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In the February
Editorial page, Alan Fisher – under the sub-heading of Black Power –
wrote of a complaint made against him by a call taker for publishing
the account of a DaC driver who had been threatened by a gang of
‘hoodies’ and the driver’s comments that he "...locked his doors
because they were trying to hide their faces rather than because
they happened to be black." The Editor accepted responsibility for
everything in the mag and inferred that it could have been written
in a better way, but then added his own complaint when considering a
report in Southwark News that wrote of this year’s Black Power list
and of the 100 most influential BME (Black and Ethnic Minority)
candidates. He asked whether that amounted to a form of inverted
racism and questioned what the uproar would be if a top 100
influential white list was announced? Now long-time DaC driver Louie Christian (A48) responds... Hi Al, Just a few lines in response to your February Editorial in relation to the use of the word ‘black’ in certain circumstances. I really do believe you missed the point about when the black community uses the word black in recognition of its own success. It is not used to exclude whites or anyone else for that matter, it is used as way of encouraging the black ethnic population to do well and aspire to achieve, especially young black men. In the scheme of things, the white population of the UK is 92%. The black population in the UK is just 2% of the population, that’s approx 1,200,000 black people (not including Asians) in the UK. Therefore, if there were a general best entrepreneur competition, it would be most surprising if any black achievement would be noticeable or recognised. Before it lost its way and identity, the Music of Black Origins Award (MOBOs) were introduced for this reason. There were many musical awards where the black community would be left aghast at the exclusion of black music and/or artist. It was obviously felt by the black community and others that black music was not being recognised or appreciated, except for Michael Jackson and Prince and a few others. Hence the creation of the MOBOs. |
Black Power or Black Empowerment...? |
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 We are a small minority, Al. Our children, like all others, need inspiration, aspiration and role models to look up to. They need to see the positive side of their blackness, not just the negatives reported in the press, news and seen on TV and films. It is for these reasons, amongst others, why the "Black" awards were introduced. Is this so wrong? There is a top rich list published every year; are there likely to be any blacks on that list? I have never seen one. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a top white entrepreneur list. Do you really believe the 100 most influential people in the UK (or Britain as you put it) is likely to contain any blacks? I really don't think so! This does not mean for a moment that blacks are not doing well; it’s just about the numbers. I wonder if you feel the same way about the use of the word black when it is associated with negatives? Why is it black ice? Black clouds? Black day (recently the blackest day on the stock exchange)? They are all used in the negative. No doubt, because it is a part of the English language, it seems perfectly normal. Well ask yourself: Is it? Have you ever seen black ice or a black day? Perhaps this is what McPherson meant when he stated inherent racism, because I dare say much of the white population would not see anything wrong with the use of these words. However, to much |
of the black population, the use
of these terms are highly derogatory. By the way, when I am driving
my cab the first priority is my safety. Therefore, if I sense
danger I will not stop to pick up certain people, irrespective
of their colour. As you are aware, you have a split second to decide
whether so stop and pick up someone. Even though I am black, there
have been many times when I have not stopped and picked up
passengers white or black. I have to think of my safety. Thus, if
the driver who prompted the earlier article feared for his safety,
he had a right to lock his door or not stop. Finally Al, it’s not about 'black power', its about 'black empowerment' of the young blacks so that they could aspire to be whatever they want to be! Thus, do not believe for one moment that the word is used to exclude anyone. It is used to encourage the young blacks in the UK. The award to Mr Roger Lynch is for being both black and good at his job. I believe I am worldly and well read, yet I have never heard of Mr Roger Lynch or his award. What of the young blacks who we are led to believe do nothing but commit crimes? If there wasn't such an award, who would have known that Roger Lynch was good at his job? Where would the recognition have come from? If we lived in an ideal world where everyone was treated equally and fairly, then I dare say there would be no need for the use of the black word or special recognition for black achievements, but you and I know we as a nation and world are far from that! Louie Christian (A48) |
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APRIL EVENTS AT THE BANK OF ENGLAND |
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Trying to keep the children occupied during the school holidays
isn’t always easy, but the Bank of England have a few events going
on that could help... Egging you on is an invitation to follow a treasure trail around the Museum with prizes to be won, in addition to a free chocolate egg for every child taking part. That’s on for four days from April 6 – 9 inclusive and from 10am till 4.30pm. Is the Bank on your case asks children to draw and colour a favourite Museum exhibit onto a pencil case that they can then take home. A free pen and pencil with a Bank of England theme will be thrown in as well. Sadly for those accompanying the children, none will be stuffed with freshly minted £50 notes! The Bank of England Museum is also open. It tells the fascinating story of the Bank’s origins in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank and also includes a section on Wind in the Willows author, Kenneth Grahame, who worked at the BoE for thirty years. All the above events - including Museum - entry are free... |
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