Jun 2020. Race Protests in the US Part 4

June 2020. Thousands of Americans are taking to the streets to protest about racism – many for the first time in their lives. Why has this particular tragedy struck such a chord? George Floyd is not the first African American whose death in police custody sparked protests. There were also rallies and calls for change… Continue reading Jun 2020. Race Protests in the US Part 4

UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 13

On 3 June, Mr Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder, and the three other officers at the scene – Thomas Lane, J Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao – were charged for the first time with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. On Wednesday the Star Wars actor John Boyega joined thousands of protestors… Continue reading UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 13

UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 12

Demonstrations have been ongoing every day across the US following the death of George Floyd as police forces have been embroiled in allegations of police brutality against people of colour. Mr Floyd died after a white officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking days of… Continue reading UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 12

Jun 2020. US Race Protests Analysis

June 2020. President Trump threatened to deploy federal troops if state and city leaders do not act to quell acts of violence and looting amid protests over the killing of George Floyd. After federal authorities used rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas to clear protesters from around the White House, Trump walked across Lafayette… Continue reading Jun 2020. US Race Protests Analysis

UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 11

George Floyd, a 46-year-old bouncer, was killed on Monday May 25 by Derek Chauvin, a police officer, who pressed his knee into Mr Floyd’s neck until he died while other police officers watched. Footage of the killing, taken by a bystander, showed Floyd lying face down and handcuffed, groaning for help and repeatedly saying, “please,… Continue reading UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 11

UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 10

Today, Antifa activists focus on harassing right wing extremists both online and in real life. Antifa is not a unified group; it is loose collection of local/regional groups and individuals. Their presence at a protest is intended to intimidate and dissuade racists, but the use of violent measures by some antifa against their adversaries can… Continue reading UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 10

Jun 2020. Race Protests in the US Part 3

June 2020. Huge rallies have taken place across the US against racism and police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd. Tens of thousands of people marched in Washington DC, in the city’s largest protest so far. Security forces blocked any approach to the White House. Crowds also demonstrated in New York, Chicago, LA… Continue reading Jun 2020. Race Protests in the US Part 3

UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 9

The anti-fascist protest movement known as antifa gained new prominence in the United States after the white supremacist Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, VA, in August 2017. In Charlottesville and at many subsequent events held by white supremacists or so called right-wing extremists, antifa activists have aggressively confronted what they believe to be authoritarian… Continue reading UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 9

UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 8

A dimension of the global reaction on the George Floyd Riots taps into long-standing left-wing attitudes toward American imperialism abroad and hypocrisy at home. They’ve only been heightened by widespread antipathy toward President Trump. Part of it is about anti-Americanism, part of it is about the perceived gross injustice. But it’s also about Trump, who… Continue reading UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 8

UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 7

As demonstrations continue around the world over the murder of 46-year old African American George Floyd, who died at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis on Monday 25 May, thousands of people have protested in solidarity in the UK. Cities including London, Liverpool, Cardiff and Manchester have witnessed protestors taking to the… Continue reading UK Culture Under Direct Attack Part 7