Justice, racism and Diane Abbot
It was an utterly fantastic start week for anyone who abhors racism (that being any right minded person), with justice finally being done for Stephen Lawrence, his family and friends, over 18 years after his racist murder.
In the last day or so, a few clouds have started to gather in response to a tweet by Hackney Labour MP, Diane Abbot.
The tweet that has caused offence read White people love playing ‘divide & rule’. We should not play their game. #tacticasoldascolonialism
Many on the right, and indeed some on the left, have accused her of reverse racism. Taking this single tweet alone, I can see why people would reach that conclusion. The language she used could certainly be construed as racist. When the rest of the conversation with the tweet included is read that the intent, if not the wording, was not.
The exchange that took place is as follows...
Bim Adewunmi (freelance journalist): I do wish everyone would stop saying ‘the black community’ though. WHICH ONE?
Same with ‘black community leaders’ they wheel out whenever someone black gets stabbed. I hate the generally lazy thinking behind the use of the term. Same for ‘black community leaders’.
Diane Abbot: I understand the cultural point you are making. But you are playing into a 'divide and rule' agenda.
Bim Adewunmi: I find it frustrating that half the time, these leaders are out of touch with the black people they purport to represent.
Diane Abbot: White people love playing ‘divide & rule’. We should not play their game. #tacticasoldascolonialism.
I will say from the off that what Diane Abbot tweeted was stupid, ill thought out, and was obviously going to stir up a storm. Had she said The right love playing ‘divide & rule’. We should not play their game., there wouldn't have been a problem - and she would have been absolutely spot on. What she was trying to do - albeit in a clumsy way - was to link past (white) colonialism with the current race issue. While her wording may have been clumsy, I don't disagree with what she was trying to say.
As someone who, as well as being a politician, has also worked in the media, she should have known MUCH better...and should have realised what the result of her tweet would be....that is to cloud the waters in a week where anti-racism was firmly in the spotlight. That this has happened is a real shame....it is nothing short of tragic. Having said this much, I simply will not take lessons in anti-racism from the right, who have got a huge house to get into order where issues of race are concerned....and in the ordinary world, the vast bulk of those on the recieving end of racism, going from comments, spitting, evil looks, alienation, refusing to hire, and sometimes racist attacks and murders, are ethnic minorities.
Her tweet may have been stupid, clumsy, and more, but, when put into the wider picture, should be nothing more than an unfortunate storm in a teacup.
=============================================== =====================================
I predict a riot - in aisle 18
=============================================== =====================================
