Shamima Begum’s story has had a new lease of life with the news that her husband wants to take her to The Netherlands. But the first wave of the saga ended with the removal of her UK citizenship, which could make it a good time to reflect on what really happened with the coverage.
The case produced a range of deeply complex issues. Media discussion of her activities and fate tended to fall into two camps. Liberals and the left were concerned that she could very well be a victim of grooming. This would render much coverage, especially interview with her, irresponsible (not that they were ever likely intended to exactly be responsible).
There was also disquiet at the implication of stripping someone of statehood, with the implicit potential for empowering authoritarian nationalism, using a soft target to advance itself. Some ventured into the nuance of the child victim of grooming still having the legal and moral responsibilities of a young adult.
By contrast, the (dominant) right’s pitch was predictable – “How dare she?” – How dare she indeed. For British Muslims to get so involved in such religious violence is crossing a line. Only trusted British Government representatives are allowed to do that, such as when they arm the Islamic extremist regime of Saudi Arabia, who butcher more in Yemen than Begum could ever hope to. This double standard was strangely absent from the acres of coverage via Murdoch, The BBC, Rothermere et. al.
Though much has been said on all sides, what is obvious about the establishment and right-wing purveyors of the “Isn’t she awful… boot her out” school is that they were almost salivating over having a new Muslim hate-figure (aren’t THEY awful?). Such opportunities pop up every now and again and are never wasted.
Private Eye’s front cover pondered over whether Begum might end up taking part in “I’m A Celeb…” and a variety of similar spectacles – implying, even if through back-door satire, that this is the level at which such stories are set up for consumption in a world where the lead character in such shows came to be US president.
Shamima begum still has her propaganda uses, but her main function may now have been served. The merchants of hate will be ready to pounce on the next bogeyman or woman to come along, peppering the news-stands, airwaves and cyberspace with their image as the incarnation of an existential threat, while the Al Saud arms sales and massacres continue unabated.
Stephen Durrant
