UK riots raise the spectre of racism and evoke haunting memories
Al Jazeera
As mobs flaunt footage of their hate crimes, ethnic minorities and asylum seekers in Britain are paralysed with fear.
London, United Kingdom – Since riots broke out across Britain, news outlets have focused on the role of disinformation shared on social media.
As far-right mobs rage in several towns, questions abound: should social media platforms crack down on the proliferation of dangerous conspiracy theories – primarily that people of immigrant and Muslim backgrounds are more likely to commit deadly crimes or sexual abuse? Are companies like TikTok inflaming tensions, allowing rioters to flaunt footage of their hate crimes with abandon?
There’s little doubt that social media plays a significant role in stoking tensions. However, the threat of the far right is not new, and many of their views entered the political mainstream long before the domination of social media.
Violence first flared after three girls – Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Bebe King, six – were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday camp in Southport.
After the northern English town in mourning held a peaceful vigil, a group of far-right agitators ran riot in scenes that have been repeated for a week.
