This is one of the reasons why “all lives matter” is such an inappropriate take. I have been at the Bar for 27 years and this has happened to me once. Once. This happened to Alex 3 times in ONE court appearance. This is not about those individuals involved. It is about how a https://twitter.com/essexbarrister/status/1308854340258598913

significant proportion of society see and treat their fellow humans. It is from these small assumptions, based on skin colour, that tragic consequences can flow. And it makes Alex’s day so very different from mine when it shouldn’t be.

If people want to know what white privilege is, it is being able to go about your profession without others questioning your right to be there when all they have done is seen your face.

This is not me being “woke”. Or politically correct. This is not me hating my skin colour or my country. It is just about seeing what is wrong and how that impacts on my fellow humans. We all need to do better. To be better.

And if I am signaling a virtue in saying that, then please follow the signal. The virtue of treating people equally and fairly will make the world a better place.

I am not conscious that being a white male has ever opened a door for me. But I am certain it has never closed one. I cannot say the same for those that are visually different from me. That’s not right is it?

The challenge for all of us, but perhaps more so for those of you who most closely resemble me, is - what are you going to do about it? Both to change yourself and society. To change your attitude and create the opportunity for others to change and succeed.