An analysis of Rock Against Racism and Love Music, Hate Racism

This thesis investigates the socio-political dynamics and cultural significance of two prominent antiracist organisations in Britain: Rock Against Racism (RAR) and Love Music, Hate Racism (LMHR). In exploring their historical context, cultural expressions, and organisational strategies, this analysis elucidates how these music-based movements have challenged racism within the music industry and wider society. Utilising data from 27 semi-structured interviews alongside participant observations, the study reveals the participants’ lived experiences and diverse perspectives and uncovers the challenges they faced, particularly in relation to their political associations with the far left. Through a comparative analysis of RAR and LMHR, the study highlights the evolution and relationship between RAR and LMHR, emphasising their responses to shifting political landscapes over three separate time periods. The findings demonstrate how each movement adapted to evolving social and political contexts. RAR employed punk and reggae to bridge racial divides, while LMHR leveraged grime and indie music to engage new generations. Both movements effectively utilised media to amplify their messages. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of their impact on contemporary antiracist discourse and provides a comprehensive overview of the mobilisation of musical activism against racism, revealing the complexities and continuities within the broader antiracist movement.