Rude and prejudiced people exist in all creeds and races. I grew up in 80s Handsworth and experienced racist remarks and behaviour from black and Asian pupils and adults and saw also a great deal of nasty racism directed at them from the white community.
Clarissa isn't an 'old duck' what a stupid and patronising description of an extremely intelligent woman who most defiantly has not led a sheltered life,,gilded maybe but sheltered not.
Since when has 'old' become a derogatory term.
Her snapshot of visiting Leicester was just that. When I visit my aunty in Handsworth I would probably feel like she did except for the fact that I personally know a of her Asian and black neighbours, some are nice and some are vile.
She is referred to as the 'white lady' at no 23!! Not racist but descriptive.
We have to listen and challenge statements like Clarissa and not simply say she's a racist or her views are worthless.
If we do that then we risk ignoring facts such as the gangs of paedophiles roaming and raping girls in Rochdale or similarly ignoring tales of rape and abuse by Seville as he was deemed untouchable.
If we don't listen we don't learn.