Comments on: The language of hate

By: Nick Griffin’s day out « Paperhouse

Nick Griffin’s day out « Paperhouse — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:20:51 +0000

[...] was spectacularly bad. Previously on Paperhouse, I’ve said that I don’t think the QT format is equipped for challenging debate. I agree with Nelson’s reasons for not wanting the BNP on [...]

By: Lawrie

Lawrie — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:25:48 +0000

I completely agree with you in regard to freedoms for all, and my argument isn’t that Nick Griffin should be denied ‘legitmate’ airtime; only that I think people who are hoping for him to come off like a human portmanteau of Hitler and a blind-drunk John Prescott on a stag night have unrealistic expectations.

By: shanecroucher

shanecroucher — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:21:56 +0000

I understand the logic behind what you’re saying, but it doesn’t deal with the fact that some of his warped views are supported by the likes of The Sun, Express et al. To use Sarah’s example of “We’re full” – Griffin can seize on that and use it as a source to back up his public stance (which is milder than his private one). Once people see that what he’s saying holds some credibility with sections of the media, it legitimises those views – even if what he’s saying is founded on utter shite. Because it is reported in the press, some people will take that as given rather than conducting their own research to get past the propaganda.

The best way to deal with the BNP, in my opinion, is as Steve said above; uncover and expose through journalism, not debate.

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:17:03 +0000

I’m sure you’re right about Griffin being well-schooled in exploiting media coverage, but then so are the regular politicians, and that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be allowed to air their views.

And if the BNP picks up followers, then so be it. It’s a democracy after all, and if the voters want a BNP MP or even (God forbid) a government, it’s up to us to raise our voices to change that state of affairs.

It’s highly unpalatable, but you can’t have freedoms without it being freedoms for all. Anything less, ironically falls into fascism territory.

By: Lawrie

Lawrie — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:02:33 +0000

I think Sarah’s postscript makes the most valid point, here: the BNP and Nick Griffin in particular has spent a long time learning how to dodge the racist-Nazi bullet. As much as most rational people might wish for it, Griffin isn’t about to appear on QT foaming at the mouth, calling for the immediate mass extermination of “towelheads n’ imm’gants” and screaming “SIEG HEIL!” every time someone says his name.

He’s going to appear with a reassuring smile on his face and an apparently limitless amount of patience for the hailstorm of criticism that people will attempt to level at him. He’ll effortlessly dodge allegations with well-though-out patter that’s as disarming as it is devoid of any content. All he then needs to do is use reasonable, considered and scripted arguments against any of his fellow panel members, and if even a handful of people come away from watching it and think to themselves, “Hmm, y’know what? He actually seems okay.” then the damage is done.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:47:48 +0000

The BNP must be allowed on Question Time. It will simply give them a platform to inadvertently show how little they know.

To do anything else is censorship and plays right into their hands.

Give them enough rope and they’ll hang themselves.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:43:10 +0000

Is this satire? It’s rubbish. No, racism shouldn’t be protected as free speech. It incites violence, so it should be handled with extreme caution. And not quoted approvingly on the front page of national newspapers.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:37:44 +0000

I agree with Steve that the real issue is why anyone is voting for the BNP. This is where efforts need to be directed. All the major political parties need to address this at grass roots level, when they canvass on doorsteps and when they put together their literature. What supposed need are the BNP fulfilling in voters?

Also, I have a nagging problem with the idea of putting Griffin on QT. I can’t imagine that BNP voters will watch his stint on there and think ‘Oh dear, he didn’t answer that question very well, I think I may need to question all I believe about the BNP’, if he ends up looking like an idiot they will see it as a left-wing stitch-up by the media. I reckon the only way to get around making Griffin look like a martyr is for the other parties to bypass the BNP controversy carnival and to start engaging with those voting for him.

By: marcoscu

marcoscu — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:36:54 +0000

No free speech for anyone who disagrees with us!

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:26:57 +0000

So regarding The Express’s comments, I guess I agree with them (never thought I’d say that) on the subject of him appearing on QT, but as to supporting him or the BNP, that’s not me I’m afraid.