To suggest that there IS still an issue with racist police in Britain?

[AngelaKardashian]

I have just seen this video of a British police officer openly admitting that he will stop a car full of black men in "gangster clothes" (whatever that means) and it made me think of the various discussions I've had with people both in real life and on online that deny that institutional racism is a 'thing'.

I am so tired of it happening and even more tired of people refusing to acknowledge it. He said himself, most are too "scared to say it", suggesting most are thinking it too.

AIBU to say that this snapshot is only the tip of the iceburg?

[Changednamesorry]

Of course there is still a problem. The UK in general has a racism problem as do most countries at the moment. Racial profiling is still a thing, young black men get stopped by the police more , get longer sentences ......the list goes on.

[DJBaggySmalls]

''Pc pulls over DJ driving rented Bentley and says it is 'fact' that black men in gangster clothes commit crimes''

People who think there isnt a problem need to watch this. His logic is faulty but he cant see that.
The man shot by police recently wouldnt even have been on his radar.

[Changednamesorry]

Oh and the refusing to acknowledge it.....yes it annoys me too. Soon you will have a slew of white mothers of white kids in here saying how they have never seen anyone being racist and how the UK is a very "tolerant" country (as if non whites are something to be tolerated). You'll get use of the phrase "race card" etc.It is an uncomfortable truth but there are a lot of people who just are in total denial.

[AngelaKardashian]

That's the main reason I posted to be honest DJBaggy. I know there's an issue, I see it every day. But I have wasted my energy having so many arguments on here (and off) with people that think I'm exaggerating. They need to watch this video and see what our officers are really thinking. (Although no doubt there will be a few "that's a one off" type posts.)

[AngelaKardashian]

I hope this makes them see things a bit more clearly changedname.

[InfoFreako]

I think racism is a problem in many countries. If you're black, go to any of the east European countries and see how you're treated. If you're white, go to some parts of Nigeria and see how you're treated.

The UK is probably one of the least racist countries in the world.

Cheers.

[Changednamesorry]

I live outside the UK. There is racism everywhere. The UK is NOT one of the least racist places in the world however.

[eyebrowsonfleek]

Yanbu.
I'm a mother of a mid-teen who is white and he's noticed that his black friends attract more police attention than his white ones. They don't dress or act any differently to the white kids . (I mean they aren't attracting attention with green hair or because they are smoking weed openly.)

I was in a taxi and we were cut up by a black man driving a flash BMW and the taxi driver muttered "Bloody Yardies" so I think it's a very common attitude tbh.

[Milklollies]

U.K. Is not one of the least racist countries. I think South Korea is emerging in Asia as a more humane society as there is a drive to understand foreigners rather than sticking them all in factories like they used to do. Google 'my neighbour Charles' and I think most working class people have a bit of a curiosity about foreigners but are welcoming and kind. The culture there compared to the U.K. Is more blunt yet systematic. I think in the next 30 years. The South Koreans will emulate all the best parts of multiculturalism without the hang ups and they will lead us on in a variety of different fields. Economically they are having better outputs than us and they are reforming their country whilst the brits argue over Europe and European migrants.

[eyebrowsonfleek]

I agree that all countries have racists. Obviously not all police are racists but I think that humans judging others is not anything new. Teachers believe that some kids have "naughty child names" and people moan about the number of people from the Commonwealth working in the NHS.

[Milklollies]

I have a few black American friends who have moved to east Asia (Japan, South Korea, Singapore) as they won't have the threat of being shot on sight in those countries. They say the uk is not that great, ie. the British are very good at covering up the past and 'moving on' like it was nothing.

[eyebrowsonfleek]

Obviously missed quite a few "some" s in my previous post like "Some teachers believe in naughty child names"

[AngelaKardashian]

The UK is probably one of the least racist countries in the world.

I find this laughable.

[Milklollies]

I'm using an iPhone so my grammar is terrible these days and I can't be bothered to check it so I'd rather apologise afterwards.

[AngelaKardashian]

Eyebrows it'a not about whether "some" police are not racist though, it's about institutional racism. There is a culture within the British police that makes their officers treat young black men with suspicion and contempt.

[EagleIsland]

This is a interesting thread, As a British person living in the USA I have found there to be less racism. However that may be because I love in a 98% white state.

I asked why it's a white state wondering if it was because of racist attitudes and the general feedback is "because it's very cold here"

[LineyReborn]

I think there is a culture within the British police, reinforced by its own selection process, of tending towards categorization and alienation.

The way that some (not all) younger police officers in my area speak to younger members of the public is a concern. That level of over-confident, patronising, hard-of-listening arrogance is not conducive to a happy community.

I know some fantastic police officers. But there is a culture problem in the police, that the good ones must be aware of?

[AngelaKardashian]

the general feedback is "because it's very cold here"

Perhaps there could be some truth in that, Eagle

Jokes aside, I do find it interesting when white people say whether racism is or isn't an issue as most racism is underhand, so wouldn't be noticed unless you were the one experiencing it.

[RigbySM]

White mother white children checking in

Racism is massive, behind closed doors, hush hush when you're with other whites people. I'm always surprised when people say it isn't about anymore.

Anecdotally I know a taxi driver who won't pick up young black men after 10pm because he says they are the only ones who ever run before paying.

A black mate who gets questioned by the police more in one year than most white men do in their life. He's an economic post grad at the uni....carries his passport everywhere for id.

And I know plenty of nice normal whites people who don't mind being racist if they think you won't be offended. Liberal use of the words paki etc etc

Racism is alive and well!

[RigbySM]

Whites? . My autocorrect is a bit racist!

[AngelaKardashian]

Yes Rigby I agree. I am mixed raced and people don't often realise that I am actually black (they often assume Asian or Arab). The amount of people that have made anti-black comments around me because they thought I would be ok with it is astonishing!

[RainbowJack]

I hope this makes them see things a bit more clearly changedname.

It wont. People like that only see what they want to see.

[legzakimbotheatre]

Angela, this happens to me too. I am mixed race (black and white) but people often assume I am chinese, thai etc. and I too have had people making anti-black comments. I'm quick to tell them what I think and their faces change immediately!

[charlestonchaplin]

InfoFreak If you're white, go to some parts of Nigeria and see how you're treated.

Which parts of Nigeria? Please elaborate on this racist behaviour, because my experience is that white people are treated better than locals, for complex reasons, but one major reason is that white people are seen as having (and usually do have) money and connections.

[AngelaKardashian]

It really shows a lot about people, doesn't it legz.

I was going to say the same thing charleston but no one wants to acknowledge how complex European involvement in Africa is. A child in Nigeria could be surprised to see a white woman and say "oyinbo" and the woman will cry about the "abuse" she received.