Read on Twitter
1/
I'm pinning this in response to two private messages from two men telling me that I'm "encouraging" racism in my tweet about the misrepresentation of Britain's past in television drama.
I'm pinning this in response to two private messages from two men telling me that I'm "encouraging" racism in my tweet about the misrepresentation of Britain's past in television drama.
2/
Both men are white, they are (going by their profiles) middle class, and seem to jump around Twitter finding racism wherever they go.
To them, before I block them, I want to say this:-
I happen to be three minorities in one, by your yardstick.
A woman. A brown woman. And??
Both men are white, they are (going by their profiles) middle class, and seem to jump around Twitter finding racism wherever they go.
To them, before I block them, I want to say this:-
I happen to be three minorities in one, by your yardstick.
A woman. A brown woman. And??
3/
"And??" you'll have to wonder about. If it ever comes up you'll know.
Both sets of my grandparents came here from Punjab in the 1950s with nothing to their name but a determination to do well. They worked hard and made sure that my parents and aunts and uncles did well.
"And??" you'll have to wonder about. If it ever comes up you'll know.
Both sets of my grandparents came here from Punjab in the 1950s with nothing to their name but a determination to do well. They worked hard and made sure that my parents and aunts and uncles did well.
4/
They never made demands on the state, never sought special treatment, never blamed anybody when things weren't going well. Nor did my wonderful parents, who were liberal in their parenting and never forced Sikh cultural norms or religious belief upon us.
They never made demands on the state, never sought special treatment, never blamed anybody when things weren't going well. Nor did my wonderful parents, who were liberal in their parenting and never forced Sikh cultural norms or religious belief upon us.
5/
My parents had as many white friends as they did Sikh friends. They and my grandparents were intensely patriotic. Since university on most of my friends have been white, but I have friends of all races and religions.
My parents had as many white friends as they did Sikh friends. They and my grandparents were intensely patriotic. Since university on most of my friends have been white, but I have friends of all races and religions.
6/
Only once have I ever experienced racism (and sexism) and that happened when Mum and I, on our way to a wedding, got lost in Birmingham. It wasn't white people shouting and making a fuss about us, let me make that clear.
Only once have I ever experienced racism (and sexism) and that happened when Mum and I, on our way to a wedding, got lost in Birmingham. It wasn't white people shouting and making a fuss about us, let me make that clear.
7/
I respect all religions and all people. That's how I was brought up. I lost my own faltering faith when I went to university, where I read mediaeval history, which was my great love at school. I did go to Punjab when I was 15.
I respect all religions and all people. That's how I was brought up. I lost my own faltering faith when I went to university, where I read mediaeval history, which was my great love at school. I did go to Punjab when I was 15.
8/
That was a wonderful trip, but though I recognised everything culturally, I just didn't feel the same love for it as I did England. England was home, where I grew up. How could I feel anything but English, despite my background and skin colour?
That was a wonderful trip, but though I recognised everything culturally, I just didn't feel the same love for it as I did England. England was home, where I grew up. How could I feel anything but English, despite my background and skin colour?
9/
My dream came true four years ago when I was able to move into the countryside I'd always loved. I rent, because I can't afford to buy, while my brothers and cousins all own their homes. I'd sooner do it this way than not do it at all though.
My dream came true four years ago when I was able to move into the countryside I'd always loved. I rent, because I can't afford to buy, while my brothers and cousins all own their homes. I'd sooner do it this way than not do it at all though.
10/
I love the clear air, the peace, the walks, my cat and my two near neighbours who have been wonderfully helpful. I love going with them to the village pub now and again (don't tell Mum!), I love fish and chips, I love everything this country gave and gives to me.
I love the clear air, the peace, the walks, my cat and my two near neighbours who have been wonderfully helpful. I love going with them to the village pub now and again (don't tell Mum!), I love fish and chips, I love everything this country gave and gives to me.
11/
So, my two witch hunting friends, know that I have a love for my country and its wonderful people that I think is shared by most Sikhs. It's because I love and respect my fellow English people that I respect the history that made them.
So, my two witch hunting friends, know that I have a love for my country and its wonderful people that I think is shared by most Sikhs. It's because I love and respect my fellow English people that I respect the history that made them.
12/
I realise and accept that people of my background are only a recent part of that history, which is, immutably, that of a white European people. If I were to see a turbaned Tudor or a black cavalier in a television period drama I would laugh my shoes off with everyone else.
I realise and accept that people of my background are only a recent part of that history, which is, immutably, that of a white European people. If I were to see a turbaned Tudor or a black cavalier in a television period drama I would laugh my shoes off with everyone else.
13/
I'd also think it very insulting to the English and their historical truth. Blatant misrepresentation is unacceptable, always.
Finally, in this wonderful English phrase:- please bugger off.
I'd also think it very insulting to the English and their historical truth. Blatant misrepresentation is unacceptable, always.
Finally, in this wonderful English phrase:- please bugger off.
