An important discussion. Interesting to hear how some politicians seem to effectively dissociate themselves from their identity to enable them to “fit in” to the current (inherently racism and misogynistic) system. Hester’s comments were deplorable and Sunak’s response utterly deplorable and deeply worrying.
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear that you appreciate the effort and the quality of the guests on the show. Addressing large issues such as racism requires a deep understanding, and having well-informed guests is crucial to providing valuable insights. It's reassuring to know that their expertise resonates with you, not just concerning the UK but globally. If there are any specific topics or questions you'd like us to explore further, please feel free to share!Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear that you appreciate the effort and the quality of the guests on the show. Addressing large issues such as racism requires a deep understanding, and having well-informed guests is crucial to providing valuable insights. It's reassuring to know that their expertise resonates with you, not just concerning the UK but globally. If there are any specific topics or questions you'd like us to explore further, please feel free to share!
Great discussion Roifield. Sunak's ignominous response to the vile comments made about Britain's longest serving Black MP prove not only what lickspittles he and the rest of his front bench are to those with wealth and entitlement, but also that he has calculated that those comments may play well with the fringe voters they want to attract. I respect your guests magnanimity towards Kwarteng and Badenoch, but I'm far less sympathetic: the former is leaving Parliament so has nothing to lose; the latter knew she'd be stealing a march on Sunak and has eyes fixed firmly on his job.
Some years back during the early Blair years, I remember conversations among the political appartachiks I was on the (extremely distant) fringes of, that multiculturalism was over. It's function fulfilled. Eventually leading to the abolition on the Commission for Racial Equality and other distinct Equality bodies to be replaced by the EHRC, a organisation notable for making a virtue of invisibility, when it isn't defending itself against claims of racial discrimination and bullying made against senior staff. There was a time when Herman Ouseley, as Chair of the CRE was a regular on the airwaves, I'd challenge even political journalists to name the chair of the EHRC.
My point is that multiculturalism, besides being simply a fact, is a political endeavour - the ever-constant vigilance against racism, and the promotion of societal values where different in not merely tolerated but understood as a reality, mutable though it is.
Twenty-five years ago, I wrote a piece in the New Statesman in which I argued that schools were the key, writing that 'The national curriculum has narrowed down ways of looking at history and English and now needs to be made more responsive to local needs. We should bring race-awareness back into schools and banish the myopia that believes colour doesn’t signify.' These same words could be said of the Tory Government education policy today.
An important discussion. Interesting to hear how some politicians seem to effectively dissociate themselves from their identity to enable them to “fit in” to the current (inherently racism and misogynistic) system. Hester’s comments were deplorable and Sunak’s response utterly deplorable and deeply worrying.
Excellent work Roifield. Such a large problem, not just in the UK but in many other countries.
Your guests are always very well informed.
Liz
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear that you appreciate the effort and the quality of the guests on the show. Addressing large issues such as racism requires a deep understanding, and having well-informed guests is crucial to providing valuable insights. It's reassuring to know that their expertise resonates with you, not just concerning the UK but globally. If there are any specific topics or questions you'd like us to explore further, please feel free to share!Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear that you appreciate the effort and the quality of the guests on the show. Addressing large issues such as racism requires a deep understanding, and having well-informed guests is crucial to providing valuable insights. It's reassuring to know that their expertise resonates with you, not just concerning the UK but globally. If there are any specific topics or questions you'd like us to explore further, please feel free to share!
Great discussion Roifield. Sunak's ignominous response to the vile comments made about Britain's longest serving Black MP prove not only what lickspittles he and the rest of his front bench are to those with wealth and entitlement, but also that he has calculated that those comments may play well with the fringe voters they want to attract. I respect your guests magnanimity towards Kwarteng and Badenoch, but I'm far less sympathetic: the former is leaving Parliament so has nothing to lose; the latter knew she'd be stealing a march on Sunak and has eyes fixed firmly on his job.
Some years back during the early Blair years, I remember conversations among the political appartachiks I was on the (extremely distant) fringes of, that multiculturalism was over. It's function fulfilled. Eventually leading to the abolition on the Commission for Racial Equality and other distinct Equality bodies to be replaced by the EHRC, a organisation notable for making a virtue of invisibility, when it isn't defending itself against claims of racial discrimination and bullying made against senior staff. There was a time when Herman Ouseley, as Chair of the CRE was a regular on the airwaves, I'd challenge even political journalists to name the chair of the EHRC.
My point is that multiculturalism, besides being simply a fact, is a political endeavour - the ever-constant vigilance against racism, and the promotion of societal values where different in not merely tolerated but understood as a reality, mutable though it is.
Twenty-five years ago, I wrote a piece in the New Statesman in which I argued that schools were the key, writing that 'The national curriculum has narrowed down ways of looking at history and English and now needs to be made more responsive to local needs. We should bring race-awareness back into schools and banish the myopia that believes colour doesn’t signify.' These same words could be said of the Tory Government education policy today.
Thank you again for this wonderful conversation!
Gavin Mensah-Coker
great episode, filled with insights about bigotry (systemic and individual) that apply to so many contexts 💭