Why are Muslims justifying our seat at the table?
Ifza Shakoor
EDI Decolonial Doctoral Candidate | Transformative, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (TEDI) Consultant | EDI Associate | Reading Strategy Lead | Open to New Connections, Feel Free To Connect | All Views Are My Own
It's deeply troubling that Muslims in the UK feel the need to justify their place in society. This stems from a persistent stereotype of the "good immigrant"—a myth that suggests minorities must be overly apologetic, conforming, and compliant to be accepted. This stereotype is harmful and unnecessary. The contributions of Muslims and other minority communities are vast and invaluable, and they should not have to prove their worth continuously.
The Myth of the "Good Immigrant"
The notion of the "good immigrant" is a stereotype that sets unrealistic and unfair expectations. It suggests that only those who are exemplary in their behaviour, overly conforming to societal norms, and excessively compliant deserve acceptance. This myth must be dismantled. All individuals, regardless of their background, have inherent worth and should be treated with respect and equality.
The Historical Roots and Present Reality of Multicultural Britain
Once upon a time, a multiculturalism UK was celebrated for its rich cultural diversity. Owing much of its multiculturalism to the historical contexts of migration and colonialism is a factor many gloss over. What confuses and dumbfounds me is that there remains a perplexing need for some communities, particularly Muslims, to justify their contributions to society continuously. This article delves into the historical foundations of Britain’s multiculturalism and the contemporary challenges it faces, underscored by the statistics provided by Dr. Zaheer Ahmad MBE (please note this is not a criticism of anyone, but my personal views.
The Legacy of Colonialism
The British Empire spanned continents at its height, incorporating vast swathes of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. This era of colonial expansion was marked by the exploitation and extraction of resources and the imposition of British rule over diverse populations. The repercussions of these actions reverberate to this day, shaping modern Britain's demographic and cultural landscape.
Resources to Explore Colonialism:
The British Empire: An Interactive History - https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/
Colonialism in India - https://www.history.com/topics/india/india
The Impact of Colonialism on African Societies - https://www.britannica.com/topic/colonialism/The-history-of-colonialism
The British Museum: Exploring the British Empire - https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/galleries/british-e mpire
Post-War Migration
In the aftermath of World War II, Britain faced a monumental task: rebuilding a war-torn nation. The call for help resonated across the Commonwealth, inviting people from former colonies to migrate and contribute to the reconstruction efforts. Many answered, bringing with them their skills, cultures, and dreams. The contributions of these migrant communities were pivotal in rebuilding Britain, laying the groundwork for the multicultural society we see today.
Resources to Explore Migration:
The Windrush Generation - https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/windrush/
History of Migration to the UK - https://www.migrationmuseum.org/the-history-of-migration-to-the-uk/
BBC Bitesize: Post-War Immigration - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zf7fr82/revision/1
Migration Watch UK: Historical Overview - https://www.migrationwatchuk.org/key-topics/history-of-migration
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The Need to Justify Contributions
Despite their significant contributions, as highlighted in the image above, Muslim communities and other minority groups often find themselves in a position where they must justify their existence and contributions to British society. According to Dr. Zaheer Ahmad MBE, the Muslim community alone contributes over ￡31 billion to the UK economy, donates over ￡100 million to charities annually, and is heavily represented in essential sectors like healthcare and business.
The Current Racist Undercurrent
Unfortunately, despite these undeniable contributions, there is a disturbing resurgence of racist sentiments across the UK. This violent, racist movement seeks to undermine the historical and contemporary role of migrants in the nation’s success. It is criticall to challenge these narratives, recognising that the multicultural dynamics of the UK is not a byproduct of recent trends but a direct consequence of its imperial past and the subsequent migration patterns.
Recently, I saw an unhelpful LinkedIn post blaming EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) positive action for the racism we see today. I replied using the following:
"I work in EDI and can tell you that’s not true. Diversity hires are made sometimes to check boxes, but it’s about getting a balance of skill vs demographics and plugging gaps. This isn’t helpful as the root cause isn’t EDI initiatives but poverty and a poor standard of living, media toxicity, media lies, and poisonous political rhetoric."
Below is a useful article to understand the current situation.
Resources to Explore Racism and Its Impact:
Equality and Human Rights Commission - https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en
Unpacking the Root Causes of Unrest
The recent incidents of looting, racism, and violence in the UK are symptomatic of deeper societal issues that need to be addressed comprehensively. Blaming EDI initiatives for these problems is not only misleading but also harmful. Instead, we must look at the root causes:
Government's Role and Responsibility
Our government must prioritise addressing domestic issues over creating unrest in other countries. This involves redirecting funding to tackle poverty, improve living standards, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. Policies should focus on:
The statistics provided by Dr. Zaheer Ahmad MBE paint a clear picture of the integral role that Muslim communities play in the UK. However, the larger question remains: why must these contributions be continually highlighted to justify their place in society?
The answer lies in acknowledging the historical contexts of colonialism and migration, and actively combating the rising tide of racism. Britain’s multiculturalism is not just a testament to its diverse population, but a reflection of its historical journey—a journey that demands recognition and respect for all its contributors.
The multicultural identity of the UK should be celebrated and embraced, with an understanding of the historical injustices that have shaped it. Moving beyond justification and towards genuine acceptance and equality for all communities that call Britain home is imperative. Addressing the root causes of societal unrest through comprehensive domestic policies will pave the way for a more inclusive and harmonious future.
Semi Retired at None
3 个月WHY do so many one another hate / —neighbour against neighbour, nation against nation / don’t they know the hour is nigh when it’ll all be too late / for them to convince You to not damn Creation? // ? All too readily red resents yellow, white stabs at black / relentlessly yellow despises red, black beats on white / compassion and forgiveness they collectively lack, / they do naught but argue, threaten then physically fight. // ? Their fighting causes innocents’ flesh to be torn, them to mourn, / the fighters’ ignorance and hate insist upon their continued wars / —bloody wars leaving countless to cry out ‘Why were we even born!?’ / because the evil will not stop till the fighters have all settled their scores.?// ? Theistic person PLEASE practice the true teachings of your religion / telling you to love and forgive your enemies as ye do yourself / so that you and those you hate may break from brutal tradition / instead place your vile venom and bigotry on the very back shelf. // ? People, people! while on spaceship Earth you’re all confined / your hate will continue to grow until your frail race does fall / and your self?destructive nature annihilates all mankind / because you allowed your differences to form a formidable wall.
Writer | Poet | Content Creator | Wildlife Advocate
3 个月A lot of history is overlooked and completely ignored. There are many fundamental aspects of European society that have been influenced by Islamic and Eastern traditions. Including, the graduation ceremony that was developed by "Islamic intellectual traditions to celebrate philosophical and academic achievements."