This exclusion has allowed a narrative of “our own” to seep in, as if our neighbours, family, friends, and co-workers do not belong to us.
The broad daylight attack on West Street, the ridiculous social media campaign against the sculptures at Southgate, and the attacks in Tallaght should be a massive wake up call to those who hold leadership positions and our entire community.
Social media groups are riddled with misinformation and false accusations. These racist attacks were shared and celebrated online, while innocent men were being treated for their injuries.
We will not be intimidated by racist thugs and their supporters online, nor will or should we stand idly by when our neighbours are being intimidated and living in fear of attack. The time for bravery, to speak out against racism and follow that talk with action is now.
We can and must do better.
Silence feeds hate.
In the words of Angela Davis, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”
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