h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Edward,
Because of your deep interest in issues related to racism, I wanted to be sure you're aware of one very worthy organization here in the US: the Southern Poverty Law Center, the home page for which is at http://www.splcenter.org/

This organization is US-centric, dealing primarily with issues of racism, hate groups, etc., in the US. I've been a supporter of the organization for many years, not only because I believe in its mission, but also because I greatly admire its methodology. In essence they use the existing laws and legal system to sue the crap out of racist and hate groups of all stripes, often bankrupting the organizations and thereby putting them out of business. Their track record in this regard has been impressive. Unfortunately, hate groups tend to be Hydra-headed, so the organization's work goes on. I long for, but don't realistically expect to see, the day when the SPLC finally will have worked itself out of a job.

Is there any comparable organization in your locale?

Interesting. Thanks.

I don't know of anything directly comparable. Our most prominent anti-racism organisations include:
Searchlight magazine - http://www.searchlightmagazine.com/
The Anti-Nazi League - founded by Joe Haines, now Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Unfortunately it has a bit of a reputation (not entirely justified) for being taken over by Socialist Worker's Party mobs http://www.anl.org.uk
Anti-Facist Action - who have...let's just say 'a punk element'
The Runnymede Trust - http://www.runnymedetrust.org/about/

Also interesting...have a look at this leaflet from The Runnymede Trust: http://www.runnymedetrust.org/publications/pdfs/islamophobia.pdf

It has an interesting table of 'closed' vs 'open' views of Islam.

Yes, interesting.

"to draw attention to the principal dangers
which Islamophobia creates or exacerbates
for Muslim communities, and therefore for
the well-being of society as a whole."

I wonder whether SWL has read the report. Might be worth bringing it to his attention. Like throwing raw meat to a lion! (I hope you're lurking, SWL!)

Back on the SPLC for a moment, the thing they do so well, and which I don't see other anti-racist organizations doing, is using existing legal means aggressively to attack hate groups where it hurts ... in their pocketbooks. I'm surprised this tactiic hasn't become more widespread.

I think that sort of thing would be more difficult in the UK. We have some anti-discrimination and anti-racism legislation, so I think it would be difficult to argue for civil damages.

The thing that struck me in the SWL context was the symptoms of a closed (and therefore Islamophobic) mind, such as viewing Islam as a monolith. If there's anything Islam isn't, it's monolithic. The impression that I get is that there aren't even coherent federations uniting various groups of mosques.

'course he'd argue that the Runnymede trust is a liberal-biased institution. Like - that's an insult?!

>I think that sort of thing would be more difficult in the UK. We have some anti-discrimination and anti-racism legislation, so I think it would be difficult to argue for civil damages.<

Not being well versed in the law, I can easily misspeak, but it's my impression that if a racist organization is convicted of violating US anti-discrimination laws, then in addition to the organization incurring criminal penalties, the SPLC is able to sue for civil damages over and above that. A double whammy, so to speak. Is this not possible under British law? In the O.J. Simpson murder trial, for example, he was acquitted of criminal charges but convicted in a subsequent civil suit and ordered to pay damages.

I must admit that imo the wording of a few of the "open" statements in the Runnymede Report did strike me as leaving them rather vulnerable to attack by people having opposing views, e.g., SWL, for example. Perhaps more a matter of language than of content.

Ah yes, the Runnymede Trust.

The major problem with Islamophobia is that it is an oxymoron. A phobia is an irrational fear with no firm basis in reality, whereas Islam indubitably brings problems.

Incidentally Ed, I notice your referring to Hamish Henderson & the ANC. I met Hamish in the early 80's and enjoyed many late night boozing sessions as he helped me as a young poet & writer. I also was the lighting designer on three ANC benefit gigs around the same time. I gave my time for nothing and heard some great speeches whilst being introduced to the joys of Cajun music.