Your article correctly states that the BNP often reflect the concerns of a significant and angry portion of the white masses (whereas the left generally avoid confronting the same). As such they prove to be opportunistic and tail the issues of the day, albeit with their own particular twist.
Though, however odious or cranky we may find them it would be unwise to dismiss what they represent. For instance, in these days of multiculturalism (soft core apartheid) and political correctness many things have been sidelined at the prompting of authorities - everything from free speech to the banning of St George's flag, hot cross buns, baa baa blacksheep and the attempted renaming of xmas - traditional beliefs reinterpreted and repackaged.
This coupled with the promoting of 'foreign cultures' has left a lot of people angry and created the space for the BNP's brand of victim politics.
Strip away their myth take on history, dollops of bigotry and hypocrisy though and we see an underlying element of pride and standards ie. something good about Britain and what Britishness could mean.
It's a genuine shame that Griffin and co don't promote some of the better things that Britain is known for - The Industrial Revolution, significant contributions to the arts, literarture, science and medicine, exploration and so on, or even something of what our character is supposed to be - adventurous, honourable, stoic and industrious.
Sadly, these things are all very much in decline, being apologised for or addressed in contradictory terms.
This is a shame because most of the people encountered who consider voting for the BNP are hardworking, well presented taxpayers who are fed up of being ignored and often respond to the lack of resources or overcrowding message. With cutbacks in services and perceived favouring of newcomers and nowhere else to take their frustration it's little wonder that the BNP are seen as an alternative.
Nevertheless, it would be unwise to panic about this upsurge of interest as more often than not many don't fully identify with the whole package and see through the rest of it.Even speaking to BNP supporters outside Leeds Crown Ct recently it was evident that most of their anger was directed at the Government rather than immigrants and this even more so when canvassing doorsteps.
Despite the limitations of their programme I'd argue that this positive element ought to be addressed.
Griffin hints at his limitations and reckons he can only take the BNP so far (although he cites 'baggage' - nudge, nudge, wink, wink - what politician doesn't have?). Instead, personally and politically, Griffin prefers isolation; claiming nothing special about being British other than the colour of our skin and attachment to some mud and rocks.
Nothing great about his Britain then.
This denies influence and influences from further afield and throughout history and should be no go.
Geographically it makes little sense to have borders - Scotland, for instance, once on the equator and underwater; landmass, regardless of our hyper real footprint, will alter over time. Further, it makes little sense to pursue isolationism and maintain barriers in a globalised world. The free movement and association of people ought to be celebrated.
Demographically, the UK will need a constant influx of migrant workers and we should be glad they choose to come here and partake in what Britain has to offer.
What about considering Britain as more the people and ideas of the time? I see no basis for patriotism but would feel some pride if the people of Britain turned things around.
The problem is neither the BNP or immigrants but New Labour.
2 comments:
What an excellent article devoid of hysteria about the modern BNP.
I actually like Nick Griffin and he has attracted people to the party who would run a mile from skinhead racists terrorising ethnic communities.
You are spot on about most of the anger directed at Left wing politicians and the sopping wet Neo Conservatives under Cameron.
I believe Cameron takes most of the responsibility for the rise of the BNP, he ignored the core support.
As a protest vote it is an excellent way to let these fat politicians know we aren't happy.
Much more effective than spoiling a paper or sticking a pin among the other Lefties.
Thankyou.
I must admit to having a grudging respect for the BNP. I may dislike their politics but often find their supporters and fellow travellers to be honest and open in their views as well as mostly hardworking and amiable types. They often seem to have a better grip on reality than the left.
Unfortunately, the left operate on the fringes of mass society, amongst each other and a 'radical' rump element embedded in the mainstream.
Like the BNP they also reflect the contemporary outlook but seem not to be able to come up with solutions other than to attack the modus operandi - capitalism - by any and often dodgy means. This at a time when our western elite sings a contrary tune. The left miss the point and offer a mix of dogma, nostalgia and wishful thinking.
Some 20 years ago lefties were told to f**k off to Russia if they didn't like it here. Here you could have consumer goods, foreign travel, private transport, working infrastructure, freedom of expression and a lack of surveillance. In short, progress and freedom.
How times have changed.
We need to break new ground as to what makes society tick, especially with the mainstream all tired out.
I must admit to liking your idea of (almost) calling for a vote for the BNP - it certainly could put a spanner in the works. My inner devil screamed at me to but, no, I can't say that. Yet, if the BNP were to play less of the victim role and champion positive aspects of Britishness (and be less hypocritical) then who knows, I've done worse . . .
That will be met with apoplexy by some on the left but these people ought to consider the aspirations and barriers in the lives of 'ordinary people'.
If the BNP are reactive to some outspoken opinion, and definitely not all, then the left avoid it like the plague or worse, waste time bleating infantile anti-fascist slogans. Further, instead of confronting public opinion, testing their ideas, learning and contributing they decry free speech and then blame the public's selfish attitude and lament the rise of a feeble racism.
Word is that many on the left who'd been calling for a ban or boycott of the BNP have had 'we know where you live' notes shoved through their doors.
It really does serve them right. They should find out how their own politics stands public scrutiny.
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