‘Oh Jeremy Corbyn’; Oh Be Quiet

I am 18, an age where most would chant “Oh Jeremy Corbyn” at gigs and festivals — shown at Glastonbury last year. It frightens me that so many view him as a harmless and politically populist politician. Corbyn is a danger to the Labour Party. A party which I so loved and admired in the 2015 general election. Sadly, his inaction and incompetence when it comes to stubbing out anti-Semitism have caused me to despise the Party which I passionately canvassed for in last years’ general election, despite Corbyn being the leader.

The chant, inspired by Seven Nation Army, has been dubbed ‘the political chant of a generation’. What a disappointing generation I seem to be a part of. That so many young people get caught up in a euphoria is to be expected. When that euphoria is a, granted very catchy, chant to a politician is appears somewhat more perverse.

At the moment The Bridge Theatre is putting on a production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, a play of political populism and rhetoric. Julius Caesar, David Calder, appears Trump-like. Whilst I saw Corbyn. The play was ‘electrifying’, as described by critics, yet I can’t help but feel uneasy at seeing a populist figure which so resembles Corbyn in my eyes.

Corbyn is undoubtedly a populist figure, and one that is acutely aware of his status as such. Behind Corbyn ia a ‘Corbyn cult’ within the party, backed by the dangerous grassroots organisation Momentum. This factionalism is unhealthy for a political party and highlights Corbyn’s threat to Labour whilst undeniably attracting young voters. The idea that a 60-something year old man can attract such adulation from the young, to me at least, appears odd. He is, after all, just a politician.

Particularly disturbing for me is that he has facilitated the growth of anti-Semitism within the party. This blatant and brazen presence of such a vile prejudice within a twenty-first century political party is darn right wrong.

I am proud to have left the Labour Party last week, in part due to political beliefs no longer aligning and the ongoing problem of anti-Semitism.

It seems shocking that Labour’s membership could have risen by 1,000 over a week in which its anti-Semitism scandal apparently shook the party. I blame the young, my generation that is fuelling a ridiculous nastiness to the left-wing of politics. I remain left-wing in my views but if that means sacrificing my personal values and my closely held religious beliefs, then NO THANK YOU.

As protestors in Westminster chanted last week, ‘Enough is enough’. This is equally applicable to both “Oh Jeremy Corbyn” and the ruddy anti-Semitism fiasco.

I want a strong Labour Party with a consistent and caring leadership which is free of prejudices. I do not see that in the current Labour Party. I wish to see that in the future Labour Party.