The world has entered the worst recession since the Second World War, if not a full blown depression. Only time will tell. However, one thing is well established: these are the conditions in which racism and fascism can flourish. With the European elections also approaching it is likely, that there are already attempts to pander to racism and blame black, minority and immigrant communities for the economic situation.
Now more than ever the anti-racist movement, with the black and Asian communities, trade unions and other progressive organisations, must assert the enormous contribution that Britain’s diverse communities have made to the wealth and dynamism of this society.
At the core of driving back this racist wave we need to reassert the strengths of our multicultural society. A society where everyone has the right to expression of their faith and cultural preferences, so long as they do not infringe the rights of others to express theirs.
The need to promote the real facts about British society was underlined earlier this year. New research Sleepwalking to segregation? Challenging myths about race and immigration, by Professor Ludi Simpson and Dr Nissa Finney, published in January by Policy Press, shows how repeated falsehoods about immigration, integration and segregation are misguiding policy and promoting racial disharmony. Amongst other things the authors show that there are no “race ghettos” in Britain, there is increasing integration and ethnic mixing, and that white communities are actually moving into minority concentrations in Leicester, Bradford, Lambeth, Wolverhampton, Wycombe, Manchester and Merton. The authors also provide evidence showing that areas with large Muslim populations do not act as “breeding grounds” for terrorism. Details of the official launch below.
There has never been a more important time to support NAAR and its charitable partner organisation the Respect Trust in the campaign to defend the multicultural society we live in.
For further information about the One Society, Many Cultures click here or contact NAAR on 020 7247 9907 or the Respect Trust on 020 7377 0203.
Sleepwalking to Segregation can be purchased here.