A reflection on how we can be better anti-racist allies in the UK
So far, 2020 feels like a turning point. Not because it is a new decade, but because in the first six months alone we have faced more challenges than we thought possible. COVID-19 has affected everyone in different ways, some tragically. Meanwhile, the UK Government silently pursues Brexit, Donald Trump endangers LGBTQ+ rights, and global crises such as the Yemeni Civil War and Rohingya persecutions continue to intensify.
But, one issue that has once again found itself in headlines is racism. Specifically, racism against Black people, who face a daily struggle to be perceived as equal to their White counterparts, as lives that matter. Since the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin, the world has refused to continue being silent. Black Lives Matter protesters return to streets regardless of social distancing guidelines to chant ‘Say her name! Breonna Taylor!’. Books by Black authors sell out as people seek to educate themselves about the truth. Organisations and companies show solidarity by evaluating their institutional racism. And statues glorifying slave owners are — once and for all — taken down. These are only some of the ways societies are finally addressing this deeply ingrained problem… but more work needs to be done.
The People’s Panel
The Centre for Public Impact were keen to hear the thoughts of our People’s Panel on systemic racism in the UK. The panel is a group of 21 people from different backgrounds, races, genders, sectors and ages. However, one thing they all have in common is that they are passionate about the need for people’s voices to be heard by government. This diversity, mixed with this passion, has provided CPI with a unique position to stay connected with the issues that matter to citizens.
So, at our latest meeting on June 23rd, we held a bold, brave and honest discussion with the panel about our experiences with racism, how we have reconsidered our behaviours, and what we think could help to eradicate systemic racism in British institutions.
My personal experiences with racism
My family moved to the UK from the Philippines when I was five years-old. Growing up, I’ve always had a weird identity crisis whereby despite belonging to two countries and two cultures, I feel like I have none. Because to give myself fully to one means I am abandoning the other, for fear of either being labelled ‘whitewashed’, or becoming isolated in White circles.
In the UK, I have experienced microaggressions in the form of racist ‘jokes’ from people who have made me feel embarrassed about the things that make me Filipina. From subtle questions about why Filipino food looks and smells weird, or why my eyelashes don’t curl, to outward comments about my family entering the UK on an illegal boat, and how dare I not do a Nursing degree like every other Filipino?
Conversely, in the Philippines we are praised because we live in the UK. We are seen as rich and successful — even though in reality are working class — because we are perceived to have achieved some version of the American dream. Yet, my family are quick to remind me ‘never to forget my roots’ when I am dressing ‘too provocatively’, speaking ‘too much English’, being ‘too liberal’, or travelling on my own. Why are these traits automatically seen as the loss of my Filipino identity, as opposed to my personality? Why are some parts of British culture embraced, and others frowned upon?
While devastating in its own ways, my experiences are different to injustices experienced by Black people. Despite knowing what it feels like to be deemed inferior to White people, Filipinos often fail to be allies to Black people and instead choose to be racist against them too. This upholds the toxic hierarchy of White, Brown and finally, Black. Though not perfect, I have felt support from my schools and workplaces, and because of this there were privileges in my journey.
How can I use my position as an ethnic minority, my privilege as an ally, and my platform in a position connected with governments to help make changes for Black people?
The varying forms of racism in the UK
I have heard people respond to the BLM protests with claims that ‘racism doesn’t exist in the UK’, or ‘racism is an American problem, not a British problem’. I immediately read these as attempts to brush problems under the rug, because people don’t want to have these uncomfortable conversations, and are happy hiding behind their privilege.
One panellist pointed out that ‘only the UK has had anti-BLM protests, so in some ways is worse than the US. If we had guns, goodness knows what would happen’. Another stated that ‘racism in the UK is subtle, and hidden. This is why many would settle for staying the way we are’. The very fact that one panellist reminded us that there was not one Black voice attending this discussion demonstrates just how deeply ingrained racism is. For us to think that our People’s Panel was diverse, yet fail to diagnose the problem that we do not have enough Black members, shows that we ourselves have been institutionally racist. We have to fix this.
We did have a retired Asian police officer on the panel, who spoke about the significant push for diversity and equal representation within the Metropolitan Police. Despite joining in the 1980s, people were described as ‘supportive and encouraging’, and the institution ‘always looked inwards’. There were challenges, but ‘policing has worked hard to recognise differences’. However, the panellist sympathised with BLM, as his work on gang affiliations meant that he has witnessed Black men dying on the streets, or partaking in crimes from an early age. He worries about the parallels with young Asians prone to radicalisation. The lack of support and resources for these minorities is exemplary of how systemic racism works in the UK.
The media have been notorious for portraying Black people as dangerous and different. One panellist complained about the tendency of news sources to focus on the negatives of the BLM protests; breaking COVID-19 guidelines, inflicting violence on innocent police, and vandalising public property. This creates false conclusions, and erases the reality of peaceful protests, passionate speeches and good changes. She worries that governments will use this as an excuse not to invest time and money in the cause.
Addressing racism on a personal level
Some panellists live in predominantly White areas across the UK, and are coming to terms with their denial; ‘we don’t like to think we have been racist, but as we think and examine our values, we realise that, yes, we have been’. As a result of this acceptance, they have educated themselves, questioned everything they’ve thought and read, and had uncomfortable conversations. One panellist voiced that:
‘You are not an ally if you are not willing to sit with the discomfort of your privilege. The personal is political, you can’t make this conversation about you and your problems. If enough White people understood and work, we can create critical mass of good anti-racist allies.’
In contrast, panelists who have always been comfortable talking about racism described feeling empowered. Now, they feel confident to challenge racist comments, and reassess their work. One panellist spoke about toxic Asian cultures that don’t want to support BLM, and opened up about the difficulty of seeing this in her family. She said that ‘ethnic minorities need to support each other, otherwise nothing will change’.
It was refreshing to hear stories about White people calling out other White people, challenging when things are not right because they now understand that choice is a privilege. As one panellist said ‘it is the White person’s work with other White people’. There was consensus that we need to be engaged with Black people in a listening position, and do something with our learnings to create action. However, be sensitive to the fact that Black people shouldn’t carry the burden to educate the rest of us. It is traumatising to keep asking victims to repeat what has happened to them, and how they have felt.
Decolonising the curriculum
Decolonising the curriculum is an important start to creating change. The panellists were concerned about the lack of formal education about how the British Empire and modern capitalist system are rooted in the history of slavery. ‘Why do the government celebrate Windrush Day without acknowledging how the generation arrived into the country?’ a panellist asked. Another stated that ‘the purpose isn’t just to get rid of the statues. The purpose is to reclaim history and understand where we come from’. The panel is calling on the government to allow the memorialisation of history, so that children can learn the truth.
But, education should continue beyond school. One panellist remembers a racism awareness course she took in the 1980s. To her surprise, it focused on the experience of being white, and relationships with whiteness — a topic she praised as valuable in understanding White people’s role in racial equality. She ponders ‘I wonder what has happened to these kinds of courses?’. We ask the same.
Turning to localism
However, many don’t feel hopeful that central government will make these changes. A panellist asked ‘it is clear that systemic racism exists, and has worsened. How can they act like nothing’s wrong?’. Others responded with ‘we need to reframe how we see power. If you see it decentralised, then you feel detached’. This echoes other panellists’ point that ‘we need to stop looking at political parties to do everything’ and that ‘this is a complex issue that needs evidence. An evidence based approach and government don’t go’. I was sad to hear faith in central government lost, but acknowledge that this doesn’t mean we have lost.
‘We should think about what more we can do instead,’ one panellist suggested, ‘there is power in organisations and local governments to take a stand’. Should we look to localism instead? Would, for example, building community policing relationships and coordinating local governments have greater impact? This creates larger questions about the fundamental role of central government to address racism in institutions such as the police force and NHS.
We have hope, but we worry
The panellists raised concerns about this becoming a culture war instead of a systemic moment, worries about those who chant ‘All Lives Matter’ and ask ‘what about me?’ during BLM protests, and frustration over the leaders of the inquiry into systemic racism.
However, it feels like we are taking steps in the right direction. Many have tried to understand their own biases, with some who previously would not acknowledge this issue now educating themselves and having uncomfortable conversations. Now, even police officers are taking a knee in solidarity with the movement. The panel, and I, believe that the new generation, with the help of previous generations, provides hope. Let’s keep going.
