EthnicityEuropeRaceRacism

Personal Experiences of Racism and Discrimination

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Source: WikiImages

 

Lately, there has been a lot of talk in the media about racism in sports.
But what about racism among England’s general population? It is a topic
that’s rarely discussed and one that needs to be brought to the forefront.

First, I need to make things clear. I am a black woman with an American
accent. I live in Leeds, where it is quite segregated. When I am out and
about, running errands and walking around the city center, it seems as if
people look at me like they have never before seen a black person. At
times people give me mean, sour looks which seem to suggest that I am
intruding on their territory. I don’t think I could ever fit in this society
because it feels like I’m being held at arm’s length, even when people are
friendly. I spoke to a professional about my thoughts and feelings and
her response was that people want to protect their neighbourhoods. I still
wonder what she meant. Do people think I may do them some harm just
because I have dark skin and kinky hair because I look different from the
predominant population?

I’ve had two experiences that denote racism and discrimination. The first
one occurred when a support worker called a counselling organization on
my behalf. The person from the organization asked if I was White-
British. I didn’t know if the worker from Touchstone meant she would
only accept people of that racial group. I did find her question to be
discriminatory. The support worker didn’t challenge her question, and
when I tried to discuss it with him; he didn’t seem at all concerned.

On another occasion, I walked into an Orange store and approached a
sales agent. A white male walked in after I did. Although I stood right in
front of the salesperson and started to speak, he ignored me and served
the man behind me. Both men were white, which is why I can only see
this as racial discrimination.

I have been told that people in England dislike Americans because of the
war. Perhaps I have been experiencing some of these negative
sentiments. It is unfair to place that burden on all Americans.

What are most disturbing to me are the looks of derision I get from young
children. It makes me question or wonder if their parents are teaching
them negative and biased attitudes and beliefs.

 

By Veronica Moody

4 comments

  1. Lucaa d. N. 14 March, 2018 at 08:06 Reply

    I am convinced that England has never supplanted that stale (today it is) consideration of being a Country that instills civilization.
    It is not my criticism; I am convinced that the “air of superiority” has not yet disappeared from the Queen’s subjects; Mine is not a criticism, it is an observation that certainly has historical reasons that absolve this attitude today mostly cultural.
    This attempts an explanation because the British sovereign People “allows” what America does not allow and that is precisely “that same air” the weapon they hold.
    Always aiming to “the other”.
    “God Save the Queen.”
    (Not in my name)
    https://mashallah-book.com/2017/10/29/aaa-intellettuali-cercasi-aaa-intellectuals-wanted/

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