It’s ironic that Diane Abbott reveals herself two times censured at the matter of racism. Then again, her scenario comes to extra than simply the “clumsy” letter to the Observer in 2023 and the radio interview closing week referred to by way of Jason Okundaye (The Diane Abbott row presentations how impoverished Britain’s conversations about race have turn into, 18 July).
Blackness would possibly make a few of us extra simply visual to these with racist attitudes than any other racialised teams, however Abbott will have to have recognised that her strive to provide an explanation for this on Radio 4 used to be doomed by way of her declaration that she had no regrets concerning the previous incident.
It isn’t that she hasn’t a valid level (in embryo), however her first iteration of it used to be crass and insulting, and her 2nd used to be politically naive – it makes her apology issued the day the letter used to be printed seem insincere and invitations unwelcome consideration on her judgment.
Okundaye is correct to say that Abbott has been handled badly. However every other regrettable factor on the center of the furore has been in large part forgotten: the misconceived, poorly argued Observer article that her letter had replied to.
Abbott’s reaction gave the look to be distorted by way of anger when what used to be required used to be sober argument. Sadly, as a substitute of the use of her contemporary interview with the BBC to direct consideration again against the offending article, she reinforced the influence of being preoccupied with evaluating racisms. At absolute best, this used to be an highbrow cul-de-sac to be have shyed away from; at worst, it used to be sure to sound to her detractors like an echo of her authentic disastrous pretend pas.
Paul McGilchrist
Cromer, Norfolk
Jason Okundaye’s article makes some crucial issues in regards to the impoverishment of public discourse about race in Britain, now not least the loss of areas the place those conversations can happen with out putting off the distinction of black folks, like Diane Abbott, which is a same old type of racism in Britain and in other places. Seeking to specific reviews of racism takes numerous braveness, particularly in case you are deemed now not price taking note of.
I might argue that the deep roots of the British status quo’s deficient and/or intentionally ignorant grab of its imperial, colonial, racist historical past, and its dating with its former colonised peoples, contributes to this impoverishment in human building.
Bobbing up with just right concepts to advertise public figuring out of the previous (and/or supporting current efforts to take action – artwork establishments had been appearing some way) would possibly move some option to counter the damaging distortions of truth that individuals like Nigel Farage are unleashing on particularly white folks’s anxieties about their position in an ever dangerously polarising international.
Fenella Jeffers
York
As anyone with Traveller heritage, I consider Diane Abbott’s feedback at the refined variations of racism. I no doubt don’t assume that Diane is anti-Traveller. No one can “see” my Traveller background, which incessantly results in an assumption in conversations that I proportion folks’ prejudices of Travellers. It’s as much as me to problem their perspectives or keep silent. This may now not be the similar if I used to be Black.
Jackie Fisher
Preuilly-sur-Claise, France
It’s a moot level as as to if Diane Abbott’s feedback about discrimination towards Jews have been antisemitic. What isn’t moot, even though, is the concept you’ll’t see that anyone is Jewish. Does she ever talk over with Stamford Hill, in her constituency of Hackney North and Stoke Newington? Contributors of the huge Hassidic group there are very clearly identifiable as Jews on account of how they get dressed, which makes them simple goals for antisemitism. I’m keen to just accept that Ms Abbott intended no sick will by way of her feedback, however they have been, to mention the least, foolish and inconsiderate.
Steven Burkeman
York
As a lady of Jewish extraction, and a constituent of Diane Abbott for 40 years, I’m, all over again, appalled by way of those accusations of antisemitism. What she says is correct. Nobody is aware of my historical past after I stroll down Stoke Newington Prime Side road. Do you are expecting all Jews to appear the just like the Hassidim? Indisputably it’s racist to think all Jews are the similar. Diane has been a stalwart of the battle towards all racism, which individuals of color are up towards day by day.
Liza Dodds
Stoke Newington, London
I’m an 82-year-old British citizen of Indian foundation and I’ve been all in favour of the problem of racism in feedback made by way of Diane Abbott previously, and the truth that she says she has no regrets.
It’s most likely tricky for white folks to grasp absolutely that racism is a fancy and incessantly misunderstood phenomenon. As Diane says, in case you are white, typically folks won’t be able to inform in the beginning look whether or not you’re a Christian or a Jew. However an individual of color won’t ever have that have.
Unfortunately, I consider that this factor is being utilized by Labour to justify postponing a fantastic MP as a result of she speaks a couple of type of institutionalised racism that pervades our society. Very disappointing.
Krishna Datta
London
