Unity Over Adversity
This week has seen a series of disturbing events enforced by virtue of hate, conflict, and division. Last Friday saw a violet clash outside an asylum seeker hotel in Kirkby and on Saturday, 16-year-old Brianna Ghey was stabbed to death in a Linear Park in Culcheth, Cheshire. The events of the past week were motivated by prejudice. Prejudice on the basis of anti-migration and gender identity. On Friday, a group of anti-refugee protesters purposely caused mayhem and violence. The scenes were likened to “a war zone” outside the Suites Hotel in Knowsley, as protesters hurled missiles and set vehicles alight. The acts were described as “the inevitable culmination of a decade of anti-refugee rhetoric” as people in positions of power “demonize” refugees. Similarly, Brianna Ghey was murdered as a transgender woman. A savage act resulting from the oppression of a marginalized group, that is often wrongly portrayed as sick, confused or in most extreme examples, evil - which has resulted in hate crimes against transgender people having increased by 250% over the past five years.
People can be divided in many ways. When these divisions are deep and entrenched, they can create a sense of "us vs. them" that can lead to conflict and even violence. In some cases, these divisions are exacerbated by the actions of individuals who exploit them. Often, amplified through the spreading of misinformation and propaganda. Such narratives can fuel division and mistrust between groups and when tensions escalate and communication breaks down, violence often becomes the tragic outcome. It is important for individuals, communities, and leaders to work towards building bridges across divides, promoting empathy and understanding, and finding peaceful solutions to disagreements or conflicts.
The events of last week underline how violence can spawn from matters of division and hateful rhetoric. “Unity over adversity" means coming together as a group to overcome challenges or difficulties. It emphasizes the importance of working collaboratively and supporting one another during tough times. There are so many ways that communities can work to stop violence and come together in unity.
As communities we should encourage open and honest discourse between different groups, helping build trust and create opportunities for collaboration;
Promote education and awareness about violence, its causes, and its effects, helping people understand the impact of these actions;
Advocacy groups can play a vital role in combating hate crimes by advocating for policy changes, organizing rallies and protests, and providing support to victims and their families;
Finally, communities can address the underlying causes of hate by promoting social justice, tolerance, and respect for diversity. This involves promoting inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of community life, including education, housing, and employment.
The country has already responded to Brianna’s death, with vigils planned and taking place across the UK. The great cities of Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Reading, Plymouth, Brighton, Belfast, London, and York are set to host candle-lit vigils in Brianna’s honor. This display of strength and unity is critical in these difficult moments. Adversity, can be overwhelming and cause people to feel isolated and powerless. When these people already feel sequestered from the rest of society, an overwhelming sense of disillusionment can result, leading groups to feel vulnerable.
Instead, we must unite, become a force for change and overcome even the most challenging obstacles. Just as people have united for Brianna. Big Help Project is united against all forms of social injustice and hate. We are focused on building a better and more equitable world for everyone in society. We will aim to protect people from acts of discrimination, violence, and systemic oppression. It means working together to create a more just and equitable society where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. By coming together, we can create a powerful force for change and build a world where all people are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.