The far right and the direction Europe is heading

[speedymama]

After reading about this British MEP, link joining this far right organisation which holds anti-semitic, anti-Romany and anti-Hungarian (what is that all about?)views, I wonder if we have learnt the lesson that hate breeds destruction and causes one human to do unspeakable things to another?

I just have a sense that with the ongoing demonisation of immigrants (especially non-whites) in the UK and across Europe, people who regard themselves as educated and civilised still regard others as lesser humans.

I do wonder in what direction Europe is heading.

[paulaplumpbottom]

I agree with your thoughts. I am always shocked when in educated and civilised company that some people still make really racist remarks, usually regarding immigration.

Just the other a day I was angry to hear a friend blame "dirty immigrants" for her nephew gettig scarlett fever. Why in todays society do people still think like this?

[whatwouldjesusdo]

very sad.

anti-Balkan views are v common in south east Germany, where I have even heard people from one side of the river in Munich implying that the Balkans start at the river.

there will always be far right nutters, it is up to us to keep them down.

I used to just be silently disapproving if people said racist things, but now I always pick them up on it.

[paulaplumpbottom]

I always want to, like when my friend said what she did, but then I don't. Why do I do that? I just didn't say anything and was disappointed with myself later because I don't want her to think I agree with her. I strongly feel that if everybody spoke up when someone said something racist that eventually it would start to help at least some hearts and mind change.

[speedymama]

Out of interest, can someone enlighten me to the history of the anti-Balkan and anti-Hungarian feelings that exists in part of Europe. I appears to be more pernicious than the banter that exists between the French and British for example.

[paulaplumpbottom]

Most of it goes back to the First World War. Both Hungary and Bulgaria fought for the Central Forces.

[Callisto]

I think that the separate countries of Europe are incredibly racist compared to Britain. It always makes me smile (in a rueful kind of way) when people are shocked at the insular and jingoist attitudes of other member states. Britain has always led the way on open borders immigration and welcomed all races with open arms - it is one of our strengths.