What is a Thug? Euphemisms in the time of UK’s Riots

We have seen time and again that when protests become riots, something is exposed, the original issue becomes nothing more than a scapegoat, a vessel for all of life’s struggles. In the case of the current sweep of riots, what is being exposed - although really just to mainstream media - is how convinced the far right is of their subjugation. They believe something inherent to their sense of self is under threat. In the context of the United Kingdom, is the far right not just a polite euphemism for white supremacy? 

It is interesting in these times to meditate on language. News outlets refer to the far right as “thugs”. It’s strange, but that seems to make them more like caricatures. It reduces it to something that is easy to contain. So in the context of the United Kingdom, is thug not just a polite euphemism for racist bigot? 

While we are collating our dictionary for UK euphemisms, what is an immigrant? One’s concept of nationhood is so complex, there is no room to discuss this with a racist xenophobe (sorry! “thug”) and explain the overlapping sense of belonging and alienation that we feel on a daily basis. What about the confusion of identity and patriotism? So in the context of UK white supremacists, is the term immigrant not just a euphemism for anyone not-like-me? 

Citizenship is really not important. If you are not white, if you have a detectable accent, if you’re Jewish or wear a headwrap, decernably identify as LGBTQIA+, then you are an immigrant. At least according to white supremacists (sorry! “the far right”).

The sad truth is that for so many, this is not news, all we are seeing is a more distilled version of daily life. The vitriol in a look, in body language, in speech, is now confidently parading itself across our screens. We can try and relax our nervous systems and avoid overindulging in the news. There is an adage “once you have heard the message, hang up the phone.” You do not need to continue to allow the violence and hatred to enter your home any more than it already has.

We can also continually add to our dictionary of UK euphemisms. We can report abuse online and in person, we can safeguard our loved ones and we can volunteer with local community-based organisations. 

Do it Now Now stands with our community of Black charities and social enterprises, of young people, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. We stand with immigrants and all who are alienated by the language and actions in this time and beyond.