Post-Something
4th December 2008, 01:51
Someone give me a quick response to this as to why the BNP shouldn't even be allowed a platform, I've been debating with this guy for a week, and it's not sinking into his head:
The BNP do cause harm with what they say but very few listen. The members who support this racism will be racist anyway. I think these people should be represented in parliament. It is important to know what these people think rather than to ignore them. If they are ignored the problem will persist but if we face them then they can be swayed. If they cannot be swayed then they will eventually flame out. By ignoring them they are forced to go to greater heights to get attention. If these people are engaged in debate then they will quickly lose as they have no basis for their argument. If they are banned it will force a reaction and this could be violent. To avoid greater harm to minorities then it would be wiser to deal with them.
They are a political party and the biggest danger is that it will set precedent. If one party can be disbanded then it will give future governments power to do the same. You agree that the masses can be swayed easily, what about in 50 years? Say another nationalistic party arises and uses the same legislation to get rid of all other parties. Parliament should have free speech as it would be far more dangerous to mess with this.
If people turn to nationalistic parties in time of crisis then the BNP is not much of a problem. We face economic problems yet support for the BNP has changed very little. I cannot back this up with evidence but the BNP haven't hit the news headlines in a while. People have realized the dangers of supporting parties like the BNP and will choose to support a less extreme party.
The BNP are dangerous but if the are denied platform then it will lead to other institutions being created. This could lead to racism on a large scale or to race riots. I think it is much better to debate and solve the problem before anyone has to resort to violence. They are not a great threat to society but if you ban them then others who are a threat will come forward.
The BNP do cause harm with what they say but very few listen. The members who support this racism will be racist anyway. I think these people should be represented in parliament. It is important to know what these people think rather than to ignore them. If they are ignored the problem will persist but if we face them then they can be swayed. If they cannot be swayed then they will eventually flame out. By ignoring them they are forced to go to greater heights to get attention. If these people are engaged in debate then they will quickly lose as they have no basis for their argument. If they are banned it will force a reaction and this could be violent. To avoid greater harm to minorities then it would be wiser to deal with them.
They are a political party and the biggest danger is that it will set precedent. If one party can be disbanded then it will give future governments power to do the same. You agree that the masses can be swayed easily, what about in 50 years? Say another nationalistic party arises and uses the same legislation to get rid of all other parties. Parliament should have free speech as it would be far more dangerous to mess with this.
If people turn to nationalistic parties in time of crisis then the BNP is not much of a problem. We face economic problems yet support for the BNP has changed very little. I cannot back this up with evidence but the BNP haven't hit the news headlines in a while. People have realized the dangers of supporting parties like the BNP and will choose to support a less extreme party.
The BNP are dangerous but if the are denied platform then it will lead to other institutions being created. This could lead to racism on a large scale or to race riots. I think it is much better to debate and solve the problem before anyone has to resort to violence. They are not a great threat to society but if you ban them then others who are a threat will come forward.