We face an uncertain path, but people across the creative industries have plenty to say
Today we woke up to a strange new world. The United Kingdom has voted in favour of leaving the EU, with 52 per cent of the vote to exit. Many of us have watched in horror as, despite hopeful pollsters, the Leave campaign edged ahead. We gasped as the pound fell to its worst in the last three decades; as an emotional David Cameron made his resignation speech and Farage casually dropped the bombshell that no, despite the Leave campaigns promises, the £350m we give to the EU each week won’t go to the NHS.
Many are angered that an older generation have swung the vote in favour of brexit. Information from WSJ notes that the biggest margin of Leave voters was among those 65 and older at 60 per cent. In contrast, the age bracket most in favour of Remain was 18-24 year-olds: essentially, those who will bear the brunt of the changes in years to come as we exit the EU. Turnout was poor in areas of London that were expected to bring in the pro-EU numbers, blamed on the poor weather. A petition to bring about a second referendum because of the lower turnout rate has already reached over 90,000 signatures, needing 100,000 to see it debated in parliament.
As Dazed editor Thomas Gorton noted this morning in the resulting aftermath: “A positive is that this has politicised people, and we must maintain that enthusiasm for new ideas, for change”. People across social platforms, the creative industries, the political arena-heads speak across the chaotic din to reason with what will happen next.
The fear that the racist undercurrent of the Leave campaign – spearheaded by a man who proudly stood in front of material that resembled Nazi propaganda – will only become more bold and widespread ripples across social media. Others ponder the position of Scotland, where every constituency voted largely in favour of staying. During the Scottish independence referendum, their EU membership was threatened. Now, they’re dragged against their will towards the lurch. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called for another indy ref today, which many have voiced their support for since.
Others laid scorn on David Cameron, as he announced his resignation, officially scheduled for October. The Prime Minister leaves behind a hardy legacy: debt has doubled, tuition fees have tripled, the dilapidating bedroom tax, generation forever-rent-a-box, and now the brexit.
The Remain side found its unlikely champion in Lindsay Lohan, who live-tweeted early results and the case for the pound and worker’s rights. Others pointed to opportunities for young people to work across Europe that have been put into a perilous state.
Below are some initial reactions to today’s results across the board of concern.
They lied about giving some of the money to the #NHS#See
— Chasing The Art #BBK (@WileyUpdates) June 24, 2016
Every xenophobic prick will cast away the 'shackles, of political correctness they believe they are bound by.
— GAIKA (@GAIKASAYS) June 24, 2016
Fam, i'm concerned about the results of the EU referendum because i feel like it was a fear campaign from the get go.
— Novelist (@Novelist) June 23, 2016
This is a terrible day. We need to fight this rising tide of xenophobia together.
— Ladybeard (@ladybeardmag) June 24, 2016
I can now officially say I'm not British without ppl thinking it's something to do with a disgusting nationalism.
— Eclair Fifi (@eclairfifi) June 24, 2016
I think it's hard for non Brits to understand fully why this is so heart breaking and scary
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) June 24, 2016
*applies for Irish passport for son*
— Annie Mac (@AnnieMac) June 24, 2016
Fuck off you insidious prick. You will not get calm https://t.co/Pku2htVm9u
— lily (@lilyallen) June 24, 2016
The consequences of leaving are so bad, so long-lasting, so wide-ranging, we cannot do it without a MAJORITY mandate from the British people
— Paris Lees (@ParisLees) June 24, 2016
Finally, I will never forgive selfish Baby Boomers (who had advantages today's youth can only dream of) for fucking us over in so many ways.
— Paris Lees (@ParisLees) June 24, 2016
secure and prosperous for who?? the poor will get poorer and the rich will get richer https://t.co/Xa2yazZqt5
— Rina (@rinasawayama) June 24, 2016
How many retweets do I need to become prime minister
— #MERKY (@Stormzy1) June 24, 2016