Greetings,
This is an interesting question.
How widespread is racism at uni? - The Guardian, Friday March 14, 2014
Before I went to university I met an undergraduate. I wanted to know what is done to gain the degree, and what university is like. The undergraduate answered the first part of my question. To the second part the response was unexpected - "university is about society".
The students who enter university are from all walks of life, bringing with them their belief systems, prejudices, values, attitudes, norms, and mores. There is no guarantee the higher education experience will bring about a change in behaviour.
Wherever one chooses to have a university education, it is a battleground, just as life is outside of it. Fitting in, is difficult enough. It becomes more difficult when there is racial insensitivity.
So what is the answer to this question?
Take a position.
Forward
Grace
Friday 2 May 2014
Circles
Greetings,
I understand a Cambridge college at Cambridge University chose a theme for its annual ball namely, "Gone with the Wind".
Cambridge college cancels 'racist' Gone With The Wind themed ball - The Guardian, Wednesday March 19, 2014
This is the title of a 1939 film set in the period of the American Civil War.
For further information click here: "Gone with the Wind"
In my opinion, with some decisions, the thinking that underlies the decision, is more important than the decision itself.
Values, attitudes, norms, and mores help to form one's thinking. Thinking patterns will not change on request.
I believe, if there were no objections, "Gone With The Wind", would have, gone on.
It is very unlikely issues on race will be a thing of the past any time soon.
Hattie McDaniel, an African-American actress in the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind", played the controversial role of Mammy, the very busy, and ever conversant house slave. For her role she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, the first African-American actress to do so. In Hattie McDaniel's time, African-Americans experienced extreme racial stereotyping, racial prejudice, and segregation.
Forward
Grace
I understand a Cambridge college at Cambridge University chose a theme for its annual ball namely, "Gone with the Wind".
Cambridge college cancels 'racist' Gone With The Wind themed ball - The Guardian, Wednesday March 19, 2014
This is the title of a 1939 film set in the period of the American Civil War.
For further information click here: "Gone with the Wind"
In my opinion, with some decisions, the thinking that underlies the decision, is more important than the decision itself.
Values, attitudes, norms, and mores help to form one's thinking. Thinking patterns will not change on request.
I believe, if there were no objections, "Gone With The Wind", would have, gone on.
It is very unlikely issues on race will be a thing of the past any time soon.
Hattie McDaniel, an African-American actress in the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind", played the controversial role of Mammy, the very busy, and ever conversant house slave. For her role she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, the first African-American actress to do so. In Hattie McDaniel's time, African-Americans experienced extreme racial stereotyping, racial prejudice, and segregation.
Forward
Grace
I, too, support Oxford
Greetings,
The Black and Minority Ethnic students at Oxford University have 'voiced' their experiences.
Oxford's 'students of colour' on being 'othered' at university - The Guardian, Wednesday March 12, 2014.
I have no quarrel with anyone at Oxford. However, I do take exception to the inappropriate questions, comments, and remarks, made to the BME students at the university.
The BME students are under no obligation to justify their presence at Oxford. It is obvious they fulfilled the requirements for entry through the university's normal admissions procedure.
I am in support of the BME students', "I, too, am Oxford " campaign. It is unfortunate the students found it necessary to take this informative approach to raise awareness of their concerns.
Preconceived notions of 'others', avoids seeing what is really there - a human being. It is the preparedness to accept new people, that makes cohesion, cooperation, and respect possible.
Forgive me for coining a passage of scripture, but the truth is, we have been around this 'race' mountain long enough. It is time to change direction, and maximize the positive opportunities, particularly those which come in human vessels, to enrich learning.
I wish all students at the University of Oxford every success.
Forward
Grace
The Black and Minority Ethnic students at Oxford University have 'voiced' their experiences.
Oxford's 'students of colour' on being 'othered' at university - The Guardian, Wednesday March 12, 2014.
I have no quarrel with anyone at Oxford. However, I do take exception to the inappropriate questions, comments, and remarks, made to the BME students at the university.
The BME students are under no obligation to justify their presence at Oxford. It is obvious they fulfilled the requirements for entry through the university's normal admissions procedure.
I am in support of the BME students', "I, too, am Oxford " campaign. It is unfortunate the students found it necessary to take this informative approach to raise awareness of their concerns.
Preconceived notions of 'others', avoids seeing what is really there - a human being. It is the preparedness to accept new people, that makes cohesion, cooperation, and respect possible.
Forgive me for coining a passage of scripture, but the truth is, we have been around this 'race' mountain long enough. It is time to change direction, and maximize the positive opportunities, particularly those which come in human vessels, to enrich learning.
I wish all students at the University of Oxford every success.
Forward
Grace
Saturday 9 November 2013
The Reparations Issue: in simple language
Greetings,
Fourteen Caricom (Caribbean Community) countries in the Caribbean Region have approached Britain, France, and The Netherlands for reparations.
14 Caribbean nations sue Britain, Holland and France for slavery reparations that could cost hundreds of billions of pounds - The Daily Mail, Thursday 10 October, 2013
I am in support of the claim for reparations by the fourteen Caricom countries. I believe, however, that the argument for reparations to compensate for slavery is only part of a bigger issue which is relevant to the position of the Caribbean Region today.
The histories of the islands in the West Indies and the wider Caribbean are unique, so I will not write about the islands of which I am not very familiar. This post is based on what I know about the history of Jamaica from what I have read, learnt about first hand by those who experienced living in colonial Jamaica, and what I have experienced in independent Jamaica to support my position.
I wish to point out that I am not a historian, and will not be using facts and figures unless it is absolutely necessary. I apologize for any errors made.
The Spanish first arrived in Jamaica in 1494. The influence of the Spanish still exists in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
The Spanish were defeated by the British in 1655, then colonized Jamaica which lasted for 307 years.
The reason for colonizing Jamaica was to obtain its natural resources, use its lands for
production, and use its native people for cheap labour in order to develop Britain. This placed Britain in the position to have the best of both worlds at the expense of Jamaica.
There was never any intention to develop Jamaica or use its export/import trading systems for the benefit of the indigenous people. The best ground provisions, citrus fruits, bananas, cattle, lumber, and other natural resources, were shipped off to Britain in no small quantity. What was not wanted for export to Britain was left for the local Jamaican market.
Jamaica was flooded with imports from Britain. The interesting thing was that some of the imports were made with raw materials that originated from Jamaica. The cost of some of the products were usually out of the reach of native Jamaicans.
The Jamaican social structure was based on colour. The black Jamaican majority were, more often than not, limited in terms of advancement up the social ladder. The Indian population were recruited from India to Jamaica as indentured labourers. The Chinese people were 'invited' from Hong Kong to be merchants in Jamaica and to provide provisions for the British, and the Jamaican people. The Middle East population were merchants and involved in various businesses. The mixed race population in Jamaica (termed the mulatto by the British), considered themselves superior to the black majority by virtue of their colour, and was the group of choice of the British colonizers.
Education was available, but was often limited in terms of reaching the high school level (especially the traditional high schools) and beyond, for the black population.
Governance was based on the Westminster model to promote British interests.
The whole infrastructure of Jamaica from the days of slavery, a colony, to independence, was never intended to bring about its economic development . The tragedy of this is that a certain mindset was formed, and seeds sown, in some quarters of Jamaica to maintain the status quo, and to keep Jamaica in perpetual, persistent poverty, and economic struggle. Today, the problem has, and still requires much determination to overcome.
Payment of reparations would only be a start in creating a new history. Repairing the damage of 307 years of exploitation is the task that lies before Jamaica.
The fourteen Caricom countries will be able to relate to the historical journey of Jamaica through their own histories.
The fourteen Caricom countries are not asking Britain, France, and The Netherlands for any favours.
It is what they are owed.
Peace
Grace
PS.
While preparing to write this post, I understand the payment of reparations from Britain is unlikely. In light of this decision, I trust note will be taken of its past history with the Caribbean, as the Caribbean takes note of its history, and its present position.
As we move forward, let us not forget, three hundred and seven years was a very long time.
Note:
Fourteen Caricom (Caribbean Community) countries in the Caribbean Region have approached Britain, France, and The Netherlands for reparations.
14 Caribbean nations sue Britain, Holland and France for slavery reparations that could cost hundreds of billions of pounds - The Daily Mail, Thursday 10 October, 2013
I am in support of the claim for reparations by the fourteen Caricom countries. I believe, however, that the argument for reparations to compensate for slavery is only part of a bigger issue which is relevant to the position of the Caribbean Region today.
The histories of the islands in the West Indies and the wider Caribbean are unique, so I will not write about the islands of which I am not very familiar. This post is based on what I know about the history of Jamaica from what I have read, learnt about first hand by those who experienced living in colonial Jamaica, and what I have experienced in independent Jamaica to support my position.
I wish to point out that I am not a historian, and will not be using facts and figures unless it is absolutely necessary. I apologize for any errors made.
The Spanish first arrived in Jamaica in 1494. The influence of the Spanish still exists in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
The Spanish were defeated by the British in 1655, then colonized Jamaica which lasted for 307 years.
The reason for colonizing Jamaica was to obtain its natural resources, use its lands for
production, and use its native people for cheap labour in order to develop Britain. This placed Britain in the position to have the best of both worlds at the expense of Jamaica.
There was never any intention to develop Jamaica or use its export/import trading systems for the benefit of the indigenous people. The best ground provisions, citrus fruits, bananas, cattle, lumber, and other natural resources, were shipped off to Britain in no small quantity. What was not wanted for export to Britain was left for the local Jamaican market.
Jamaica was flooded with imports from Britain. The interesting thing was that some of the imports were made with raw materials that originated from Jamaica. The cost of some of the products were usually out of the reach of native Jamaicans.
The Jamaican social structure was based on colour. The black Jamaican majority were, more often than not, limited in terms of advancement up the social ladder. The Indian population were recruited from India to Jamaica as indentured labourers. The Chinese people were 'invited' from Hong Kong to be merchants in Jamaica and to provide provisions for the British, and the Jamaican people. The Middle East population were merchants and involved in various businesses. The mixed race population in Jamaica (termed the mulatto by the British), considered themselves superior to the black majority by virtue of their colour, and was the group of choice of the British colonizers.
Education was available, but was often limited in terms of reaching the high school level (especially the traditional high schools) and beyond, for the black population.
Governance was based on the Westminster model to promote British interests.
The whole infrastructure of Jamaica from the days of slavery, a colony, to independence, was never intended to bring about its economic development . The tragedy of this is that a certain mindset was formed, and seeds sown, in some quarters of Jamaica to maintain the status quo, and to keep Jamaica in perpetual, persistent poverty, and economic struggle. Today, the problem has, and still requires much determination to overcome.
Payment of reparations would only be a start in creating a new history. Repairing the damage of 307 years of exploitation is the task that lies before Jamaica.
The fourteen Caricom countries will be able to relate to the historical journey of Jamaica through their own histories.
The fourteen Caricom countries are not asking Britain, France, and The Netherlands for any favours.
It is what they are owed.
Peace
Grace
PS.
While preparing to write this post, I understand the payment of reparations from Britain is unlikely. In light of this decision, I trust note will be taken of its past history with the Caribbean, as the Caribbean takes note of its history, and its present position.
As we move forward, let us not forget, three hundred and seven years was a very long time.
Note:
I have written briefly on a very small part of the history of Jamaica. To learn more I recommend 'The Story of the Jamaican People' by Philip Sherlock and Hazel Bennett (Ian Randle Publishers, Kingston, Jamaica).
Tuesday 22 October 2013
Hail to the African slave ancestors
Greetings,
The City of Liverpool celebrated Slavery Remembrance Day.
Liverpool Marks Slavery Remembrance Day - The Voice, Monday September 9, 2013
This is a remarkable achievement for those citizens of Liverpool who are the proud descendants of African slaves. Africans who were captured by the slave traders, transported by ship through the Middle Passage, and survived the journey to Liverpool with its prosperous trading port, to be used as free labour.
It is also an achievement for the indigenous people of Liverpool to recognize that their city owes much to the African slaves. African slaves who by blood, sweat, tears, and even death, contributed to the economic development of their great city which stands tall today.
My late mother, and I, went on a trip to Liverpool to see The Liverpool Garden Festival in the 1980's. The trip was on a very warm summer's day. We travelled by train from Birmingham, changed trains at Crewe, in Cheshire, then continued on to Liverpool. It was a very long journey.
On travelling through the Liverpool Lime Street Station tunnel, it seemed like it was about one mile long. The structure of the tunnel consisted of very large, almost boulder size, well cut stones. It may well have taken many years to build.
The section of the city I saw, had very large historical buildings which truly captured the grandeur, and enormous wealth the City of Liverpool had gained during a former time in history.
The sight of the River Mersey made me wonder if the remains of any of my African slave ancestors were buried beneath the waters.
The high point of the day was seeing The Garden Festival's exquisite flower arrangements. Various species of plants, and flowers with beautiful colours, were displayed.
Organizations were represented at The Garden Festival too, particularly, The Royal Navy Lifeboat Institute (RNLI). The objective of the RNLI is to rescue those in difficulty at sea.
I am happy that the City of Liverpool has a day to celebrate Slavery Remembrance Day.
I am happy that the 'labour' of the African slave ancestors has not been in vain, but is remembered, and celebrated, by those who are their descendants, and those who are not.
May the spirit of our African slave ancestors live on within us.
Peace
Grace
The City of Liverpool celebrated Slavery Remembrance Day.
Liverpool Marks Slavery Remembrance Day - The Voice, Monday September 9, 2013
This is a remarkable achievement for those citizens of Liverpool who are the proud descendants of African slaves. Africans who were captured by the slave traders, transported by ship through the Middle Passage, and survived the journey to Liverpool with its prosperous trading port, to be used as free labour.
It is also an achievement for the indigenous people of Liverpool to recognize that their city owes much to the African slaves. African slaves who by blood, sweat, tears, and even death, contributed to the economic development of their great city which stands tall today.
My late mother, and I, went on a trip to Liverpool to see The Liverpool Garden Festival in the 1980's. The trip was on a very warm summer's day. We travelled by train from Birmingham, changed trains at Crewe, in Cheshire, then continued on to Liverpool. It was a very long journey.
On travelling through the Liverpool Lime Street Station tunnel, it seemed like it was about one mile long. The structure of the tunnel consisted of very large, almost boulder size, well cut stones. It may well have taken many years to build.
The section of the city I saw, had very large historical buildings which truly captured the grandeur, and enormous wealth the City of Liverpool had gained during a former time in history.
The sight of the River Mersey made me wonder if the remains of any of my African slave ancestors were buried beneath the waters.
The high point of the day was seeing The Garden Festival's exquisite flower arrangements. Various species of plants, and flowers with beautiful colours, were displayed.
Organizations were represented at The Garden Festival too, particularly, The Royal Navy Lifeboat Institute (RNLI). The objective of the RNLI is to rescue those in difficulty at sea.
I am happy that the City of Liverpool has a day to celebrate Slavery Remembrance Day.
I am happy that the 'labour' of the African slave ancestors has not been in vain, but is remembered, and celebrated, by those who are their descendants, and those who are not.
May the spirit of our African slave ancestors live on within us.
Peace
Grace
Tuesday 9 July 2013
Ethnic Minorities in the UK
Greetings,
A very interesting report on the progress of ethnic minorities in the UK.
See: Race in Britain 2012: Has life changed for ethnic minorities? - The Independent, Sunday January 8, 2012
Well, I am pleased to learn of the improvements in terms of the opportunities and achievements of the ethnic communities in general, and the African/Caribbean community in particular. On the other hand, as always, there is still a long way to go.
So, as the above report speaks for itself, and this issue will, no doubt, continue to revolve, I will make this post short, and close with a message.
To the ethnic minorities in the UK:
in the spirit of peace - keep moving forward
if it is said you cannot achieve your dream - do it anyway
if it is said you do not have the ability to accomplish your ambition(s) - defy the odds
if obstacles are in your way - negotiate them
if your situation looks negative - think positive
if you are 'encouraged' to accept the words "No, you can't" - always convert them to "Yes, I can"
if your skin colour becomes an issue to others - you must remain 'colour-blind'
if it is believed that your race does not 'fit' - exalt it highly, and regard it as a valuable blessing to society.
Race and culture complements everything we do. This goes for ALL races and cultures.
Only YOU can determine YOUR altitude.
Keep the faith. Remain positive. Continue to climb. Always rise.
Peace, love, respect every time.
Grace
PS. Sorry, could not connect link for report. Please go to the website.
A very interesting report on the progress of ethnic minorities in the UK.
See: Race in Britain 2012: Has life changed for ethnic minorities? - The Independent, Sunday January 8, 2012
Well, I am pleased to learn of the improvements in terms of the opportunities and achievements of the ethnic communities in general, and the African/Caribbean community in particular. On the other hand, as always, there is still a long way to go.
So, as the above report speaks for itself, and this issue will, no doubt, continue to revolve, I will make this post short, and close with a message.
To the ethnic minorities in the UK:
in the spirit of peace - keep moving forward
if it is said you cannot achieve your dream - do it anyway
if it is said you do not have the ability to accomplish your ambition(s) - defy the odds
if obstacles are in your way - negotiate them
if your situation looks negative - think positive
if you are 'encouraged' to accept the words "No, you can't" - always convert them to "Yes, I can"
if your skin colour becomes an issue to others - you must remain 'colour-blind'
if it is believed that your race does not 'fit' - exalt it highly, and regard it as a valuable blessing to society.
Race and culture complements everything we do. This goes for ALL races and cultures.
Only YOU can determine YOUR altitude.
Keep the faith. Remain positive. Continue to climb. Always rise.
Peace, love, respect every time.
Grace
PS. Sorry, could not connect link for report. Please go to the website.
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Air Passenger Duty: the added passenger depression
Greetings,
As if absence from family and friends in the Caribbean was not heartbreaking enough, here comes the Air Passenger Duty (APD), or what I describe as the 'added passenger depression'.
Air Passenger Duty: 'Stinging us for everything we've got' - The Gleaner, Thursday April 18, 2013
This tax has made it difficult (to put it mildly) for persons to visit Caribbean islands, and/or, visit family 'back home'. I appreciate the necessity for additional tax measures in the UK. However, in my view, this additional tax could be counterproductive.
Here is a little history.
I remember the time when it seemed like it took for ever and a day for my parents to receive a letter, or a reply, from the Caribbean to learn of the latest happenings 'at home', as well as to know how loved ones were doing. I believe this was pretty much the case for Caribbean people generally, in the early days of the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK. When homesickness set in, or to get a social/emotional release from the stress of living and working in the UK, there was only one thing for it, if one could do so - find an aeroplane and go home!
For some, this was possible, but it took great financial sacrifice. For others, it was not possible. All they could do to cope was to live on a prayer one day at a time, and trust that one day they would see their fair Caribbean isle once again. This was my parents' situation.
It is a fact that communication is much faster now with the use of mobile/cell phones, email, and all the rest of it. Nevertheless, there are times when people want to actually meet and relate to those special persons in their lives.
I believe, with the difficulties that exist in terms of financial constraints, the high cost of travel to the Caribbean now combined with the APD to visit the respective homeland within the region, may have a negative social/emotional impact on the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK.
A holiday is important for everyone. Moreover, holidaying 'back home' has greater significance. It gives those who live away from their homeland, and their children born in the UK, an opportunity to reunite with their roots, culture, friends, and family, then return to the host country refreshed and more productive.
It is well known that the Caribbean Diaspora has played a pivotal role in the economic development of the UK. As simple as this may sound, enabling the Caribbean Diaspora to keep social/emotional linkages with the Caribbean Region, will most likely help this group to continue its role.
Let the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK stay connected to the Caribbean Region.
Respect,
Grace
PS. Must read article published 2014: UK TO REDUCE APD ON CARIBBEAN FLIGHTS
As if absence from family and friends in the Caribbean was not heartbreaking enough, here comes the Air Passenger Duty (APD), or what I describe as the 'added passenger depression'.
Air Passenger Duty: 'Stinging us for everything we've got' - The Gleaner, Thursday April 18, 2013
This tax has made it difficult (to put it mildly) for persons to visit Caribbean islands, and/or, visit family 'back home'. I appreciate the necessity for additional tax measures in the UK. However, in my view, this additional tax could be counterproductive.
Here is a little history.
I remember the time when it seemed like it took for ever and a day for my parents to receive a letter, or a reply, from the Caribbean to learn of the latest happenings 'at home', as well as to know how loved ones were doing. I believe this was pretty much the case for Caribbean people generally, in the early days of the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK. When homesickness set in, or to get a social/emotional release from the stress of living and working in the UK, there was only one thing for it, if one could do so - find an aeroplane and go home!
For some, this was possible, but it took great financial sacrifice. For others, it was not possible. All they could do to cope was to live on a prayer one day at a time, and trust that one day they would see their fair Caribbean isle once again. This was my parents' situation.
It is a fact that communication is much faster now with the use of mobile/cell phones, email, and all the rest of it. Nevertheless, there are times when people want to actually meet and relate to those special persons in their lives.
I believe, with the difficulties that exist in terms of financial constraints, the high cost of travel to the Caribbean now combined with the APD to visit the respective homeland within the region, may have a negative social/emotional impact on the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK.
A holiday is important for everyone. Moreover, holidaying 'back home' has greater significance. It gives those who live away from their homeland, and their children born in the UK, an opportunity to reunite with their roots, culture, friends, and family, then return to the host country refreshed and more productive.
It is well known that the Caribbean Diaspora has played a pivotal role in the economic development of the UK. As simple as this may sound, enabling the Caribbean Diaspora to keep social/emotional linkages with the Caribbean Region, will most likely help this group to continue its role.
Let the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK stay connected to the Caribbean Region.
Respect,
Grace
PS. Must read article published 2014: UK TO REDUCE APD ON CARIBBEAN FLIGHTS
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