No place for hate

I was hoping to be able to write something about the media frenzy that has exploded between extremist positions in our society but 38 degrees do it so much better. Isn't it great that we have access to such rational thinking. Racism is obviously alive and kicking here in Ulverston. Here's something we can do about it. But coming out in the open will have a great influence here. There is no longer the need to get frustrated - there is clearly the opportunity to do something useful:-



The murder of a soldier that took place in Woolwich yesterday was shocking and barbaric, motivated by hatred and intolerance. [1]

But as soon as the identites of the murderers were known, the streets and many websites were once again filled with hate. This time from racists like the English Defence League (EDL) and the British National Party (BNP), whipping up panic, fighting the police and attacking mosques. [2]

At times like these, extremist voices can take over the airwaves and the internet. That suits both the perpetrators of this crime and racist hate groups. Fringe groups get way too much of the limelight, risking fuelling a cycle of hate.

Together 38 Degrees members could help calm the situation down by presenting an alternative, more measured response. Let's create and share a collection of comments from 38 Degrees members, providing a positive alternative to the messages of hate circulating today.

Can you add your voice and say why you think there’s no place for hate in our society?
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/no-place-for-hate

If enough of us speak out, we can help change the course of discussions in pubs, staff rooms, lifts and outside school gates across the country. Let’s join together and be the voice of calm in response to this awful event.

38 Degrees members have already been responding. Here are some of the comments:

We are all people, it doesn't matter what your colour, your religion or your language is. We need to stand together and say NO to the evil and wicked that sit back and try to get us to kill each other.
Baz, on Facebook

38 Degrees could certainly have a role to play. We need to ensure that those that would use horrific incidents like this to spread their own message of hate and intolerance are shown this is not accepted in the UK.
Felicity, on Facebook

We need to show that the people of Britain won't tolerate any kind of prejudice!
Karen, on Facebook

Join in with your comments here:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/no-place-for-hate

38 Degrees and HOPE not hate are collecting as many statements as possible from up and down the country to condemn both the hate-filled murder and the hatred in response. [3] The comments will appear in a video and together we can flood the internet with the message of hope.

Let’s steer the discussion and events following this horrific event away from hate and towards reason. Let’s get people from all backgrounds, and from all walks of life, to add their name and show that there is no place for hate in our society.

Join in with your comments here:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/no-place-for-hate


Thanks for being involved,

Robin, Becky, Hannah and the 38 Degrees team

PS: 38 Degrees members come together to speak up for the values we believe in and to try and make the UK better for everyone. It’s the first time we’ve come together as 38 Degrees members in quite this way, but hopefully we can once again make a positive difference. Please get involved here:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/no-place-for-hate

NOTES
[1] BBC: Woolwich attach: suspects known to security services: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22634468
[2] The Guardian: Anti-Muslim reprisals after Woolwich attack: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/may/23/woolwich-attack-anti-muslim-reprisals
[3] For more information about HOPE not hate: http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/