Should we be worried about right-wing populism?

bags not sure about right wing populism being a reaction to left wing populism. Where's the evidence?

I've seen videos by right wing groups talking about 'unwashed students', so maybe that's what you mean. To be honest, it seems more like envy from a group of people who don't seem to have the intelligence to go to university. There is a culture of anti-education amongst some pupils in schools and I guess that carries on into late teens and early twenties.

I don't know much about US campuses, but I do know something (second hand) about British student unions, as my daughter finished her MA just over a year ago and she still has friends at uni. She's quite politically aware (very soft left) and her view is that most students are very much pro-establishment. I'm really not sure what you mean by left-wing populism. It seems to me that students are much more focused on work (and less interested in politics) than I was when I was at university - maybe the fees have something to do with it.

I'm referring to the left-wing populism currently prevailing in university student unions in Britain and on college campuses in the US. It contains the same kind of intolerance as right-wing populism except that the intolerance is aimed at different things and different people.

A lot may come down to individual charismatic figures, feeding off the insecurities of the poor during economic difficulties.
In the 20thC we had Hitler, Franco, Mussolini and Moseley, who had a very big UK following. I have been reading Diana (Mitford) Moseley's biography over the last week. Moseley had a lot of direct opposition from communists and socialists. In the end there was a war and Churchill immediately interned Moseley and his wife.
At there time Communism was also a mass movement.
Not sure what left-wing populism you are referring to really. (other than French unions?).
Boris Johnson has many of the characteristics of these leaders - his way with words for one thing. I would not be a bit surprised if he was the author of those powerful Brexit slogans.

I think it's a combination of racism/xenophobia caused by so many people on the move and wanting to immigrate and a reaction to perceived global elites, who don't have much time for nationalism and are often seen as socially liberal.

It's regression to tribal culture. We haven't ever had much left-wing populism in the UK. We're living in a post-industrial capitalist society and there are too many people who feel excluded.

Look back through history and it's a recurring pattern at times of change.

I'm still asking myself why right-wing populism has risen and is rising at the moment. I think it might be a backlash to the left-wing populism that in recent decades has been dominant.

I am still in shock (although I almost expected this awful result)

YES we should be very worried about right wing populism - which if cleverly applied gets support from traditional labour voters.

Unfortunately you can fool quite a lot of the people quite a lot of the time.

You channel legitimate grievances (which should be directed to our UK government) against the EU and -bingo- if you repeat the same meaningless slogan "take back control" enough times quite a lot of people will believe you.

In the Wembley debate the Outers repeated that slogan no less than 117 times. In answer to every question they said "take back control" because they had no proper answers to the questions.

This is a very sad day for Britain, for Europe and for the world.

i0.wp.com/voxpoliticalonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/160621-Michael-Rosen-on-Fascism.jpg

@Ana

I don't think we're ALL going to be in fear of our lives, but I think some people have a justifiable reason to fear. They already do.

Maybe worth reading if you've got a spare ten minutes:

exposingbf.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/jo-cox-paul-golding-and-britain-firsts-indelible-shame/

Jo Cox was working on a document about them, which was due to be published. I hope it is still published, although there might be a block on it, if it's being used in evidence during her murder trial.

At least their pretending can end on friday. Roll on friday.

Most people, especailly on gransnet, know it is about numbers. They just like to pretend otherwise.

Re the leave campaign poster. I must be different to a lot of people ( not on here) I didn't see black/ brown faces, not my words, the media. I suppose because I've always lived in multicultural towns. All I saw was numbers, and that has always been my issue with immigration.

You are not suggesting there are 'cliques' on GN, surely not ;) !

I don't remember ever saying I agree with obieone, durhjamjen, but even if I have it will never be comparable to the number of times Annie agrees with you!

To be honest Tegan- I am more concerned about those who will feel 'disempowered', as they are the ones who could turn nasty and cause big trouble.

Ana, I so hope this won't happen- but I shudder to think of 'what if'. After the killing of Jo Cox, no wonder many are concerned- especially if the vote is very close.

And he's still using that poster, which is known to be a lie.

Obieone agrees with Ana. Ana agrees with obieone. Practical will be along in a minute to agree with both of you.

I sincerely hope we do not have to find out.

Just seen that Farage has been in York. Ugh!

There is an underlying problem whatever happens on Thursday I fear. It's just that [imo] certain members of society will feel empowered by a Brexit win and I'm not sure how they will use that power.

Agree with Ana.
Fear/scare tactic, when the opposite is likely to happen.

I'm sure I've heard that he used to work down the mines and had rescued people, but I need to verify that. A true hero. Given the extent of his injuries, very lucky to be alive.

Poor old boy I bet he is shaken

I see people are saying that the 77 year old who was also stabbed trying to protect Jo is out of hospital now. It's been said he should be given a George medal for bravery.

Maybe a week ago the thought of a politician being murdered would have been ridiculous .