Thought of the day..Institutional racism..

Do BME staff working within institutions have a duty to confront racism whether directly affected by it or indirectly?
If BME staff fail to even acknowledge racism occurs within these institutions do they then become part of the problem?
Or do you think it’s an unfair burden to place on the shoulders of anyone?.., especially when all they’re really trying to do is earn a living!

I ask this for a few reasons, 1.After reading Lee Jaspers post I thought about my own experiences, and the experience of a relative of mine who worked in the prison service.
2. I also recalled several conversations I’ve had with people who work for institutions that most people would agree have serious issues with regards to race equality and the number who deliberately bury their head in the sand is disheartening, and if I’m honest, a little embarrassing.

The bottom line for me is we all have a duty, but… yet if racism is inherent, many will not perceive their behaviours/practices to be anything out of sorts, some will know (those in positions of power perhaps) and just not care…so …if you are BME you really should, if not for your sake then for the sake of others, say something.. At the very least... acknowledge it… silence in these matters is often taken as consent and approval... or an agreement that you really aint shit…and are powerless.
Say it aint so ..:) or as the book say's.. feel the fear.. and do it anyway:)
Perhaps you have more power than you realise.

The following is taken from Lee Jaspers latest post... check it out if you’re interested...

‘In August 2000 Martin Narey was the Director General for the prison service and he described the organisation as “institutionally racist” (The Independent, Ian Burrell 21 Aug). By 2005 with regard to the Zahid Mubarek racist murder he described Feltham prison as “institutionally racist” (The Telegraph, Sally Pook 8 Feb). In 2010 the Prison Reform Trust reported that “for many [BME prisoners], racism occurs frequently in prison. Whether among prisoners, or between prisoners and staff; over a third said that racist incidents happen often or everyday” (PRT, ‘A Fair Response’ 2010)’