My, very personal, reaction to the referendum result...
I am extremely disappointed. I still can't get my head around what has happened, around what will happen next (does anyone know?). Yet mostly I am disappointed and a little frightened about how divided this country is. I say is, not has become, because I am sure that things have always been this way, through the miners' strikes in the 80s, through the riots in 2011, through the Scottish referendum, ...
I suppose I have always know that there are deep divisions in this country. But I have been protected from seeing the reality of it in many ways. I have a supportive family, a university education and a decent income, I volunteer, I studied abroad, I did a traineeship at the EU, I participate in community activities. Basically, I have been very fortunate and my life revolves around spending time with people who treat others with kindness, openness and solidarity. Around people who are taking advantage of the opportunities available to give something back or to find support in their community.
I have no idea why so many people voted for Brexit or why so many people lack that feeling of solidarity with other Europeans that I feel so strongly. Why do people vote for a government that enacts laws that disadvantage them? Why do people vote for parties that preach prejudice and isolation?
I could take a few guesses. Inequality and education would probably be at the top of my list. And even though I don't truly know, I want to find out, because that is where we start if we want to make things better.
P.S. I say inequality particularly after reading The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better published in 2009 and written by Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson. Highly recommended.
