Thread by @docrussjackson

#THREAD

New report from the @Global__Future independent think tank, claiming that despite elite's systematic attempts to divide Britain - not least with constant 'anti-woke' 'culture war' rhetoric - a tolerant, open, & nuanced majority still prevails.

ourglobalfuture.com/reports/the-ce…

@YouGov polls show that while a healthy diversity of thought exists, there is strong consensus amongst the British public on many issues broadly perceived as divisive, including race, gender, British history & the monarchy.

theguardian.com/society/2022/m…

While a strong majority of us (77%) believe that Britain has done good in the world, 67% also accept that it has also done damage. How can an Empire not inflict damage?

The data also suggests almost two in three of us believe that change is needed to make society fairer.

Despite some evidence of increasing polarisation, four in five of us believe that 'it’s important to be attentive to issues of racial inequality & social justice' – the Merriam Webster definition of ‘woke’.

This includes an overwhelming majority of Leavers & Conservative voters.

Over two thirds of voters believe that elites are undermining unity & amplifying division.

We know media outlets have an incentive to sensationalise splits to grow their audiences, whilst politicians can profit from weaponising division against their opponents: #DivideAndRule

The report claims - correctly imho - that attempts by news media, politicians, & other elites to divide the British people are dangerous because they can work.

The Global Future think tank CEO & founder is Gurnek Bains, who has a doctorate in psychology from Oxford University.

Increased polarisation arguably has less to do with significant ideological differences than it has to do with our human desire to see the group (or party) to which we belong as more favourable or moral than another to which we don’t.

https://twitter.com/docrussjackson/status/1503666934512029697?s=20&t=ATuP73Jhzf5N048Ht4egrQ

Six years on from the EU referendum, it's still the case that the greatest predictor of opinion is whether someone voted to Leave or Remain.

However, encouragingly, people’s views are more complex & nuanced than we often give them credit for - perhaps especially on social media.

For example, three quarters of Leavers agree it is important to be attentive to issues of race & social justice, & 40% of Remainers favour restrictions to immigration.

Biased online communities create echo chambers, reinforcing our own views & renders opposing ones alien.

The report concludes by suggesting political parties should lay down their arms in the culture wars, & support 'the centre ground': to make Britain stronger, safer, & less polarised, politicians & journalists should pursue a more reasonable, respectful & sensible debate.

I admire the report's optimism, insight, & good sense, but the barriers to reducing conflict, polarisation & safety are considerable: history shows us that 'divide & rule' (which involves the demonisation & scapegoating of 'Others') is, sadly, a very effective political strategy.

I've written elsewhere about the rhetorical strategy deployed by the current Government & about how we're constantly tricked into engaging with particular framings, the repetition of which creates a harmful “illusory truth” effect:

https://twitter.com/docrussjackson/status/1487019337508663299?s=20&t=ATuP73Jhzf5N048Ht4egrQ

I've also written about the 'culture war'.

yorkshirebylines.co.uk/author/russell…

Also relevant to the @Global__Future report are the contested & often divisive issues of 'patriotism' and 'nationalism':

https://twitter.com/docrussjackson/status/1516338819208990722?s=20&t=ATuP73Jhzf5N048Ht4egrQ

More on 'divide & rule', & why it has been embraced by senior members of Boris Johnson's Government:

https://twitter.com/docrussjackson/status/1459100285666795540?s=20&t=ATuP73Jhzf5N048Ht4egrQ