A Question of Race?
It was reported in the news and in the papers today that Commander Dizaei, a high ranking police officer with a high profile was found guilty yesterday(although it is reported he is appealing), of misconduct. It has also been alleged that Commander Dizaei has claimed that he was discriminated against in relation to previous activities.
What perhaps is interesting about this case, is that it has simulated discussions over the perceived misuse of the “race card”. Discrimination can be very personal to an individual, and what they perceive to be an act of discrimination may not necessarily be the case but can one really criticise them for raising the issue in the first place?
We do not live in Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World”. It would be naïve to think that discrimination in all its forms will be eliminated. Discrimination legislation (which is ever evolving) is here for a reason. It is to protect those belonging to a minority group against acts of discrimination. We still do not have enough high profile individuals in prominent positions that are from ethnic groups or other minorities. This is reflected by the fanfare that surrounds individuals when there is an appointment to such a prominent and coveted role, think Sir Mota Singh, who was Britain’s first Asian Judge, President Obama or Margaret Thatcher.
I recall a case at a Tribunal some years ago when a comment was made that just because an individual was a woman and black does not confer the automatic right to bring a sex and race discrimination claim.
Employers have tried hard to promote equal opportunities within their organisations and recruit actively from minorities. There are genuine cases of discrimination out there but employers may become dubious of such claims and perceive them as being spurious. If an employee (who happens to be from a minority group) has allegedly committed a wrongdoing then they must be subject to a disciplinary process, employers should not be fearful of being sued due to the colour of their skin.
Race should never be used as an excuse or a sword. If this happens we have a problem.
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What an example we have here with Dizaei!
How many times have you heard the phrase ‘It’s political correctness gone mad’?
I don’t think I’ve ever met a racist, or at least anyone who thought they were a racist, but clearly we all have deep rooted predujices that are often not exposed until they are questioned.
With the above case it’s the clearest example of the worst side of our society creating the power that our media hold.
Post Stephen Lawrence I don’t think I would have had the resolve the stand against a man like Dizaei, but I’m pleased that we can over time.
This subject is massive and will only ever get better by all of us taking small steps in our own lives.I think this comment should be removed