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In recent weeks, we have witnessed a surge of protests across the world, sparked by various social and political issues. Some of these protests have been peaceful and well-organized, while others have turned violent and chaotic. But what is the motivation behind these protesters? Do they really care about the causes they are fighting for, or are they just following a trend?

A worrying phenomenon that has emerged from the online coverage of these protests is the apparent lack of awareness and knowledge among some of the participants. Many of them seem to have joined the protests without doing any research or critical thinking about the issues at stake. They simply follow the crowd, wear the slogans, and chant the slogans, without understanding what they mean or what they imply.

This is what I call “protest fashion”: a superficial and shallow engagement with social movements that is driven by peer pressure, social media influence, or personal gratification, rather than by genuine conviction, passion, or solidarity. Protest fashion is dangerous because it undermines the credibility and legitimacy of the movements, dilutes their messages, and exposes the protesters to manipulation and radicalization by extremist groups.

Protest fashion is not a new phenomenon. It has been observed in previous historical periods, such as the 1960s counterculture, the 1980s punk scene, or the 1990s grunge movement. However, in the age of the internet and social media, protest fashion has become more widespread and accessible than ever before. Anyone can join a protest with a few clicks, without having to invest time, effort, or money in learning about the issues or getting involved in the organizations.

This is not to say that all protesters are ignorant or insincere. There are many people who are genuinely committed to the causes they support, who have done their homework, for their beliefs.

But we should also be aware of the dangers of protest fashion, and how it can harm both the protesters and the movements they claim to represent. We should encourage critical thinking, informed debate, and responsible activism among ourselves and others. We should not let protest fashion become a substitute for real engagement with social change.

I had the opportunity to share my personal story of how I overcame hate and embraced change with a group of people from different faiths and backgrounds. This was part of the Waveney Interfaith Circle’s program for the National Interfaith Week, which aims to promote dialogue and understanding among different religions.

I was invited by a local Muslim revert lady who I had been chatting with online for about a year. She was interested in hearing about my journey from being involved in Hate to becoming an advocate for peace and tolerance. We had to postpone our meeting twice because of my health issues and the passing of my mother in September.

But finally, I was able to fulfill my promise and give my talk to her interfaith group. I was warmly welcomed by the participants, who listened attentively and asked thoughtful questions. I felt a sense of connection and respect with them, despite our different beliefs and experiences. I hope that my talk inspired them to challenge hate and prejudice in their own communities and to seek out more opportunities for interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

De-platforming is a controversial topic that has sparked a lot of debate in recent years. Some argue that it is an effective way to prevent the spread of harmful or hateful messages, while others claim that it is a form of censorship that violates free speech and pushes people to more radical platforms.

One of the main arguments in favor of de-platforming is that it reduces the exposure and influence of controversial figures, such as Tommy Robinson, who was banned from Twitter in 2018 for violating its rules on hateful conduct. Robinson had a large following and a lot of engagement on Twitter, so losing his platform must have been a significant setback for him. But now he is back on X the rebrand of Twitter, the call to De platform him again has begun.

However, does de-platforming really work? Or does it simply shift the problem from one platform to another, and create more isolated and extreme echo chambers, where there is no challenge or diversity of opinion, and where it is harder to leave or change one’s views?

A possible counterargument to de-platforming is that it does not stop the supporters of banned figures from sharing their content or following them elsewhere. For example, Robinson has still been trending on Twitter several times since his ban, and he has also moved to other platforms, such as Telegram, where he has over 130,000 subscribers. Moreover, some studies have suggested that de-platforming can actually increase the popularity and sympathy for banned figures, as they can portray themselves as victims of oppression or persecution.

Therefore, de-platforming may not be the best solution to deal with harmful or hateful messages. Instead, some alternatives could be to engage with them in a civil and rational way, to expose their flaws and inconsistencies, to provide accurate and reliable information, and to promote positive and constructive messages that counteract their narratives. These strategies may be more effective in changing minds and hearts, rather than silencing voices and creating resentment.

I think de-platforming is a superficial and ineffective way of dealing with the problem of online radicalisation. It only shifts the problem from one platform to another, without addressing the root causes of why people are drawn from the Pre- ideology mindset to the more extremist ideologies. In the meantime, some of the most vulnerable people in our society are exposed to hateful and violent propaganda in online spaces where there is no diversity of opinion or critical thinking.

I speak from personal experience, I know how easy it is to get trapped in an echo chamber of hate, where you only hear what you want to hear and you are constantly fed with misinformation and conspiracy theories. I also know how powerful it is to have your views challenged by someone who can offer a different perspective and a more nuanced understanding of the issues. That was the turning point for me, when I started to question what I was taught and what I believed, and I began my journey out of hate.

I believe the root cause of ‘increased community tensions’ is the ‘Pick A Side’ mentality that divides people based on their opinions or race. Instead of respecting and listening to different perspectives, we demonize and reject those who disagree with us. This leads to more polarization and conflict in our society. We need to stop labeling and blaming others for our problems and start engaging in constructive dialogue and cooperation.

To effectively address the root causes of hatred, we need to examine its sources and origins, not just its manifestations and consequences. We should avoid labeling and blaming people who have been influenced by hateful ideologies, as this may only reinforce their resentment and hostility. Instead, we should seek to understand the factors that make them vulnerable to such influences, and offer them alternative perspectives and opportunities for positive change.

Scotland Yard says ‘intense debate’ before Armistice Day protests ‘increased community tensions’ as critics slam Suella Braverman for ‘whipping up division’ – while ex-minister blasts Met for allowing far-right thugs into Whitehall ‘to protect Cenotaph’ | Daily Mail Online

I have been vocal about my experience of radicalisation and how I escaped from that mindset. I have also warned others about the dangers of extremism and violence. However, this has not been easy for me. I have faced a lot of backlash and hostility from people who disagree with me or hate me for what I used to be. Some of them even threatened to kill me, which made me change my travel arrangements when I was invited to give talks. I used to take the train, but now I drive everywhere.

I soon realised that blocking and reporting the haters online did not make them go away. They would just create new accounts or find other ways to harass me.

So I did something that most people would not do. I started engaging with them. I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. I believe that having difficult conversations and stepping out of your comfort zones is the only way to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is to give someone time and respect to listen to what they have to say, even if it goes against your own moral compass.

The first couple of screenshots show how one of the haters approached me. He was very rude and aggressive, calling me names and accusing me of being a traitor.

But after a while, you can see in the third screenshot that we started talking a bit differently. I was able to find out why he targeted me and what his grievances were. And the last one shows that I left the conversation open for him to continue tomorrow. Maybe he will change his mind about me, maybe he won’t. But at least I tried.

Ask yourself the question, What fuels some of the Anti Muslim Hatred?

Stories like those below 👇 Could easily be used to fuel Anti Muslim Hatred, And if I was of my old mindset would be some of the articles I would use.

1. Hamas fugitive spouts hate on TV station based in London Hamas fugitive spouts hate on TV station based in London (thetimes.co.uk)

2. London imam denounced for ‘repugnant rhetoric’ over Hamas attacks London imam denounced for ‘repugnant rhetoric’ over Hamas attacks (msn.com)

3. Firebrand leader of extremist Islamic group that called for ‘jihad’ at an anti-Israel protest works as an
NHS GP London jihad demo leader is NHS doctor: Islamic extremist’s double life as a suburban GP is exposed | Daily Mail Online

4. Mosque chairman who praised Hamas founder advises CPS on hate crime Mosque chairman who praised Hamas leader advises CPS on hate crime (telegraph.co.uk)

5. Birmingham Lib Dem Councillor investigated for Hamas attack comments Birmingham Lib Dem Councillor investigated for Hamas attack comments – BBC News

6. Three teenagers arrested after ‘yobs chanted Free Palestine and Allahu Akbar while trying to set fire to Union flag’ are released on bail Three teenagers arrested after ‘yobs chanted Free Palestine and Allahu Akbar while trying to set fire to Union flag’ are released on bail – as locals reveal how have-a-go hero pub local chased gang of four men | Daily Mail Online

plus many more out there.

I’m looking forward to Sharing the digital stage with some great speakers at Westminster’s Tackling Extremism Digital Conference. The event will explore how enhanced multiagency working can help identify those at risk of being radicalised and design appropriate interventions to combat the rise of extremism at the grass roots level.

The extremism threat within the UK has changed significantly in the last 18 months. The pandemic has given rise to a host of new conspiracy theories and has led to an evolution in the way existing extremists operate and spread their ideas with an increase in online activity, making it harder to identify and prevent.

Expert Speakers:

• Farah Ismail, Prevent Programme Development Officer, Luton Borough Council
• Alamgir Sheriyar, South East HE/FE Prevent Coordinator, Department for Education
• Sajda Mughal OBE, Specialist Advisor to Countering Violent Extremism, Mayor of London
• Nicola Benyahia, Founding Director, Families for Life
• Mustafa Field OBE, Director, Faiths Forum for London
• Teun Van Dongen, Senior Research Fellow, International Centre for Counter Terrorism
• Dr Sandy Schumann, Lecturer, UCL department of Security and Crime Science
• Ivan Humble, Ex-EDL Regional Organiser & Trainer, Me and You Education
  
  

View the agenda: https://wminsgt.link/EXTRZO-CG

The event will be broadcast live from a digital platform.

An interview i done with Nick Little from The 12th Man who Campaigns to help men talk more openly about mental health. It encourages men to be the 12th Man for their families, friends, colleagues and other people in their lives.

In this interview i talk more about my own mental health journey and few other things to.
Please take a listen.

Checkout The 12th man website
12th Man | It’s a Strength not a Weakness (12th-man.org.uk)

Interview Link
12th Man Show 16th September 2021 by Future Radio | Mixcloud

Enjoyed taking part in the @BBCLookEast #conversation A year since the death of #GeorgeFloyd and the #protests which followed around the world – what has changed and what happens next?

Along side #DrRobPower @blminthestix @BedsOPCC #AmyNomvula

Full link to the conversation – https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=809628519661611&ref=watch_permalink

On days like today, the anniversary of the tragic death of Lee Rigby, I am reminded of how the far-right will use other people’s tragedies for their own agendas with no thoughts of how the families feel. When I was in the EDL, I would use the 7/7 bombings every year to spread outrage and further my message. It wasn’t until I met Dan Biddle, the most injured survivor that day, and heard his story of trying to rebuild his life, that I felt guilty for how I used the tragedy for my own aims.

Every year Lee Rigby’s family will say not to use his name, but are ignored by those who wish to use his memory to spread hate.

I can of course understand the national outrage about tragic events that take place – but we need to let families grieve without an annual battle for how their loved one’s memories should be used.

I call on anyone who sees posts on social media trying to use this tragedy to sow anger to stop, to think, and to make a choice to respect the wishes of bereaved by standing against hatred and division.