Racism and austerity: no change with Sunak
JVL Introduction
In this opinion piece, Kehinde Andrews, Professor in Black studies at Birmingham City University, emphasises that there is nothing for people from racialised communities to celebrate in having the first Asian Prime Minister.
As he puts it: “The fact that his skin is brown and his parents are immigrants does not mean he automatically has any affinity to the millions of Black and brown citizens who are victims of his party and its policies.” and “Unfortunately, the Conservatives have learned to play the politics of identity to perfection. Elevating racial minorities to positions of prominence provides the diversity fig leaf to hide the party’s racist policies.”
Ending racism needs a progressive agenda and full recognition of why racism was created and that it is in the interests of the ruling class to continue with policies of divide and rule.
This article was originally published by CNN -Opinion piece on Wed 26 Oct 2022. Read the original here.
Do not fall for the symbolism of Rishi Sunak’s premiership
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It is fair to say we all know what we are doing when it comes to business and when someone makes millions it is always at the expense of another, unless of course he controls the Royal Mint, so Sunak has nailed his colours to the mast and it has nothing to do with the colour of his skin, it is an ideological position. The greatest threat is his insensitivity to his fellow men, interesting times lay ahead.
I don’t wholly agree. While many of the points about class and wealth are valid, it *is* significant when minorities gain greater representation in the systems of politics and power and some progress to higher ranks. Would we prefer it if there were still colour bars and Jewish quotas?
On a minor point, Boris Johnson had sufficient nominations to contest the leadership but chose to withdraw.