2016 will be scribed boldly in the world history book. The political tremors that shook the western democracies are beyond beleife. First the EU referendum that gave a result that was not expected. Then the unexpected victory of Donald Trump as president of the United States.
It is very worrying for a person who has settled as immigrant in one these countries. You may ask why ? Well if anyone agrees or not there is racial undertone lying beneath these victories. Having said that I am not denying there are legitimate concerns that give rise to these racial tensions.
It is also true that some political leaders have capitalised on these concerns to drive their arguments forward despite the danger posed of these racial undertones get blown up. By the same argument it is also the responsibility of the first generation immigrants such as me to work towards more integration in the society.
It is sad and worrying for a person like me who has been living in this country for some 42 years and still get classified as a foreigner in some peoples eyes. Yet I for myself can see any other country than England as my country.
But whatever happened did so in a democratic process and as a person who believe in Democratic process I hope the same democratic process will back my loyality as a British Citizen.It is true that when the tolerance of a society is tested to it's limit then the reaction that we see today will be a reality.
Now that the democratic choice of our country is to effect "Brexit" we must be brave enough follow it throw and work it to our advantage. Similarly the campaign speeches of Donald Trump should be taken as a campaign speech and hope that he will not carryout the divisive policies that he spoke about. On hearing the conciliatory victory speech that Triumph gave I am ready give the benefit of the doubt to him and am very anxious to see his first few actions as the President of US.
It is also stressed out that the expectations raised by these anti "establishment" leaders are managed if further backlash to be avoided. But can the "racial undertone" whipped up contained by these leaders if they are unable fulfill the expectations of the voters.
Well this.is where the will inexperience of holding any
public positions may become a stumbling block.
Let us wait and see.
Sakthi Sakthithasan
