Thread by @SimonFRCox

True, ⁦@NesrineMalik⁩
But how will Brexit base of comfortable white middle class pay the price - or see the light? Thread. theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

Brexit is wildly unpredictable as to reach of its economic harm. But the economically weakest are most at risk: communities that are already just scraping by & individs without capital & personal networks to ride out shocks: to find a replacement job, a loan. >

Brexit’s wealthy heartland is insulated against all but the most serious shocks.

https://twitter.com/rolandmcs/status/1091651109192650753?s=21

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Socially, the crisis of *British-nationalism now under way will disturb & distress mostly white people. But it’ll be visible foreigners & black & brown people who they turn on. In the streets, shops and schools. >

*It’s British nationalism (even if for most adherents its Englishism dressed up as British) >

https://twitter.com/gaf_young/status/1010058139234947073?s=21

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So Brexit means a *double* whammy for economically marginalised black, brown & visibly “foreign” people : most at risk of economic harm AND racist/xenophobic social/state environment.

Lose the job/home, then face discrimination getting another one. >

Individual white middle class Leavers will suffer. Businesses will go bust. Pension plans may fail.

But only the most serious economic failure will affect them *as a class* >

Still, we *can* use Brexit as a teachable moment - era? - against arrogant nationalism.

But this will require calm, thoughtful leadership by politicians and others. Nationalists need drama & hyperbole. We need to talk a different language.

That’s going to take time. >

Blaming Leave voters isn’t helpful. Blaming Leave *leaders* is.

They say they love their country. But love requires our leaders to work hard (read the GFA, Raab) and be honest (looking at you May). >

But really, we won’t change most grown Leavers minds about how *Great* Britain is (deep down). They *cannot* hear that UK is inherently weak outside its economic & political alliance with non-English speaking states. They will *just* blame leaders. >

British internationalism - it’s realism - needs to be led by and focus on young people. The generations least deceived by old nationalist ideas of Empire & Greatness. >

Young people opposed Brexit. They saw it as isolationist and anti-libertarian. That’s the mindset that will finally lay UK’s imperial legacy to rest. >

Empower & make way for young people. Make sure schools & colleges have compulsory curriculum on how our democracy works & internationalism.

Make sure young people’s voices on political issues are being heard on TV, radio. >

Make sure 2016 Referendum goes down in history as the Last Stand of the British Empire.

Teach & debate the centuries of crimes against humanity committed by British business & forces across world.

The only shame comes from trying *not* to admit what happened. >

Millions of older Brits can’t hear criticism of UK. It’s too painful, too existential for their identities. That’s sad. But it’s tough luck, because avoiding their sensitivities feeds today’s illusions & racism. >

There are - will be - thoughtful people with British nationalist sympathies who want to engage. (Some are already here on Twitter). That’s great.

But our focus should be the coming generations - who can see more clearly. //