Background Information:

Living in a multicultural society
At the time of the launch of the amendment to the race relations act in 2001 it was estimated that minority ethnic groups accounted for five million people in the UK, approximately 10% of the total population. In Greater London the estimate was 20% and in Blackburn over 50%.

Impact on minority ethnic groups
Ethnic minority young people living in Western countries often receive conflicting messages from families and wider society as to what constitutes proper behaviour. They may also have to cope with racial prejudice at school and in the neighbourhood. Asian girls may have to cope with their parents’ orthodox views that traditionally favour boys. Many second and third generation young people are seeking integration with Western traditions and ideas, which can cause tension within traditional family units. Some integrate successfully and are proud to have a foot in both cultures; others don’t find it so easy.

Language and concepts
Race – used to classify and differentiate one group of people from another – biologically, as well as in terms of language, customs and religion. Colour of skin and hair are a particularly emotive race issue and yet recent research shows a very weak link to genetic ancestry.

Racism – any conduct, use of words or practices, which confers disadvantage on one group because of colour, culture, racial or ethnic group.

Institutional racism – can be deeply rooted in systems and institutions that are part of everyday life. Even people who consider themselves fair-minded and just can become involved in discriminatory behaviour through thoughtlessness, ignorance, stereotyping and unwitting prejudice. This can have widespread effects on social, educational and employment opportunities for racial and ethnic groups in the UK, leading to social exclusion.

Education, understanding, participation
Society in Britain is made up of a mixture of many subcultures with prejudices existing both within, and among groups. Young people have to cope with the issues this raises within the socio-political context of the region and neighbourhood where they find themselves.

Providing white and non-white young people with the opportunity to explore ideas about home, belonging, nationality, culture, allegiance, and the tensions they experience in relation to these, has the potential to contribute to a better understanding of racial and cultural issues in communities.

To avoid casting individuals and groups as victims it is essential to focus on the strengths, skills and resilience of those affected and release capacity in a way that contributes to appropriate responses within communities, and appropriate services for all groups.

Refugees and asylum seekers
Refugees and asylum seekers coming to the UK face many of the experiences faced by ethnic minorities: dislocation, powerlessness, discrimination and limited support. They also face strong public opinion about the legitimacy of their right to be in the UK. Sorting out those genuinely persecuted from those desperately looking for work or simply ambitious to get on in life is something all developed countries are having to cope with.