ARE you a hand-wringing liberal who thinks we should heal the divisions in society caused by Brexit? Here’s how to befriend a working class Leave person.
Approach them in a natural way
Whether it’s the builders working on your extension or a tattooed couple in a pub, begin with some normal working-class chat, eg. “Hello. Football, eh? Do you have legitimate concerns about immigration?”
Show you are not a member of the liberal elite
Prove your working-class credentials by eating a pie while placing a bet on a ‘dog race’. If you feel guilty about the exploitation of greyhounds, you can always give a donation to PETA later.
Avoid the subject of Brexit
Unfortunately many Brexiters just repeat long-debunked myths about the EU, which is so infuriating you’ll want to beat them around the head with a rolled-up copy of the Observer food magazine. Avoid this by sticking to working class topics like bricklaying and rugby.
Learn about working-class life
Fortunately TV companies run by middle-class people can help here. Coronation Street and particularly Eastenders are both 100 per cent accurate representations of working-class life, and you will learn useful phrases such as “It’s FAHHMILY!” and “E’s not worf it!”. Use them frequently.
Prepare to hear some illiberal opinions
Working class people can have robust opinions about topics like immigration, the death penalty and ‘paedos’. Half-heartedly agree with them in a cowardly fashion, like you did with that Sun-reading plumber. It’s the middle class way.
Invite them to a dinner party, but not at your house
It’s good to bridge the Brexit divide and respect your fellow citizens, but don’t let them know where you live or they’ll be popping round all the time with their dangerous dog to talk about chips.
