Catalogue Number
NMLH.2022.371.92
Object Name
Badge
Title
Rock Against Racism
People
Anti-Nazi League (ANL), Rock Against Racism (RAR), Socialist Worker Party (SWP)
Description
Pink and black Rock Against Racism badge; pink writing in a black star, on a pink circle, outlined with a black ring.
This badge was created by Rock Against Racism (RAR). Concerned about the influence of musicians like David Bowie and Eric Clapton positively invoking fascism, and punk musicians like the Sex Pistols using Nazi iconography, RAR was founded by the Anti-Nazi League (ANL) using popular culture as a way to try and positively influence young people away from fascist ideology, and to create spaces where people of different races could meet and bond over shared love of pop culture. The Anti-Nazi League was founded by the left wing Socialist Workers Party (SWP) in 1977.
From 1976-1982 RAR hosted gigs and carnivals with anti-fascist musicians around the UK, including a large carnival in Manchester at Alexandra Park in 1978. Following the Summer 2024 far-right racist riots, Rock Against Racism has relaunched with the same mission to unite British society across racial divides over a love of music and pop culture.
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