The recent riots highlighted the existence of community tensions that, fuelled by misinformation, escalated into violence. Janith Prabashwara Perera makes the case for the power of Nonviolent Communication as a tool for transforming hostility into empathy, mutual respect and ultimately leading to the resolution of conflicts.
In times of civil unrest, such as the ongoing riots in the United Kingdom, the need for effective communication strategies becomes paramount. When disinformation—the deliberate spread of false and misleading information intended to deceive and manipulate an audience—triggers these unfortunate events, harnessing the power of genuine and truthful communication is crucial. The ongoing far-right riots, marked by anti-immigrant violence, Islamophobia, and widespread disorder, have instilled fear among people of colour, especially within Muslim communities. These circumstances underscore the urgency for approaches that can de-escalate tensions and foster understanding. Among these strategies, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) emerges as a powerful tool, capable of transforming hostile interactions into opportunities for empathy and resolution.
Comprehending the Context
According to news reports, on July 29, three children aged six, seven, and nine were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event in Southport, England. Eight more children and two adults were injured.
Revealing the ultimate horror of social media fabrications, disinformation spread widely on the internet that the suspect in the attack was an asylum seeker and an immigrant of Muslim origin. Although authentic news sources discredited this claim, clarifying that the suspect was born in Wales to Rwandan parents, the damage had already been done. The false information fuelled far-right riots with anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric, leading to violence in Southport, Hartlepool, London, Liverpool, Manchester, and other cities. Even after the suspect’s true identity was revealed, showing he was neither a Muslim nor a migrant, rioters continue to target immigrants, Muslims, and other minorities.
A YouGov poll reveals that only a few Britons support the riots, with the vast majority viewing the rioters as unjustified and not representative of the wider population.
What do the Rioters Say?
According to Reuters, many of those involved describe themselves as patriots concerned with the record levels of illegal and legal immigration to Britain. Some far-right activists argue online that immigration has led to an increase in violence and crime in society. However, alternative evidence points to the manipulation of these far-right activists by social media influencers who incite gatherings for protests. These influencers often display Islamophobia and share sentiments against immigrants and minorities. A YouGov poll reveals that only a few Britons support the riots, with the vast majority viewing the rioters as unjustified and not representative of the wider population.
The primary aim of Nonviolent Communication is to facilitate mindful expression, active listening, respect, and care for others, as well as to cultivate compassion and empathy.
Making the Case for Nonviolent Communication
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication framework introduced and popularised by Marshall Rosenberg. It emphasises empathy and compassion, helping individuals and communities maintain their humanity even in the most challenging circumstances. The primary aim of Nonviolent Communication is to facilitate mindful expression, active listening, respect, and care for others, as well as to cultivate compassion and empathy. By addressing the underlying needs of individuals and encouraging honest, empathetic expression without resorting to criticism, blame, or violence, NVC fosters dialogue that promotes mutual understanding and respect. The practice of Nonviolent Communication focuses on understanding human interconnectedness—recognising that we are all connected beyond socioeconomic and political factors. It encourages deeper engagement in relationships, fosters mutual understanding, and builds emotional bridges.
Nonviolent Communication in Times of Riots
The ongoing riots in the UK, while initially triggered by disinformation and manipulated by political ideology, appear to stem from deep-seated grievances, misunderstandings, stereotypes, and a breakdown in communication between communities. In such cases, addressing the root causes and fostering emotional bridge-building and empathy is crucial.
While it is essential to apply the full force of the law—upholding the Rule of Law, one of the key British Values—this should be accompanied by a commitment to “Respect and Tolerance”, another fundamental British Value. Addressing the root causes of conflict and healing the emotions and feelings of the affected parties are vital for achieving lasting peace. Therefore, leveraging Nonviolent Communication to promote dialogue between far-right rioters and the impacted communities is crucial for building mutual understanding and resolving underlying issues.
De-escalation through Empathy
The essence of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) lies in its strategies for expressing unspoken feelings and sentiments. Contrary to resorting to violence, nonviolent communicators strategically and perhaps quite innovatively communicate their feelings and sentiments, enabling emotional bridge-building. This approach is precisely what is needed in the current situation.
For far-right activists, NVC offers a way to articulate their feelings, sentiments, viewpoints, and perspectives non-violently. It helps them understand that violence is not a solution to their grievances and that contemporary society demands resolution through dialogue rather than through violence and vandalism. Similarly, for counter-protesters, NVC provides a means to express their support and solidarity with immigrants, Muslims, and other minorities peacefully. This fosters mutual respect and understanding while reinforcing the important role these communities play in the UK’s social fabric, fostering dialogue that builds empathy and paves the way for de-escalation and resolution.
To bring an end to these riots and foster positive community relations, UK authorities should consider a more viable approach that integrates Nonviolent Communication with the Rule of Law.
Building Trust and Understanding
The potential of this approach is already evident from recent incidents. According to Reuters, Adam Kelwick, an imam at the temporarily-closed Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, offered food to the anti-immigration demonstrators. This gesture helped calm tensions and facilitated dialogue. Such efforts in Nonviolent Communication are crucial for building trust and understanding, marking an essential step toward resolving conflicts and fostering a more harmonious society.
A Call to Implement Nonviolent Communication in the UK
To bring an end to these riots and foster positive community relations, UK authorities should consider a more viable approach that integrates Nonviolent Communication with the Rule of Law. This strategy would address underlying grievances through empathetic dialogue while upholding legal standards to ensure justice and order. Combining these methods can help resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and promote a more cohesive society.
1.Building a Platform for Nonviolent Dialogue: UK authorities should establish a dedicated platform where various stakeholders can come together to discuss their grievances and perspectives. This platform should include training and facilitation to ensure that participants communicate their unmet needs and sentiments using nonviolent language, fostering constructive and empathetic dialogue.
2.Policy Integration: Authorities need to integrate nonviolent communication principles into public policy and the rule of law. While enforcing legal standards, it is crucial to ensure that the unmet needs and grievances of all parties are heard and addressed. By incorporating nonviolent communication, attitudes can be transformed with empathy and understanding.
3.Community Engagement: It is essential for UK authorities to consistently emphasize the importance of nonviolent communication in civic activism. Empowering communities to use these strategies and providing assurance that their grievances will be taken seriously will help build trust and promote peaceful engagement.
4.Media and Communication Technology: Given that disinformation has fueled the unrest, ethical journalism plays a critical role in addressing and correcting false narratives. Promoting social media literacy to combat disinformation is vital, and educational policies should be adapted to include this competence, equipping the public to critically evaluate information and engage in informed discourse.
In times of riots and civil unrest, effective communication is crucial. Nonviolent Communication provides a transformative approach that can de-escalate tensions, build trust, and empower communities. The ongoing riots highlight the urgent need for such approaches.
All articles posted on this blog give the views of the author(s), and not the position of LSE British Politics and Policy, nor of the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Image credit: Keith Heaton on Shutterstock.
