Charlene White Instagram – When you talk or write about British history, the Empire, and the impact of colonialism – and you’re not white – no matter how much those words are based on *actual* evidence-based truths, you put yourself in the firing line for horrific levels of abuse, hate, and trolling. The sentiment, of course, is that you’re “not allowed” to venture into such territory – because you don’t belong.
And if there’s anyone who knows what that feels like, it’s @thetimes columnist and writer @sathnamsanghera. His 2021 book Empireland brought all that to the fore. Even me, who’s well-used to online abuse, could not believe the levels to which people would stoop to in their abuse of Sathnam. Why? Because he dared to write about British history in ALL its forms. Good, and bad.
White British historians who’ve written similar content to Sathnam have never received such hate. They too couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
Empireworld is the follow-up. And I’m so proud of Sathnam for continuing on this path, despite the vitriol that he receives even now. It takes a phenomenal level of strength to continue to do what you know is right.
Thank-you for the invite to the launch at @cinnamonkitchen last night. I’m super super proud, and excited for you. My heart and my belly are very full ❤️ | Posted on 24/Jan/2024 12:45:00
