The Brexit reads like a dystopian novel. Financial markets crumble; European nations (and London) look to the possibility of their own referendums or independence; and whatever remains of the United Kingdom will soon be faced with the possibility of having Britain’s finest impersonation of Trump as their Prime Minister.
Sadly, this is the world in which we now live. History is being made and as individuals, we cannot change it. If you are a member of the African diaspora who was born and raised within EU borders, this is a reality that you were designed to tolerate. When I first heard of the Brexit results, I didn’t experience disbelief as most did. For me, Brexit is not the symbol that the rest of the world is making it. It is just another case of seeing conservative, reactionary trends surface.
Progressive and humanist ideals broke as the EU referendum results came out.
In many ways, politics works like fashion in its capacity to make old look like new in the eyes of the public but also in the way in which politicians, like designers, are inspired by each other. It is no surprise that France and the Netherlands were the first countries where ideas of referendum emerged following the Brexit results: borders are the new black.
Progressive and humanist ideals broke as the EU referendum results came out. As we all find ourselves questioning beliefs and the motives behind such a senseless world, I have come up with my own solution: my own EU-exit.
We do not have the power to change the course of history, but some have the option to change the course of their own story. And that’s the option I have decided for myself. Europe feels like a house where the rules have changed over the years and they don’t correspond to my ideals. Why should I remain if I have the option to leave?
Brexiters used their privilege to choose for themselves what they thought was best.
That was the choice offered to Brits although perhaps framing it as a remain/leave question set the course of results. The Leave’ option feels new, fresh and daunting. The ‘Remain’ one on the other hand, feels like old meal being put in a microwave. If you are not happy with things as they are, or are thought to be unhappy about it, why should you not try to change them?
Blaming Brexiters is not my intention. Brexiters used their privilege to choose for themselves what they thought was best, and best is often the new. And politicians can be good at making the old sound new. The EU leaders and the Remain campaign couldn’t do that.
And although this defeat feels like a collective one, I am acting as an individual: I am leaving Europe.
It is not a decision prompted only by recent events. The rules of the house have changed and we have seen them change for several years. I am opting out with full awareness that I have the option to do so. And I am hoping that this Brexit vote results makes other members of the diaspora realise that there is another continent with far more potential at their reach.