General Chat

Three years ago - 'The Metropolitan Police remains 'institutionally racist' 10 years after the murder of Stephen Lawrence, the commander of Scotland Yard' s anti-racist unit has said In an interview to mark the anniversary of the black teenager's death, Commander Cressida Dick, the head of the Met's diversity directorate, said the force was unlikely ever to be free of racism.' Gwynne

Hi Gwynne I remember and appreciate that but I do think it's an unfair term on those in the force who aren't racist and who struggle against it.

Harry You're probably right that institutional racism is rife. However other walks of life haven't the power to arrest you as the police have - that is the worrying thing. Debby

Would just repeat my point, racism can be found wherever you look for it. Is a shop-keeper racist cos he sells golliwogs. Is a police officer guilty because he thinks he knows that a dis-proportionate amount of crime is committed by coloured people in his area. I was a policeman for 30 years, and my area was pretty much all white. we stopped a disproportionate amount of teenage motorists, cos we thought they would be more likely to be joy-riders or similar. Is that discrimination or a common sense view. ? Happy days

Er Harry I think that was part of the problem - a disproportionate amount of black male teenagers were being stopped because elements of the force were making the assumption that they were more likely to be guilty of something because of their colour.

Hi David, I just wanted to make the point that a commander within the police acknowledges that there is insitutional racism in the Met. And she is more in a position to know than anyone on GR. That's not to say all police are racist but the force itself acknowledges that too many are. Gwynne

Got you, Gwynne:)

I agree with Harry. I think you can find anything anywhere if you look hard enough for it.

Muffy You might be right but as Debby said, if there's one place racism should be more unacceptable than anywhere it's within the system that upholds the law.

David If it really is the case I couldn't agree more :0)

Yes I feel let down, I think Britain is still Great Britain, even if many of our so called politicians would like our identity erased. Many of the things we used to do so well are being destroyed, the NHS and the schools were envied throughout the world, our politeness and even our reserved behaviour, our tolerance is slowly disappearing because we are angry about the way things are going. All because of the lunatics who have taken over this particular asylum.

One final point.... All chief constables have to toe the government line on PC and other things. they will not get further promotions without it. They get brownie points for admitting they are in a racist organisation. Below them the whole charade goes on. less senior officers know there will be no further promotions unless they seem 'whiter than white' if you will pardon the expression. Policeman are recruited from your streets. they are no better and no worse than people in your neighbourhood. Happy days

Sounds more than feasible to me Harry. A case of give 'em what they want to hear ?

Isn't it more logical that some police actually are racist? I know some who are and aren't even ashamed of it. Gwynne

david, like everyone else you keep going on about the racial issue, and before you brand me a racist, i have asian members of my family and i love them dearly. it isnt a racial issue with most people, its religous, by their own admision a certain religion say their aim is to take over the world, and install their own religious laws, god help us all when that happens, which it will, maybe not in our lifetime but it will, fox hunting was outlawed because it was branded cruel, but no mention is ever made of the ritualistic religious slaughter of animals every day, i wonder why. tom.

I've heard them as well, Fred. They also complain about the people born and bred here who don't bother trying to get work and are happy to live off the dole and do 'cash in hand' work. Some of the loudest moaners are white people who are happy to live on benefits and work for cash in hand. I was surprised to see you writing positively about the BNP, I can find nothing remotely laudable about them. But I'm glad to hear you aren't a member. Gwynne

Tom Although Harry said this thread wasn't about the BNP, it's largely how the thread developed. The BNP can't be discussed without going on about the racial issue because the BNP is a racist party, founded and led by racists.

I think Tom made a good point re the ultimate intentions of a certain religious group. I have heard it said before and if that is true, it scares me rigid xx

Hi Marie:) Can I ask what religion you're talking about and where you heard it? My understanding of most religions is that they believe their way is the right one. It's always been the same, which is one of the reasons England has been involved in religious persecutions, such as in the Crusades and of the Jews, Catholics and Protestants. I don't think any of us are in imminent danger of a modern inquisition:)

Hi David It is in the Koran that it is every Muslims duty to live and ensure that they are governed by the law of Allah and wherever a Muslim resides is considered to be part of Allahs Kingdom and all true Muslims must give Allahs Law precedence over any other man made laws. That is where I learnt about it from Marie xx