WHOSE VISION IS IT ANYWAY ?

Why is it about vision that causes such a variety of reactions in humans looking at the very same image or images? It seems clear that visual perspective is very different from mental perspective. The comments that one has heard in respect of the disturbances in Belfast over that last couple of days is an instance in point. To be sure, most people have condemned the violence. Indeed, most people condemn violence in general as a means of expressing displeasure. The explanations and opinions offered as to the cause of violent reactions is equally varied and gives cause for concern.

In the United Kingdom two recent images of unrelated events have occurred which have caused rage amongst a number of individuals who have resorted to violent expressions of displeasure.  The footage relating to the killing of Henry Nowak  by Vickrum Digwa, and the vicious assault by Hadi Alodid on Stephen Ogilvie. Although the event relating to Mr Nowak occurred on 3rd December 2025, the footage of the incident was only released for public view on the 2nd June 2026 following the conviction and sentence of Mr Digwa. The footage of the attack by Mr Alodid on the 8th June 2026 was released on the same night. The violence on the streets of Belfast erupted on the 9th June 2026, almost immediately following the release of the images. As to the release of the Nowak images, violent protest erupted in Southampton the same day. In both cases the families of the victims called for calm and reflection. In a statement, Mr Novak’s father Mark, said he “[did] not want [Henry]'s death to be used to create further division, hatred, or tension" and quoted prosecutor Nicholas Lobbenberg as saying: "This is not a case about racism. This is a case about murder.”

In my view, neither incident was about racism, but most assuredly about violence. As to the reactions to the images, given that most people seeing the footage probably knew very little about the facts relating to the incident, they were most assuredly about racism and immigrants in particular. Even although Mr Digwa is a born British citizen, he is seen as a foreign immigrant. Various pundits keep emphasising that Mr Digwa was British, believing that in some way it did not mean that the violent reactions were to do with racism. Indeed, the leader of the opposition Ms Badenoch has claimed “Britain is the least racist country in the world”.  Absolute nonsense.

The reactions to the images coming so close to one another, produced extreme violence of a similar nature involving protest against ethnic immigrants. If that is not deemed to be racist, than  what is? How can any right minded thinking person not see the reaction as deeply ignorant and bigoted? Not only that, but the violence is mitigated by certain political figures as understandable. Of course they profess to condemn violence, but in this instance I hear certain voices saying “Can you blame them?”   

This reaction is, of course, entirely consistent with the Republican Party’s reaction to the aggravated assault on the Congress of the United States on the 6th January 2021. Denial of truth in spite of the images. 

I would guess that denial is a large factor, or perhaps it more to do with ignorance than denial. Without real knowledge of a situation, it is difficult to form opinion. Then again one should not react to a situation with violence if one is without the relevant facts, and even then one should generally avoid violence. One’s first reaction should be to make every effort to find out before resorting to rage and violence. 

It is all very well to talk of truth, reflection and understanding when there is a very definite group of people whose behaviour is beyond all understanding. It is not easy to recognise this group or to to even spot the individuals who form part of this group. They are not actually a group at all, except they come together when the event presents itself. It’s as if the event itself engenders the coming together of these like minded individuals whose basic reactions are rather simplistic and primitive. They identity or perceive a situation which offends their sense of what they conceive to be wrong. They are the stone throwers who do not hesitate to do so. They would in fact be the ones who would cast the first stone regardless of previous sins. They are more likely encouraged by previous sins. They are however our fellow citizens and, despite anti social behaviour orders, do not hesitate to claim the righteousness of their displeasure. They are also citizens who have a vote. They are the poorly educated so beloved of the populist right wing politicians who are more than able to pull them on side with their jingoistic rhetoric and tacit consent to their unsocial behaviour. Messrs Trump and Farage are instances in point. Although Farage has nothing like the power of Trump, he sees himself as leader in waiting.  He also appears to have similar acolytes including those with very deep pockets to fund his nonsense. 

Unfortunately they are a growing population, the disaffected young men and women who are finding it difficult to find employment in a job they consider worthy of their abilities which they are actually able to do. They may have aspirations and hopes that sometimes exceed their proficiency or qualifications and are thus unable to achieve anything, which, the longer it goes on, leads to more frustration. This state of being makes then vulnerable to anyone offering them a dream. Whoever can make good on that dream by providing them with an activity that goes some way towards that dream, will get their support. A false dream will not work, but it could be good enough to get them onside. That is what the likes of Trump and Farage have on offer and it could be glitzy enough to be working. 

It may not be the equivalent of the Sturmabteilung (popularly known as the Brown Shirts) of 1930’s Germany, but I would not be surprised if something equivalent is going through the minds of the leaders of the conservative right. Is ‘bring back national service’ being contemplated ? Prenez garde?

Combating racism and bigotry with getting the disaffected on side is not easy; however, an attempt must be made. It must be a priority. I do not mean to appear elitist, but unless that group is convinced they have a future that will lift them up, they will continue to riot, cause hate and disruption at the slightest provocation. So called wiser heads may no longer be able to control the situation. I still have hope.