THE political impulse known as nativism is on the march. In the US, Donald Trump is running an openly racist campaign. In the UK, Eurosceptics are stoking resentment of immigrants to propel the country towards the Brexit door. Nativists in other EU countries are licking their lips in anticipation of a domino effect.
That the US is flirting with the notion of President Trump beggars belief. In the words of the man himself, we need to 鈥渇igure out what the hell is going on鈥�. Political commentators point the finger at the frustration of the white working class, who have seen their incomes stagnate. But that is only part of the story.
To understand complex issues, it is often a good idea to ask a scientist. One factor uncovered by research is the US鈥檚 shifting racial demographics, which many find threatening and respond to by becoming racially intolerant (see 鈥�Is news of the US鈥檚 changing racial mix increasing racism?鈥�). The changing demographics of the UK seems to be having a similar effect.
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Fear of change is a natural impulse; the desire to pull up the drawbridge follows. But as we have repeatedly reported, that response is irrational and self-defeating. We urge everyone to think about what the hell is really going on before deciding which way to vote.
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淒on鈥檛 let Project Fear win鈥�
