#BTColumn – Some are not more equal than others

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today Inc.

Events may fade with the passing of time and are sometimes channelled into the tram lines of history. It appears that it is no longer fashionable in the UK for the media to feature and report on the burning subject of progress along the road to equality for Black people in this society.

The reports on the Black Lives Matter campaigns and other demonstrations resulting therefrom have been quietly shunted aside.

It is now rare to have debate in open media and one wonders if the media is interested only in highlighting looting and violence for the sensational coverage that can be had when public protests are mounted in support of the struggle for equal rights and opportunities. It is now commonly accepted that the racism which, in recent times, has been a regular topic for debate is markedly institutionalised and that radical action needs to be taken to begin the long road to achieving fairness.

The Government, perhaps bowing to the pressure from the heated discussions which occurred in the wake of the many atrocities and disturbances of recent times, has hitherto given the impression that it is keen to find solutions to the problems.

Many believe that education of the indigenous masses on all Black history and the impact that it has had on the development of the Western world is the way forward. It has therefore been suggested that the subject should compulsorily be added to the educational curriculum.

However, the Government has thrown cold water on the subject and has dismissively stated that there is nothing wrong with the schools’ curriculum in the UK and therefore it does not need to be amended.

Calls in support of change have been made by many pressure groups, and a cross-party section of 30 Members of Parliament has been leading the campaign. Together, they have recommended that more Black, Asian and ethnic history should be added to the syllabus and they have further suggested that contributions should be made by Black historians and leaders with regard to what should be taught in the classrooms.

The Schools Minister Mr Nick Gibb, in rejecting the proposals, has informed that there are no plans to hold a review of the system. The Minister and his colleagues have been accused of being ‘tone deaf’ to a request which it is argued would try to give more space to the historical injustices that have led to the racism which is poisonous to our society.

Further into his response, Mr Gibb gave a stereotyped reaction to a sensitive subject in his offering that perhaps the work of Jamaican Mary Seacole and the history of the Kingdom Benin (founded 1180) should be a feature. However much one appreciates and salutes the work of Mary Seacole and the teachings of the Kingdom of Benin, the Minister’s suggestions fall way short of the mark.

The matter of education in regard to Black history should cover a much wider area to define the overall contribution made by Black people throughout many centuries. Mr Gibb has said that the Government would continue to explore what more could be done to support the teaching in the classroom, but there is a failing grade here as very little is now being done to bring the subject foremost into the minds of those who mostly benefited from the earlier exploitation and oppression of Black people.

A leading Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament and Spokesperson for Education Leyla Moran has been constantly arguing for a change to the curriculum. The former school teacher has said that Black Lives Matter has not only exposed the inequities faced by Black people in the UK but it has galvanised people across the country who are desperate for change.

She added: “If we are to tackle the institutional racism in our society, the curriculum must not only be diverse; we must equip young people with an understanding of the historical injustices that have led to that very racism.” Scathingly, she continued: “The Government’s rejection of a review of our curriculum demonstrates their reluctance to follow their platitudes with any meaningful action. We must start in our efforts to change society today.”

Ms Moran’s contribution is welcomed and should be buttressed by Black individuals and Black groups across the country. The history of many of these campaigns is such that they lose momentum once the glare of TV publicity has faded.

It is sad that there has to be looting and destruction to keep this subject uppermost in the minds of those who have the ability and power to argue for and effect changes in the society. One cannot but wonder if there is a subconscious motive in authorities’ continually airbrushing the fine history of Black people. There is little doubt that one of the most effective ways to keep a race oppressed is to deny that race the teachings and exposure of its history.

Historian, the late Hugh Trevor Roper, Regius Professor of History at the University of Oxford, is believed to have opined that the history of Africa (Black man) began only when the Europeans arrived. Little wonder therefore that the modern and western world finds it difficult to acknowledge Black people’s right to equal status on this planet.

The notion of the privilege in our society that all men are born equal but some more equal than others must be airbrushed from all thoughts as we seek to create a fair society.

Vincent ‘Boo’ Nurse is a Barbadian living in London who is a retired Land Revenue Manager, Pensions and Investment Adviser. He is passionate about the development of his island home and the diaspora.