| Loud and Proud: Passion and Politics in the English Defence League Contributor(s): Pilkington, Hilary (Author) |
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ISBN: 1784994006 ISBN-13: 9781784994006 Publisher: Manchester University Press OUR PRICE: $114.00 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: May 2016 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Political Science | World - European - Political Science | Political Ideologies - Nationalism & Patriotism - Political Science | Political Ideologies - Radicalism |
| Dewey: 305.697 |
| LCCN: 2016449666 |
| Series: New Ethnographies |
| Physical Information: 0.63" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (1.23 lbs) 272 pages |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - British Isles |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The book uses interviews, informal conversations and extended observation at EDL events to critically reflect on the gap between the movement's public image and activists' own understandings of it. It details how activists construct the EDL, and themselves, as 'not racist, not violent, just no longer silent' inter alia through the exclusion of Muslims as a possible object of racism on the grounds that they are a religiously not racially defined group. In contrast activists perceive themselves to be 'second-class citizens', disadvantaged and discriminated by a 'two-tier' justice system that privileges the rights of 'others'. This failure to recognise themselves as a privileged white majority explains why ostensibly intimidating EDL street demonstrations marked by racist chanting and nationalistic flag waving are understood by activists as standing 'loud and proud'; the only way of 'being heard' in a political system governed by a politics of silencing. This book brings a new perspective because unlike most studies of 'far right' movements, it focuses not on the EDL as an organisation its origins, ideology, strategic repertoire and effectiveness but on the individuals who constitute the movement. Its ethnographic approach challenges stereotypes and allows insight into the emotional as well as political dimension of activism. At the same time, the book recognises and discusses the complex political and ethical issues of conducting close-up social research with 'distasteful' groups. The book will be of value to those researching or studying in the disciplines of Sociology, Political Science and Anthropology as well as those with an interest in contemporary political issues and the populist and radical right. |
