Anti-racism protest triggers backlash
A Perthshire town has been warned it is not immune to racism after messages supporting the Black Lives Matter movement provoked a negative response from some people.
A number of cardboard placards made by young people in Aberfeldy with antiracism messages were placed around the town on bridges and on signposts.
But the signs were apparently taken down by objectors.
It came after the community council called for those who put them up to remove them as they had “made their point”.
Architect Robert Macpherson told the PA: “I was very impressed that someone had taken the time and trouble to make the signs and bring to consciousness that world issues are actually felt at a local level by local people.
“It is important that small towns such as this truly value equality. There is racism experienced by BAME people in this town and it is merely shrugged off as being irrelevant to a town like this. That opinion is not correct and it is important for us all to be positively anti-racist.”
Robert’s images of the paper protest appeared on Aberfeldy Community Noticeboard Facebook page and reactions to the messages were overwhelmingly positive.
But there were comments from people who did not approve.
And Aberfeldy Community Council asked for those who put them up to take them away: “Whoever has put these signs up has made their point and got their feedback. Because they all appear to be on public property, will the same person or people who put them up, take them back down again please?
“We all understand that topical political messaging has a role to play but there has to be specific action afterwards.
“If there are specific issues we need to address in Aberfeldy the way to do that is through our elected representatives. If the signs are simply a general show of support for an international campaign, then fine. You have done that.”
Vicki Melvin (42), a chef working locally, was disappointed the messages were so short-lived.
“It was lovely to see the signs up and I felt proud a small town like Aberfeldy was including itself in a positive message,” she said. “So it’s a real pity a couple of people couldn’t bear it. I was surprised to see how the mood soured online.
“After all, the people who made the signs were doing just what everyone has been asked to do. They didn’t stand around. They put out a peaceful message, did nothing destructive and stayed home.
“There seems to be a current of casual racism at work in Aberfeldy. It’s really sad.”
The online exchange provoked several Breadalbane Academy pupils to comment on experiencing racism.
One wrote: “Just because you haven’t seen it happen in Aberfeldy does not mean it doesn’t happen at all.
“I’m sure whoever put these posters up meant no harm at all. I’m sure they didn’t mean to disrespect anyone. Nobody wants to start a war. It’s just for people to take time to reflect on who they want to be and how they portray themselves to others.”