Racism and prejudice: what's that all about?
Of all the crazy mixed up things there are in the world, this
must be the most stupid.
Never mind arguments and passions about football:
- Now here is an area for colour bias, especially
in this city; but I don't think red or blue is what counts as
colour prejudice. Yet, how much discussion is thrown out about the
beautiful game? Do we dislike Drogba because of the colour of his
skin - no, it's because he falls over more often and less
justified than a two year old. Do we love him because he has soul
in his bones; no, it's because, when he is on his two feet, he
delivers exquisite skill and breathtaking moments of goal-scoring
joy.
- And do we see prejudice in the 64% of non British/non-white
players in the Premiership - no, we see the most physically
demanding and arguably the most exciting league in the world - a
league envied throughout the world.
- Do we see a problem with an Italian manager of England; not as
long as he brings us a semblance of success, and more than the
former English born national coach, who we didn't like because
he was white, red, brown or green, but because he was rubbish.
- And will we wish Paul Ince well at Blackburn for any other reason
that we admire his attitude from his times at those two great
English clubs, or that we disliked his pouting and petulance when
playing for two red clubs who have won far too many trophies for
most of us.
- Yet, we can all relate and accept some forms of football
prejudice because at the end of the day it's fairly harmless,
in most cases, and 30 minutes and 2 pints later, who, in most
cases, cares (relatively that is, as a passionate Blue).
Never mind arguments and passions about religion
- Was it Yasser Arafat who said fighting for
religion was like fighting over who had the best imaginary friend?
If there is a God, I'm sure that He or She wouldn't
disagree!
- How bizarre that religion doesn't have as one their
unshakeable tenets that of tolerance and understanding, and that
people can't accept an alternative view when the basic crux of
all religions has to be the same.
- Yet again, one can see a degree of inverted rationale, although
an indescribable irony, in religious prejudice and intolerance.
After all, what frustration must there be in trying to persuade
someone to recognise and live their life by your own beliefs, when
very little proof can be offered that the alternative God actually
exists.
BUT, WHERE DOES COLOUR PREJUDICE AND RACISM COME FROM?
- I'm sure the deep seated anger and resentment
that predominantly white Anglo-Saxons are credited with isn't
unique in the world, but it sure is a great source of despair. What
gives Europeans and Americans the right to think that they have
some derived right to act and behave in any way superior to others
who just happen to have a different coloured skin, or perhaps a
different ethnic origin.
- How does the absurd ambition of wanting a nice holiday complexion
compare with a deep seated fear of those whose colour runs more
than skin deep
- What drives those to have anger and resentment pouring outwards
to those people who they have not even met?
WHAT IS THE ANSWER?
It is clearly so incorrect to judge a person on the
colour of their skin, and one can but hope that the worst of those
days are receding. Wider engagement by those who have no prejudice
will, it is hoped enable tolerance and understanding to flourish,
and not hiding from the atrocities of the past will ensure that
they are not repeated.
The recent example of the opening of the International
Slavery Museum in Liverpool will surely aid that progress.
Rarely can there be a place that so shows the absurdity of the
actions of those who promoted such prejudice, and contrasts it with
the sheer strength and joy of the human spirit in conquering such
injustice.
I was very moved by my recent time there, and would strongly
advocate a visit - you will not just see colour; you will see the
shimmering radiance of every element of a rainbow, and be totally
inspired.
Racism, as my footballing friends are saying - let's
keep kicking it out!
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