C1: Prejudice

Issue Navigation:

What can I do?

On a national level it is up to the lawmakers to legislate for a more just and equal society, but even on an individual level much can be done - if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change. Here are some suggestions of practical things you can do to cope with and challenge the prejudices and racial tensions that are in our society:

I can...

- spend time looking at my own attitudes and behaviour to see if I encourage or discourage prejudice.

- stop myself from using terms or phrases that may be seen by others as hurtful or degrading.

- speak out against racist comments and jokes around me.

- avoid using stereotypes.

- try to become more aware of racist TV programmes, advertising, newspapers and complain to those responsible.

- take an interest in the multi-ethnic and anti-racist programmes and classes in my school.

- read up and become better informed about race relations issues and other people's cultures.

And finally

Even if we accept in theory why we should be involved, why is it that we find so many obstacles to prevent us from putting this into practice? Perhaps it is because:

- It is easy to have a short memory and forget our immigrant past.

- It is easy to feel resentment that other peoples' experiences were less harsh than ours.

- It is easier to put the blame on the racist British National Party than to look at the racism that lies within us and within the institutions we take part in.

- It is easy to heave a sigh of relief in the belief that some of the heat is off us, as some other minority becomes the latest target of abuse.

- It is easier to say "I'm not a racist but...", than it is to admit our own fallibility.

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