Podcast Summary: Hoy por Hoy – La mirada | Najat El Hachmi: "La cobardía de los racistas"
Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Àngels Barceló (SER Podcast)
Featured commentator: Najat El Hachmi
Episode Overview
This episode centers on Najat El Hachmi’s poignant reflection about the persistence of racism in Spanish society and the impact of racist rhetoric—particularly when wielded by political leaders. El Hachmi expresses a personal struggle with the omnipresence of this issue and examines how manipulative, divisive political discourse seeps into everyday life, damaging the fabric of public coexistence and targeting vulnerable individuals. The episode is a call to awareness, empathy, and active resistance against both overt and structural racism.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
The Perpetual Weight of Racism
- Opening insight ([00:08]):
El Hachmi begins by wishing she could discuss topics other than racism but acknowledges that hate leaves her—and others—no choice:
“Yo quisiera hablar de otras cosas y no de racismo, porque no hay argumentos, no hay palabras que puedan convencer a los que nos odian para que dejen de hacerlo.”
- She highlights a collective yearning for critical, respectful dialogue and the exhaustion many feel confronting racism day after day.
Manipulation and Societal Impact
- Reflection on social dynamics:
El Hachmi asserts that most people support respect for rights, but a minority wields misinformation and manipulates fear for political gain.
“Me obligo a recordar que hay muchas personas que no comparten esos discursos, que los que estamos a favor del respeto a los derechos somos más que los que mienten, manipulan...” ([00:27])
- She observes that racist rhetoric is not abstract but saturates daily life, influencing workplaces, schools, hospitals, and public spaces.
Political Exploitation of Immigration
- Direct criticism of political leaders:
El Hachmi denounces politicians who exploit immigration in electoral campaigns, ignoring the real-life consequences their messaging brings.
“A los que hacen un uso electoralista de la inmigración les sale a cuenta porque no ven los efectos concretos que tienen sus mensajes en la vida de las personas.” ([00:46])
- The segment underscores how harmful narratives trickle down, shaping societal attitudes and legitimizing hostility.
Real-World Harm: Aggressions and Exclusion
- Examples of harm ([01:00]):
She shares concrete instances where racist narratives embolden aggression, mentioning Spanish-born children and their mothers being attacked and told to “go back to their country.”
“Hay chavales españoles de nacimiento a los que hombres adultos hechos y derechos les agreden por la calle diciéndoles que se vayan a su país, a ellos y a sus madres.”
Policy, Prejudice, and Responsibility
- Condemnation of policy proposals:
El Hachmi critiques opposition leader Feijóo (leader of PP) for suggesting stricter aid requirements for immigrant families—even if it means children may go hungry.
“Y el líder del PP está dispuesto a privar de alimento a un niño en caso de que sus padres hayan nacido fuera...” ([01:20])
- She describes such acts as “señalamiento” (targeting), which emboldens others to perpetuate abuse.
Denouncing Cowardice
- Powerful closing statement ([01:45]):
She brands these actions as a form of cowardice:
“Qué cobarde actitud, señor, qué cobarde.”
- The repeated invocation underscores her moral condemnation, turning the episode’s title into a forceful ethical critique.
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- "Me doy cuenta de que los racistas condicionan mi trabajo, mi día a día..." ([00:35])
A striking admission of the personal and professional costs exacted by ambient racism.
- "Las mentiras de Feijóo planean sobre las salas de espera de los hospitales, los patios del colegio, los parques..." ([00:53])
Illustrates how political falsehoods filter into every sphere of communal life.
- "Ese señalamiento, esas infamias en boca del jefe de la oposición no hace más que propagar el maltrato racista..." ([01:33])
Connects public rhetoric with tangible harm for minorities.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:08 – Najat El Hachmi introduces her dread at having to discuss racism again.
- 00:27 – Recognition of the broader, rights-supporting majority versus minority manipulators.
- 00:46 – The electoral manipulation of immigration and its societal consequences.
- 01:00 – Firsthand examples of racist aggression toward Spanish-born children.
- 01:20 – Critique of political proposals that risk children’s welfare.
- 01:45 – Final denunciation of political cowardice, echoing the episode’s title.
Tone and Language
Najat El Hachmi employs a tone that is direct, introspective, and morally urgent. She combines personal testimony with societal critique, using evocative imagery (“la gota malaya de mensajes”) and rhetorical repetition to stress the gravity and breadth of the problem. The episode is less a discussion than a specialized editorial segment—a plea not just to understand, but to act against the normalization and propagation of racist attitudes, especially from those in positions of power.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the intersection between political language, racism, and everyday life in Spain today, this episode provides an unflinching, eloquent perspective that is both personally moving and socially illuminating.
