## Combating the Rise of the Far Right: A Community Response
A few weeks ago, far-right rioters gathered outside a hotel hosting asylum seekers in Rotherham and tried to set it on fire. Across the country, this horrific act of violence was replicated, as mosques, libraries, and innocent individuals came under attack. However, in the face of this racist and Islamophobic violence, people gathered to protest the presence of the far right in their communities and to rebuild after the attacks. It was people showing solidarity with their neighbors that ultimately seemed to stem the riots.
### Podcast Discussion
For a one-off special episode of the podcast, Ayeisha Thomas-Smith is joined by Minnie Raham, Chief Executive of Praxis, and Abi O’Connor, a researcher at NEF. Together, they discuss how to combat the rise of the far right, examine whether economic deprivation and austerity are to blame for the week of violence, and explore how communities can come together to combat racism and Islamophobia. The podcast episode delves into the complex issues surrounding far-right extremism and the importance of community solidarity in addressing these challenges.
### FAQ
#### How can communities combat the rise of the far right?
Communities can combat the rise of the far right by coming together in solidarity, promoting understanding and tolerance, and actively opposing racist and Islamophobic rhetoric. It is essential to stand up against hate and division and work towards creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all individuals.
#### Are economic deprivation and austerity contributing factors to the increase in far-right violence?
Economic deprivation and austerity can create fertile ground for the rise of far-right extremism. When individuals feel marginalized, economically disadvantaged, and ignored by the government, they may turn to extremist ideologies as a way to vent their frustrations. Addressing economic inequalities and providing support to vulnerable communities is crucial in preventing the spread of far-right ideologies.
### Conclusion
In the aftermath of the recent far-right violence, it is more important than ever for communities to come together and stand against hatred and intolerance. By fostering understanding, promoting inclusivity, and challenging discriminatory attitudes, we can work towards creating a society where all individuals are valued and respected. Through collective action and solidarity, we can combat the rise of the far right and build a more peaceful and harmonious world.
[Listen to the podcast episode here.](https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1902845245&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true)
*Music: What happened in the past doesn’t stay there by Lee Rosevere, Free Music Archive: [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lee-rosevere/music-for-podcasts-beats/what-happened-in-the-past-doesnt-stay-there/](https://freemusicarchive.org/music/lee-rosevere/music-for-podcasts-beats/what-happened-in-the-past-doesnt-stay-there/) used under Creative Commons licence: [creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)*
*Image: iStock*