SOT wrote:
Racism is defined in the Oxford dictionary as
The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races
Let me give you an example of what is perceived as racism in the 21st century workplace......
I was asked to describe a member of staff (from another department) during a work meeting recently. When describing him, I included the fact he is black (ie, the black guy whose desk is in room 123). The chair of the meeting complained that my remark might be construed as being racist. I said there was absolutely no racist intent and I asked if I described 'her' (someone at the meeting) as being a woman, would that be sexist?
I was asked to withdraw my 'racist' comment. I refused and walked out. I am afraid I did swear at the chair, which let my argument down a little. The criticism of me was later withdrawn after I aplogised about swearing and received support from, yes, the black guy who is a good friend of mine. He couldn't see what the fuss was about and suggested he was more hurt that he couldn't be described as black, something he is proud of.
It seems to me that by mentioning the colour of someone's skin when describing their appearance is not suggesting their race is inferior, or superior, but its a statement of fact.
Its a PC minefield out there. No wonder Rotheram type incidents occur when so many people in authority are running scared of the stigma of being called racist by over zealous managers/colleagues/press
There is a bit of a gulf about being pulled up for using a innocuous comment about a colleague and the systematic rape and abuse of thousands of children in Rotherham and across the wider Country.
I know you are not trying to make excuses but the answer is simple the Political Correctness culture has got to go.........
I for one and sick of it.... I have no no problem being referred to the white bloke over there even honky or whatever the street term is for white people these days. Normal people without chips on their shoulder laugh these things off.
We need to get past all this and I hope Rotherham is the catalyst which brings about the change we so desperately need.