Root out fascists to protect democracy

WHAT does the city of Charlottesville in Virginia have in common with Cable Street in southeast London?

Far-right extremists have threatened to disrupt the peaceful lives of residents and create violent divisions in both areas; they were beaten back by intercommunal organising in both areas too.

It demonstrates how pacifist submission to the state’s rulebook – like holding anti-fascist rallies miles away – fundamentally undermines antifascist efforts by imposing constrictions set by the state.

The British Union of Fascists was met with a 20,000-strong opposition during an inflammatory march through the East End of London in October 1936. The Blackshirts were outnumbered even with the help of 6,000 police officers deployed to clear the roads for them. Angry protesters fought back vigorously; Oswald Mosley agreed to call the malign march off.

You cannot fight fascism with polite debate. When anti-fascists have the courage to confront fascists on the street, it’s only a matter of time before ethnic communities and other targets of bigoted harassment join the resistance.

The tactics have shifted with technological advances, and younger protesters use social media to stay ahead of far-right agitators and the police. They are taking to social media to root out extremist influences both online and offline. They are the future of democracy – and we should support their endeavours in the name of freedom.

Daniel Pitt Mountain Ash