In an interview on Russian TV Dr Efraim Zuroff, a Nazi hunter and historian, states that fascism and racism is not as much of a problem now as it was 30 years ago. He repeatedly reassures the reporter in the interview below (which is conducted in English) that far-right groups are very much marginalized and hold no political power within Europe.
It can appear, looking at the stories that surface on a daily basis from around the world that fascism is on the rise everywhere, especially here in the UK with media coverage being given to the controversial and abhorrent British National Party (BNP). But the truth is we just have more access to the information. The Internet and an ever increasing number of news networks ensure we are fully informed in a way previous generations could not have imagined.
A recent documentary on Channel 4 (Young, Angry and White) followed a young British man who was openly racist and considering joining the BNP. In the program he takes part in a National Front march, stating that 30 years ago this march attracted 1,500 people. Today they get maybe 150 (the documentary can be seen on the on the link below for the next 4 weeks only). Our societies are becoming increasingly multi-racial, and most of us are happy with that, with an increasing number of mixed race families and children in all walks of life. In any community the racists and bigots are in the minority but they are the ones that shout loudest and make the most sensational headlines on TV and in newspapers.
Of course this does not mean we should rest on our laurels after a job well done. Since the Race Relations Act was passed in the UK in the 1970’s there have been massive improvements in attitudes within the UK both on a personal and governmental level but there is still more to do. We must make sure our children are not taught it is OK to hate people because of their colour, sexuality or other arbitrary differences.
Most people have access to the internet, and can see for ourselves the horrors of the Nazi regime in the Second World War, not to mention the atrocities carried out in many countries since then in the name of ‘ethic cleansing’ or genocide. And decent people reject this version of the world, preferring to stand up for equality of human rights and the freedom to practice any religion people chose to follow, providing it does not cause anyone else harm.
We are wining the fight, but have to accept that we will never wipe out racism and hatred entirely however we must continue to do everything we can to make sure bigotry stays in the shadows and never becomes accepted in any society.
Young Angry & White Channel 4
RT
