In the late 1970s, Rock Against Racism used music as an urgent rallying call against a rising tide of hate. (Read all about it on pages 16-19). Nearly half a century later, the need to stand up once again feels urgent.
Violence – verbal and physical – against Muslims and Jews has spiked. Dog-whistling by racist politicians is everywhere. Racists within our communities feel emboldened.
The New World believes in the power of words, and of reading. This special edition, Read Against Racism, is our tribute to that earlier movement – and our contribution to a new one. What we lack in punk rock energy, we make up for in the power of argument.
Suggested Reading
Reading is the new resistance
This week you’ll find a collection of articles focused around a single theme; challenging the notion that rising nativism, nationalism and racism is inevitable. This is no mere gesture on our part, but as a statement of purpose. The struggle against racism is core to our mission.
Racism is learned. It can be unlearned. Reading opens minds. It can change them.
And you, dear reader, have a important role to play.
Share our work, tell a friend, and be visible… buy the t-shirt (or the mug, or the hoodie). Go to shop.thenewworld.co.uk.
But most of all, read.
Matt Kelly
Editor in chief, The New World
