State of the North: Community Division, Racism and Discrimination.

In News

Odd Arts is at the forefront of some of the most pressing, challenging, and complex issues that our communities are facing.

We have taken time to review workshop case-studies, facilitator reports, and collate staff feedback and surveys to reflect on where we are up to, and what is the State of the North, relating to community division, racism, and discrimination

Odd Arts delivered 84 workshops addressing Islamophobia, Racism, and hateful extremism to 6940 people (young people and adults), in 9 local authorities in the North of England between Sept and November this year. The below Top Findings are drawn from this work.

1. A steep shift in the confidence to vocalise discriminatory attitudes

Individuals are more open and confident in sharing racist, anti-immigrant, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, and misogynistic attitudes.
A noticeable trend of participants feeling emboldened to express opinions that would have been socially unacceptable in previous years.

“It feels like in the last year things have gone so far backward when we had made so much progression”

“It feels like anyone can say anything now”

Whilst….

2. An increase in young people’s awareness, recognition and willingness to call out racism

There is a counter-trend of young people who are openly anti-racist and willing to challenge harmful narratives
Racism, discrimination and divisive narratives are more commonly witnessed by young people, in large part through online spheres, meaning young people are increasingly aware of the existence of these beliefs, and more likely to be involved in attempts to challenge them

“My teenagers are very progressive and it makes me proud and hopeful”

3. Discriminatory speech does lead to discriminatory action

Young people have reported both direct and indirect racist incidents in schools, workshops, and public spaces, such as racial slurs, dehumanising comments about immigrants, and fear induced by far-right activities.
Whether it be a fear of harm, a concrete act of discrimination, or witnessing microaggressions (such as people moving away from their seat on the train), people (from minoritised backgrounds) felt that society was beginning to act differently towards them and that this was linked to the hate speech that has been normalised
Some individuals spoke about a fear that hateful narratives targeting their identity were a genuine threat to the future of their physical safety

4. The increase in flag-bearing is a serious matter – whichever ‘side’ you’re on

Young people have shown strong reactions to flags, with some seeing them as a positive sign of identity and patriotism, whereas others experiencing them as threatening and exclusionary
Discussions showed young people often linked flags to national identity, social exclusion, or radicalisation
The flags are enabling some to feel more seen, whilst others (predominantly from marginalised backgrounds) the opposite
Perception is everything; if the intention is not intended to harm, but harm is caused through other’s perception, the harm is still real.

5. Misinformation

Young people often reference misinformation from social media and online platforms, which reinforce narratives about immigration, crime, and national identity.
Students frequently referenced misinformation, including narratives about job competition, housing scarcity, and refugee “invasions.”
Anger directed at immigrants or asylum seekers, was often fuelled by social media, news, political rhetoric that enhanced perceived threats to traditional values.
Social media, online content, and algorithms promoted extremist, misogynistic, or xenophobic views.
Creative, digestible and non-judgemental learning spaces are needed to explore misinformation, intersectionality, and systemic inequality.

6. (In)Equity is fundamental

The concept of fairness is a commonly shared value and the experience of injustice is felt by many. However, the experience, manifestation and understanding of these things varied greatly.
Themes that arose through discussions of fairness, equity and justice included discussions around poverty, immigration and asylum, resource scarcity, global events, national identity, and systemic discrimination (race and class).
People strongly felt that cohesion should be addressed through not only conversation and community engagement, but also addressing material inequalities, poverty and public services
Less access to opportunity and diversity resulted in more prejudice

The diversity of opinion varies deeply by ward, borough or region. More inclusive and progressive attitudes were more common where people had access to more diverse communities and cultural experiences, employment, and finance.
Socioeconomic factors were raised as key drivers for ideologies

7. Primary aged children are exposed to the division

On occasions, primary aged children used overtly racist language without fully understanding the context, meaning or impact
The younger age group were less socially inhibited, meaning inherited racist narratives were more openly shared
Children are highly confused about what they should and can feel and think
Parental/guardian viewpoints are most pivotal at this age

8. Nuanced debate is vital

More complex, nuanced and meaningful debate happened when people felt accepted and included
Intersectionality of race, religion, class, disability and gender is central to understanding prejudice and how it is expressed and experienced
Exploring the meaning, values and (unmet) needs behind people’s words was most effective in challenging misconceptions and harmful narratives
Telling people they’re wrong has little success in changing ideologies and viewpoints

9. Reaching breaking point and moving backwards

Many people spoke about feeling let down or angry at both governmental lack of support and leadership in speaking about the ‘issues that matter’ (these issues were not consistent, and often divisive)
A sense of being perpetually unheard was common
Many Global Majority (Black, Brown, racially minoritised) adults believed that what they are experiencing now is something significant, but not totally new.
Some people from racially minoritised and marginalised (more targeted) backgrounds, reflected that if things continued in the same trajectory they would consider leaving the UK to move somewhere they felt they would have a greater sense of acceptance and belonging
Many people shared concerns about time turning back. Some people reflected it felt like ‘after the arena attack’, others suggested it felt like it did decades ago, and one person compared the current climate to a level of growing hatred not seen since before WW2.

10. So what does this mean and how should we respond?

Validate the harm, hurt and fear people feel
Don’t avoid the debate, find a way to challenge with compassion that doesn’t contribute to further division
Use non-judgmental language, curiosity and explore the needs beneath the views to reach more meaningful conversations and outcomes
Don’t allow increasing harmful narratives become normalised
Maintain hope through the progressive, inclusive and compassionate attitudes many young people share
Explore the issue through a holistic and intersectional lens
Care for your own and other’s psychological wellbeing (especially those who are at increased levels of abuse/discrimination). Engaging in this work can take a toll on your wellbeing and mental health and asking for support is OK.