A FEW days ago Saris Charvey aptly communicated in TCW the despair felt by many of us in response to the pernicious and orchestrated demolition of our culture, liberties and values.
Many will agree that the assault on freedom, the revision of history, militant political correctness, the dilution of Judeo/Christian values, identity politics and creeping authoritarianism are inextricably bound together. We are fighting, and losing, battles on many fronts. Previously, allies would have been found in the Conservative Party, among journalists and within the Church. However, those complicit in the implementation of this ‘new world order’ and the destruction of our cultural inheritance seem to have infiltrated all institutions.
The future is undoubtedly looking bleak, and one would be wilfully blind to pretend otherwise. However, I am more than two decades younger than Saris Charvey, so I perhaps benefit from the blissful ignorance of witnessing less of Britain’s seemingly inexorable decline. Perhaps born out of the naivety of relative youth, I believe that we have tools, other than blind hope, at our disposal.
Charvey, among others, draws parallels to Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Huxley’s savage, John, was of course no match for the well-oiled state machinery in the world in which he found himself. However, the savage was a lone outsider in a totalitarian state that had been perfected over many generations. While it may still be only an enlightened few alert to the nefarious forces behind our atomisation, subordination and inevitable compliance, Charvey is far from a lone voice. Any emerging ‘new world order’ is still nascent; the vestiges of what we wish to preserve can still be found, and need to be cherished and nurtured.
The values we wish to conserve are unlikely to benefit from much representation in the corridors of power, and we may feel powerless to protect them in the political arena. However, it may be necessary for us all to reconsider our own spheres of influence. We can act in accordance with the values we hold dear in our own lives. We can influence those closest to us – our family and friends – which is surely better than surrender.
We also have the choice to shun global corporations who do not serve our interests. We can ignore social media and big tech platforms which have appointed themselves as the gatekeepers of acceptable information. We can refuse to give money to a propagandistic State broadcaster. Where possible we can shop locally, from small businesses and from those with whom our interests are aligned. We must acquaint ourselves with courage and the art of saying ‘no’ in the face of pressure, ridicule and ostracism.
Solzhenitsyn detailed the examination of his own conscience during his brutal captivity under Soviet rule. He had the humility to consider how his own moral failings might have contributed to the rise of totalitarianism. Perhaps it is time for us all to consider whether we are doing all we can to prevent the descent into a looming dystopia.
We are the custodians of great culture, traditions and values. It is our duty to tend the burning embers.
