Times Online writer
Matthew Syed reacts to the recent sacking of Carol Thatcher, due to her use of the derogatory word "gollywog" whilst referring to a tennis player. The article explores both conscious and subconscious levels of racism and argues that use of such prejudicial words shows an awakening of the subconscious.
A great article, however the habit to declare "my prejudice is more harmful than your prejudice" is evident here. Syed accuses subconscious bias for his non-white father not progressing faster in his career. He goes on to claim, without research or supporting evidence that "no such bias, incidentally, exists towards Aussies or ginger-nuts."
Imagine if you could never be quite sure if the girl in accounts gave you the brush-off, not because she didn't fancy you, but because of subliminal prejudice. Imagine if there was a 300-year history in which racist words had been used to persecute your ancestors. Wouldn't you want society to take a stand against all that?
It could be argued that gingerism fits within the above boundaries, and therefore, is comparable to today's levels of racism. As for the 300-year historical use of racist words? For gingerism, 300 years is just a
recent history.
Source:
Times Online
