Doing "The Right thing" - Not Being Racist vs Being Anti Racist'

As a woman of colour, and with the added complexity of being an immigrant from the UK, I have seen my fair share of various degrees of racism. Excuse the pun, but it has not been completely as black and white as one may think.

One night, over 20 years ago, I lived in Edmonton, Canada. I was minding my own business, walking down the main street (ironically named Whyte Avenue) a bit merry from a night of Karaoke, when I suddenly heard a shout from across the road, from a guy who was also walking home after what was presumably a night out with his mates also:

?“N***** go back to where you come from!”

As a young brash Londoner in my early 20’s, who at that age still felt invincible, I yelled back in my broadest Cockney accent:

“What, London? Too right, I can’t wait – Anything is better than this dump!” (And before anyone says anything – I absolutely adore Edmonton/Canada – This one incident does not speak to a nation as a whole - But to 20-year-old me, it sounded like the coolest put down to say back at the time).

He looked stunned. His mates were howling with laughter.

“Oh sorry” He says embarrassed, “I didn’t know you were from England”.

Oh, so that makes it A-Ok, then? Right, gotcha. The way I “spoke” and the fact I came from England made me “acceptable” in this person’s eyes.

Wow, well, how very civilised.

As I continued to age, I saw firsthand the many forms of racism – from the “*insert-racist-term-here*, and please know I’m not being racist by saying this - I’ve got black friends” brigade, to those who were your upfront, hatred in their eyes type, Racists. ?

Uncomfortable as it is, even though we are in 2023, most companies still don’t want to admit that there is still a massive bias against candidates – From where they went to school, gained work experience, down to a candidate’s actual name. I have a very “Anglo” sounding name, and I am fully aware of the privilege that comes with it. My younger sister, Fatima, on the other hand hasn’t had the same afforded to her.

As recently as 5 years ago, HRM, the news site of the Australian Human Resources institute, shared the story about Optus, who?“came under fire for posting a job ad?on employment site SEEK, that noted a preference for ‘candidates who are Anglo Saxon’”.

Although the ad was swiftly removed after accusations of racism were levelled at the “telecommunications giant”, the veil was lifted for all to see – Whether unconscious or overtly, yes, racism can happen every and anywhere – even in recruitment, where it is a criminal offense to be so.

Recently, I was lucky to have a face-to-face discussion on Diversity and Multiculturalism with Socceroo, Broadcaster, Human Rights Activist, ally, and all-round good egg, Craig Foster AM – He brought up a fantastic point: Its not enough to be “not racist”. We, as a society, must be “Anti-Racist” in all its forms, and not be afraid to call it out when we see it.

Being so outspoken regarding what really is still a reality, can be seen as uncomfortable to some – And whilst many are trying to do “the right thing”, this is nowhere near enough.

It is time for us all, to be educated and fully understand what “the right thing”, really means.

#Diversity #RacialBias #AntiRacism #Racism #UnconciousBias #Inclusion #Ally #Allies #Ally-ship #Multiculturalism #StopRacism #Workplace #CorporateResponsibility #LinkedIn #LinkedInNews