Right for the wrong reasons

Racism has raised its ugly head again and the only surprise is that anyone is surprised. Home secretary Priti Patel has shown an unbelievable clumsiness and lack of political nous.

In an interview she dismissed players taking the knee as 'gesture politics'. Well, there are many campaigners against racism who actually agree with her, albeit for different reasons. Now, let's take a deep breath and ask ourselves, perhaps was she actually correct?

England players were taking the knee in friendly matches before the Euros and continued to so do throughout the tournament.

Did this gesture change hearts and minds? Did it change anything?

Sadly, it would seem the answer is a resounding no.

In my opinion there are two central strands to the problem of racism in society.

The first is institutional racism, the second, social.

To change the institutions' racist policies, one needs to reform or replace them. This will take a concerted effort through the ballot box.

The problem with racism within society generally is down to all of us, and confronting it is far from easy. I'm certain I'm not alone in encountering racist comments in my day to day life.

Workmates and neighbours, people we need to get on with daily, they will say something deplorable and for the sake of keeping the peace.

What the anti-racism campaigners want, and I instinctively agree, is for people to confront anyone who makes a racist comment.

I too have gritted my teeth when someone who in every other aspect I consider to be a decent person says something abhorrent to me. I HAVE confronted people in the past, and found myself somewhat isolated as a result.

To compound my isolation, I have also criticised the hard-line stance put forward by the anti-racist campaigners. They ignore the fact that we, as a nation, tend to want 'the quiet life' and hate causing 'a fuss'.

Racism is an important enough issue that 'a fuss' is called for, but for many people it won't be easy. Ms Patel was right, for all the wrong reasons. Taking the knee IS a gesture, but something is better than nothing and maybe, just maybe it will encourage a few more of us to confront, or walk away from the racists in our daily lives.

Nick Haines Allaway Avenue, Paulsgrove