On Brexit, There Is Hysteria, Prejudice, & Misguided Emotion on Both Sides

Underneath the scorn and anger over the Brexit vote result, few substantive arguments figure into the discussion, while many endlessly repeated conventional points are misguided and offensive.

by Ilari Kaila

It would have been best for both Britain and Europe if Britain had voted to stay in the EU. I, too, subscribe to that opinion, but it is hard to relate to the self-righteousness and hysteria that go along with it in the current aftermath of the Brexit vote. It is particularly puzzling among the non-British. Public discourse is exploding with expressions of panic and a kind of solidarity in resentment. But underneath all the scorn and anger, few substantive arguments figure into the discussion, while many of the endlessly repeated conventional points are misguided and offensive.