"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Socialist."
Niemöller's words echo across history as a warning about complicity and silence in the face of rising authoritarianism.
Originally a reflection on the moral failures of German society under the Nazi regime, Niemöller's words feel disturbingly relevant today. The far right is on the rise again - not in one country, but across the western world. From subtle dog whistles to open displays of fascist iconography, the warning signs are clear. History has already shown us where this path leads. The only question is: Who will we speak out this time?
A story We Were Meant to Learn From.
Before we go any further, let's not forget Niemöller was hardly a gutless woke snowflake. He served in U-boats in the first world war, participating in the sinking of tens of thousands of tons of allied shipping, including at least two troop carriers and at least one British warship. He eventually earned his own command and an Iron Cross First Class.
"First they came" wasn’t always seen as the universal warning it is today. At the time of its writing, it was deeply personal confession of his own failure to oppose Nazism early on. He saw how political apathy, indifference, and self-interest allowed the machinery of persecution to grind forward. He saw the targets move from political dissidents to ordinary trade unionists, and from the hostile press to entire ethnic and religious groups ruthlessly silencing all resistance.
The parallels to the present day are striking. Across Europe, the United States, and even parts of Latin America, we see right-wing leaders vilifying groups of people based on religion, ethnicity, gender identity, and political affiliation. Migrants are "invaders." Protesters are "domestic terrorists." Trans people are "ideological threats."
These tactics aren't new, they're textbook authoritarianism. As Niemöller observed, the strategy isn't to attack everyone at once. It’s to go after one vulnerable group at a time, relying on the complacency of the rest. Relying on the complacency of people like you and me.
So who Are 'They' Coming For Now?
Do you really need to ask? Look around. Watch it happening in real time.
Take the rise of anti-migrant rhetoric: In England* migrants are being scapegoated for economic problems, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. People fleeing war and persecution are described as "illegals" rather than human beings. Policies to "detain and deport" are sold as 'necessary measures,' but it’s the dehumanization of migrants that makes it possible to sell those policies, makes it possible for a ragtag excuse for a political party - incorporated as a limited company under the control of one individual from a priviliged background - to get MPs elected to parliament. And let's face it, Brexit wasn't just a massive victory for nationalism, it was a victory for misinformation, propaganda and racism.
Take the attacks on LGBTQ+ rights: Across the US and parts of Europe, trans people are being vilified as threats to 'women only spaces', children, sports, and "family values." It’s the same logic used to target gay men and lesbians in the 1980s. They told us then it was about "protecting kids", that it was "un-natural" and against God's will. Today, they tell us it's about "protecting kids," it's un-natural and against God's will. But history tells us it’s about ignorance, prejudice, and most importantly, control.
Protesters and activists are now being routinely demonised: Climate activists, trade unionists, and racial justice campaigners are being criminalized at an alarming rate. Peaceful protests are reframed as "chaos", "threats to public order or even "terrorists". Meanwhile, police powers are expanded and dissent is silenced, often with the support of a population that has been conditioned to see 'order' as more important than 'justice', and any disruption to the smooth running of Great Britain Limited as akin to terrorism. The suffragettes are long forgotten...
When Niemöller wrote his poem, "they" were the fascist state. Today, "they" might be the government, the right wing media, or online influencers with millions of followers. Regardless of form, "they" use the same tactics: Lie, dehumanize, divide, and dismantle all resistance - one group at a time.
Our silence is our surrender.
What people often miss about Niemöller’s poem is he wasn’t blaming 'they' or 'them'; he was 'fessing up - blaming himself.
He recognized that authoritarian power doesn’t grow in a vacuum. It requires the indifference or active complicity of ordinary people. The far right doesn't need a majority to succeed. It only needs enough people to look the other way, to stay silent while someone else is targeted. It only needs the majority to keep their heads down and not rise up to challenge the rhetoric and the poison they spread.
That’s why our silence is so dangerous. Every time we fail to speak out when we hear them, every time we scroll past the racist post, every time we stay quiet at the bar, or laugh politely at the joke, every time we look away from injustice in the street, we leave the door open for something far worse to enter.
It doesn’t matter if it "doesn’t affect you." Niemöller believed it did, it just took him too long to realize it then. How long will it take us to realise it now?
So stand up and be counted.
The far right thrives on fear, but it also thrives on passivity. If Niemöller's message teaches us anything, it’s that action is the only antidote to authoritarianism; stand up and be counted!
Call It Out: When politicians, celebrities, or media outlets use dehumanizing language, name it for what it is - fascist rhetoric. Don't let it go unchallenged. If you hear it from family, friends, or co-workers, you don’t have to argue, but you can say, "That’s not true, and that’s dangerous."
Don’t Let 'Divide and Rule' Work: Right-wing movements often target marginalized groups one by one. The moment you see migrants being scapegoated, or LGBTQ+ people being targeted, recognize it for what it is - it's an attempt to divide society and even if you’re not in that group, it's still indirectly an attack on you. You’re not safe to wait until it’s your turn, 'cos when it is there will be no one left to stand up for you.
Support Organizations on the Front Line: Grassroots movements, activist groups, and human rights organizations are already resisting authoritarian policies. Support them with donations, time, amplification of their message, whatever. There's no solidarity in sympathy; sympathy is ethereal, actions are solid.
Vote, Protest, Organize: The ballot box alone won’t save us, but it’s part of the puzzle. So is public protest and community organizing. As Niemöller’s story shows, if you wait until they’re knocking at your door, it’s already too late.
And will they come for you?
The chilling brilliance of Niemöller’s poem lies in how it forces us to confront our own role in oppression. His words ask us, "Where were you when it mattered?"
Right now, across the western world, it matters. Fascist ideas are being mainstreamed, far-right movements are gaining ground, and the same old tactics are being used to turn ordinary people into bystanders. We know how this story plays out because we’ve seen it before.
But we also know it doesn’t have to end that way. "First They Came" isn’t just a warning. It’s a challenge.
So when they come for the migrants, the trans community, the protesters, the activists, the journalists, the "other", will you look away? Or will you speak out while you still can?
Because when they come for the others - they're coming for you too.
Wear your Attitude. Live your Attitude.
Notes:
- In Scotland the Scottish parliament takes a different tone; they and the majority of the population recognise that they need more workers, more tax payers.
First They Came.
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
Pastor Martin Niemöller - 1946
For opposing Nazi control of the church, Niemöller was imprisoned, first in Sachsenhausen and then Dachau concentration camps, from 1938 to 1945.
He survived - just.
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