Do you remember the blog I wrote about racism in the UK and what we can do to stop it?
I made a video on the subject matter. You should definitely watch it, as it is from the perspective of a young black British man.
After writing my blog article on racism in the UK and how we can learn from it, I was invited to give a talk for a house assembly from my secondary school, Norwich School.
During the talk, I spoke about microaggression and the ways in which the media and politicians can create negative perceptions about ethnic minorities.
My high school went a step further and asked me if I could make a video on the points I had addressed in my house assembly talk. I was asked to speak on various topics in the video so that it could be used for the school’s staff training.
I received this opportunity after I had sent an email directly to the Headmaster and the Chair of Governors of my high school along with 2former pupils, sisters Emily and Harriet Fry. I offered solutions, such as a more diverse curriculum which incorporates black British history. I strongly believe Norwich School can become a Beacon School in this matter.
See what happens when you look for solutions to a problem?
What’s my aim?
My aim is to educate people.
After my blog on racism in the UK, I was so happy at the messages I received, because people not only acknowledged that there was a problem nationwide, but they were curious to find out more.
After my high school reached out to me, I thought that I should share this with everyone. My intended audience is workers, teachers and students. However, anyone can watch it, because we can ALL learn something new.
I would like change to be achieved using principles of diplomacy. This collaboration is not only going to help my secondary school, but can be an example for other institutions.
About the video
I can now appreciate how long it takes YouTubers editors to cut, edit and enhance clips for a whole video.
The video is on how to deal with racism in the classroom and the workplace.
It is split into 5 sections and is 15 mins long.
I cover topics such as Microaggression, White privilege and Bystander intervention.
The video has different scenarios for the issues I discuss.
I believe that it will be thought provoking and enlightening.
So, I’m sure by now we know the news of another African-American man being murdered by police. I don’t know about you, but this particular incident made me furious, and if you knew me very well, you’d know that not much gets me upset. It is not only about police brutality but the topic of racism against blacks as a whole.
“I can’t breathe”
I have been talking about the incident with my family on a daily basis, and as a young black British man, there was a feeling of “Is this who we are as humans?”
But people like me, not just in the US, have had enough.
George Floyd should still be alive today. What angers me about the whole situation is the manner in which events played out.
George Floyd and the subsequent protests after his murder Source: Metro.co.uk
“A forgery in process.” Now while I do not know what was said between the officers and George Floyd, I do not understand why Floyd was mistreated for this allegation. If counterfeit money was given, why couldn’t Police have simply asked him to pay the sum? My mum and I had a conversation the other day, and she said she sometimes mistakenly gives coin change in the wrong currency shortly after returning from our holidays. Police are not called, but rather, her and the cashier laugh it off and she pays the correct amount. Who’s to say that he received a counterfeit bill from a previous transaction and did not know that it was not legal tender?
In the aftermath of the atrocious crime by Derek Chauvin and the other police officers, there have been protests in all 50 states, as well as all around the world, in places such as the UK, Germany and Canada and Australia.
I do not condone the violence and looting which has taken place, because you are destroying certain people’s livelihoods, particularly those from poorer backgrounds. However, because there is ongoing systemic racism, you can understand why many blacks are angry. If you provoke someone so much after they peacefully try to reach a compromise, it is as if the instigators are not adhering to the terms of their social contract. If police, who are meant to “protect and serve”, abuse their power against minorities, you cannot expect people to be civil and obedient. They’ll want to fight back. I keep seeing the quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, which is “riots are the voice of the unheard”. Powerful.
The four officers charged with Floyd’s murder Source: CNN
What can institutions do to make the UK less ignorant?
While I was in high school, history was one of my favourite subjects. But now when I think about George Floyd’s murder, I do believe the UK can do more in educating students about its own painful past regarding black people. I am grateful that I live in a household that is incredibly knowledgeable, because events about black history which they did not teach in school, continue to be taught by my parents. One could say that if the UK did not have stringent, clear laws and banned firearms, who’s to say that the police would not abuse their power over here? That is why I do not buy it when people say, “Oh look at America, they have so many problems.” We have our own problems too.
The reason I mention history lessons is because the current curriculum does not include pertinent black history topics for all students from a young age. We are taught about the Battle of Hastings, British monarchies, and the World Wars. I was taught about the US Civil Rights Movement as part of my GCSE coursework. But when I thought this, I asked myself, when, where and how often does the British curriculum address its own history of racial problems?
Does the UK talk about its role in the Atlantic slave trade, which was arguably the worst? Do we talk about British colonialism? Do we teach about abolitionism and the likes of William Wilberforce? What about the Windrush generation that had been ignored for so long that it was only in the news a couple of years ago? What about learning about racially charged incidents against black men such as Stephen Lawrence?
If they did I am sure that there would be less ignorant people. Exposure to your own countries’ history puts the matter at hand in perspective, allowing more empathy of others regardless of their race.
Stephen Lawrence was a black man who was killed in a racially motivated attack, in South-East London, in 1993 Source: The Independent
What YOU can do to become less ignorant and create change
It was good to see many of my friends showing solidarity, sharing social media stories and supporting black businesses after the Floyd incident. However, one can do more than upload a black screen on their Instagram page with a hashtag. I know that some people are doing it to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement, however, change is needed. It starts with home education at a young age.
“You’re not born a bigot; you have to learn to be a bigot. Anything you learn, you can unlearn.” This was said by Jane Elliott. Jerome Boateng recently said, “no child is born racist”. Simple words, but it has to be said.
Parents and legal guardians have a primary responsibility to teach positive attitudes towards other races because children model the behaviour of their parents.
I experienced “micro-aggression” growing up in London and Norwich regularly. The phrase “micro-aggression” is one I do not like. I believe it is a pretext for making racist jokes.
“Oh, you speak very well, what type of school did you go to?”
“Ben, you’re so white.”
“Is your favourite restaurant KFC?”
These are the kind of phrases I heard growing up. Can you see the ignorance? Can black people not be good orators regardless of the type of school they attend? Why can’t being black mean having a calm and collected demeanour, where you treat people with respect?
I did not let such statements upset me, because growing up my parents taught me to behave with magnanimity. However, statements such as those above should not be the norm and when this occurs it needs to be called out for what it is.
I have been asked what we can do as a society. We need to educate ourselves by reading books. We also need to watch films and documentaries that relate to this matter. We are in lockdown due to COVID-19, so try to learn something new. Subsequently, we must educate our families and friends. Yes, it is a sensitive topic but I’d rather white people talk to blacks about the reality of this issue, instead of shying away from it or even blurting out silly remarks which should have been confined to the past.
This is Stephen Lawrence’s mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence talking to my sister, Alice. She was invited by my sister to talk at our high school about why we should celebrate and embrace diversity. Source: Norwich School
Aside from protesting, those who are eligible to vote must do so. Second, to bring about change, writing to your local MP is a simple but effective way to express grievances. Third is signing petitions at the https://petition.parliament.uk/ website. Debates in Parliament are triggered if 100,000 signatures are reached. Finally, visiting Central Lobby in Parliament, as you do not need to make an appointment to meet your MP, although an appointment is recommended. The desk at Central Lobby will attempt to contact the MP you are asking for.
There are other ways of getting involved.
Below are a few of my recommendations:
BOOKS: Reni Eddo-Lodge’s “Why I am No Longer Talking to White People About Race.”
Robin DiAngelo’s “White Fragility.”
FILMS: Coach Carter starring Samuel L. Jackson (everyone should watch this), When They See Us (both of these are on Netflix UK as of 4th June 2020).
Soooo…. after leaving Norwich School, after a roller-coaster 6 years, I started a new chapter in my life, joining university. The week before leaving home, I was visited by family members, who gave me invaluable advice on how to get the best experience possible at university. Getting the pep talk about relationships and girls, from your uncles and aunts is always the most embarrassing thing I swear….
“Remember you’re a Christian boy….!”
“Don’t give into peer pressure.”
“Work hard, play hard.”
The last statement has much relevance, because in the past, I had done too much playing. Nearly, coming to the end of my first year, I would say that I have turned over a new leaf and have found a good balance between work and social life.
First year:
First year has been a blast. I was more scared than I have ever been in joining a new institution, but I can honestly say, it has been the best place in my lifetime to make new friends. I was told that the people that you hang around during freshers, may not be the people you hang out with during your remainder of university. However, this wasn’t the case for me. Many people that I met during the first week, I still speak to and are quite close.
Rugby (UERFC):
Awesome describes these boys. I remember taking the initiative, going for pre-season, thinking “impress, impress, impress”, worrying about whether I’d be good enough. I can remember being asked by the boys, when I hadn’t even told them my position, “Are you fast?” Due to it being my first year, I had to be modest but honest, so I said “Yeah.” Smiles beamed from faces. The boys there made me feel at home on my first day and since then I always look forward to fixtures, training and of course FED. I felt this year “persistence” and “perserverance” summed up my first season. Both the 1st and 2nd XV had insane campaigns and I’m glad I was a part of it. I hope next year will be just as good. Tour should be a good experience too….
Final 2nd XV game of the season
Christian Union
I don’t mess around with my faith. This is the place where I can have a reflection of how I be a better person overall, as well as fellowship. I particularly like going, cos the students can lead worship. It honestly builds my confidence to play and perform live in front of people, because I can sometimes be a shy character. I went on SENT 2017 (a Christian conference aimed at uni students) with the CU and I came back to campus feeling like a completely different person. I can’t recommend it enough.
I am loving every minute so far.
Finally, I have some advice to freshers, based on my own experience at university so far.
At freshers’ fair, sign up to everything, because you can try everything out and pick the clubs or societies you fit into the most.
When you’re at McD’s, USE YOUR NUS CARD. You get free stuff.
Don’t spend your money all at once, your parents will test you to see if you can budget.
Learn how to cook, trust me it’s useful and once you can, make for your mates/flatmates, you’ll increase your rep.
Don’t go out clubbing the day before a test, the temptation is there, but believe me, you will regret it.
Your degree will feel easier than A-Levels, especially in first year, but don’t become complacent.
Get all your books for your modules early, don’t wait, unless they’ll all go by the end of your first month.
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