Asylum seekers or people from other countries in general are increasingly scapegoated, not only by fascist hate-mobs who target them, but sadly increasingly by the mainstream of society. How often have we heard social media stories about asylum seekers repeated by someone we know, such as a colleague, neighbour, family member or friend?

Together, we can resist this current wave of hate, by putting this in perspective. Let us gather some arguments that counter the hateful narrative. So we can be prepared to have uncomfortable but meaningful conversations with the people around us, be it on demonstrations or at home.

For example, 

why Scotland (or the UK indeed) is not an island of strangers

how people who fled wars do not lead lives of of luxury over here nor get generous benefits( or issued phones, bikes...)

how diversity makes us stronger but division hurts us all.