Writing About Race and Racism in the UK: A Necessity, Not a Problem

 

In the UK, conversations about race and racism have gained significant traction in recent years, particularly in the wake of global movements like Black Lives Matter and the publication of reports such as the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities (2021). However, some individuals argue that writing about race and racism is an act perpetuated by racists themselves. This perspective often stems from a misunderstanding of the purpose and importance of these conversations. In this article, we will explore why writing about race and racism is essential in the UK, address the concept of white fragility, and examine whether tackling racial inequality is a problem.

The Importance of Writing About Race and Racism in the UK

Writing about race and racism is not an act of racism; rather, it is a crucial step toward understanding and addressing systemic inequalities. In the UK, racism manifests in various forms, from overt discrimination to subtle microaggressions and institutional biases. For example, the Lammy Review (2017) highlighted significant racial disparities in the criminal justice system, showing that Black people are more likely to be stopped and searched, arrested, and sentenced to prison compared to their white counterparts (Lammy, 2017). By writing about these issues, authors and activists aim to shed light on injustices, educate others, and advocate for change. The UK has a long history of racial inequality, from the legacy of colonialism to the Windrush scandal, which saw thousands of Black British citizens wrongly detained, denied legal rights, and even deported (Gentleman, 2019). Writing about these issues is essential for acknowledging past wrongs and ensuring they are not repeated. As Akala, a British author and activist, argues, "The history of racism in Britain is not just a history of individual prejudice, but of systemic and institutionalized inequality" (Akala, 2018).

White Fragility and Resistance to Conversations About Race in the UK

The reluctance to engage in discussions about race often stems from a phenomenon known as *white fragility*. Coined by Robin DiAngelo, white fragility refers to the defensive reactions white people may have when confronted with issues of race and racism. In the UK, this can manifest as dismissive attitudes, such as claiming that talking about race is "divisive" or that the UK is "not as bad as the US." These reactions serve to maintain racial inequality by avoiding meaningful dialogue (DiAngelo, 2018). For example, the backlash against the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report (2021), which controversially claimed that the UK is not institutionally racist, highlights the challenges of addressing race in the UK. Critics argued that the report downplayed the lived experiences of Black and ethnic minority communities and failed to adequately address systemic issues (Joseph-Salisbury & Connelly, 2021). This resistance to acknowledging racism is a barrier to progress and underscores the need for continued dialogue and education.

Some argue that focusing on racial inequality creates division or exacerbates tensions. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that racial inequality already exists and has profound consequences for marginalized communities in the UK. Tackling racial inequality is not the problem; the problem is the inequality itself. Research shows that systemic racism contributes to disparities in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, and housing. For instance, a 2020 report by the Runnymede Trust found that ethnic minority groups in the UK are more likely to live in poverty, face unemployment, and experience poor health outcomes compared to their white counterparts (Runnymede Trust, 2020). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected Black and South Asian communities, highlighting existing health inequalities (Public Health England, 2020). Addressing these disparities is essential for creating a more just and equitable society. As Baroness Doreen Lawrence, a prominent anti-racism campaigner, has stated, "Racism is a problem for all of us, and we all have a responsibility to challenge it" (Lawrence, 2020). The Role of Writers and Activists in the UK Writers and activists play a vital role in challenging racism and advocating for change in the UK. By documenting experiences, analyzing systems of oppression, and proposing solutions, they contribute to a broader understanding of racial issues. For example, Reni Eddo-Lodge’s book Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race (2017) sparked a national conversation about racism in the UK, exploring topics such as white privilege, systemic racism, and the erasure of Black British history. Similarly, The Good Immigrant (2016), edited by Nikesh Shukla, provides a platform for writers of colour to share their experiences of navigating race and identity in the UK. These works demonstrate the power of writing to inspire reflection, empathy, and action. They also highlight the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and challenging dominant narratives that perpetuate inequality

Remember -tackling racial inequality is not the problem—it is the solution to a long history of injustice. As the UK continues to grapple with these issues, writers and activists must remain steadfast in their efforts to educate, challenge, and inspire change.