Out-of-touch minority is in decline

THERE are many right-wingers who try to recruit “us”, an implied majority, to their cause, which is an abhorrence of the tendency of a “liberal establishment” to promote and favour the rights of minorities, be they national, religious, racial, sexual or politico- economic, over and above the rights of the rest - or “us”.

They feel hard-done-by, resentful, neglected and left behind. By appealing to “us” they expect pity, sympathy and - most of all - a head nodding, table-thumping cry of YES, WE AGREE! - because they expect “us” to awaken from our slumbers and identify ourselves with them.

Four things need to be said in response. Firstly, it is a proven fact that minorities have suffered and still suffer discrimination. Secondly, to protect the rights of minorities is not only desirable but essential in any country wishing to be thought liberal, tolerant and democratic.

Thirdly, to protect the rights of my neighbour does not diminish mine but strengthens them.

Fourthly, their concept of “us” needs to be scrutinized.

What these people fail to realize is that they too are a minority, albeit a sizeable one: predominantly male, white, middleaged, (lower) middle class, conservative, Brexit-inclined and Daily Mail/Express reading. It is a minority in decline, bewildered and out of touch with a Britain undergoing (rapid) cultural, racial, technological and political change - as it has always done since the Romans invaded.

John Payne