Lecturer warns treating Dover disruption as protest ignores harm caused
Dr Aaron Winters says for marginalised groups, the fear can last longer than the incident itself
Recent mobilisations in Dover and Portsmouth should not be labelled merely as protests, according to Dr Aaron Winter, senior lecturer in sociology at the University of Lancaster.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio Kent, Anti-Racism Professor Aaron Winter warned that categorising anti-migrant activities as legitimate protests provides them with undue democratic credentials.
He added that though the demonstrations may be viewed as 'non harmful' in the moment, they could lead to lasting anxiety for those who feel targeted in the process:
"I think too often what gets lost in this is the experience of people who are targeted by anti-migration demonstrations. And part of the reason is, because they are treated as collateral damage and scapegoats.
"But this does cause harm. And not just that, repeated and compounded harm.
"It's the harm of seeing people get away with it again and again and again and not knowing what's next, not knowing if you're going to be able to live a safe life, if you're able to let your kids play outside.
"If you're able to let your kids walk to school, what's going to happen at the school gates when people decide you don't belong here in front of your children and theirs?
"And I think that the harm that's been caused to people needs to be foregrounded and made the most important thing."
Dr Winter added that the best way to address this issue would be to challenge the use of language such as 'protest' surrounding demonstrations. He argues that it can normalise harmful anti-migrant narratives, that can be underpinned by racism or scapegoating.
In a statement yesterday that you can read in full on the Rayo website, Kent Police said:
'The right to peaceful protest is an important part of our democracy and applies irrespective of the political views being expressed.
Equally, that right is not unlimited, and if offences are committed, lawful police conditions are breached, or disruption crosses the legal threshold we will take action.
'Based on our current assessment, the only associated offence we are investigating is criminal damage to a road.'