Reporter offers to help people struggling in wake of hate-fuelled riots
A journalist has offered to support people experiencing Islamophobia and other forms of race hate as communities continue to come to terms with the far-right protests which took place across the UK.
Ruby Qaimkhani, a trainee journalist at the South Wales Argus in Newport, published a five point guide on how to cope with Islamophobia and rising racial tensions earlier this month.
Ruby wrote: “If, like myself, you have felt paralysed by the sentiments of the few (not the many) on social media, take the advice of some Gwent-based organisations as no one should live their lives in fear, or face religious or racial discrimination.”
Ruby urged people experiencing such hate to report it — saying that the safety of communities depends on police taking action.
She said: “There are posts circulating online which skirt around the issue of calling Islamophobia and racist rhetoric what it is. This is wrong and hate speech must be called by its name.
“Without the appropriate language, we are failing to protect those who need our protection and downplaying the suffering of marginalised groups. These are not ‘protests,’ they are riots.”
Reflecting the challenges faced, Ruby said she wasn’t listing all the groups who can offer support, but told readers she would help share those details if people contacted her directly.
Ruby also stressed the importance of calling out Islamophobia
Ruby also said help could be found elsewhere, such as via mental health support groups, local councillors and employers.
Reflecting on the fact the riots had not spread to Wales, Ruby ended by saying: “It is now that residents of Wales and the UK must come together for a common goal to end this toxic and hate-filled rhetoric about any collective group of people.
“Speaking to people that may not look like you to understand their perspective is key to understanding our similarities. You may have more in common than you think.”
