I wanted to show that England does not belong only to white British people
A South Shields artist has created a visual campaign in response to the St George’s Cross being used for intimidation.
Naeemah, from South Shields, has launched a visual art campaign to show that England belongs to everyone, regardless of their race or nationality.
The 25-year-old has revealed that she decided to create the campaign after she saw people becoming anxious and afraid to go out after the St George’s Cross was used as an intimidation tactic against them.
The visual campaign shows Naeemah wearing a saree with the St George’s Cross painted on her face, while photographed by the sea - with the image symbolising peace and belonging while showing that the flag represents everyone who lives in the country.
Naeemah has explained that she wanted to remind immigrants and people of colour that England “does not belong only to white British people”.
She said: “I saw people becoming anxious and afraid to go outside, which was frustrating, especially given the history of the flag and how far removed this use is from its true meaning.
“I wanted to remind South Asians and immigrants that England does not belong only to white British people, and historically never has.
“I usually avoid engaging with things like this because it often feels like wasted energy trying to educate people who don’t want to listen.
“But this time, seeing the fear it caused made me want to respond in a different way.
“I wanted to create something calm and grounding that could bring comfort to the communities being targeted. A visual piece felt most right to express this.”
Naeemah told the Shields Gazette that the response to the campaign has been a positive one and reminded people that those who spread hate are only a small minority.
She added: “The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I’ve received many messages from people saying it made them feel seen and reassured, and that it sparked conversations around identity, belonging, and who gets to claim national symbols.
“Taking part in a campaign like this is important to me because reminders matter.
“Fear tactics can make the world feel hostile and isolating, but I wanted to show that those who spread hatred are a small minority.
“There is far more unity, appreciation, and shared belonging than people realise, and it’s important that immigrants and people of colour are reminded of that.”
You can view Naeemah’s art at: https://www.instagram.com/naeemahart.