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Thought-provoking piece on @BBCCountryfile on ethnic minorities and access to countryside by fellow adventurer @DwayneFields. But it prompted lots of comments, many of them lacking in understanding or downright unpleasant.
Brown folk in the country: a thread.
#countryfile
1/10 https://twitter.com/bbccountryfile/status/1277277327639154688
Brown folk in the country: a thread.
#countryfile
1/10 https://twitter.com/bbccountryfile/status/1277277327639154688
Some suggest ethnic minorities aren’t interested in the countryside.
Not true.
Most migrants move to cities due to jobs and existing migrant communities, making settling in easier – just as Brits abroad often live in expat areas. But many are from rural places back home.
2/10
Not true.
Most migrants move to cities due to jobs and existing migrant communities, making settling in easier – just as Brits abroad often live in expat areas. But many are from rural places back home.
2/10
Some question what barriers stop ethnic minorities getting out there. It’s about lack of opportunity.
As with white working-class, inner-city kids, they’re less likely to be instilled with a love of the British countryside by fam/friends. Both are important access issues.
3/10
As with white working-class, inner-city kids, they’re less likely to be instilled with a love of the British countryside by fam/friends. Both are important access issues.
3/10
They’re also less likely to be reflected in the outdoors world – in TV shows, brand advertising or visitor demographics.
Research has shown time and time again how much representation matters.
4/10
Research has shown time and time again how much representation matters.
4/10
That’s why we now recognise the importance of promoting girls in sport and women in STEM and run outreach programmes for disadvantaged youths.
5/10
5/10
Remember when people used to say, ‘Stop pushing women’s football, girls just aren’t interested in sport’?
It’s the same thing.
Thankfully, most people now recognise that for the outdated nonsense it is.
6/10
It’s the same thing.
Thankfully, most people now recognise that for the outdated nonsense it is.
6/10
I was born and grew up in Scotland – virtually the only non-white pupil at school – followed by a village in the South of England.
I was lucky enough to have beautiful countryside on my doorstep and parents who encouraged (and could pay for) me to camp, ride, sail and ski.
7/10
I was lucky enough to have beautiful countryside on my doorstep and parents who encouraged (and could pay for) me to camp, ride, sail and ski.
7/10
It was (and still is) far from the typical British-Asian experience.
I now love the outdoors and adventure expeditions, while many of my peers from ethnic minority backgrounds have little experience of the countryside and feel daunted to dip their toes in.
Go figure.
8/10
I now love the outdoors and adventure expeditions, while many of my peers from ethnic minority backgrounds have little experience of the countryside and feel daunted to dip their toes in.
Go figure.
8/10
It’d be a huge shame to deprive people – whether ethnic minorities or white working-class, inner-city kids – of the same opportunities I had to respectfully enjoy the great outdoors.
9/10
9/10
That’s what this access debate is about – which @DwayneFields’ piece was part of.
And it’s exactly what Dwayne and @PhoebeRSmith’s #WeTwo Foundation is helping to address: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wetwo
I, for one, applaud them.
10/10
And it’s exactly what Dwayne and @PhoebeRSmith’s #WeTwo Foundation is helping to address: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wetwo
I, for one, applaud them.
10/10
