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I'd love it if intelligent discussion led to people changing their toxic attitudes, and sometimes, very rarely, it does. Sadly it doesn't on the whole. Nazi fuckers tried a coup last night and the right wing mouthpieces are blaming the left.
See, we have the same problem here. Xenophobia, isolationism and meritocracy are at the heart of our government. The idea that we are better than everyone else is held held by those that set to divide us...
They hold the same view internally as they do toward the outside world - that some are inherently, and some believe, genetically superior to others.
If you are rich and went to Eton then they believe you are better than if you grew up poor and on a council estate.
We can't change their minds. We can't change their message. We can't change their prejudice.
We need to stop trying to make them behave better. Instead, we need to engage in a process of change amongst the people. So when the vote comes we can be heard.
We need to stop looking at the ground when they punch down with all their power, right wing media support and privilege. When they tell us to blame someone else we must refuse.
Teachers, NHS staff, shop workers, etc have put in a shift this last year. They will have to do so for some time to come. Don't stand on your doorstep and clap - refuse to vote for the people in power who have placed them in danger without proper support.
If someone starts in at teachers then step up and challenge the toxic narrative. Make it clear where blame needs to land, and it isn't on dedicated educators.
If someone starts up about foreigners then step up for those wonderful people who are working in our hospitals, nursing homes, shops and schools and in every other work place. Defend them.
Challenge every racist remark that you can. And shit, it ain't easy sometimes. Because they come from family members, people in power over us in work, friends too. Challenge and don't take 'it's a joke' or 'I didn't mean it'.
And as I said, it isn't going to be easy or fun. Sometimes, you won't, because it isn't worth the agro. I'm as guilty as the next person of coping out when I should stand. But I'm getting better at it.
I know it's a long rant, and it could have been covered with 'don' t be a dick' and 'don' t let other people be dicks'. But really, this shit has gone on long enough.
