Greetings,
The reader is asked to note that some assertions in this post may be of concern. Nevertheless, such assertions need to be brought to the fore. Please read with an open mind.
The brainchild behind the initiative for the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, and the compilation of The Report, should be commended. It proves that a new form and fashion can be used to produce the same useless rhetoric, to come to the same useless conclusion, to ensure the cry for equality is addressed into oblivion, and the status quo remains the same.
In the name of common sense, was more than this expected?
The composition of the Commission (this is no disrespect to The Chair, and the ladies and gentlemen of the Commission), reminds me of what I learnt from my parents about the effective, and proven colonial principle of divide and rule, with backra in the background. It also brings to mind the novel titled, Uncle Tom's Cabin, 21st century style, under camouflage.
Anyway, moving on.
The revolving door on race was built to last. It is akin to being built with bricks and mortar with the intent for it to last for centuries. Many buildings within the Caribbean Region are a testament to that form of construction. I believe the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities: The Report, has, inadvertently, maintained that continuum with little effort.
On reading the 'masterpiece', the words of Mr. Linton Kwesi Johnson is the only sensible aspect referred to, and sums up beautifully what the Commission has failed to see. According to The Report, Mr Linton Kwesi Johnson was described as saying the first phase or era of the Black presence in the U.K. was the "heroic period" - The Windrush Generation. In my own words, the sheer backbone, stubborn resistance, and steadfast psychological warfare, mete out on the indigenous population by The Windrush Generation, who were aware that their presence in England was objected to, resulted in their success, and victory, that can never be erased by Britain. The terms 'race' and 'ethnic disparities' were not commonly used back in their day, but they had substantial knowledge of their colonial rulers from their experiences of colonial rule in The West Indies, and knew the playing field was certainly not level. It was this knowledge that enabled them to succeed in Britain despite the inequalities, and disparities, that existed during the early days of their arrival, and in the years to follow.
They also knew that, for their children, born in the U.K., or not, the economic and social structure of Britain would become more difficult for them to navigate, and negotiate, but tried their best to prepare them for the many challenges ahead. It is my very strong belief that if their descendants intend to remain in England, or the wider U.K., they will have to be prepared to take up, what I describe as 'The Blueprint', 'drafted' by The Windrush Generation to ensure, come hell or high water, that their success, interests, and that of future generations, come to fruition, in a constructive and positive manner, while living in a divided society. To put it in simpler terms - don't waste time arguing and discussing the issue of race over and over and expect agreement and unity on it. The effort makes no sense in the presence of the 'deaf' listeners. There is greater benefit, and productivity, in moving forward regardless of the odds. The reader does not need me to tell of the positive outcome that yielded for The Windrush Generation.
Furthermore, The Windrush Generation knew that in reality, and in relation to the psychological mind games and mindset that surrounded them, and of which they could 'read' very easily according to the behaviour exhibited, there was no difference in thinking towards the Black British Caribbean born person versus the Black British, British born person, who were, and are, categorised as the same. The British part is a mere technicality regardless of the propaganda.
No report, whatever it is intended to achieve, will never be able to repair the undermining, and exclusion, be it direct or indirect, that has been brought to bear on ethnic minority communities in the U.K., over many decades.
A little history.
The HMT Empire Windrush arrived in England in 1948 after World War Two ended in 1945. As I understand it from my parents, the invitation went out to the West Indies from the British Government of the day back then, and was announced by local radio stations, and printed in the local newspaper on each respective West Indian island under Crown Colony. The Invitation, invited, West Indians to go to Britain to assist in the rebuilding of Britain from "the ravages of the war". I must add here that I also learnt from my parents how mystified they were on realising how oblivious the English citizenry was to the reason why West Indians had arrived in Britain, and who were often left speechless on learning from the West Indians why they were there. From what I have read, there was a call by some in the British Government at that time to divert the ship 'elsewhere'. Apparently, the late Sir Winston Churchill was none too happy at the prospect of a ship load of "coloured people" arriving on Britain's doorstep to the consternation of the British public. The call did not prevail, and the ship maintained course for England.
The reader may find the piece below an interesting read:
The Guardian
Observer special report
'Windrush: archived documents show the long betrayal'
by David Olusoga
Fast forward.
Over the last 60+ years since the arrival of The HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury docks (Port of Tilbury), England, with West Indians from the British West Indies Crown Colonies on board, it was never intended for immigrants from the former colonies, be it the West Indies, the Indian sub-continent, nor their descendants, to be accepted as equals, never mind to be well educated, to advance, and be successful. What needs to be noted here is the unique quality of the West Indian immigrants of that era, and also immigrants from the Indian subcontinent who were not averse to work, as belittling as the nature of the work then was, in many respects. They would make do with whatever work was available until better came along, as each experience was seen as a step closer to one's dream(s), and not only their success, but sustained success in England over many years.
The unexpected progress of immigrants to Britain, particularly those from the West Indies, has totally reversed the objective of allowing them in. The varied experiences of the road to success by The Windrush Generation, their descendants, and other members of ethnic minority communities inspite of the many obstacles and pitfalls placed in their way, and racist tendencies shown towards them, speaks for itself. Britain needs to face the origins of its race relations dilemma, be it overt or covert, as the problem still exists today, intrinsically, to quite some extent, and, who knows, may well forever exist, in all its glory. This is my take on it:
If possible, keep immigrants out. If they are allowed in, put them under subjection, so that they must not achieve anything and challenge the indigenous population. If they do get, and achieve anything from us, they should be grateful, and kept at a distance. Then they should learn our ways, and do as we do, and not disturb our way of life.
This philosophy has not changed one jot. It is the containment of it that makes it appear that progress has been made on race, and race relations in Britain. To suggest that racism is no longer the leading factor behind ethnic disparities in the U.K., is a well rehearsed lie, and a very effective one too. Interestingly, the philosophy is no different to that of the U.S.A. It is just a matter of that country going about the business of race in a different way that has a horrendous history, and although the intense racism is not as it was when the Civil Rights Movement took centre stage in the 1960's, the race issue is still ongoing. The Black Lives Matter Movement which began in the U.S.A., has been in the making for a very long time, in light of the high loss of life of African-Americans through their encounter with, and at the hands of U.S. law enforcement. It is not an impromptu idea brought to the fore on impulse by enthusiastic young people bent on seeking racial and social justice. I would go further and say the U.K., and the U.S.A., share a common mindset on race hidden behind hypocrisy. Remember that money spinner called The Transatlantic Slave Trade? There is no room for self-righteousness on race in the U.K., or elsewhere.
The constant determination and belief of ethnic minority communities that they should fulfil their potential, provides fuel for their detractors together with continual strife and hostility. No real, genuine progress, will ever be made on race and ethnic disparities in Britain, until it faces its true position, which is in fact its opposition to immigration, ethnic minorities, and anything else that disrupts the continuity of the indigenous population. This includes support of the undertone of the silent anti-immigrant fervour which pervades Britain. These positions need to be brought to the surface - not the far right only - as that leaning is a scapegoat, and sacrificial lamb, to cover the by and large natural racist tendency that exists. However, be reminded, where immigration is concerned, that there are always exceptions, especially if the ethnic minority group is financially viable.
Historically, race, and ethnic disparities are not new concepts. The concepts are entrenched in the mindset from the days of The Glorious British Empire, administration of the Crown Colonies, through its successive generations, to this present day. I recall my father telling me of the substantial difference in pay between the British colonisers, and Jamaican natives, black Jamaicans in particular, on the island of Jamaica during Crown Colony prior to, and during the 1950's. Having a fearless disposition towards the colonial ruling power, my father who was working as a civilian employee, confronted his employer, an officer, Major, in rank, in The British Army of Her Majesty's Armed Forces, stationed at Up Park Camp, Kingston, Jamaica. He said he raised the issue with the Major to express his concern, in a respectful, and diplomatic manner. He said that it is unfair for one to be earning £5.00 per week, and the other 5 shillings per week, and the lesser cannot purchase one pound of Beef going at 5 shillings per pound from the Chinese grocery store. According to my father, the Major tried to sidestep the issue with a wry smile, and a flippant remark, and said in a subdued colonial tone, "Not everyone can be rich, Sydney". My father replied promptly, and said, "I am not talking about riches, Major, I am talking about survival."
In the 21st century, SURVIVAL, is still the cry of immigrants, and is still at the heart of every ethnic minority community member in Britain today, be they rich, not so rich, or poor.
It is true there are ethnic minority groups that have been exceedingly successful in education, commerce, politics, sports, music, performing arts etc. However, they too have had their fair share of negotiating obstacles, direct and indirect unfavourable comments, slight, and awkward situations. They too have had to rise above the mess of racism, and have unexpectedly, become assets that Britain cannot afford to lose. This does not mean that successful ethnic minorities are accepted, never mind treated as equals, but the mainland is forced to endure their presence either through necessity, or convenience.
There is no such thing as "Open Britain", nor an "open society", or even attempting to achieve it, unless there is a change in the mindset on race. To think Britain is partially there, but can achieve it over the long term with practical action, is wishful thinking and a fallacy. It has been 30 years since I left Britain, and kept myself informed of happenings there. On the issue of race, I have neither seen, read, nor heard, one scrap of evidence to suggest that there has been any major, or even significant and effective movement to create real change on race relations in Britain, outside of the statute on Race Relations. Please note, the ethnic minority token placement here and there for appearances in various strata of society, and the awarding of titles and other honours does not mean there is - CHANGE. This is not 'race baiting', as some would love to say, it is a hard cold fact.
An interesting comment in the Foreword from The Chair stated, "Creating a multicultural society is hard, and racial disparities exist wherever such a society is being forged." I say, true, especially when the multicultural society is not what Britain relishes at all. The comment goes on, "The Commission believes that if these recommendations..." (in The Report), "...are implemented it will give a further burst of momentum to the story of our country's progress to a successful multicultural community - a beacon to the rest of Europe and the world."
Brave words, "...a beacon...". I can envision Europe laughing as it recalls the Scramble for Africa of which Britain was a part, and its behaviour not much different to that of The European countries with colonies on the African Continent at that time. There was also the business of Britain's dominance of at least 90 per cent of the earth's surface as an Imperial power. This mindset still exists, and has been passed on to each new indigenous generation. The new name for The British Empire is now The Commonwealth. Nice. Sounds less controversial, but history still remains. My parents, and the parents of The Chair of The Commission I understand, are from respectively, one of several islands in The West Indies that was under British Colonial Rule in their day. As their children, we cannot distance ourselves from their past. Opportunity to Chair The Commission does not erase nor lessen the impact of history. As for the rest of the world, their history books will tell their connection with Britain be it as a colony, former colony, protectorate, or whatever else. One needs to consider carefully the choicue of words when making a comment on such a very sensitive issue.
Let us not forget that Britain's icon, politician and statesman the late Cecil John Rhodes, former 7th Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, is still honoured and revered for his exploits in the Southern African Cape Colony and his unfailing belief in British Imperialism. There was also the establishment of the former Rhodesia, by the late Ceil Rhodes. The late Ian Smith was the eighth Prime Minister of Rhodesia, which, since its transition to black majority rule, has reverted to its original name, Zimbabwe. Both statesmen were unswerving in their position to maintain the system of Apartheid, while exploiting the rich resources of South Africa, and the former Rhodesia, to the detriment of the indigenous black African people. In so doing they received no small support from The British Establishment. Even now in its quiet quarters, the belief system of those esteemed late statesmen is still upheld, behind its anti-apartheid veneer.
Furthermore, it is known that the pitiful, and insincere 'sorry' and 'apologies' regarding the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and Colonialism, will do absolutely nothing to appease the black community, and ethnic minorities in general. It is blatantly obvious that neither society, nor the powers that be of today is genuinely sorry at all about any of it, as it is believed the post slave trade, and post colonialism generations has nothing to do with the activities of past generations of that era, since the fall of The Empire.
However, presuming that is the position on the issue, and giving the benefit of the doubt, what about persistent racial and social attitudes which stem from, again, the mindset of that time past, which has continued through generations, and is still being exercised with rigour be it direct, indirect, or hidden?
What is to be done about that, if anything at all?
One can change their perception of someone, something, or a group of people if one chooses to do so. This is where the depth of the problem lies. The refusal to acknowledge, and accept people based on their colour, race, and behaviours, as it is alien to what one believes should be the status quo on its own turf.
In my personal opinion, embarking on a difficult discussion on the matter of race is an exercise in futility, as the mindset is not minded to change.
With that said, I acknowledge those persons who are not members of any ethnic minority group and oppose any form of racism and discrimination. However, they know just as I do, that it is difficult for them to truly understand the offensiveness of racism no matter what form it takes - unless one experiences it fully in reverse.
This is why I support the position taken by The Windrush Generation during their sojourn or lifetime, and heyday in the U.K. That Generation chose to sidestep, and ignore the noise of persistent racism, and instead, continually and consistently, raised the level and standard in all they did, while pressing forward to realise their dreams regardless of the umbrage it would cause. It is because of that wise move taken by The Windrush Generation that I am not impressed by this 'inclusion' farce, as my people have always considered themselves included. It is society that has taken the initiative, past and present, to 'exclude' my people wherever and whenever it suited them, as well as give them the everlasting run around. Now, suddenly, because of the Black Lives Matter Movement protests, the pretentious, fake, and on the borderline of segregation and separatism incognito, the term 'inclusion', is popping up to support the notion that Britain is not racist nor does racism exist! The best part of it, is the choice of Chair of the Commission, and those chosen to comprise the Commission, to prove, with the aid of The Report - that is a (supposed) fact!
Who is trying to fool who here?
We have been here before, and interestingly enough, such transparent, and false, unifying action, is still ongoing!
The "darkies", " coons", "blackies", "nig-nogs", and other terms besides, (take your pick), are not fools on the matter, but one is a fool to think that they are.
How does the Chair expect Britain to forge a multicultural society with its mindset steadfastly forged in its supremacy focused, exploitive, and self-righteous stance on the British Empire, which still regards its immigrants of former colonies as subjects, whose countries are still seen as under colonial dominance - as well as their children, born in Britain or not, as irrelevant?
This is their entitlement, and their right, it is believed, divinely given or not, to treat non-white folk (like me) as inferior, and we are to accept it whether we like it or not. The Windrush Generation had another view, which in effect, said, they can go_________ with it, as what was obtained during the glory days of The British Empire were stolen goods, taken by force through subjugation of the colonised native people, 'claimed' in the name of The Crown, and supported by 'to suit themselves laws' in order to give the colonisers actions and activities the appearance of legality. Unknown to non-black persons in the U.K., The Windrush Generation, regardless of which island or country each member is from, and ethnic minority groups that migrated to Britain from former colonies of The British Empire, were, and are, certainly no fools, regarding knowledge of Britain's barefaced rule, theft, and unjust treatment of West Indian people, and of other ethnic minority groups in their own native country, or on their respective islands over centuries.
Again, this is why I fully support all ethnic minorities, and anybody else who is interested, in learning about British and English history together with African and Caribbean history, and furthermore Asian history, as many of Britain's cherished churches, cathedrals, museums, stately homes, long established government buildings, to name a few, were built with the financial resources gained from The Transatlantic Slave Trade, and Colonisation, be it directly or indirectly. Those financial resources did not include deductions for wages, never mind a salary, sickness benefit, annual leave, nor furnished accommodations to our overworked and unpaid slave ancestors, and ancestors used as servants. Therefore, it is my view, that my people, and ethnic minorities in general, should feel a sense of belonging, and respect for such buildings together with what is contained in them. I strongly encourage my people to take the opportunity to visit some of these buildings that are accessible to the public, as our slave ancestors, and servants, played more than a large part with their unrewarded labour, in enabling those buildings to be in existence at all.
I am cognisant of those who will not share my position, as it goes against the concept of maintaining the supremacy and exclusiveness of Empire.
I believe the mindset, and thinking, on the 'renewal of Empire', was a leading factor in gaining much public support to leave the EU. That, my friends, I will leave right where it is.
It is intriguing, considering the composition of the Commission, that it appears no conflict has arisen in making certain statements in the Report, which run contrary to the ethnic minority experience in the U.K. Maybe the Commission could shed some light on this.
It appears that the concept of 'divide and rule', in terms of the tone, and leaning of The Report, is in full swing.
Next.
Whatever upward mobility in terms of employment, promotion, etc., that has been achieved by ethnic minorities has been 'fought for' by gaining high academic qualification, and/or high specialisation skills, and achieved with sheer determination. The doors of opportunity have not been opened willingly, but grudgingly, and not fully opened either.
Including, and looking into problems among disadvantaged indigenous members of the population, is understandable. However, it tends to mask the seriousness of race, ethnic disparities, and racism itself, as the predominant issues, in order to create a diversion. It is an affront to suggest, that racism is no longer the basis, in all cases, as the cause of educational disadvantage, while diverting the argument to other probable causes - "geography, family influence, socio-economic background, culture, and religion..." as stated in The Report. The Report goes on to say that the above "has more significant impact on life chances than the existence of racism."
I challenge that position.
It is those same factors which can be the drivers to propel, and encourage, educational advancement. To break the cycle of socio-economic disadvantage in terms of housing, health, social mobility, as well as prove that one's religion and culture is no hindrance to success. It is when geography, family influence, socio-economic background, culture, and religion, are coupled with racism, and social class prejudice, that the 'fight' to advance becomes more difficult, and the determination to defeat it gains momentum. Some ethnic minorities that have suffered educational underachievement more than most, is not because they are not capable, but what is always denied historically, together with a long established mindset, is that some ethnic minorities, particularly from the Caribbean or of Caribbean descent, are not entitled to, or to put it more crudely, they should not receive an education to be effective, and, or the preferred choice, is that they should not receive any at all. History of education in Jamaica, in particular, during Crown Colony, limited education for its indigenous people restricting them to low paid domestic work, or limited self-employment, (only the 'favoured' few by virtue of 'shade' or 'recommendation' in terms of colonial acceptance, gained the opportunity to scale higher heights in education), while stratifying other non-black ethnic groups to receive educational advantages, which set the stage for further educational opportunities, business creation, and professional employment. I cannot speak for other ethnic minorities in Britain, but where Caribbean people are concerned, West Indians, to be precise, history has created an excuse to believe we are only fit for slave labour, or cheap labour, the latter of which The Windrush Generation know of only too well. This, and the aforementioned, I have absolutely no doubt, the esteem Chair of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities has full knowledge of as a descendant of Windrush Generation members.
It has taken much for my people - Black British born/Black British Caribbean born people - to fight back to prove we are neither intellectually deficient, nor educationally subnormal, in order to defend ourselves from that long and historical perception. Also, it is the long standing belief of the supposed intellectual ineptitude of black people in general, and the superiority mindset to ethnic minorities in particular, that has built the unshakeable confidence that -
"the darkies" will never twig our true mindset towards them
- that is, Britain will never desist from its racist, and anti-immigrant position, be it passive or vocal.
The persistent mindset on race and racism, and ethnic disparities is alive, well, and in good health in Britain today, no matter how subtle in action, denied publicly, and tokenised. It is still one root of many in Britain's race relations, and will continue to be its strength, and impediment, until Britain decides - if it wants to - change course. There is no guarantee.
Returning to The Report.
I am not questioning the data from The Government Database which provided evidence on race and ethnic disparities for the Commission to utilise. I am questioning the efficacy of it. To what extent does it really relate to realities on the ground? Was there an attempt to collect qualitative data from a representative sample to support the quantitative statistical data in the Government Database to obtain a clear picture of what is really happening in terms of race and ethnic disparities in the so-called "open society" in "Open Britain"?
Or was it a case of expediency with the Commission in the thick of it, and the potential of The Report to backfire?
This is not an attack on Her Majesty's Government, nor on the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. It is the methodology of approach, and the conclusion drawn, that gives cause for concern.
The methodology, and conclusion, of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities: The Report, may need further consideration, and may need to be tested further - qualitatively and quantitatively. In addition there is the possibility of using focus groups across the U.K. to ascertain the true public feeling and sensitivity on race and ethnic disparities, as reactions to The Report is very telling.
The revolving door has been set in motion once again. I believe this is no accident.
I respect The Chair, and the Commission, after all that has been said, as I truly feel the intention was to compile the best report it could. My personal feeling, is that, on a whole, in light of the Black Lives Matter Movement, the Commission may have been blindsided, and unfortunately, did not see it coming.
Before I close, I wish to inform the indigenous population, respectfully, especially the young indigenous population, of a certain story that may not have been told to them correctly by their elders, or by those in governance. All of whom tend to have 'amnesia' at some point, for convenience, on sensitive race issues.
Please pay close attention.
The immigrants from the British Empire, particularly those from The West Indies, and The Indian subcontinent, prior to Independence agreements, and contrary to popular belief, did not choose to go to Britain to change its way of life, to reorganise it, to take it over, to colour it up, to discombobulate its sacred institutions, to desecrate its statues, nor bring down The British Establishment.
They went to Britain by invitation of The British Government of the day, no less, with the ambition to improve their lives through hard work and sacrifice, and contribute to the continued development of Britain. This was their objective and passion, inspite of the participation of Britain in The Transatlantic Slave Trade, the exploitation of their respective island home, or country as a Crown Colony of Britain, and injustices endured there under the administration of British Colonial Rule.
I will pause here, to give the reader the opportunity to absorb that information.
Oh, by the way, I think this is where the late Mr. Enoch Powell got it wrong with his "Rivers of Blood" speech, but he meant well, and held firm to his point of view. I hold no grudge against the gentleman. Bless him.
The contentious opposition to the immigrants on their arrival, and in spite of rigorous attempts by Windrush Generation parents to pass on to their young Caribbean born or British born children strong Caribbean values and attitudes, the importance of a good education, educational advancement, and a strong work ethic to help forge their success, the young ones too faced even more hostility resulting in, as Mr. Linton Kwesi Johnson put it, the 'rebel generation', of which, I am one. The causes of that 'rebel generation' legacy needs to be erased, in order for future ethnic minority generations to thrive in Britain, and contribute to its economic well-being.
What binds the stronghold of race and ethnic disparities, is the mindset. The ingrained belief that the former subjects of The British Empire, and dare I say, even their children born in Britain, as well as ethnic minority communities in general, are seen as subjects of a lesser kind, unimportant, and treated with scant regard without a second thought. The mindset is no different to the days of The Slave Trade, and the glory of The British Empire - that is the slave owner, and the colonial ruler mentality, respectively, is very much at the forefront, and entrenched in Britain regardless of how many generations have passed. Until that mindset is changed, if ever, the frills and fancy to create the illusion that race relations is moving forward in Britain, is not in the interests of ethnic minorities at all. The objective, as always, is to sweep it under the carpet, as it is believed the non-white races can be conned with a gift and a smile, as the concept of the "piccaninnies with water melon smiles", describes, and, I might add, that is a very real perception and considered normal behaviour in the minds of some in relation to a particular ethnic group, be they children referred to, or extended to adults. With that concept in mind, all will be well, with no need to change, and the status quo remains the same. It is unfortunate that such a mindset exists, but it is so.
It is this clear understanding of that hypocrisy which enabled The Windrush Generation, and fellow early ethnic minority communities, to dismiss that institutional, systemic, racist, embedded colonial mindset completely, while simultaneously moving forward with a clear vision of their objectives, and to achieve them successfully.
It is the scaremongering of those in the past, and is still continuing now by those in the present, which has set the stage for where Britain is today - divisive and contentious on the issue of race and disparities. Refusal to grapple with a wilful and determined intent to keep immigrants and their descendants underfoot, will be chief in maintaining the divisions and conflict on race relations in Britain for decades to come.
Knowing full well that the above, from the beginning to this point, will be totally and vehemently refuted and rejected by its detractors, will be of no significance whatsoever in dealing with the issue of race, and ethnic disparities in Britain. It will only prolong the fight for racial justice, and equality, in opposition to those who intend to maintain what is uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, I trust it will garner some positive attention.
On a lighter note, I applaud Dr. Sewell, Chair of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, and give my full support on his insight, and suggestion, to "disaggregate the term BAME" according to the recommendation outlined. In my opinion, the bundling of ethnic minority groups together as if exempt from any kind of identity and uniqueness, and where only the collection of specific analytical data that is of bureaucratic importance is a priority, does nothing to discover the qualities and potential of each specific group to contribute to the betterment of Britain. It is irrelevant collective terms such as 'BAME', that increases the resentment felt by ethnic minorities towards the British Establishment. To explain my point, I am black, born in Britain of Jamaican stock (note the heritage), with a very small percentage of Indian mix descended from my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. This differentiates me from another individual who is black, British, and Jamaican by birth or descent, from one who is black, British, and of another Caribbean nationality by birth or descent, and furthermore from one who is black, British, and African by birth or descent. Even our British Asian brothers and sisters are fully aware of the unique differences between their British Caribbean brothers and sisters, and themselves. I think I have enough intelligence to know that not every person in Britain who is of a white complexion, regardless of difference in hair colour and colour of eyes, is English and Anglo Saxon! At this point, I have to smile, as I remember reading of an experience at a university in England, where it was stated that there are those who still find it difficult to see, tell, or hear the difference between one black person and another in the 21st century.
Can you imagine?
I wonder why ethnic minorities on a whole do not have that problem in identifying the difference between their white brothers and sisters?
Food for thought eh?
With the greatest of respect to The Chair, and the Commission for their hard work in compiling The Report, the bottom line is, change on race and ethnic disparities, is about change in the mindset, and attitude, towards other ethnic groups, nationalities, and social class. The pitiful display of 'sorry', and 'apologies' for slavery, and Britain's colonial past, and the fake changes in terms of the so-called 'inclusion' of ethnic minorities that is going on since the protests of the Black Lives Matter Movement, will do absolutely nothing to resolve that intrinsic mindset, and existing negative attitudes towards ethnic minorities. That mindset will continue to be a perpetual stumbling block to Britain's progress since the fall of The British Empire.
In a post-Brexit Britain, to move forward, all hands on deck will be required. This will be of significant importance as each remaining member island state, or country of The Commonwealth, slowly, but surely, and gradually, considers the move to becoming a republic. Without the fallback of The Empire, partnership with the European Union, and change, real effective racial and social change, I believe the future will be both interesting, and challenging, in the former Motherland.
I wish to remember the late Sir William Macpherson of Cluny who fearlessly called out 'institutional racism'.
I refer to the term in the general sense.
It is still there. The battle continues.
However, with all of its disadvantages, racism will never cease to be the strength, vehicle, and driving force, in the continuing, and sustained success of people of colour in Britain. No matter what attempts are made to belittle them, regardless of the disparities created to stall their advancement, earning power, legally gainful activities, to cause them to be ineffective in their endeavours, or even to restrict their physical number - the mindset will always focus on success.
The greater the racism, in fact, with or without racism, the higher ethnic minorities rise.
The Windrush Generation Monument at Waterloo Station is a treasure to behold. The family climbing the suitcases is highly significant of how The Windrush Generation climbed up out of nothing to build their lives in The Motherland, while forged together by their unity, strength of family, and general culture as a people.
That unyielding spirit of The Windrush Generation, ethnic minorities in general, and their descendants born in the U.K., or not, Britain will never break.
It is unfortunate the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities: The Report, omitted to record that fact.
Finally, as you may be aware, I speak of my parents often in my posts. They were instrumental in imparting to me their Jamaican culture, Jamaican Creole, how to enable both to live in harmony with the British way of life, and more importantly, conveyed to me very significant guidelines which have helped me in making choice, and personal decisions.
My father said, quite often, and in effect, be careful of the offers, requests, and opportunities put to you. If you do decide to consider, or accept, do so taking into account all aspects presented, including the possibility of a hidden agenda.
He also implied, watch the smiles, be wary of the gifts, focus on the positive and negative of the objective, because where an 'Uncle Tom' can be found...
Otherwise, if one does not proceed with caution, there is the possibility, one may end up on one's face, in it.
Be good.
Love, blessings, and peace.
Grace
