2005-04-17
Earlier this month two leading figures of political party the BNP
(British National Party) were granted bail after appearing in court on
racial hatred charges. The right-wing party, led by Nick Griffin, are
little more than a bit player in terms of the election, as their
intolerance and divisive tactics have thankfully been rejected by the
majority of British people. However despite an undercover BBC
documentary that showed members of the party bragging of attacks on
Asians and spewing racist vitriol, Mr Griffin claims the party has been
unfairly represented. With the election in May looming, I spoke to Mr
Griffin about his alleged racism, the reputation of his party and his
hopes for the future.*

JA: Now, we've all seen
the documentary: what would you say to people who accuse you and your
party of being racist?

Griffin: (laughs) Well they'd be right, I am a racist…

JA:
Can you expand on that Mr Griffin? Some would say that damages the
credibility of you as a person, and your party, even further.

Griffin:
Well that's patently ridiculous. When I say I'm a racist, I simply mean
it in the sense of someone who participates in races. Just as one who
styles is a stylist, one who races is a racist. And what's wrong with
that? Yet again the thought police are trying to gag me from eulogising
about a passion of mine.

JA: But surely most people associate the word racism and racist with hate, ignorance and prejudice? The demonization of…

Griffin:
That's because they've been brainwashed by the liberal elite. The word
still stands in its own right. Run a race- you're a racist. Just won a
gold medal in the 100 metre sprint? You're a fantastic racist. Set a
record and you deserve all the plaudits you get for taking racism to a
whole new level.

JA: And this should apply to all
sports? I must say I doubt many people at all have even heard of the
word racism being used in this context…

Griffin: It should be in all sports that include racing yes. Long distance racists, Formula One racists, Horse racists…

JA:
Horse racists? It sounds like people who are racist against horses, or
in fact horses that are racist. Surely a horse lacks the capacity for
prejudice…actually having said that…

Griffin: Its people
who race horses! It's a simple concept. The meaning of words change.
Remember how gay used to mean happy? I'm reclaiming the word racist:
can't be negatively used against me then! The word with my context was
in common use back when the empire still stood… Obviously I've no
actual evidence for this but that's probably because the government in
this country like to hush things up. Just look at the way they tried to
gag me. It's all to keep us from the truth…

JA: And what truth is that?

Griffin: The people I speak to up and down the country, in little towns just like this one; they know what's going on…

JA: I see, and do you have a message for these people?

Griffin:
We aren't just a one-note party anymore, we're coming up with actual
policies and we are going to win seats. The people of this country have
been let down by this government. Picking something entirely at random:
we now have the biggest problem with obesity this country has ever had.
It's not only a massive problem for those afflicted by it, but also for
our NHS, which is already under massive strain due to the invasion of
people into a place that is already overcrowded. We plan to introduce a
substantial programme of sport and fitness- racism in particular- into
our schools. If you want the best future for your kids then back the
BNP; we guarantee to raise a whole new generation of young racists!

JA:
Right. So you propose a sort of a keep-fit regime for children? Will
you be actively taking part in this yourself? Surely that would set a
good example as racism is so central to your political vision…

Griffin: (laughs) God no, I never run anymore, races or otherwise. Neither do our members.

JA: Why's that?

Griffin: Well there's too many minorities doing it nowadays aren't there?

JA: Mr Griffin, Thank you.

Griffin: Thanks.

* DISCLAIMER: Interview may not have actually taken place