to think this is actually racist?

[queenofknives]

I've had an invitation through my union to attend a 'focus group' for whites only. I think it's supposed to be some kind of anti-racism training. There is also a separate focus group for 'BAME' staff.

I don't feel comfortable about this. I am white, but don't want to attend a 'whites only' group, and I don't want to be divided from my colleagues who include black and asian women. We work together, we have always been a close team and, work-wise, what affects one of us affects all of us, so it makes no sense to split us up.

Is it unreasonable to feel this is creating unnecessary division? Splitting people into different groups depending on the colour of their skin seems actually pretty racist to me??? If I'm being unreasonable, can you explain why? I want to support my colleagues but I'm not at all convinced that this is the best way.

Are they split purely based on skin colour? What if I'm very latte skin toned but racially 50% black?

I agree that this sort of training needs to be really specific. So groups discussing attitudes to young people would be designed to challenge assumptions, and low expectations, that result in more Caribbean boys being excluded from school, for example. That could have a real impact, but I would see that as working best with a mixed ethnicity group of colleagues.
(Sorry I am going a bit off topic here!)

Needtoknow yes, totally with you on that.

I wouldn't be comfortable with them putting everyone from any ethnic minority in one group like that.

@cakeandeatit

Are they split purely based on skin colour? What if I'm very latte skin toned but racially 50% black?

Yes, into 'whites-only' and 'BAME-only'

I mean, some people are going to be in caught in the middle in this respect, right?

I agree. You can’t fight racism with racism