Multiculturalism

"Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any [one] …"

Deuteronomy 1:17 (NIV inclusified)

During the last week, the debate on multiculturalism has progressed from discussions concerning the essence of Britishness, to issues of national and individual identities. The perceived need for patriotism among minority ethnic and religious groups, coupled with the debate on the desirability to resurrect treason, as an arrestable offence, has underpinned some thoughts.

With "diversity" seen as the successor to the now discredited concept of "multiculturalism", the Government has announced the possibility of rebranding ethnic minority groups to enable the strengthening and highlighting of ‘their British roots’. Termed in the U.S. as "hyphenated immigrant identities" by a leading New York newspaper, these categorisations, would hopefully engender pride in one’s ethnic roots and in one’s Britishness. Labelled "racist", "fatuous", "retrograde" and "another gimmick" - it has been suggested that only "more intelligent and far reaching solutions" will enable a sense of belonging and commitment for second generation "immigrants" born in the U.K.

I have always had a problem with the qualification of my personhood with the suffix "of colour"– why can’t I just be a "person" and others - "people of no-colour"– and a discomfort with the contemporary label "black British". The evolution of my identity has reflected my developing consciousness as a person of African descent, living in a community of ‘others’. My father occasionally reminds me, with much glee, of how at ten years of age, I proudly announced myself to be "British". However this ceased, soon after, on discovering "others" saw me less benevolently. I was called half caste bastard, nigger and a black so and so. The descriptive identification of "Anglo-Jamaican of Afro-Caribbean descent" evolved into the definitive statement of my dual nationality; English-Jamaican; the former reflecting the place of my birth and the latter, proclaiming my "descent" & residency and emphasising my core national identity.

A respected media columnist has raised the debate, through a perceptive observation regarding Britain’s "appalling record of imperialism and pig-headed jingoism" – he astutely acknowledges that patriotism, i.e. national allegiance does not guarantee a reduction in human suffering. The article raised several significant issues for me, most importantly, whether in loving ourselves and our neighbours, we would by default, love the land we are in.

A recent publication of a public health survey, highlighting the impact of wealth and poverty, argues decisively for the recognition that "inequality kills". An analysis of the findings demonstrates irrefutably, that the stresses of low self esteem and disrespect from being at "the bottom of the pecking order….creates a social environment …more toxic than any pollutant. Low status and lack of control over one’s life is a destroyer of human health and happiness".

No amount of "spin" or rebranding - we are not "margarine" - will foster a sense of belonging. A commitment to social justice for all, may.

"External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God… is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need…" - James 1:27 (Ampl)

May the Holy Spirit of God guide and protect you in your search for equality and social justice for yourself and in your interactions with others.

Be empowered.

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