BirminghamLive Editor Reflects on Social Media Racism and Calls for Action
In a late-night moment of frustration, BirminghamLive editor Graeme Brown realized the urgent need to confront racism more loudly and frequently on social media platforms. The editor, who oversees Reach PLC's West Midlands operations, described deleting numerous abusive Facebook messages targeting a community activist in a hijab, which left him feeling profoundly disheartened.
The Weight of Online Hate
Brown explained that BirminghamLive had shared a video featuring a hijab-wearing activist discussing how abuse has become normalized for her. Predictably, the post attracted racist comments, reinforcing the very point being made. "I wondered if it was almost too obvious for people to then abuse her on the Facebook post - they would rather be proving the point," Brown noted.
He has previously written about the increasing boldness of individuals expressing abhorrent views online, where social media often serves as a safe space for such behavior. While acknowledging positive interactions with readers, Brown emphasized that on Tuesday, April 13, he had reached his limit with racist content.
"I can't start to think what it’s like for diverse communities this is aimed at," Brown stated, highlighting that each hateful message represents a real person who chose to spend time crafting it.
Responses Highlight Empathy and Solidarity
After sharing his feelings on LinkedIn, Brown received responses that underscored the impact of online hate on its targets. One person of color expressed appreciation for his speaking up, noting that silence from bystanders often hurts more than the ignorant comments themselves.
Another respondent described Brown's moment of empathy as powerful, reflecting the reality for many as racism becomes normalized again. The message continued: "One aspect is that us life-long anti-racists don't comment as often as the racists. But rest assured we are here and we confront the racists in Birmingham whenever we can."
A third response emphasized the universal presence of racism and the importance of standing against it, especially when directed at others needing support.
The Danger of Unchallenged Hate
Brown argues that while hateful voices are loud and clear, rational voices must also be heard. He observes that what we witness online is not a majority view but a vocal minority skilled at dominating attention. In the social media age, outrage often gets rewarded, while many reasonable people scroll past, roll their eyes, and choose not to engage.
"That silence creates an imbalance: not of belief, but of volume," Brown warns. The real danger lies not just in racism's presence but in the illusion that it is widely accepted. When hateful views go unchallenged, they begin to appear normal, shifting the boundaries of acceptable discourse and making it easier for others to echo or adopt those views.
A Call for Visible, Decent Voices
Brown was struck by the gratitude expressed for basic empathy—the common belief that minorities should not be abused. However, he feels rational, decent voices need greater visibility online.
He advocates for responses that are:
- Not aggressive or performative, but present
- Calm and factual
- Clear in stating that prejudice is unacceptable
- Supportive of those being targeted
These small, consistent interventions can help reset conversation tones. Being louder doesn't mean shouting the most; it means showing up more often and refusing to cede public spaces—digital or otherwise—to those who thrive on division.
Brown concludes that social media is not neutral; it reflects what people choose to amplify. If reasonable voices remain passive, the loudest voices will continue shaping narratives. Changing this doesn't require everyone to become an activist, but it does demand more people stop being silent.
Nosheen Khalid, featured in the video, is standing as an independent in the Alum Rock ward for the 2026 Birmingham City Council elections. Other candidates include Ahamad Hussain and David Bloxham for the Green Party, Monica Catherine Hardie and Barbara Wood for the Conservatives, Asia Hussain and Wajid Bashir Malhotra for the Liberal Democrats, Ansar Ali Khan and Mariam Khan for Labour, independent Shaukat Mahmood, and Thomas Ian McPake and Karen Jayne Strangward for Reform UK.
