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There was a time when the term ‘culture clash’ meant conflict between an immigrant/minority and the so-called ‘host’/majority culture. Not surprisingly, now we hear of such conflict between different ethnic or religious minority groups.
Here, in Birmingham, England, we have had strife between Asians and African Caribbeans which culminated in riots in the Lozells area. This was started by a rumour through a black radio station that a black girl had been gang-raped by Asians. This was then fuelled by a black newspaper which was later reprimanded by the Press Complaints Commission. We have also had isolated troubles such as the one in Slough London between Sikhs and Muslims which then resulted in the project ‘Aik Saath’.
Posted in read more | karamat's blog
Submitted by karamat on Sat, 2008-11-15 16:30.
Steve Jones in an excellent article points out that men and women are on the move and are having lots of sex on the way. This, according to him is leading to greater assimilation. He poses the question: how far was your birthplace from that of your partner and how far apart were your mother and father and your grandmothers and grandfathers born?
In answer he says that ‘in almost every case the distance has increased over the generations and continues to do so (my wife and I first saw the light 3000 miles apart; my mother and father about 3)’. For me and my wife it was 4000 miles and my parents only a few yards.
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Submitted by karamat on Tue, 2008-11-11 18:04.
Before we move on from the election, it is worth reflecting on its gender dimension.
First Camille Paglia had a go at Hilary Clinton for being too dependent on Bill’s connections, advice and interventions. She seems to be saying that women have to go it alone.
Then, Suzanne Goldenberg, author of Madam President; is America ready to send Hilary Clinton (now, woman) to the White House, makes the point that actually both Palin and Clinton have helped people to consider the possibility that perhaps one day the US will have a female president. .
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Submitted by karamat on Tue, 2008-11-11 17:23.
Once upon a time, in the recent past:
• Women were not allowed to eat at most City restaurants unless they were the guest of a male member of the club
• City’s boardrooms and trading floors were similarly restrictive with women mainly confined to roles as secretaries and other supporting positions
• (a bit before this) Women were sacked if they got married or pregnant
It was at time like this that the City Women’s Network was set up, initially given the ironic title ‘The Little Ladies’. Apparently, they had to keep it a secret for fear of upsetting the men; some women could not safely receive mailings at home while others could not tell their husbands about the network. Seems unbelievable but it is true as pointed out in The Observer.
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Submitted by karamat on Tue, 2008-11-11 17:11.
This article by Laura Smith provides a comprehensive perspective of the dual heritage debate with further resources.
There is also a collection of portraits which challenges the awkward silence surrounding mixed race, and celebrates a diversity of culture, tradition and history and a website on multiple heritage.
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Submitted by karamat on Thu, 2008-11-06 13:24.
There was a time when anyone who had the slightest shade of brown or black would be classed as black. At least they would struggle to be accepted as white. The situation has changed slightly but will hopefully change to a much greater extent as in the future. The debate has been given a real kick up its backside by one Barack Obama’s election. The event is so momentous and recent that I can’t actually believe it has happened!
I wonder how they would answer if Obama were to pose the question to his entourage (disciples!): Who do they say I am? Although I have been watching his campaign from the start, the first Blog entry I made was 42 weeks and 3 days ago. From those early days many people, including those on his campaign team, have been presenting Obama as an African American. I don’t think he came out to challenge this.
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Submitted by karamat on Thu, 2008-11-06 10:19.
As America is about to have its Mandela moment, I thought it might be an idea to catch up with bits and pieces that I have come across on their election.
There are people who are saying that race could still undo Obama’s achievements thus far. This is referred to as the the Bradley Effect and the Bradley Effect in reverse i.e. where people say one thing to pollsters and do another in the ballot box.
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Submitted by karamat on Sun, 2008-11-02 23:23.
While I have never met Martin Tiplady, my impression of him has been that he is someone who knows a little about equality and diversity and about using offensive language. So I am willing to give him the benefit of doubt over his use of the words ’you people’; lets accept that he meant no offence especially as he has said as much. There are many more serious issues which deserve our energies.
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Submitted by karamat on Wed, 2008-10-15 18:41.
Diversity practitioners, us included, have often said that commitment to diversity from the top leadership is critical to its success within organisations. Now there is comprehensive research which backs this claim.
The report, written by Gillian Shapiro, points out that companies with the most successful record on diversity have the following in common:
• Their statement of values specifically includes diversity and inclusion
• The CEO is held accountable for progress on diversity
• The Board is diverse in its make-up
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Submitted by karamat on Tue, 2008-10-07 16:53.
A recent report on the impact of flexible working has been summarised at Diversity Link’s website. It points out that there is a positive relationship between flexible working practices and employee performance.
Also, here are some best practice recommendations from Opportunity Now. And if this misses anything then this excellent what not to do list will make up for it.
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Submitted by karamat on Tue, 2008-10-07 16:52.
