Minority Ethnic Communities in Fife
November 2002
Contents
Introduction ………………………………………………………………..
Page
3
Cultural Traditions: ……………………………………………………...
5
Chinese ……………………………………………………………………..
Hindu ………………………………………………………………………..
Muslim ………………………………………………………………………
Sikh ………………………………………………………………………….
5
6
8
10
Languages ………………………………………………………………...
12
Summary Table …………………………………………………………...
13
Naming Systems …………………………………………………………
14
Some problems of ethnic minority communities in Fife …………
19
November 2002
2
INTRODUCTION
Present day Scotland is a society characterised by cultural, ethnic and
linguistic diversity and has increasing contact with people and cultures worldwide. While this diversity is most often associated with the main cities,
regions such as Fife are also becoming increasingly multicultural. Some 40
languages are spoken in Fife homes, and there are native-born Fifers
belonging to most of the world’s main religious and ethnic groups.
Diversity is not new to Fife: throughout history, groups have arrived and
settled, contributing through their language and culture to the variety and
vitality of this part of Scotland. Picts, Scots, Vikings, English, Dutch, Flemish
and French have all left their mark in the place names, personal names,
languages and culture, and although these influences have blended over
time, many parts of Fife have retained distinct dialects and ways of life. In
more recent times, Jewish, Polish, Italian, Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and
Chinese people have moved to Fife, settled and become part of the
community while retaining some distinct characteristics.
Many of these families which could be described as belonging to “minority
ethnic” groups have been settled in Scotland now for 3 or 4 generations, and
their cultures have been influenced greatly both by the other cultural traditions
of Scotland and by contact with the media and the wider world. Thus, while
most families cherish the languages and traditions brought by the original
immigrants, the cultures developing in Scotland show a variety of influences,
and can best be described as Scottish-Asian, Scottish-Chinese etc. For
young people in particular, this bi-cultural identity can prove both stimulating
and frustrating, for whilst it opens the door to a variety of languages and
culture, it does not protect them from the racism of the white community,
which still generally prevents people from accepting black and Asian people
as Scottish.
When discussing characteristics of any culture, it is important to avoid
stereotyping. All families are different, and within families, individuals vary
enormously in what they accept and reject of the cultures they brought up
with. All living cultures are dynamic, and the remarks, which follow, are not
descriptive of any norm, but merely shown some of the cultural features which
individuals and their families may adopt.
Some generalisations may be made. In most homes, English, or a variation
of English, is the main spoken language of the younger generation amongst
themselves. Young people generally understand the languages used by their
parents and grandparents, but a large number make little us of them after the
age of about 7. Most adults would like their children to learn their first
language properly, but few have the time to teach them. Strong links are
maintained with relatives abroad, and extended visits are often made for
social or business reasons.
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The environment in which individuals group up exerts a strong influence, and
it may be that ethnic minority children of whatever religious background who
grow up in Fife have more in common with each other than with members of
their religious community brought up abroad.
Associations
Many Bengalis, both Hindu and Muslim, belong to the Bengali Association,
and a Fife Asian Society has recently been formed which includes members
from several communities. The Chinese community has links with Chinese
Associations in Edinburgh and Perth.
This overview of the minority ethnic groups in Fife does not take into account
the many other languages and cultures which go to make up the rich diversity
of our society. It should however help to locate the main cultural traditions
described in this leaflet within the context of the evolving multicultural society
of Fife.
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CULTURAL TRADITIONS
THE CHINESE COMMUNITY
Introduction
The majority of Chinese people living in Fife have a culture, which retains
certain traditional features while being strongly influenced by the West.
During 1950 and 60s, the British Government encouraged Chinese people to
emigrate from Hong Kong to the UK, and while many of these original
immigrants still live here, the majority of Fife Chinese people were born in the
UK and have spent most of their lives in this country. Almost all are involved
in the catering industry.
The part of Hong Kong which the Scottish-Chinese community originally came
from is the “New Territories”, an area of small farms and villages to the north
of the more built-up urban areas of Victoria and Kowloon.
Religion
Traditional values include respect for elders and authority, reliance on the
family and hard work. The religion of many people is basically Buddhist or
Confucian, but most families follow a secular way of life. Some Christians
attend the True Jesus Church in Edinburgh.
Festivals
Highlight of the Chinese calendar is Yuan Tan, Chinese New Year. This is a
spring festival whose date usually falls in late January or early February.
Chinese shops, restaurants and businesses close for 2 or 3 days, and many
of the community gather in Perth, Edinburgh or Glenrothes for a meal and
celebration. Other traditional Chinese festivals are less widely celebrated.
Culture
Dress
Dress is western for all Fife Chinese, except for a few older people.
Diet
No restrictions. Almost no Chinese are vegetarians. Dairy products are less
prominent than in most western diets.
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THE HINDU COMMUNITY
Introduction
The Hindu community in Fife is made up of people who come from many
parts of the world, including East Africa and India. Because of this variation
the language, culture and emphasis on aspects of Hinduism as a religion vary
a great deal.
Religion
Hinduism is a very ancient religion and though Hindus may worship many
Gods, they ultimately acknowledge that both Gods and men emanate from
one eternal creative force. The religious aim of life is to be drawn back into
that eternal centre, and until this is achieved one continues to be reborn into a
different life. Behaviour in each life determines status and rank in the next.
Hinduism, by its very nature, does not have a centralised philosophy or
means of worship as a focal point for all Hindus. Consequently, much of the
religious activity is centred in the home.
Some Hindus in Fife do attend a meeting place, which is used as a temple in
Taylor Lane, Dundee. It is open only on Sundays at mid-day, and for
ceremonies.
Religious Ceremonies
Birth
The mother and child may observe 10 days ritual impurity after birth. After
this period a name is given to the child. Later, observance is kept of the first
journey out of the house to see the sun and the first meal of solid food. Boys
must have their heads shaved at birth.
Marriage
Traditionally, most Hindus are expected to marry. The bride’s father formally
gives his daughter to the groom and the marriage ceremony takes place in the
bride’s house or a hall where hospitality is provided by the bride’s father.
Marriage is regarded as a spiritual union and therefore divorce is forbidden.
Death
Hindus cremate their dead. The eldest son performs the funeral rites and the
mourners walk round the crematorium in an anti-clockwise direction. The
ashes are usually scattered over water.
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Festivals
Festivals are an important part of Hindu life. Because of the diversity of
religious beliefs there are a wide range of festivals celebrated including Diwali
and Holi.
Culture
The concept of social class was originally based on the division of labour and
was designed to make and orderly and better life. Within the 4 traditional
social classes there were many castes and sub-castes. Generally speaking,
in Britain, the caste system is no longer adhered to, except perhaps for
marriages.
Dress
Almost without exception, Hindu women in Fife tend to wear traditional Indian
dress, the sari, and men wear western clothes.
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THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY
Introduction
Although Muslims living in Fife may originate from many different countries,
they follow to a greater or lesser extent the Islamic religion as written and
recorded in the Quran, the Muslim holy book in which the Prophet Muhammad
gives comprehensive guidance on every aspect of life.
Religion
Muslims believe that there is only one God and Muhammad is his Prophet. A
devout Muslim will offer prayers 5 times a day, and will give a proportion of
his/her income to charity. In addition, adult Muslims fast from day-break to
sunset during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar and try to
visit Mecca at least once during their lifetime, if at all possible.
During the ninth month of Ramadan, nothing is eaten or drunk (not even
water) and even smoking is forbidden, between sunrise and sunset, and strict
control is practised over one’s behaviour. At the end of this month, there is a
day of celebrations called Eid-ul-Fitr. Muslims gather in Islamic Centres and
recite Eid prayers. This day is often the only time all Muslims and their
families can get together with other families, therefore it is especially
important. Following this, approximately 2 months and 10 days later there is
another 3 day Eid celebration (called Eid-ul-Adha). The dates of the festivals
move back about 10 days each year.
Religious Ceremonies
Birth
Following the birth of a baby, and as soon as possible after birth, a short
prayer (called Azan) is recited into the baby’s ears. This ceremony is similar
to that of baptising a child. If the baby is a boy, it is also necessary to get the
baby circumcised as soon as possible (called Sunnat).
Marriage
Arranged marriages are still traditional in Muslim families. At the marriage
ceremony, it is customary for the bridegroom to propose his intention to marry
the bride. This proposal is then conveyed to the bridge, who is asked whether
she agrees to the proposal. The bridegroom is then told whether the bride
has accepted whereupon he is asked to repeat his decision three times. If
both parties have agreed, the marriage ceremony (called Nikah) is performed
by an Imam who recites verses from the Quran.
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Death
When a Muslim person dies, it is important that her or she be buried as soon
as possible after death, with one person being buried per grave. It is also
important that the face of the deceased when they are laid to rest should face
Mecca. The grave itself should be raised by a minimum of 6 inches from the
ground.
Culture
Muslim Dress
Traditionally, women wear a shalwar, kameex and dupatta (similar to a
blouse, trousers and a scarf) and it is customary for women to cover
themselves from head to toe with only the face showing. Many younger
women now use a combination of western and traditional dress. Men’s dress
consists of a Kurta and shalwar but it is more common for men these days to
wear a shirt and trousers.
Diet
Muslims may eat beef, mutton, goat and chicken which has been slaughtered
according to the halal system. They do not eat pork.
During religious festivals throughout the year, Muslims offer a prayer over
specially cooked food. This blessed food can then either be divided between
friends and relatives or taken to a Mosque to be eaten there.
Alcohol is forbidden to Muslims.
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THE SIKH COMMUNITY
Introduction
There is a relatively small Sikh community in Fife most of whom live in the
Kirkcaldy/Dunfermline area.
Religion
A Sikh Gurdwara is a place of meditation, divine knowledge, and tranquility.
The faith is closely interwoven with the culture of Sikhs. The temple is
therefore not only a place of worship but also the centre of their society,
where there should be no prejudice between any individuals on any grounds.
In the event of any dispute affecting the local community, the matter is
resolved by the Sangat in the Gurdwara, whose decision is binding.
Sikhs attach more importance to the cultivation of moral values and spiritual
development that they do to ceremonies and rites.
The nearest Gurdwara is in Nelson Street, Dundee, but most Sikhs in Fife go
to Glasgow to maintain their links with the Sikh community there.
Birth
When a Sikh child is about one month old it is taken to the Gurdwara. A
prayer is offered in thanksgiving for a long and blessed life for the child. A
name for the child is chosen at the same time, by opening the Adi Granth
(First Book of Scriptures) at random, and taking the first letter of the first word
as the letter to start the name.
Marriage
Sikhs are expected to marry. The couple are seated in the bride’s home or
the Gurdwara to the accompaniment of chanting of hymns from the Adi
Granth which is kept under a canopy behind them. The bride’s father then
gives his daughter to the groom, they are joined by a cloth or scarf, and walk
round the Adi Granth 4 times clockwise. They then sit down again to receive
the offerings and gifts of their guests.
Death
When a Sikh is dying, friends and relatives gather at the bedside to recite
parts of the Adi Granth. After death the body is cremated by the son or
closest relative, and ashes are scattered over water.
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Culture
Dress
Most Sikh men follow the 5 Ks
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Kesha
Kangha
Kara
Kirpan
Kaccha
-
long hair.
comb to keep the hair in order.
steel bangle.
sword or dagger.
shorts.
The long hair is usually covered with a turban, but on some occasions a small
piece of cloth called a dastar can be used.
Diet
Although some Sikhs do eat meat, many will be totally vegetarian.
Tobacco is forbidden and it is unusual to find a Sikh who smokes.
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LANGUAGES
Scottish Panjabi People
Most of the Scottish Asian people of Fife can trace their origins to the Panjab.
At the partition of India in 1947, Panjab was divided; West Panjab became
part of Pakistan, while East Panjab became part of India.
The larger part of the 2 Panjabi communities in Fife has close ties with West
Panjab, and the most widely spoken language is Panjabi, often in a strongly
Anglicised version. However, Urdu, the state language of Pakistan, is also
spoken and is used in reading and writing. Written communications sent to
Pakistani Muslims should be in Urdu. Many children attend the mosques in
Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Methil to learn the Quran in Arabic and to acquire
literacy Urdu.
The Sikhs in Fife trace their origins to East Panjab, the state of India where
Panjabi is the official language. Older Sikhs speak, read and write Panjabi
using a script called Gurmukhi. There are no organised classes in which
younger Sikhs can learn Panjabi, although they may acquire literacy from their
parents or through visits to Gurdwaras outwith Fife.
Scottish Bengali People
Like the Panjabi speaking community, the Bengali community consists of
different groups, both Hindus and Muslims from West Bengal and from East
Bengal, Bangladesh. These groups can communicate using Bengali, though
the majority of Bangladeshis speak a dialect called Sylheti. Like other
Muslims, Bangladeshis place great importance on their children learning to
read the Quran in Arabic. A Bengali language class has been established
with the support of Fife Education Department.
Scottish Chinese People
The second largest minority ethnic group in Fife are the Chinese. Most
Scottish Chinese people are descendants of the original immigrants from the
new territories of Hong Kong. The main spoken languages are Cantonese
and Hakka. Cantonese is a southern Chinese language widely spoken in
Guangdong and southern mainland China; Hakka is orginally a northern
Chinese language spoken along parts of the eastern coast. These languages
differ from each other and from modern standard Chinese, which is known as
Mandarin or Putonghua. However, all Chinese can understand the common
standard written language. The implications of this are that, if an interpreter is
required for a Chinese family, it is important that they speak the correct
Chinese language; on the other hand, one form of written Chinese is
acceptable to all.
Traditionally, Chinese people give high status to literacy, and although there
are at present no Chinese language classes in Fife, many parents try to
familiarise their children with the basics of Chinese Script.
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SUMMARY TABLE
This table presents, in simplified form, some basic information concerning
some of the main minority ethnic groups in Fife. Please note that English is
the main spoken and written language for many of these groups, particularly
for younger people. The majority of Muslims are also able to read the Quran
in Arabic.
Community
Spoken
Language
Written
Language
Religion
Scottish Pakistani
Panjabi
Urdu
Muslim
Scottish Chinese
Cantonese /
Hakka
Chinese
Various
Scottish Sikh
Panjabi
Panjabi
(Gurmukhi)
Sikh
Scottish Bengali
Bengali /
Hindi
Bengali
Hindu
Scottish Bangladeshi
Bengali
(Sylheti)
Bengali
Muslim
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NAMING SYSTEMS
This section gives general information on the naming systems used by some
of the ethnic minority groups in Fife.
It is important to use the correct name and style of a person as a mark of
respect, and to avoid confusion and possible embarrassment or offence by
making inaccurate assumptions about personal relationships.
In all cases it is necessary in the first instance to ask people directly how they
wish to be addressed. As a matter of courtesy, staff should pronounce names
in the same way as the client.
If the name is required for official documentation, it is necessary to ask
people;
1. what they wish to record their personal names and surnames for official
purposes;
2. the correct order of the name;
3. the correct spelling.
In the case of immigrants to the country, it is important to note that this may
not be the name recorded on the passport, since Commonwealth Commission
Officers may have arbitrarily decided on a name to be entered on the
passport.
In addition because some languages place less emphasis on the use of
vowels, it may be that the romanised version of a name will be spelled
differently by different people.
e.g.
Latif or Lateef
Surriea or Surya
Naming Styles
Chinese
Traditionally, the sequence of names for people of Chinese origin is:


surname, followed by
personal name
The personal name may be made up of one or 2 characters, each of which
would appear as a separate word in English.
Women may change their name following marriage, but this is not universal.
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The table below shows an example:Wife’s name
Lou Shook Ching
Married name
Lou Shook Ching
or
Kwong Shook Ching
or
Kwong-Lou Shook Ching
Married name
Kwong Kim Meng
or
Kowng-Lou Kim Meng
Husband’s name
Kwong Kim Meng
In the case of children of the marriage, these may take either:


their father’s name, or
their parents combined name
Some Chinese in the UK have adapted their names to the UK system and put
their surname last, e.g. Kim Meng Kwong. On the same basis, wives may
refer to themselves as Mrs. Kwong.
Hindu
Hindu names normally have 3 parts, like the British system. Examples of
typical names are shown in the table.
Personal Name
Lalita
Raj
Middle Name
Devi
Kumar
Surname
Sharma
Vasani
The first, or personal, name is used on its own by family and friends, in much
the same way as British first, or Christian names. The ending “ji” may be
added to the personal name to show respect, as in Lalitaji. This form of the
name is used alone, in informal conversation. The first and middle names are
used together as a sign of formality or respect, e.g. Lalitadevi or Rajkumar.
This is the form of address used in normal everyday conversation, with other
than close friends or family.
The wife and children use the same surname as the head of the family. It is
usually the family name, but may also be a subcaste name which indicates
the family’s traditional status and occupation. An example of this type of
surname is Patel. There are variations, however, as the characteristics of
Hindu names and titles also depend upon the language a person speaks and
where they live. All members of one division of a caste in a particular area will
share the same surname. Because of this there are fewer Hindu surnames
than there are English ones.
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There are some common problems with Hindu names. For example, a few
people have dropped the family name and use their middle name as a
surname. Where this happens, each member of the family will have a
different surname, e.g. Mrs. Devi may be the wife of Mr. Lal.
Always address a Hindu formally by title and full name, e.g. Mrs. Lalitadevi
Sharma. When addressing a Hindu informally, use the first name, e.g. Lalita.
Muslim
Because of the range of nationalities and cultures which have adopted Islam
is so wide, the names and name patterns of Muslims also reflect other local,
sometimes pre-Islamic, cultures. Therefore, the summary given here can only
provide general guidance. If there is any doubt, always ask the person:



what they use as their personal name
what they use as their surname in the UK, and
what they want to be called.
Muslim names are the most difficult to fit into British recording systems,
particularly as their order is not fixed or significant. When Muslims marry, the
women will not usually change their names. In the same way, children will not
necessarily have their father’s name, as a surname or family name may not
exist.
Muslims from some countries may add certain titles, showing respect, to their
names. These include Bibi and Begum for women, for example. Men who
are especially devout may have extra religious titles added.
One of the most important differences to the UK system is that the last name
is not a shared family surname; in some Muslim families each member has a
totally different name.
An example is given in the table:Husband
Wife
Sons
Daughter
Mohammad Hafiz
Jameela Khatoon
Mohammad Sharif
Fatima Jan
Obviously this difference in surnames can cause difficulties, but there is no
easy solution.
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Male Muslim names usually consist of a personal name and a religious name.
The personal name may come first e.g.:


Gulam Muhammad or
Yusef Ali
It may also come second, e.g.:


Muhammad Hafiz, or
Allah Dittah
Some families settled in the UK have adopted a surname. However, it may
not appear on a passport or an official document. The surname used in
British records is often the personal name of the husband.
The religious name is considered the more important; Allah, Ullah and
Muhammad are always religious names. Ahmed, Ali and Hussein can also be
religious names. These should never be used alone. Avoid referring to men
as Mr. Muhammad or Mr. Ali, for example. If doing so informally, use the full
name, e.g. Yusef Ali. It is impossible for a non-Muslim to tell which is a
religious name, so always use both names in full, to avoid giving offence.
Female Muslims also have a 2 part name, though neither of these has any
religious significance. The first name is always a personal name, as in the
British system. The second can be a title, e.g.:

Bano, Begum, Bi, Bibi, Khanum, Khatoon, Sultana
It can also be another personal name, e.g.:

Akhtar, Jan, Nesa, Kausar
When addressing a female Muslim, never use the form Mrs. Begum, as this is
the equivalent of Mrs. Lady. Always use the title and full name, e.g. Mrs.
Amina Begum, Mrs. Fatima Jan.
If speaking informally, use the first name e.g. Amina, Fatima.
Sikh
The basic naming pattern is that there are 3 parts.
The first, or personal name is used by family and friends, in much the same
way as a UK christian name. Normally it is used together with the middle,
religious name. The ending –ji may be added to the personal name. This will
be used alone, in an informal context, to donate respect.
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Examples of a Sikh woman’s and man’s names, respectively are:


Baljit Kaur Gill
Ravinder Singh Sahota
Most Sikh names do not indicate sex and so can be either male or female.
When the child is named, the Sikh holy book is opened at random. The first
letter of the first word on the page opened is the letter with which the child’s
name must start.
The middle name is a religious name, including that the person is a Sikh.
Boys and men have the name Singh (Lion), while girls and women have Kaur
(Princess).
The family name, or surname, indicates position, occupation and place of
origin. It has its origin in Hindu caste grouping. The Sikh religion is anticaste, so Sikhs traditionally do not tend to use the family name. Occasionally,
imitating the British system, the whole family will adopt Singh as the family
surname. Sikh families from East Africa who have had previous contact with
a British style administration often use this system.
You should normally address a Sikh man by his personal name, followed by
Singh and a woman by her personal name, followed by Kaur, e.g.:


Davinder Singh, or
Davinder Kaur
On marriage, a woman takes her husband’s surname only if he uses it,
otherwise she will call herself Mrs. Kaur. There are also some cases in the
UK of married Sikh women calling themselves Mrs. Singh.
There are common problems with Sikh names. For example, it is not
unknown for Mrs. Kaur to be married to Mr. Singh
Always address a Sikh formally using their title, then the first and middle
names, e.g. Mrs. Baljit Kaur. When addressing a Sikh informally, use the first
name e.g. Baljit.
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SOME PROBLEMS OF ETHNIC MINORITY COMMUNITIES IN
FIFE
Research carried out by Fife Regional Council in 1991 publicised what the
people from minority ethnic communities already knew:(a) that minority ethnic groups and individuals in Fife believe that they suffer
from discrimination in relation to the provision of services, and
(b) that racism does not affect the quality of life of black and minority ethnic
groups in Fife.
In relation to service provision, the general impression is that services are:(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
largely unaware of religious, cultural and linguistic needs of minorities;
unaccepting of the validity of religious, cultural and linguistic demands;
unwilling to acknowledge the existence of racism;
unwilling to commit resources to combat racism.
If accurate, this perception has implications both within the actual services
and in the wider communities. For example, children taught wholly in English,
with no language support or development in their mother tongue may not only
fail to achieve their intellectual potential, but may also feel cut off from their
families.
Officers insensitive to religious and cultural conventions may not only fail to
develop a useful working relationship with individuals, but may also contribute
to a general perception that services are not interested in and do not support
minority ethnic groups.
The language barrier remains a problem for many, especially for older
women, since little translated information is available, yet interpreters are
seldom provided. There are also those who attain a functional level in
English, which enables them to cope with unusual or difficult concepts. This
is exacerbated by stress if the attitude of the service provider implies that the
client pretends to misunderstand when it suits her or him.
Young people from minority communities seeking employment in Fife may
face personal and institutional discrimination which frustrates their efforts to
break out into the wider world of work beyond their family businesses.
Language, culture and life-style differences of minority ethnic communities
tend to produce an isolation reinforced by the general hostility and racial
prejudice of the majority community. In areas such as Fife, where individual
families may be scattered far from any others, this isolation can become
acute.
In relation to racist abuse, there is evidence that racist attacks of varying
degrees of severity (including verbal abuse, physical assault and damage to
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19
property) do take place in Fife, and that the victims often do not believe that
these incidents are dealt with in an appropriate manner.
The cumulative effect of these attacks has serious implications. Whole
communities may feel under threat, and further violence may be precipitated.
Verbal abuse takes many forms. The use of inappropriate language may be
one of the ways in which black people are oppressed. This can have powerful
far-reaching consequences in perpetuating racism, and is particularly difficult
to challenge.
Racial insults are qualitatively different from insults which use a perceived
characteristic such as the wearing of spectacles, red hair, or one’s weight to
cause hurt. Although such insults are hurtful to an individual, a racial insult
implies that one’s race or colour is an abnormality. The insult is therefore not
only taken personally, but is extended to the family, the community, the whole
“race”. In addition, the threat of racial violence is implicit in any racial abuse.
Racist statements which talk about “them” and “us” also contribute to feelings
of inequality and powerlessness. “They” come here to take “our” jobs, life in
“their” countries is uncivilised; “our” way of life is better.
What does “our” way of life consist of? Do people need a “lang spoon” to sup
their porridge with us? Do we all drink whiskey, wear kilts, toss the caber? Or
are we all coal miners?
All statements based on stereotypes perpetuate false and damaging beliefs
and promote racial division through ignorance and disharmony.
It is important to recognise that “race” itself is a political rather than a scientific
term, since the idea that humanity is composed of a number of genetically
distinct groups, and that there is a hierarchy of “races”, has been proved by
biologists and geneticists to have no scientific justification.
Most of the terms used to describe black people are patronising or abusive
and should be avoided. Some examples are given below.
“Immigrants” usually refers to someone whose skin is black, when in practice
a large proportion of black people were born in this country. Also the majority
of people who are immigrants are white but are generally not referred to using
this term.
Similarly, “2nd generation immigrants” assumes that a black person born in
this country cannot be British.
“Coloured”, “coloured bretheren” or “coloured friends” are often used
patronisingly and can sometimes be used to create splits within the black
community, as in South Africa.
“Non-white” is a very negative term, implying that white is the norm and that
anything else is an aberration from the norm and therefore inferior.
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Although “black” is sometimes used as a negative description of a person, it is
now commonly used by members of both Asian and African communities in a
positive way to stress their common experience of racism, which outweighs
any cultural differences between them. It is therefore being used as a
political, rather than a descriptive term.
Abusive terms like “Paki”, “Chinky” or “Wog” should never be used even when
describing a shop or meal. They are abusive terms which deny the dignity of
other nationalities. Similarly phrases like “nigger in the woodpile” should be
avoided. The word black, however, used purely as a descriptive term of
colour is not offensive.
Another very common form of abuse is the racist joke which stereotypes black
people as vulgar, uncultured and primitive. Jokes are often a way of
consolidating and passing on current social values. Racist jokes are more
than “just jokes” and could be construed as racial harassment. Laughing at
them or joining in means subscribing to these sorts of views and colluding
with the harassment.
The fact that people don’t object to racism, such as abusive jokes at their own
expense does not necessarily mean that they are not offended; or that the
language is not discriminatory.
People often put up with this behaviour because :(a) “Objecting” may cause further ridicule or offence, and
(b) The complaint may be trivialised and the complainant made to feel
fanatical or humourless.
November 2002
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