Why does the far-right exist?

Why does the far-right exist and why do they harbour animosity towards the Muslim community?

Written By: Bill Acharjee, Southeast Black Members Committee, University of Brighton UNISON Branch

I’m sure everyone has been deeply troubled by the recent wave of Islamophobia and racist violence and riots incited by far-right groups, specifically targeting Muslim communities and Mosques across the UK. Although, these appalling attacks have been driven by hatred and misinformation, which has contributed towards the fear and suffering of so many BME communities who are still too afraid to leave their houses, we have also seen a rise of fascism across Europe which has predominantly been facilitated by right-wing politicians and mainstream media narratives that persistently scapegoat migrants and refugees instead of addressing the underlying systemic inequalities affecting many individuals in the country.

But why do the far-right exist and why do they harbour animosity towards the ‘Muslim’ community? The reasons are complex and can vary depending on specific ideologies and contexts. Here are some common factors that I have found that contribute towards this hostility:

• Perceived Threat to Cultural Identity: Some on the far-right view Islam as a threat to their national or cultural identity. They may believe that Muslim immigrants or communities challenge traditional values, customs, or ways of life that they hold dear.
• Security Concerns: There is a perception among some that Muslims pose a security threat, especially in the context of terrorism or extremism. High-profile terrorist attacks committed by individuals who claim Islamic motivations have fuelled fears and stereotypes.
• Fear of Immigration and Demographic Change: The far-right often opposes immigration in general, viewing it as diluting national identity or resources. Muslims, particularly those from non-European backgrounds, are often singled out in discussions about immigration.
• Religious and Ideological Differences: Some on the far-right view Islam as incompatible with Western values, such as individual freedoms, gender equality, or secular governance. They may see Islam as promoting values that are seen as regressive or oppressive.
• Media Portrayals and Propaganda: Negative portrayals of Muslims in the media or by political figures can reinforce stereotypes and biases, leading to increased hostility. Far-right groups may use these portrayals to further their own agendas.
• Historical Precedents: Historical conflicts, such as the Crusades or more recent geopolitical tensions involving Muslim-majority countries, can contribute to a narrative of distrust or enmity towards Muslims.
• Misinformation and Social Media: The rise of social media has significantly amplified far-right propaganda. Figures like Tommy Robinson use these platforms to spread false narratives and encourage attacks on Muslim communities. The rapid spread of such misinformation contributes to the growing hostility and fear within these communities.

In conclusion, the attitudes of the far-right towards Muslims are shaped by a combination of political, social, and cultural factors that vary widely across different regions and contexts, as such, there is still a lot of work to eradicate racism.

It has been encouraging to see that the Labour government and Police services have dealt with perpetrators effectively and efficiently, however, my advice to all Black members is to remain vigilant when walking alone, especially in less crowded areas or at night. Keep your surroundings in mind, avoid distractions like headphones, and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, move to a well-lit, populated area or call someone you trust. Your safety is paramount — take extra care!

References:

• “Cultural threat perceptions predict violent extremism via need for cognitive closure” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10194010/

• “Fear grips UK’s Muslim communities as far-right riots spread nationwide” – https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-muslims-fear-far-right-race-riots-spread-across-country

• “The Political Economy of Hate Industry: Islamophobia in the Western Public Sphere” – https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.13169/islastudj.5.2.0152
• “Tackling Islamophobia” – https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2023-12-07/debates/370FAD96-8357-415D-82D7-1ED9ECF0A5B1/TacklingIslamophobia
• “Threat to national identity continuity: When affirmation procedures increase the acceptance of Muslim immigrants” – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0147176718304620
• “Understanding Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes Addressing the Security Needs of Muslim Communities” – chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/9/0/448696.pdf