If you know anything about British politics, you probably know that they are generally regarded as dull. However, with the latest issue of the Brexit vote, British politics have moved into a similar category as those in the United States. Even in the last two days, the parallels are exceedingly apparent: ex-pop stars weighing in, ridiculous party clashes, and even a public shooting.
The Brexit Vote, in short, is a vote on whether the UK should continue to stay a part of the EU. The EU is a conglomerate of 28 nations which share freedom of movement and currency. To break it down further, if the UK remains a part of the EU, they will be regulated by EU rules. This makes several groups angry, such as fishermen, whose industry is highly controlled by the EU, and people who don't like immigrants, because freedom of movement makes the insanely difficult process of immigration slightly easier.
So two days ago on June 15th, and with a lovely show of maturity, the two different parties got into a water fight on the Thames. On the pro-remain side was Bob Geldof, former British pop-star, blasting loud music from a large boat at the pro-Brexit side. The pro-Brexit side consisted of many fishing boats and Nigel Farage, the leader of the pro-Brexit side. The pro-Brexit side then proceeded to blast water at the pro-remain side as they blared music, and a lot of rude words and jeers were thrown about. Lots of people showed up to support their side, and tourists were generally confused.
If this doesn't sound as ridiculous as American politics yet, let's look at one of the pro-Brexit signs toting one of their slogans:
If you're an American and you don't recognize the call to "Be Great Again," I thoroughly envy you and the lucky rock you live under.
A little light political water fight isn't that bad though, right? It's not like they were rioting and hurting people like we tend to do here. Unfortunately, violence didn't stay out of the picture for long. One day later, on June 16th, a member of parliament, Jo Cox, was shot and killed. Ms. Cox was a long time advocate of victims of the war in Syria and a prominent star in the labour party. She was attacked by Thomas Mair, a dedicated member of a neo-Nazi organization based in the United States. It should be particularly noted that Mr. Mair shot Ms. Cox in a country where guns are extremely regulated, so much so that even the police very rarely carry them. This is the first time a member of parliament has been killed since 1990.
Both parties were horrified by the murder of the hard working politician and mother. They both have suspended campaigning for the moment.
Xenophobia and racism and other neo-nazi traits were also discussed in London's recent mayoral election, where Sadiq Khan, a Muslim and Labour party leader, ran against Zac Goldsmith, a Conservative in favor of leaving the EU. It's important to realize that "Conservative" in the UK means something different than "Conservative" in America. British conservatives still tend to be socially and economically liberal on an American scale, supporting things like gay rights. However, in this particular race the anti-immigration and anti-Muslim attitude was still a large part of the Conservative position, as it is in America. In a marvelous demonstration of the UK overcoming the rising Islamophobia that has developed in recent years, Sadiq Khan was elected mayor of London.
Further illustrations of such sentiment is apparent in the pro-Brexit campaigns. For instance, published on a pro-Brexit capaign poster was: “Vote Leave, Britain, or be overrun by brown people. Take control. Take back our country. You know what I mean, don’t you: If you want a Turk — or a Syrian — for a neighbor, vote Remain.”
Welcome to American politics, Britain. Welcome to shootings, racism, and xenophobia. Welcome to trying to make your country great again and turning politics into entertainment. I hope for your sake you get your old, dull and calm politics back soon.
