LONDON – Like every tragedy which befalls us, we remember where we were at the time. In my case, I was in the car en route to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, sullied at my nation’s decision to leave an institution established to help bridge cultural gaps and to avoid further conflict. It wasn’t perfect, nothing ever is, but the decision to leave centers on the following points.
Distrust. Whether it was our Prime Minister’s flippant attitude to how our health secretary mismanaged and misrepresented our NHS. Or whether it was his fear mongering over the now mayor of London, where before, the mayor was a friend of terrorists, but afterwards, he was an a-ok kind of guy. It didn’t matter what he would say, people no longer trusted his opinion. Thankfully, Mayor Khan spoke some words of truth:
“We all have a responsibility to now seek to heal the divisions that have emerged throughout this campaign – and to focus on that which unites us, rather than that which divides us.” – A significant part of which includes better politics.
Blame. It is always easier to blame someone, there was far too much of it, often directed towards immigrants. The great in Britain was once on account of our managing/exploiting a global commonwealth of nations. But powered by the information age the world has changed. Business, opportunity and success are now based on building relationships, not walking away from them. This is perhaps why Baroness Warsi said:
“We have woken up to a very different Britain. We must be positive, united and tolerant to face this uncertain future as a nation.” – With two thirds of those who considered themselves more English than British voting to leave, blaming others is becoming far too easy.
Confusion. Many complained of not having a say, or wanting to take control back. These catch phrases would be great if they were true, for we have always had control of our nation, and just as we have our own MPs who represent local constituents, we also have MEPs who represent our nation in the EU. Dr Shuja Shafi from the Muslim Council of Britain said:
“This referendum has shown that there is disenchantment not only with the European Union but with the way that politics is carried out in our country. Our political leaders must now address these concerns in an inclusive and conciliatory way.”
Racism. It is no surprise that with younger, better educated, on-line and engaged communities, there remains a desire to stay within the EU. While older generations, and other demographics, have resisted the realities of the 21st century. Tell MAMA the national watchdog which documents anti-Muslim incidents shared a statement by Heaven Crawley:
“This evening my daughter left work in Birmingham and saw group of lads corner a Muslim girl shouting “Get out, we voted leave”.” – They added that for far too long certain media publications have endorsed a ‘them’ vs ‘us’ culture, and this needs to be addressed.
I am reminded of a saying attributed to Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, that the worst amongst the people are those who cause divisions through mistrust and gossip. Indeed in the Qur’an, God advises people to hold together to a community spirit, to avoid being divided. The verse continues to remind us to be thankful to God for we were once enemies and later became friends. So it was with the EU, an institution which sought to repair the damage of the world war, finding more in common so we can prosper together.
A Way Out
Throughout the day at Goodwood, when people were not talking about cars, we were talking about the UK leaving the EU. A global community of visitors as well as exhibitors, brands, cars, drivers, their support teams and more, everyone was in shock. I felt as I was in The Matrix, a closed, artificial world, where all that I held to be true was false.
Thankfully, with my press pass, I had access to the paddocks where cars would line up before going up ‘The Hill;’ the single track running through the estate. There, amongst many personalities, I happened across Keanu Reeves and after a chat realized that there was indeed a way out of the ‘Brexit Matrix.’
Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is also quoted to have said that when you act quickly, often it is foolish as you do not weigh up all of the options, whereas, if you take the time to consider a subject, giving it the attention it deserves, you will find a better resolution. This entire campaign for/against EU membership was not only rushed but it was laden with misinformation e.g. the same men and women who showed frustration at the NHS, wanting to improve it, ended up supporting politicians who have publicaly stated that they want to privatize the NHS.
Almost half of our nation’s voters wanted to remain within the EU. This gives me hope. It isn’t to say that there will not be challenges even complications ahead, but we can either give into negativity or do our best with what we have been given; something which applies both to our nation as a whole or to us as individual human beings.
Change is coming, so let us change in the best of ways.