Race Discrimination

Lesson Objectives Race Discrimination 2 By the end of this session you will be able to: Give a definition for the terms race, racism, and institutionalised racism Give an explanation of how the law is designed to protect people against race discrimination Critically evaluate whether or not you think certain actions and institutions are racist 2 © Young Citizens

Q: Do you agree with these definitions? Race Discrimination What is race? A group of people with particular similar physical characteristics (e.g. skin colour, hair type), who are considered as belonging to the same type of group. What is racism? Prejudice, discrimination or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior. Q: Do you agree with these definitions? 3 © Young Citizens

A brief history of the law Race Discrimination A brief history of the law 1965 Race Relations Act First piece of legislation to address race discrimination. Includes a statutory duty on public bodies to promote race equality, and to put in place procedures and policies to promote race equality. 2001 Race Relations (Amendment) Act Aims to make the law easier to understand and strengthen protection in some situations. It brings together a number of key pieces of anti-discrimination legislation. 2010 Equality Act 4 © Young Citizens

Race Discrimination The Equality Act 2010 protects certain characteristics, such as race. This means it is unlawful to discriminate against someone on the grounds of race Race includes: Colour Nationality Ethnic or national origin People are protected from discrimination in the following situations: * at work * when using public services * in education * when buying or renting property * as a consumer * as a member or guest of a private club You are also protected from discrimination if: you’re associated with someone who has a protected characteristic and you are treated unfairly because of it; you are treated badly because you’ve complained about discrimination or supported someone else’s claim. 5 © Young Citizens

When is it not illegal? Race Discrimination 6 In certain situations you can be treated ‘less favourably’ because of your race and it will not be classed as discrimination, e.g. If a persons race is regarded as a genuine occupational requirement and belonging to a particular race is essential for the job e.g. if the local council wants someone to work with the Bengali community they could insist on applications coming from a similar background. Clubs, associations and charities set up especially for people of a particular ethnic or national group are allowed to discriminate on the basis of nationality or ethnic or national origin but not on the grounds of colour. 6 © Young Citizens

Flora never got over his death. Race Discrimination Flora is 90 and still doesn’t like the Germans after her father was killed in the Second World War. Flora never got over his death. 7 © Young Citizens

Judd often uses the word ‘Paki’ to describe a person or a shop. Race Discrimination Judd lives in a town where there are many people of an Asian background. Judd often uses the word ‘Paki’ to describe a person or a shop. He works as a gas fitter, plays football in his spare time and has many British Asian friends. 8 © Young Citizens

Race Discrimination Jenny is English and has many friends from ethnic minorities. She finds them as pleasant and kind as people anywhere. She can’t stand people who are racially prejudiced. However, she does find it hard to like Americans. She thinks they have too much money and hates the fact that American companies have so much influence throughout the world. 9 © Young Citizens

Ahmed lives with his family in a small town in Lancashire. Race Discrimination Ahmed lives with his family in a small town in Lancashire. He runs a corner shop which has repeatedly suffered thefts, broken windows and all kinds of damage. He has started to hate some of the white people in his town. 10 © Young Citizens

She is afraid that the British will lose their culture. Race Discrimination Jo believes that people who come to live in the UK should adopt British customs and dress, and not stick to the traditions of their former country. She is afraid that the British will lose their culture. However, she keeps quiet about these views and does not agree with people who attack immigrants. 11 © Young Citizens

Race Discrimination Owen is Welsh. He wants Wales to become independent and thinks that Welsh should be the main language in all Welsh schools. He also believes that there should be no homes sold to English people unless they work full-time in Wales. 12 © Young Citizens

However, she wishes her team had fewer foreign players. Race Discrimination Kate supports football with a passion. She has a home season ticket and watches her team whenever she can. However, she wishes her team had fewer foreign players. She thinks that overseas players should be limited to one or two per team. 13 © Young Citizens

Race Discrimination Chen owns a Chinese restaurant. One day, a girl of African-Caribbean origin asks if there are any vacancies for waiters. She explains that she has lots of experience Chen does need a waiter but he turns her down. He believes that all his staff should come from a Chinese background. 14 © Young Citizens

Race Discrimination Martin owns a local car rental business. As part of his induction for a new member of staff he is heard saying: “If you get a call from someone who is black or Asian, say that we haven’t go anything available. You’ve got to be careful who you rent to. We’ve had problems in the past.” 15 © Young Citizens

Death in Custody Race Discrimination 16 2000 – Zahid Mubarek sentenced to 90 days in a YOI. Shortly prior to release Mubarek is placed in a cell with Robert Stewart, a known racist. Hours before he is due to be released Mubarek is attacked by Stewart and later dies in hospital. Stewart is charged with murder and sentenced to life in prison. 16 © Young Citizens

A Public Enquiry Race Discrimination Q: Who should the enquiry speak to? Q: What questions should they ask? 17 © Young Citizens

A Public Enquiry Race Discrimination 18 In 2004 a public enquiry was opened to investigate the death of Mubarek The report criticised the lack of funding for prisons It also criticised overcrowding and the failure of staff to deal with racist behaviour. 18 © Young Citizens

Institutionalised racism Race Discrimination Institutionalised racism takes place when an organisation collectively fails to provide a proper service to people because of their colour, culture or ethnic origin. Racial discrimination therefore becomes established as normal behaviour by that organisation. Institutionalised racism 19 © Young Citizens

Consumer Law Plenary What is the latest piece of UK legislation that protects people against racial discrimination? How would you define institutionalised racism? Do you think it is still a problem today? Name two places where institutionalised racism may occur and describe two strategies that could help prevent this. 20 © Young Citizens