TMP Online

TMP columnist Lola Adesioye argues that we need to look at the benefits of immigration in the wake of the remarks of Chief Constable Julie Spence.

This week Chief Constable Julie Spence from Cambridge entered into the immigration debate, giving her views on how migrant workers – particularly those from Eastern Europe – are placing a heavy burden on the resources of the police force. Language, cultural and social differences are all, according to Ms Spence, costing her community – and no doubt others - dear.

Of course the media loved that! They might as well have shouted: “See! We knew we were right! Immigration is bad for our beloved country! Forget what the government says, here is a senior police officer telling us what we’ve always known!” Lo and behold, the newspapers – from The Daily Mail to The Telegraph - played up to the hysteria.

Ross Clark in the Times wrote the following piece of well-investigated journalism (please note my sarcasm): “That our murder rate has doubled since the 1950s, for example, is not entirely unconnected with our having absorbed a great number of migrants from cultures much more violent than our own.”

I would love to ask Mr Clark from where he gets his evidence that a) Eastern Europeans (or anyone else for that matter) are more violent than Brits, and b) that the increased murder rate in the UK since 1950 has anything whatsoever to do with immigration.

In another piece of scare-mongering, the Telegraph says: “Society is fracturing, segregation growing, the dream of integration further away than ever. This poses profound problems for the country: funding adequate public services is probably the least of them.” Again, where is the real evidence for any of this?

Unfortunately, these are simply the ill-informed, un-researched personal – although presented as fact - opinions of supposedly intelligent, forward thinking and educated people. But blimey, if they feel that way, what must the average Joe Bloggs think?

Immigration is - and always has been - a controversial issue in this country. Whilst the government plays up the economic benefits, many remain unconvinced, believing instead that it harms ‘social cohesion’ and damages the fabric of British society. Ms Spence’s comments served only to reinforce this viewpoint. According to her, people from Eastern Europe have ‘different standards’ and are responsible for a rise in knife crime and drink driving.

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This country needs to be able to discuss race and racism openly and as objectively as possible argues TMP columnist, Lola Adesioye.

This week Trevor McDonald was cleared of racism after he described the late comedian Bernard Manning as a “fat, white, bastard” on his television show ‘News Knight’. Ofcom said that within the context of usage, such language – although strong – was “clearly intended to parody Manning’s own comedy” and was “justified in the context”.

I am glad that Ofcom came to this ruling. It evidently used its discretion and common sense – unlike most when discussing racism – and an understanding that context plays a defining role in the meaning and significance of words. I’m pleased that Ofcom did not fall into the naive political correctness trap which deems that any mention of skin colour is racist.

In a year when a white contestant was removed from the Big Brother house for calling a fellow (black) housemate a ‘n****r’ (following the racist bullying of Indian actress Shilpa Shetty in the previous series), and the American radio presenter Don Imus committed career suicide when he was overheard calling a group of black female basketball players ‘nappy headed ho’s’, the debate continues to rage - and opinions are strongly divided - when it comes to deciding what constitutes racism.

Over 100 complaints were made by viewers to Ofcom and ITV about Trevor McDonald’s words. The comedian Jim Bowen was said to be ‘appalled’ and Manning’s partner ‘shocked’. I am rather amused that in a clearly satirical piece of television - please note that the actual segment was entitled ‘Racist and Dead’ - about a highly controversial comedian who would have used the very same language himself, some were unable to understand the irony behind what was being said.

However, I am not surprised that complaints were made. I am not surprised because whether we’re talking about Don Imus, Big Brother or Trevor McDonald, it has become virtually impossible to have a sensible, honest debate or discussion about anything to do with race without hysterical public reactions. The issue is further complicated in the public’s minds by an apparent double standard where it is believed that people of colour can use any language they choose, but white people are called racists if they use the very same language. The ‘N word’ debate, for example, is centered around this complexity.

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Presently ensconced in New York, TMP’s new columnist, Lola Adesioye, argues that we need Black British leaders in the Jesse Jackson mould.

Jesse Jackson has recently been in the UK talking to African-Caribbeans across the country… Hundreds, if not thousands, of people of colour have come out to listen to Mr Jackson’s encouraging and empowering words. He has energetically and enthusiastically urged black Britons to raise self-esteem and self-knowledge, to focus on achieving equality within British society and to overcome problems such as educational failure and low expectations. Words, which according to the government’s recent REACH report and the intense media spotlight on so-called ‘black on black’ crime, are currently vital and long overdue.

The US is well known for powerful African-American social and political figures such as Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. Media moguls such as Russell Simmons and Oprah Winfrey can also be added to the list. Not only are these people respected within the upper echelons of society but they are listened to by the masses. Therein lies their power. That potent combination has enabled them to galvanize black people when necessary, as well as represent black interests to the outside world by providing coherent, intelligent and unified voices.

I sincerely believe that black Britons would benefit from British versions of such figureheads. Black Britons need people who are inspirational not only as a result of their wealth or celebrity status (e.g. athletes and entertainers), but because they are able to provide positive, uplifting messages, as well as put across credible arguments and discussions in areas in which black voices may not otherwise be heard. These people become both role models and representatives.

It is not enough to sit on committees and speak to government ministers, as important as that is. In order to be truly effective, any such leader must also be in close contact with the community, have its respect and be able to stimulate the people. In the UK, there is nobody I can think of whose influence cuts across society, from top to bottom, in that way.

Why is that the case? I would argue that in the UK, once people of colour reach a certain level of success - especially in traditional fields such as finance, law or politics - they move in circles in which they may be one of a handful of black people, all of whom will be educated, and well-to-do. It is easy to become separate or distanced from the needs or interests of regular, working-class black people - particularly those who face the most serious problems - when you do not have to deal with them in your every day life. Even Nelson Mandela, in a recent plea to black leaders, has urged successful black people to be aware of becoming cut off from those less fortunate.

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