‘White privilege is a form of racism’

HAVING read John Heal’s letter (Sentinel, October 15) regarding his views on comments made by MP Jonathan Gullis at the Conservative Party Conference which he feels ‘would be repugnant in the real world’, I feel it worth making a balanced response to his usual partisan views.

With regard to the term ‘white privilege’, Mr Gullis is right to say it is a form of racism.

It is a term that originated long ago from America where their population is based largely on immigration coming in from all over the world; some of which was by force – black slavery. People there of non-white colour skins were, and still claim to be, discriminated against, and this is taken up by the Black Lives Matter organisation.

In the UK, the migrant population all come here willingly. We breed the belief in our children that they are all equal. The colour of their skin is not an issue for any debate. Why should it be?

Why, therefore, should white children now be subjected to this term and feel they cannot defend themselves, as to do so is to be classed a racist? It is totally wrong of a teacher to use this term as all it does is cause division and resentment.

His second point regarding Mr Gullis saying that teachers showing support for the Labour party in the classroom should be sacked.

It is the role and duty of each teacher to impart only the educational curriculum subject matter to children who are entrusted in their care.

No teacher should seek to influence young minds with their own political views or dogma.

Finally, Mr Heal’s third point based on the tearing down of Edward Colston’s

statue due to his fortune being made from slavery.

Every decent person in this country, I am certain, is appalled by the past (and sadly continuing present in some countries) of the existence of slavery, but it is totally wrong for a marauding gang of activists to topple the statue into the harbour.

In this case, it is for the people of Bristol who have benefitted massively from the legacy of the city’s charities set up as a result of the money left by Colston, as how best to express the lessons that should be learnt from their past history.

As an aside, don’t forget it was Great Britain who was largely responsible for taking the lead in ending slavery in much of the world, which then comprised the British Empire.

Back in 1833, the British government spent £20m, which was a staggering 40 per cent of its budget, to buy freedom for slaves. That’s equivalent to approximately

£20bn today, making it one of the biggest ever government bailouts.

The cost was so high, the vast loans the government took out to fund it were only finally paid off in 2015.

D BOTHAM TRENTHAM