Our Commitments

Ethnicity

There is more to 'race' than meets the eye. Race is a modern idea. The word 'race' did not exist in the English language until 1508. It appeared in a poem by William Dunbar referring to a line of kings. "Although people may look different, 'race' has no genetic basis. Not one characteristic, trait or gene distinguishes all the members of one so-called race from all the members of another so-called race" (ARCH).

Some argue that only racism exists and that 'race' doesn't. 

We recognize that:

• That people from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities can face disadvantage and discrimination;
• This is due to attitudes and actions based on the belief that one race is better than another.  This kind of belief is called racism;
• Racism covers negative beliefs that are based on colour, nationality, or national or ethnic origin;
• Racism can mean that individuals and communities are the subjects of negative stereotyping and attitudes treated as inferiors and denied that same quality of life as white people. It can also mean they face harassment, hatred and violence.

We will:

• Not treat people less favourably on the grounds of their race;
• Challenge racism by each other;
• Value people regardless of race;
• Act without prejudice;
• Try to remove barriers that may be preventing some communities from having the same access as others;
• Not to make generalizations or stereotype about people from particular groups;
• Recognize that people from a particular country of origin do not have identical cultural backgrounds or beliefs;
• Not assume people relate to the terms 'Christian name' or 'surname', as not everyone is Christian. Use 'personal name' and 'family name';
• Not assume that just because someone responds to a question in English, that they fully understand English;
• Not assume that a raised voice or gesticulations are necessarily signs of aggression or loss of control;
• Not underestimate the influence of our own cultural background as it may affect our perceptions of someone else's cultural background;
• Not use language that is likely to cause offence such as 'coloured', 'Afro-Caribbean' and 'half-caste'.  When in doubt, ask what the appropriate language is;
• Be sensitive to the difficulties in translation that jargon or slang may present;
• Appreciate how cultural differences in body language might contribute to misunderstanding and conflict. For example, it is not customary in some cultures to shake hands (especially among women), or to look people in the eye.

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