Archive for May, 2007

So stupid it beggars belief


Some schools would be able to select pupils by race to improve community relations under plans being considered by the Conservative Party. Yes, that’s right. Self-imposed segregation to improve community relations. Am I missing something, or is this bonkers?

Shadow education secretary David Willetts claims city academies could use racial selection to unite communities divided by race or religion. Er, how exactly? If you have a school run by, say, Muslims and only open to Muslim students (and, presumably, Muslim teachers), then how would this foster understanding and acceptance among white and other ethnic groups within the locality?

I ask again, how do you unite through separation? How do you stop other communities fearing and even despising you if you close the door on them and spend time only with those sharing your skin colour and religious beliefs? How do people overcome their racism and fear if they never encounter the very people capable of challenging them on these fronts?

Simple psychology tells us if we are told we cannot access something that others can, we become angry. Why does he get to do it if I can’t? It’s the call of the playground from an early age in response to any perceived injustice. How much stronger the response in adults, how much angrier when it’s the colour of skin or the god(s) you believe in that mark you out as acceptable or not?

Read the full article.

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007