It has become the contrast of its own distinction. We either have heated discussions over it, or ignore it as best we can, but what is it? The dictionary says, “The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races:” or even “Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior:” Unfortunately 21st century life has added splinters of this to make up the sum of the whole.
Racism.
Credit: wikipedia
Everything from governmental policies to sport and even entertainment has helped perpetuate the type of racism that should either be ignored, or addressed. A bold statement, you say… Ok, let’s have a look at politics. Government parties claim to have the betterment of the electorate for whom they are supposed to represent. Yet the ill of all that goes on seems to be directed toward immigrants and scroungers. The latter being painted in typical fashion that has become accepted!
The rise in electable anti-ethnic parties is unprecedented and they sway popularity with weak manifestos bolstered by ethnic reforms, which are unpalatable at best! Now whilst sport may be a difficult one to pigeon-hole, given the diversity of the sports and activities as a whole, the more popular the sport the more it seems to have a “Big Boys Club” mentality. This even puts the lack of female input to managerial and hierarchal appointments into the spotlight. So, given the diversity of the country as a whole, does it represent the people that pay to watch the sports? Obviously not, but that means we have accepted that things are OK! It is not to say there are not people qualified to do these roles, they just seem to be made available to a select few and when someone actually does get a role, if at all, it is scrutinised and made to feel that the role may not be o merit and for publicity and “ticking a box”.
Entertainment is, unfortunately, easier to highlight and has been under a huge spotlight in 2014! Everything from the awards to the fact Lenny Henry had to give a speech in BAFTA addressing the situation, which I found both entertaining and deeply saddening. In 3 years alone a recorded 2000 Black and Minority Ethnic actors have left the industry in the UK and that are only those that are known, whilst the industry has grown by 4000! Zero commissioners in the UK are of any minority ethnicity and funding has been found to not represent the criterion set out for the channels. They make up only 5.4% of the broadcasting workforce! That means in front of and behind the camera. With the rise in gang culture and the highlight for tougher sentencing, this issue could be squashed in a simple and effective manoeuvre.
Youth clubs and play areas will not only bring people together, it gives the young purpose and direction. I saw this issue arise as each government made their excuses for tearing down the structure that has been in all societies since man first colonised… let children be children and guide them as they enjoy their childhood. To make the stigmas of the adult populous those of the young has shown they are ill-equipped to deal with such matter and adding colour and race has made it far more volatile than the adults trying to impose their beliefs. Advertising is also an area that falls foul to the discrimination…
If you need to have proof then check the experiment from the University of Virginia. The experiment, conducted from March 2009 to March 2010, found that black sellers did worse than white sellers on a variety of metrics: they receive 13 percent fewer responses, 18 percent fewer offers, and offers that are 11 to 12 percent lower. These effects are similar in magnitude to those associated with a white seller’s display of a tattoo, which the authors included to serve as a “suspicious” white control group.Those corresponding with black sellers reacted much more negatively, implying less underlying trust.
Unfortunately this is reinforced by advertising agencies, as they never use any other ethnicity for advertising, unless it specifies a typical group. Unfortunately employment falls into the same category. A study was done with 2 exacting CV’s and the names were changed to be typically contrasting. 5000 resumes were sent out, which were to 1300 available jobs and the prospective employers were none the wiser of the experiment. Whilst the return rate of the CV’s were on average for both Caucasian male and female candidates (approx 1 call back in 10) the average for the ethnic male and female candidates were 25% lower. The experiment was carried out in July2001-January 2002. Unfortunately the experiment carried out in July 2011-January 2012 showed a significant increase in disparity from 25% to 50%, which shows how far the human species has come in regards to employment. Whilst these are only call backs, the numbers are compelling.
If I were to label all the problems with policing then we would be here for a whole separate subject and conclusion. So, whilst I have seemingly dissected the flaws of modern day earth and strewn it out for all to see, it’s not all one-sided. There are people who, naturally, are able to judge someone on the content of their character and that is no surprise. Many ethnic groups are starting their own areas of business, which caters to people that are not represented in their field, but not excluding any colour, or creed, as it does not interfere with the progress of the company. And many of the youth consider the stupidity of the older generation for hating people for their colour not something they can get their head into and support! For those that question either the validity, or the impact of this subject. That’s easy, just try it for a while and see how long you last! If it is unacceptable then there must be something wrong with the way it is!
You are not expected to bear the burden of your forefathers and the mistakes of their past, but maybe the difference of peace and harmony can make the way of life easier and remember that we all only have a finite time on this planet. Illogical hate is something that is the epitome of racism. It truly is a state of regression and an excuse to express a primal behaviour! Anyhow a colour makes someone change their mind about a person, says more about the person attacking than the person being attacked. I was going to finish on a cliché of Martin Luther King Jnr, but I feel that something more prophetic is in order. So, when you go and have St George’s flag flying and puff up your chest about how he represents the fight and spirit of England… try to remember that he’s an Arab and born in Syria and venerated by Christians and Muslims.