Imprinted and stained on British past is an obvious and deep-rooted history of racism; everyone is aware of the adversity that many races faced under British colonialism and the Empire, but a recent rise in racist attacks and rhetoric is a dark reminder that UK’s synonymy with being forward and tolerant is solely a myth. There are a myriad of reasons of late for this surge of racism.
Ultimately, I believe the most significant flaw that is leading to the racism that is predominant in British society is simply that there is a huge problem with the social structures that make up our communities. For example, the education system revolves around a curriculum that only ever teaches the historical oppression of black people – albeit the slave trade or apartheid, black achievement is rarely, if ever, talked about. An education system where if you are young and Pakistani or Black Caribbean you will have a lower attainment level compared to your peers. We have an institutionally racist police system.
The metro has even confirmed that the police are institutionally racist. What does this say when the people who are meant to protect everyone in society are racist? How can we expect the public to be free from racial behaviours when our country is structured in such a way that if you are black you are automatically, from cradle to grave, disadvantaged? From this racist structure of society, I fear there is a culture of racism that just breeds bigoted attitudes within the UK.
However this has always existed and to explain a recent surge we must look at Politics, namely the pandemonium that Brexit has led to.
Sadly, I believe it has uncovered a great deal of closet racism. To quote an article from the Guardian, Versi writes that since the result of the referendum ‘In Hammersmith, racist graffiti was daubed on a Polish cultural centre; in Birmingham, angry demonstrators shouted slogans outside a mosque; and most worryingly in Newcastle, a placard was placed urging the country to “start repatriation”. Unfortunately, these episodes are only the tip of this hateful iceberg.’
Far right politics and xenophobic mindsets are becoming increasingly normal and I don’t think it is a rise in racism itself, but recent political events have served as a catalyst for people to start showcasing their bigotry, ill-education and small minds.
Current affairs also play a role in the increase of racial attacks. For example, the refugee crisis has ignited this deep fear of immigration in many followers of conservatism such as the total lack of compassion displayed by nationalists and fascists who seem to lack any human compassion, heart or empathy for those who are prepared to travel the unpredictable nature of the sea in turn to flee from terror and danger. On the subject of terror, terrorism has also created a rise in Islamophobia in the UK. A religion that has its foundations built upon peace has been used as a scapegoat for the actions of those heinous and barbaric organiations who merely use religion as an excuse to spread hatred in a bid for power.
Whatever the reason for this rise in racism, one thing I know for sure is that it must stop. Please get behind the #BLACKLIVESMATTER movement as there will be no peace until there is justice.
