The Dangerous Game of Political Fearmongering: A Glasgow Case Study
There’s something deeply unsettling about the way politicians weaponize fear to score points. Recently, Thomas Kerr, the deputy Scottish leader of Reform UK, took this tactic to a new low with his so-called 'walkabout' in Glasgow. Personally, I think this isn’t just about one politician’s actions—it’s a symptom of a broader, more troubling trend in modern politics.
The Walkabout: A Masterclass in Misdirection
Kerr’s 30-minute stroll through Glasgow’s city centre was framed as an exposé of urban decay. He claimed to witness drug deals, alcohol abuse, and intimidating behavior, all while linking these issues to migration. What makes this particularly fascinating is how he used visuals to tell a story—a story that, upon closer inspection, falls apart. The image he shared, for instance, shows two young non-white men standing against a wall, their faces blurred. There’s nothing inherently suspicious about the scene, yet Kerr’s narrative implies guilt by association.
From my perspective, this is a classic example of dog-whistle politics. By focusing on race and migration, Kerr taps into deep-seated anxieties without providing evidence. It’s a tactic as old as politics itself, but what’s striking here is the blatant disregard for nuance. Glasgow, like any city, has its challenges—poverty, substance abuse, and social inequality—but these are systemic issues, not the fault of any one group.
The Power of Imagery
One thing that immediately stands out is Kerr’s reliance on imagery. His video features clips of people, mostly non-white, gathered in groups, alongside an overflowing bin. What many people don’t realize is how easily visuals can be manipulated to tell a specific story. A group of friends chatting becomes a 'menacing crowd,' and a bin becomes a symbol of 'lawlessness.' If you take a step back and think about it, this is less about reporting reality and more about crafting a narrative that resonates with a particular audience.
This raises a deeper question: What responsibility do politicians have when they use such tactics? In my opinion, they’re not just misrepresenting the truth—they’re actively contributing to division. By framing certain communities as threats, Kerr isn’t just fearmongering; he’s normalizing prejudice.
The Real Issues at Stake
Glasgow MSP Iris Duane hit the nail on the head when she called out Kerr for treating the city like a 'zoo.' Her critique is spot-on. While Kerr was busy pointing cameras at people, Duane was working with organizations to address homelessness, poverty, and the cost of living crisis. This contrast is telling.
A detail that I find especially interesting is Kerr’s background as a former Tory councillor. It’s no secret that years of austerity policies have exacerbated many of the issues he now decries. What this really suggests is a pattern of politicians deflecting blame rather than taking accountability. Instead of proposing solutions, Kerr is capitalizing on problems his own party helped create.
The Broader Implications
This incident isn’t just about Glasgow or Thomas Kerr. It’s about the rise of populist politics that thrives on division. What’s worrying is how effective this strategy can be. By focusing on superficial issues and scapegoating marginalized groups, politicians like Kerr distract from the systemic failures that need addressing.
Personally, I think this is a dangerous game. It undermines trust in institutions, fuels xenophobia, and diverts attention from meaningful policy discussions. If we’re not careful, we risk normalizing this kind of politics, where fear and misinformation become the norm.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Kerr’s 'walkabout,' I’m reminded of the power of narrative. Politics isn’t just about facts—it’s about the stories we tell and how they shape public perception. Kerr’s story is one of fear and division, but it doesn’t have to be the only one.
What Glasgow—and indeed, any society—needs is a narrative of unity, empathy, and solutions. That’s the kind of politics I want to see. Until then, we must remain vigilant against those who seek to exploit our fears for their gain.
