Your silence can protect you

In Britain, we are naturally inclined to intervene in political discourse to challenge contentious ideas. In such circumstances, we frame speaking as indicative of being on the ‘right side of history.’ However, this is a reductive view. As the scope for participation in political culture is more expansive than just our speech. So, I believe we need to develop our culture beyond our limited notion of ‘justice.’ We should unlearn our impression of what ‘just’ engagement is. We should explore our ideas of justice. Yet, we prescribe intervention as a duty without considering its implications. 

If there is such a descriptor, being on the ‘right side of history’ must involve an alternative mode to vocalising criticism. There is a significant step that precedes speaking out, engagement. Although speaking out can be valuable, there is another valuable way of embodying justice. Engagement. Developing an interior life enables our capacity to engage with the world conceptually. As substantive engagement is preferable to asserting loaded ideals - such as Liberal values - alone. 

Although Liberal values frame our perceptions of justice, more is needed to engage with the world than Liberal values. Character. A cultivated character animates a sustained interest in engaging with the world critically. Only when our character is subject to engagement can we produce cogent arguments. Despite our inculcation with Liberal values, these inherited values do not necessarily reflect sophisticated engagement, just exposure to these values. Yet, we can respect the product of the Western tradition, Liberal values, while valuing further engagement in our world. 

Moreover, as agreeable as Liberal values are, Liberal values are the foundation to construct our world from further. Indeed, the edifice of ‘justice’ is a structure distinct from the foundation of Liberal values. However, our humanity compels us to speak in judgement of the world without contributing to discourse meaningfully. So, our interventions perpetuate an adversarial atmosphere in our discursive society. Therefore, we must mobilise our values and ideas to contribute to our political culture. So, we can resist fostering a divisive atmosphere. 

We live in a society where we contend against each other to ascribe meaning to our nation, specifically in terms of race relations. Particularly the Union Jack flag is subject to attention now, amidst a wider sensitive debate about immigration. Amidst rife protests against immigration, what our flag means is being reconsidered by people of colour - like me. Yet, we - British citizens - can offer meaningful contributions if we all temper our interventions. While considering the impact of our interventions seems to debase the heart, if we temper our interventions we can connect over what matters to us. Our humanity.

Once I began speaking more consciously, I was compelled to engage with the world in a measured way. Now, years later, I feel capable of articulating my thoughts. For example, I believe that the nation needs to reconcile its exceptionalism myth with its challenge to unite its citizens. Although social cohesion is an intractable challenge for any nation, the appeal of Britain is based on its projection of exceptionalism. But, I only have the confidence to state my views because I patiently observed the world. Having invested in my character has led me to consider my social consciousness more. 

I can attest that building character enriches life for ourselves and for others. I’m Liberal. So, although I criticise our Liberal values, I approach the subject of Liberalism cautiously. But, still my criticism feels incompatible with my beliefs. However, intellectual empathy is at the heart of the edifice I subscribe to. Liberalism. So, I must confront the problems posed by such a pertinent doctrine, as well as the wider political climate. As a universal ideal we can all aspire towards is being measured, approaching the world cautiously.

As a person of colour, I am susceptible to internalising my difference, perceiving the British flag as an intimidating symbol of exclusion. However, I am prepared to defend my country, Britain, because of the freedom it affords us. A freedom that allows me to develop my character. Possibility is what the British flag means to me. The liberal tradition within Britain has overcome great challenges. This is exceptional. So, while division disquiets the nation, I - a person of colour - am representing the spirit of an idea greater than I. Liberty.