Racism is not as bad here...hmmm??

 
 


 

"Racism isn't as bad here as it is over there." This statement, on the surface, suggests that racism in certain countries is either minimal or non-existent compared to others, like the U.S. But this statement itself acknowledges that racism is present. The reality is that racism manifests in different forms, and its subtleties often go unnoticed in certain societies. People may fail to connect the dots, and the result is confusion, even outrage, when Black individuals in these countries call out the systems and rules we have had to demand be put in place.

Helping to explain the differences:

Both Becky and Tanya may face poverty, live in the same neighborhoods, and attend the same schools, but their experiences diverge drastically due to race. Becky, while experiencing her own struggles, is never subjected to the constant scrutiny that Tanya endures. Becky is free to exist without her skin color marking her as a potential threat. Meanwhile, Tanya is faced with racial bias at every turn, from the casual clutching of purses when she walks by to the police assuming she’s dangerous for merely existing.

While Becky may encounter law enforcement and walk away with a warning or a ticket, Tanya’s interactions are more likely to escalate, often resulting in traumatizing outcomes, sometimes even death. Tanya lives with the knowledge that she must explain her every action, ask for receipts in case she’s accused of theft, and prepare her children for a world that won’t always be kind to them because of their skin color. This racial dichotomy is what defines the experience of Black individuals, and this experience isn't unique to the United States.

The Subtle and Overt Differences in Racism (UK vs. US):

In countries like the UK, racism can be more subtle but no less damaging. In the U.S., racism is often more explicit and violent. But in the UK, microaggressions—casual remarks, discrimination, and social exclusion—can be just as dehumanizing. Black people are constantly being grouped together, stereotyped, or mistaken for one another. This is seen not only in everyday interactions but also in areas such as employment, where Black people face higher barriers to entry and fewer opportunities for advancement. Affirmative action and diversity programs wouldn't be necessary if the system had been built on a foundation of equality.

Institutional Racism:

Predominantly Black areas are underfunded. Loan applications for Black families are disproportionately denied. Black people face higher police scrutiny, harsher sentences, and biased treatment. The UK’s Windrush scandal is a clear example of how Black people, even those who’ve lived their entire lives in the country, can be rendered stateless due to systemic failures. Racism in the UK may not always grab headlines like it does in the U.S., but it’s present, nonetheless.

The Impact of U.S. Racism on Global Narratives:

Many Black people in the UK and other countries look to the U.S. for cues on addressing racism, as the fight against racism is louder and more visible there. But this doesn't mean that racism in the UK is less damaging or pervasive. When figures like Donald Trump rise to power in the U.S., stoking civil unrest, countries like the UK tend to follow suit. Political figures here too have a history of racist remarks and policies that disproportionately affect Black communities.

Conclusion:

Racism may not be as "hot" in the UK as it is in the U.S., but it is equally rife. Just because we aren’t constantly bombarded with overt racism doesn’t mean it’s not simmering beneath the surface. The UK tends to follow the U.S. in many ways, and with civil unrest on the rise across the Atlantic, we would be wise to start addressing our own racial issues now before they escalate into something far worse.

 

'Success, struggle and survival': Black founders speak out powerfully on the fight against everyday racism in the UK https://t.co/RYoIXarfvv

— Business Insider (@businessinsider) June 5, 2020

This Is Me. I Also Have One Of The Officers On Video Saying The Next Time He Sees Me Will Be In Custody. But There’s No Racism In The UK?🤨 https://t.co/mVJvLgDfLf

— TNE Kway💔🧗🏾‍♂️ (@jjfromkway) June 2, 2020