I grew up in a predominantly white town somewhere in the Home Counties. School was overwhelmingly white. It was the 1980s.
We had one black boy join. And his younger sister. From day one there was trouble. He was always getting into confrontations. He was quite boisterous and full of energy. The white kids and the teachers didn’t know how to react to him.
So they would always try and put him down. He’d always fight back. And so he was quickly classed a problem child.
Anyway, one day his sister (I think she was his sister) was walking out towards the school gate. I was with my friends - all white. Now bear in mind I’m talking of when I was about 8 years old. They decided to racially abuse her.
It was hard being Asian in that environment. I also was sometimes subject to racist abuse. I guess at that age you just want to fit in. To not be the one excluded.
Long story short I joined in with them. And laughed along at it. I went home and told my mum who scolded me severely and told me never to do such a thing. She reminded me that one day those same people will likely do it to you.
My behaviour, though I was only a young child myself, that day and what my mother said to me that evening has stuck in my mind throughout the past three decades.
I remember her first name but not her surname. I’ve resolved to try and track her down. To find her and say sorry. Should have told them to shut up and leave her alone.
Anyway, what triggered this reminiscence? Hearing the piece of crap, Home Secretary, @pritipatel talk of being called a paki (bet that doubly hurt for a Hindutva lowlife) in the playground.
Some of us react to racial abuse by seeking validation from the white majority at any cost. Even if it means aiding and abetting their racism. What I did at the age of 8 was an example of that. But some of us grew up, Priti. We realised how pathetic and cowardly it is.
Some of us didn’t. Some of us still behave just like the 8 year old me did. Yes, that would be you. Peace all. And yes Black Lives Matter.
