THE idea that Scotland is significantly less racist and more tolerant than other parts of the UK has never been entirely convincing, but could racism be getting worse here?
According to a study by the campaign group Show Racism the Red Card, the answer would appear to be yes. The charity’s study showed 37 per cent of young people have experienced or witnessed racism, which is double the figure recorded last year.
Disturbing as such a finding is, it should come with a few caveats. For example, the number of young people interviewed for the study was relatively small. It is also entirely possible that, because of the debate around the EU referendum and the extensive news coverage, some of the apparent rise can be explained by young people becoming more aware than they were of racism and some of the issues connected to it, such as immigration and welfare.
However, any study which appears to show an increase in racism needs to be looked at seriously. We should also be aware of the danger that, as the temperature of the Brexit debate rises, we assume racism is a problem that belongs in the parts of the UK that voted to Leave and Remain Scotland is a haven of tolerance.
The experiences of the pupils interviewed for the study show how far from the truth that is. Not only were young people subjected to all the usual cruel clichés of racism, Show Racism the Red Card believes that, in the wake of the Brexit vote, some children have felt more confident about blaming migrants. That is hard to prove, but the prominence of UKIP in recent years has certainly led to others appropriating their language - and what parents say can often make its way to the playground.
The answer is more and better racism education and awareness in schools, although according to Show Racism the Red Card, some headteachers are reluctant to have their schools branded racist and would prefer not to take action. If true, that has to change. The conversation about Brexit may well have increased racism over the last year, but talking openly about racism in schools would also be one of the best ways to tackle it.
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