Dawn Butler: ‘To Dismantle Systemic Racism, We Need Uncomfortable Conversations’
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JVL
JVL Introduction
MP Dawn Butler’s account of the abuse she and her staff have received is truly horrific – violent incidents, a rock through her office window, assault on the Underground, personal threats, countless abusive and racist messages.
Butler’s message here is a demand for a healthier public discourse and outright opposition to the Trump style of politics that Johnson and Cummings are so prone to encourage.
It is also a powerful call to action on the injustices of racial inequality, particularly in policing and the criminal justice system.
This article was originally published by Tribune on Sat 1 Aug 2020. Read the original here.
Dawn Butler: ‘To Dismantle Systemic Racism, We Need Uncomfortable Conversations’
Labour MP Dawn Butler on the racist abuse that forced her to close her office, encouraging her party to do more in response to Black Lives Matter – and why Met Police chief Cressida Dick should resign.
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Disgusted with the violent racist abuse of Dawn, Bell, Diane and others. Cressida Dick’s departure is long overdue – remember de Menezes!
I am both shocked and disgusted at the violent and and verbally expressed racism towards Dawn, Diane, Bell and others. I cannot for the life of me understand why people have to behave in such an inhumane way.
Trump’s version of neofascism ( referred to as ‘populism’), and the Uk’s own version a la Johnson and Cummings have no doubt pushed this type of behaviour to the fore. They peddle a system of divisive, hatred-filled, dog-eat-dog ideology without caring about any potential consequences.
Only when we build a society based on mutual respect, consideration for others and compassion will we have a chance of turning this around.
I fully support Mary Davies’ statement that Cressida Dick needs to resign, I would go further in adding that this should also apply to anyone who encourages or condones this kind of behaviour by staying silent on it.
Dawn is correct. Some people don’t like uncomfortable conversation which reveals some truth. Until that happens and the lost of some privileges, things will remains. Dawn is a very brave, principled and courageous person and Brent should be proud/honoured to have her as their MP.
Thank you Dawn for continuing to speak out against systemic racism within the UK. Your comments on social media platforms are spot on, unfortunately all these platforms care about is their profit margins and abuse of any kind, sells.
We have a tory government, whose origins are rooted in slavery and colonialism. Their attacks on immigrants and the hostile environment reinforces this thought process. The current PM has been vocal in his racism for many years.
The Labour party is not much better now. It’s new leader was a member of the racist establishment for many years and as DPP presided over a systemically racist justice system. The failure of fellow Labour MPs to speak out in support of their colleagues who suffer the most horrendous racist abuse and threats every day, is shameful.
Dear Ms Butler, I am appalled at the extensive abuse that you and your team have experienced. I read your insightful comments and support fully your suggestions. I am disappointed that you are not being supported fully by the Labour Party. Solidarity to you
After Jo Cox’s assassination one would have hoped that this conversation would have been held by now. Brexit and now Covid seems to have emboldened the racist elements that were lurking below the surface in our society…I am still traumatised by the abuse I received on the doorstep during the last election…I have certainly seen a side to society I didn’t think existed. So well done Dawn for being brave enough to highlight your experience and hopefully make a difference.
Dawn just know that there are millions out there who appreciate you and the stance you take and we will do all we can to press for the implementation of the Lammy report and for all incidents of racism to be treated with zero tolerance. Johnsons govt like Trump in America has allowed racism to rear its ugly head with their tacit approval and they cannot be allowed to win.
Thanks Dawn for speaking out about this disgusting racism. Dianne In particular has been subject so much abuse by people who I am ashamed to think that they living in the UK.
How terrible. Local community should get together to fight it. Why can’t police and the Parliament do something?