I Refuse to Condemn

After every terrorist atrocity or criminal incident carried out by a person of colour, commentators demand that minority ethnic and religious communities condemn what society at large fears. Why are these groups held accountable for the actions of others? What is this culture of condemnation we live in? How do you resist racism in times of heightened national security? I Refuse to Condemn is an assertion of resistance. Bringing together the voices of scholars and activists from across the UK, US and Australia, it explores the manifestation of condemnation culture through drawing readers and listeners into the complexity of the world we inhabit, and the behaviours that shape our daily lives. It questions the powers that police those who dare to raise questions of their own. It exposes the oppressive influence of reactionary societal norms and systemic racism, and shows us how to recognise this, and how to resist. Featuring new writing from rapper Lowkey, comedian Aamer Rahman, grassroots organisers like Hoda Katebi and poet Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, this book offers inspirational tales of how to subvert expectations and make your voice heard. An urgent, timely and empowering read.