Page 15 - Anti-Racism Pocketbook for Schools and Academies

A recent controversial topic that needs to be addressed due to
the fact that not every ethnic minority feels comfortable being

clumped into this generalised umbrella used by government

departments, public bodies, the media, and others.

After carrying out research with around 300 people, civil

service agent Zamila Bunglawala found that only a few

individuals recognised the use of this acronym, and many
others were not aware of what it actually meant. This shows

that the term was not universally accepted by the majority of

ethnic minorities and there needs to be a wider discussion to
ensure that everyone feels included. A discussion should

always be included surrounding what your audience

identifies as and responds to.

Thirdly, as an educator, there needs to be awareness

surrounding how appropriate language can be for specific

contexts and topics.

For example, some schools teach the books such as To Kill A

Mockingbird or Huckleberry Finn that include the N-word.
Although this term is a racial slur that can be uncomfortable

and sensitive topic to discuss in the classroom, others agree

that these terms do not necessarily need to be censored due

to the idea that it is important for writers to illustrate the
society or context in which they are writing about.

Depending on whichever side of the debate you are in, it is
always important to have a chat surrounding the

comfortability of reading and discussing these texts, and

what your students will feel comfortable doing in these types

of situations.

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