No Platform

November 27th, 2007

Views: 711

Posted by ChrisG at 3:30 pm

As for the Oxford Union debacle, this comment from an Oxford PPE student should become an often-quoted reference point. Not just for this particular abuse by the Union of the concept of freedom of speech in the service of fascism. It should remain a first stopping-off-point for anyone about to misquote Voltaire in the defence of the presumed general ‘right’ of those with the biggest gobs to monopolise forums that do not just facilitate a speech act or two, but confer legitimacy at the same time.

Maybe I’ve as little chance of getting attacked on the street tomorrow as I do any day. But here I am, thinking about it. Here I am, going to sleep at night thinking, there are far-right groups in Oxford tomorrow, oh dear. And why should I have to think that? Why? See above where I’m a human being, where I deserve to feel safe every second of the time in my home city, where white people don’t have to worry about visual indicators and I do. How dare the Union blithely invite RACISTS into my city, so safe in their straight white male privilege that they don’t have to think about the consequences of what they’re doing? I am not straight, white or male, and I have no uncomplicated identity, no simplicity or belonging – but I am an Oxford student. No one is allowed to contest the basis upon which I’m here, at this place and at this time. How dare they take the one thing that I have all of my own, my home, and compromise that?