught on camera at its demonstration in Preston chanting ‘Burn down the mosque.’
Mainstream politicians are fuelling this racist climate. David Cameron chose to launch an attack on multiculturalism on the day that the violently anti-Muslim English Defence League was holding a demonstration in Luton.
The left must make no concessions to racism. That means challenging every single racist incident, including racist murders. British reggae artist Smiley Culture (David Emanuel) died in a police raid in March. His family have launched a campaign to find out the truth behind his death and to achieve justice.
Please support the campaign and join the Facebook page: Campaign for Justice for Smiley Culture.
