Seriously, I've been out campaigning in BNP areas over the last few months. A lot of their supporters believe them when they say stuff like "we're not racist" and "we're what Labour used to be".
I know, personally, at least one muslim of asian descent who was planning to vote for them before we set him straight.
At the moment, they're actively promoting anti-islamic stuff, and appealing for votes from people who are scared of muslims.
Combine that with the areas they're most active, frequently 'safe' wards where LAbour have held the seat for decades and the other parties have withdrawn to fight in more favourable districts, and they also attract a lot of "anti-Labour" voters, again some of whom will believe the "not racist" line (or simply not know any better).
I have no clue, at all, how a teacher can not know this stuff, but I've met very highly qualified graduates who're completely clueless about basic stuff outside their speciality.
Not every BNP supportet/member is a racist. Most are.
Both of those are statements of fact, I can't link to prove the former, but I've met such people, they exist.
Regardless, 10,000 members in total across the entire country, some of whom are "family" members and similar. Tiny little sect with very little genuine electoral support. Much of which is protest/ignorance anyway.
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(no subject)
Date: 2010-03-13 12:43 am (UTC)Seriously, I've been out campaigning in BNP areas over the last few months. A lot of their supporters believe them when they say stuff like "we're not racist" and "we're what Labour used to be".
I know, personally, at least one muslim of asian descent who was planning to vote for them before we set him straight.
At the moment, they're actively promoting anti-islamic stuff, and appealing for votes from people who are scared of muslims.
Combine that with the areas they're most active, frequently 'safe' wards where LAbour have held the seat for decades and the other parties have withdrawn to fight in more favourable districts, and they also attract a lot of "anti-Labour" voters, again some of whom will believe the "not racist" line (or simply not know any better).
I have no clue, at all, how a teacher can not know this stuff, but I've met very highly qualified graduates who're completely clueless about basic stuff outside their speciality.
Not every BNP supportet/member is a racist. Most are.
Both of those are statements of fact, I can't link to prove the former, but I've met such people, they exist.
Regardless, 10,000 members in total across the entire country, some of whom are "family" members and similar. Tiny little sect with very little genuine electoral support. Much of which is protest/ignorance anyway.
(no subject)
Date: 2010-03-13 12:45 am (UTC)