Is Social Media Fueling Far-Right Riots? w/ Hussein Kesvani
Aug 15, 2024
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Hussein Kesvani, a co-host of Trashfuture and Ten Thousand Posts, dives into the troubling rise of far-right violence in the UK following the Southport stabbing. He explores how social media, especially under Elon Musk's changes to Twitter, fuels misinformation and exacerbates racial tensions. The conversation highlights the historical context of racism and Islamophobia while addressing the role of right-wing media in shaping extremist narratives. Kesvani urges a closer look at the systemic issues behind these societal upheavals.
Islamophobia in the UK is deeply entrenched, exacerbated by decades of political discourse framing immigrants as threats to society.
Social media platforms serve as tools for far-right groups to spread misinformation and incite violence, particularly after violent incidents.
The intertwined relationship between mainstream political rhetoric and media portrayal perpetuates harmful stereotypes, justifying violence against marginalized communities.
Deep dives
The Roots of Islamophobia in the UK
Islamophobia in the UK is deeply entrenched and has historical roots tracing back to events like 9/11 and the ensuing war on terror. This form of institutional racism has been further exacerbated by decades of political discourse that frames immigrants and Muslims as threats to society, culture, and resources. The political spectrum, including prominent parties like Labour, has often relied on anti-immigrant sentiment to gain favor among certain voter bases, which has continuously undermined the rights and perceptions of Muslim communities. Consequently, this systemic prejudice not only manifests in political rhetoric but also infiltrates societal attitudes, reinforcing dangerous stereotypes and narratives.
Social Media's Role in Amplifying Far-Right Mobilization
Social media has become a powerful tool for far-right groups to organize and disseminate harmful narratives, particularly following violent incidents. After a brutal knife attack in Southport, misinformation spread rapidly, with prominent figures falsely linking the attacker's ethnicity to a Muslim identity, ultimately inciting violence against local mosques. This phenomenon highlights the danger of unchecked speculation in the digital age, as social media platforms facilitate the swift spread of false narratives that confirm existing biases. As a result, these platforms contribute to a climate of fear and hostility, allowing extremist groups to capitalize on people's anxieties and organize violent protests.
The Interplay Between Political Discourse and Media Narrative
The ongoing surge in Islamophobia and far-right violence is not solely a social media issue but is heavily influenced by mainstream political discourse and media portrayal. Politicians often exploit anti-migrant rhetoric during campaigns, framing refugees and immigrants as societal burdens, which the media then amplifies. This relationship allows harmful stereotypes to penetrate public consciousness, creating an environment where violence against marginalized communities seems justified. Moreover, mainstream media often fails to critically examine these narratives, contributing to an unchecked cycle of misinformation and societal division.
Elon Musk and the Complicity of Tech in Far-Right Narratives
Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter has illustrated how powerful figures in the tech world can actively shape public discourse to favor far-right ideologies. His platform has become a breeding ground for extremist views, as demonstrated by his interactions with false narratives about violence and immigration. Musk's engagement with these inflammatory narratives showcases the dangerous intersection of wealth, power, and media influence, where popular figures prioritize engagement over factual accuracy. This complicity not only undermines the integrity of social media as public forums but also emboldens far-right movements that harness the chaos for their agendas.
The Future of Social Media and Its Societal Impacts
The growing fear surrounding social media's influence on society often leads to simplistic solutions, such as banning platforms or restricting access for younger users. However, this overlooks the intricate relationship between technology, societal values, and longstanding systemic issues such as austerity and alienation. Effective discourse about social media must incorporate discussions about class, power dynamics, and the necessity for fundamental changes within the political landscape to address root causes of bigotry and violence. Without addressing these underlying issues, any regulation will likely serve only to mask the symptoms rather than resolve the deeper societal challenges at play.
Paris Marx is joined by Hussein Kesvani to discuss the far-right attacks that happened after the Southport stabbing in the UK and how larger structural issues in media, politics, and tech laid the groundwork for violence against visible minorities.
Hussein Kesvani is a co-host of Trashfuture and Ten Thousand Posts.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.
Also mentioned in this episode:
The stabbing in Southport resulted in the deaths of three children and injuries to eight children and two adults.