In the late 1970s, Rock Against Racism used music as an urgent rallying cry against a rising tide of hate.
Nearly half a century later, the need to stand up once again feels just as 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 week’s special edition, Read Against Racism, is our tribute to that earlier movement and our contribution to a new one.
Not the anarchy of punk-rock protest, but the energy and passion of fact-based argument.
This week, you’ll find a collection of articles focused on a single theme: challenging the notion that rising nativism, nationalism and racism are inevitable.
Sundar Katwala explains how racism in Britain is getting worse for the first time in decades.
Matthew d’Ancona evangelises about the power of reading to instil empathy for others.
Sonia Sodha exposes the politicians drunk on the Kool Aid of hate.
And in Alastair Campbell’s diary, he makes clear the role Elon Musk is playing in funding fascism – here and in the United States.
This is not a gesture on our part, but a statement of purpose. The struggle against racism is central to our mission. These are troubling, sometimes bemusing, times, but we are certain of one thing: there is no place for complacency or passivity.
Racism is learned. It can be unlearned. Reading opens minds. It can change them.
For our part, journalism is resistance. And you, dear reader, have an important role to play. Share our work, tell a friend, and be visible – buy the T-shirt (or the mug, or the hoodie) at shop.thenewworld.co.uk.
And above all else … read!
