Whither race relations?

Greetings,

Since the end of World War II, it is over sixty years that West Indian immigrants have been present in Britain. They struggled under difficult circumstances in an anti-immigrant social society, to rebuild Britain, to build their own lives, and to create a better life for their children.

Were they successful? 
In many cases, I would say, yes. 

Has British society become more welcoming to immigrants whatever the hue? 
That remains to be seen. 

You know, there are some situations in life that regardless of what action is taken to seemingly make matters better, it continues to be a revolving door. During my time in, and since I left the shores of Britain, race relations continues to be an issue that has been, and still is, the thorn in the side of the Black Caribbean Community.

In my view, to determine whether there has been any improvement in a particular situation or change in a certain type of behaviour, it is useful to retrace what has happened in the past, as far as one is able, to make a comparison between then and now.   

So let's begin at... 

Then.

 West Indian immigrants were 'invited' to Britain (after World War II) to rebuild it, and were employed to do the worst low paid jobs. They were expected to be satisfied with whatever they got, because it was believed, that their pigmentation, and where they were from, qualified them for lowly positions and limited achievement.

When the 'invitees' had the nerve to take umbrage with their situation, and decided to improve their lot,  it was met with  annoyance, frustration, irrational behaviour, and total confusion by the British.  

I can only imagine that their silent thought was: 'Why on earth are these people getting so het up about what is reasonable for them to do?

In addition, and in a race relations context, there was the business of name substitutions or the use of pseudonyms, which is more commonly known by the term, racial insults. I understand from those who experienced such utterances on a daily basis, (for example, my father, a retired telecommunications engineer, was one such person) learned, that those who practised this derogatory name calling considered their behaviour quite normal. It was believed that the offended party should just 'take it on the chin' even though the one affected is hurting deeply within.

Laws on race relations were put in place to pacify the complainers who objected to the use of such derogatory racial terminology, and to 'stamp out' other forms of contemptible racist behaviour. Nevertheless, just like a revolving door, the same words and behaviour came around again and again with no intention of ceasing.

Believe it or not, these 'pseudonyms' have historical significance. On reading a renowned English novel this was brought to light. Surprise! surprise!    

It also will surprise readers of this post to know, that to my knowledge, the use of racial insults by the West Indian immigrants to Britain in the 'opposite direction' was virtually unheard of, as they knew the importance of respect for your fellow man. The British experience opened their eyes to the distasteful side of humanity.

I am aware that this will make uncomfortable reading for some. However, the intent is to be informative.

I will continue.

Getting PROMOTION on the job. This is where the West Indian immigrants were considered to have taken leave of their senses. However, if one was so lucky to achieve this 'high accolade' they had better watch out, as the minefield was not too far away.


 And now?
    

On reading of the concerns of the Black Caribbean Community in Britain, it is intriguing to me how little has changed. For example, high unemployment among Black Caribbean youth, and the low academic achievement of black children in British schools (which I spoke about in a previous post), is reminiscent of the 1970's and 1980's. To this, an opposing argument may well arise suggesting that the issues surrounding high unemployment and low academic achievement within this particular group today are different to what existed in the past. Even if that is so, one would be wise not to be thrown off by any attempt at sidelining the problem. 

It is often found that there is always a new style, but the same intent. 

 

 Copyright 2012 Grace P. Pinnock

It is very sad to know that there are those in Britain who have, shall I say, shortcomings, in the area of race relations. Yet, immigrants are still invited in to do the jobs that the British do not want to do. At the same time, these same people, do not wish to have any immigrants living amongst them. Talk about confusion of the mind.

One would think the penny would have dropped after all this time, in that, it is not the immigrants that should be the focus of attention. In fact the distress (if I may call it that) needs to be directed to the Government of the day. For many years decisions were made by past Governments in Britain to 'send out invitations' to non-English 'guests' around the world inviting them to come to Britain, without informing the British population. I believe, it would be more constructive, and even productive, for the  British population to have a chat with their Government on the issue. This, in my view, would be a more sensible approach, rather than seeking out immigrants and their descendants to provoke because their hue and culture does not blend in with the norm, they are considered easy targets, and their defensive reaction will provide an excuse to say immigrants are disrupting the British way of life.

Food for thought?...

My post on this subject of race relations is not to make the generalization that all British people  have a race relations problem. No doubt there are those who find the whole business of racial conflict disturbing and would want to see an end to it. However, there is a real problem here that cannot be denied. Racism, whether overt or covert, is so institutionalized in Britain, that there is neither the will of the British population, nor the political will from the powers that be, to stem the practise of disrespect shown towards those  'invited' from other parts of the world into Britain, regardless of the efforts of the 'invitees' to adjust and adapt to the new environment.

I wish to point out here, to adjust and adapt to a new environment does mean that those of another race and culture should abandon their traditions and beliefs which are sacrosanct, and represents all that one is. Commonsense and wisdom will guide how to negotiate the new country in order not to create offence, and to live in peace.

Maybe, by some chance, if there is a concerted and collective effort by the British population to respect those, from around the world, who are contributing to the productivity of their country to a much greater extent than they, I believe they would be greatly enlightened as to the respect they would get in return. 

 Peace

Grace