No Place for Racist Behavior

Jul 01, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
Leaders of all organizations and political leaders of all parties must publicly condemn “racist behaviour” (uttering and actions). The election campaign is long over. Now is the time for healing and to unite to build a nation. All racist commentaries and statements from whatever source and for whichever purpose must be condemned. We must live in peace if we are going to experience the fruits of our labour and national development.
There have been too many reports of racist uttering during the election campaign and continuing till now. During the heated election campaign and continuing till this day, there has been a racist undercurrent in the society and feelings of “palpable racism” as revealed to me in interviews with countless numbers of Guyanese who described experiences of racially abusive comments, physical contacts, and racially targeted robberies.
As reported to me, in one incident when an Indian female rebuffed the advancement of a young African male during the election campaign, he told her “You and all the Indian girls will be our bitches after the election because we gun win”. What kind of home training did that youngster receive?
In another incident after the election, a heavy set female spoke loudly to an Indian female in a mini-bus driven by an Indian driver and Indian conductor, instructing her: “Move over, it is our time now”.
In too many incidents, as revealed to me, at various locations, young males speak in a demeaning language to Indian females: “We in charge now. You better come with one of us. Only we can protect you”. But protection from what? These youngsters need to be picked up and given a lesson on proper behaviour. The elders should counsel them to end their racial intonation and mentality.
Parties have to rein in the behavior of their supporters especially those who feel they can get away with saying or doing anything by invoking their association with a political party or the government. There is no place for racist statements and behaviour in our multi-racial society. And we must stop attacking people or saying things to them on account of their race.
Interracial solidarity must be the agenda of everyone; the new government needs all the assistance it can get for national development.
We must stop looking at each other suspiciously on account of race and or use demeaning terms (descriptions) for one another based on race. We must respect each other and look out for one another’s interest.
Government officials must not only call for racial unity but must act it – make appointments that are racially just and based on equity and not on political and racial consideration.
Vishnu Bisram

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No Place for Racist Behavior

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