I write this as a professional from Gateshead with lived experience of being from a refugee background, specialising in work related to marginalised communities. The themes mentioned in this reflection have emerged from conversations with VSCO and community groups within the North-East.
In times of hardship, blame and fault become heavy words. We often struggle to carry these words ourselves yet readily place them on others. It’s easier to point fingers at the ‘others’ than to face uncomfortable truths. And in communities where poverty is prominent, this human tendency to blame fractures the fabric of society.
Social division is growing. Social cohesion is fading. And ignorance is at the heart of this unravelling.
Scapegoating in the Northeast: A Personal Encounter
An elderly woman in my neighbourhood placed a small sticker in her window. It read, “Refugees are welcome here.” At a time like this, where hate in the mainstream media and locally felt louder than love, that sticker made me cry. In a good way. It reminded me that kindness still existed, even in streets covered in flags with the message of hate. I wanted to thank her. Maybe bring her flowers the next morning. But before I could, her house was vandalised. A red cross spray-painted across her wall. A massive St George’s flag, silencing her act of compassion. The irony of the true meaning of the flag and what it stands for, echoing back at us. That’s what I mean when I say hate is louder than love. Acts of violence and intimidation are being used to drown out solidarity. The complexity of intercommunity relationships is being ignored. And those who speak out against injustice are being “othered.”
In my neighbourhood, every lamppost is wrapped in Union Jack flags. Roundabouts painted with red crosses. Symbols meant to represent unity now used to divide. And yet, this street is rich in diversity. Refugee families cook for the community. Children go to school together. Neighbours grow vegetables side by side. Women laugh and cry together. But at these times, hatred can feel louder than love. Racist graffiti. Glue in locks. Verbal abuse. Slashed tyres. These acts of hate are not isolated.
What Can We Do?
Recognise the impact of symbols and messaging.
Flags and graffiti can send powerful messages, especially in areas where anti-social and racist behaviour is a daily reality. For many families, these symbols are not just political statements; they are reminders of hostility. It’s important to understand the emotional toll this takes on communities who already feel unsafe and express empathy for them.
Acknowledge the mistrust.
Many communities have valid reasons for their mistrust of authorities, especially when it comes to reporting hate crimes due to experiences of being dismissed. Building trust requires more than encouraging people to speak up. It demands empathy.
Show up and check in.
My personal encounter with the lady whose house was vandalised has taught me the importance of showing up. Although I felt anxious about showing up to her door, I mustered the courage to express my admiration for her courage. She was kind enough to invite me into her home. We had so much in common, from our love for cats, to a deep interest in advocacy. We formed a friendship. And perhaps I was able to change the day she had into a slightly better one.
And that has reminded me to be present. Reach out to my friends, colleagues, and neighbours that I might have never spoken to before, especially those from marginalised backgrounds. A simple check-in can go a very long way in making someone feel supported.
Support local organisations.
Back the campaigning groups working to shift perspectives and build tolerance. In areas where racist views have been openly expressed, and flags have been used to intimidate, there’s a responsibility to ensure everyone feels welcome and safe. Local community spaces can also be used to engage with individuals holding extreme views to foster dialogue. The onus to organise initiatives and events that help people integrate should be placed on people who aren’t from marginalised communities themselves; we must restore the balance.
Don’t only celebrate diversity on world food days.
Marginalised communities deserve recognition beyond cultural celebrations. They should be supported and uplifted during difficult times, especially in climates of rising hostility and division. Real connection happens when we show up not just for the celebrations, but in the moments when communities are hurting. It’s easy to gather for a cultural event or a world food day, but when loud voices on the street scapegoat ethnic communities, that’s when solidarity matters most.
Avoid retraumatising victims.
Listen with care. Learn from lived experiences. Advocate for change without forcing people to relive their trauma. Empathy and action must go hand in hand.
We are witnessing countless heart-wrenching situations concerning marginalisation of communities. And often, we can feel helpless and small. However, there are things that we do have within our control. Fore mostly, sweeping racism and xenophobia under the rug doesn’t make them disappear. If people get uncomfortable when these issues are raised, then we must keep raising them. Keep pushing. Keep speaking. We must campaign for change. Not just when it’s convenient, but when it’s needed most.
So Where Does the Blame Game End?
It ends when we stop pointing fingers and start holding space for each other. When we challenge misrepresentation in the media. When we confront misinformation. When we choose the right words over silence. In an ideal world, we start with self-reflection and encourage positive change. We speak up when we witness racism on the bus, we don’t just look away when we see micro-aggressive behaviour in the queue at Tesco’s. We don’t let unconscious bias lead us to mistreat people at work. Change doesn’t start with grand gestures; it begins in everyday moments. We can challenge racism from within systems, within organisations, within ourselves.
And while it’s easy to turn away from uncomfortable truths, especially if you don’t belong to an ethnically marginalised group, now is the time to lean in. If you hold White privilege or any kind of privilege, now is the time to use it for the better. Advocate. Be the change and stand in solidarity with those affected by racism.
*The name used here protects the writer’s privacy.