Marieha Hussain was recently cleared of a racially aggravated public order offense for displaying a placard calling politicians Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman “coconuts” during a Palestine march. The term “coconut” refers to someone who is brown or black on the outside but white on the inside and is used to critique those whose political views are deemed too “white.” The case raises questions about the policing of speech and the nature of anti-racism.
The history of hate speech laws being used to criminalize minorities is highlighted, showing how the concept of “hate” can be elastic and potentially target those fighting for social justice. Racializing political discussion can obscure the true reasons behind criticism and can lead to gatekeeping by some antiracists.
Critiques of politicians like Sunak and Braverman should focus on their reactionary politics rather than their racial identity. Racialized political views can make it easier for some antiracists to police the speech of others.
Political labels are not limited to the left, with the right also using terms like “woke” to denounce ideas they oppose without engaging in meaningful debate. The need to confront speech policing and the importance of focusing on political values rather than racial identity are emphasized, drawing on the ideas of Frantz Fanon, who rejected the fetishization of race and identity. Fanon prioritized political values and social action over racial identity, a lesson that many could learn from today’s culture wars.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
