Concertplayer, there are lots of parallels with the 1930s, but I think if people know their history, there is a chance they will learn from it. That's why I think education is important.
There are people who are actively trying to foment conflicts between different sections of society in the UK and in France, Europe, the world. Those of us who are in favour of social cohesion and harmony need to work for it, not just expect it to happen.
The one thing that gives me a lot of hope is that children are naturally pretty accepting of and interested in differences, and good teachers can (and do) build on that.