‘A time comes when silence is betrayal’ (MLK) |14 June 2020
All of us at the Global Shapers Victoria Hub are outraged by the racially-motivated attack on Bangladeshi nationals last weekend. We have to speak out against racism and xenophobia in every form. This falls within the scope of the Global Shapers Community Charter which champions the principles of diversity and inclusion. Part of a global movement of young people influencing positive change, we believe that proactive and compassionate dialogue and action on racism and xenophobia is key to positive change in our society.
Recent events in the US have stimulated important discussions on racism around the world. This is a timely moment to reflect on racism-related issues in our own country. As a member of a global network with a mandate to respond to community challenges, we cannot take a stand on an anti-racism movement outside our borders but fail to comment on associated acts of violence in our own community.
Racial discrimination has no place in a democratic society marked by diversity and born out of a melting pot of cultures. Respect for human dignity and non-discrimination should be a shared bond.
We can no longer deny the existence of racism in a society stained by racial slurs and violent acts of aggression. Nor can we deny that these manifestations are symptoms of deeper societal issues, be it the legacy of colonialism, underlying insecurities, or deliberately created divisions. Consider the belittlement associated with terms like ‘Mazanbik’, ‘Sinwan’, ‘Afriken’ or ‘Malbar’. Think of the motivation behind describing someone’s hair as ‘krepi’ or checking a newborn’s ears and toes to determine their colour. Reflect on the root of offhand statements like “in sanse pour ganny en blan”, or “son piti in sorti byen akoz son papa i kler”.
I annan en ta pti keksoz ki nou dir kot nou pa pe mazin lofans ladan.
How does our language perpetuate racism?
How do our cultural beliefs perpetuate racism?
How do our systems perpetuate racism?
Racism must be acknowledged to be combated. Our Constitution writes that Seychellois people are “AWARE and PROUD that as descendants of different races we have learnt to live together as one Nation under God and can serve as an example for a harmonious multi-racial society”. Without acknowledging racism and xenophobia in our society, of which this attack is a sad manifestation, we are failing to uphold the Supreme Law of our Land and the values this nation was built on.
As a Hub of more than 30 diverse members, part of a global network of almost 10,000 people, we wish to see a clear and broad recognition of racism as a social problem. We call upon government, political parties and society as a whole to be bold enough to discuss this issue openly, engage in dialogue, and develop comprehensive actions against it.
Our Hub will be meeting and exploring this topic in-depth together, to listen and learn from each other’s experiences in a safe space, in the hope of raising awareness and change. By engaging in authentic, compassionate dialogue, we hope to set an example. We urge others to have these difficult conversations with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours: use your voice and take action to make a difference, because “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter” (Martin Luther King).
Contributed by Global Shapers Victoria Hub