"The Colour of Racism in Bermuda–— A CURE Perspective"

Racism is the dogma that some races are inherently superior (physically, intellectually, or culturally) to others and the superior races therefore have a right to dominate the inferior.

The application of racist dogma, most prevalently by whites against blacks, has created profound racial tension and conflict in virtually all aspects of society worldwide.

In particular, 'white' domination over 'blacks' was institutionalized and supported in all branches and levels of government. Its societal effect was to deny 'blacks' civil rights and opportunities to participate in political, economic, and social communities; its psychological effect though clearly deleterious and entrenched is much more difficult to quantify.

In Bermuda, though the specifics may have been different, the effect of racism was no different. Here, various groups like CURE are trying to improve racial relations, and in particular 'black-white' racial relations, through education and facilitated discussion.

While these attempts to bring people together to discuss racial differences are noble, we wonder whether ultimately the race idea, which is not constructed on a biological foundation, will be a useful concept to foster unity and whether, in fact, true progress must be made by working outside the simplistic framework of racist dogma. So, though we believe that our discussions on race ultimately must move beyond the focus of 'blacks' and 'whites', we passionately assert that Bermuda's reality demands that the socio-economic gap between blacks and whites be narrowed.

Racism is defined by the power of the posing superior race over the subordinate race considered inferior by those in positions of power and privilege. Throughout the history of Bermuda 'black' people have been denied privileges extended to 'White' people based on skin colour. Therefore, one could conclude that the colour of racism in Bermuda is primarily 'black' and 'white'. Racism remains a real threat to harmony and security for Bermuda's society.

It is true that a number of 'blacks' in Bermuda have progressively benefited from privilege generally limited to 'whites'. But it is also true that fair and equal access to privilege in Bermuda is disproportionate to the demographic mix of 'blacks' and 'whites'. For example, in the Bermuda workforce (2006) that comprises 53 percent 'black' (54 percent in 2005) and 34 percent 'white' (also 34 percent in 2005), 'blacks' are significantly over-represented in the lower paying jobs and under-represented in the higher paying jobs in Bermuda. This state of affairs has been consistent over recent years as attested by statistical data collected by CURE since 2001 and as collected by the Department of Statistics since 2005.

Racism by its very nature is dehumanizing since it is the denial of basic human rights to a group of people based on race or the colour of one's skin. It provides one race opportunity to enjoy a higher quality of life, and denies fair and equal access to opportunity for the same quality of life by the under-privileged race. The unfairness is compounded when racism is reinforced by institutions protected by law and permitted by policies, procedures and practices of the respective institutions; or when unfairness is perpetrated by the absence of policies, procedures and practices that would ensure fairness for all races. This condition can be described as institutional racism.

The result of this condition of inequity is seen in social and economic privilege possessed and enjoyed by some and unavailable to others based on race and the colour of one's skin, and distributed disproportionately to actual demographics. In Bermuda the unequal access to opportunity is evident in areas such as education, employment and housing in particular and has filtered generally throughout the social and economic fabric of life in Bermuda. It cannot be ignored that one of the most crucial components in the creation of opportunities is equal access to a quality education, without which racism will continue to effectively operate.

The colour of racism in Bermuda no doubt raises questions for persons in Bermuda or for persons from the international community who are unaware of Bermuda's history of race relations. Questions such as the following invite a response.

Q. Why focus on 'black' and 'white' in Bermuda? A. Historical facts and current statistical data suggest that the 'black/white' divide over equal access to opportunity has discoloured positive race relations in Bermuda.

Q. 2) Does institutional racism exist in Bermuda? A. Yes and a few examples include the church, industry, and education systems.

Q. 3) Why can't Bermuda just get over and get past the issue of race? A. As long as 'black' people and 'white' people deny the existence of racism and refuse to engage dialogue and action to uproot racism, the insidious nature of racism will continue to erode relationships in Bermuda on racial grounds and destroy hope for a better Bermuda like cancer that eventually claims the life of its victim.

Q. 4) What is the solution or the cure to racism in Bermuda? How does CURE work toward the elimination of racial discrimination? Who is responsible to promote fair and equal access to opportunity in Bermuda? A. Is more legislation needed? Should new books be written or is there need to establish new anti-racism organisations in Bermuda? Will public forums on race relations advance the cause of fairness? Will training and workshops in diversity help in unlearning racism and learning how to enjoy the beauty of different human perspectives including race and colour? Does the solution depend on organisations or does it reside in the mind of individuals both 'black' and 'white' who decide that racism in Bermuda is counterproductive for success and happiness of all?

Racism is inherently destructive. Racism kills the spirit of celebrating humanity. Racism makes for an unsafe environment. Racism paves a short term road of happiness for a few that ultimately proves to be a dead-end street of unhappiness for all. The solution to racism has to be multi-faceted. It could take the form of all of the above measures as alluded to in rhetorical questions as outlined above, or through further endeavours to engage individuals and groups in processes as needed to achieve common goals, as those currently espoused by CURE, the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality, namely:

► To work toward the elimination of racial discrimination; and

► To promote equality of opportunity, sincerity and harmony.

CURE aims to achieve its goals through:

► Education;

► Individual, Corporate and Community involvement; and

► Fostering and encouraging a climate of inclusiveness and security.

Unfair race relations throughout the history of Bermuda have plagued Bermuda society. Bermuda has evolved from slavery to emancipation but the divide between 'black' people and 'white' people in this country has remained disproportionate in terms of opportunity to enjoy a quality of life desired by all. Historical records, statistical data, and the demographic display of people enjoying Bermuda's socio-economic benefits, reveals that 'black' people are significantly under-represented as compared to the demographic spread of Bermuda's population by race.

Attempts made to improve race relations in Bermuda must be applauded. Positive efforts of individuals and organisations to level the field for 'black' people and 'white' people to truly experience harmony in communal living must be affirmed. One must acknowledge the positive work of the Government of Bermuda through initiatives via the Department of Human Affairs — CURE (The Commission for Unity and Racial Equality) established in 1994 and the Human Rights Commission; and via the Bermuda Race Relations Initiative (BRRI) dialogues on race in 2007. The positive work of different groups to eliminate racism and promote good relations among the races in Bermuda must be recognised. The groups include those on the following list. CURB — Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda; Amnesty International; Imagine Bermuda; Diversity Institute of Bermuda; and others like Youth on The Move — Bermuda.

Today, in 2007, the fight against racism in Bermuda remains at best a work in progress. The fight is not to change the colours in the 'colour of racism' but rather to blend them so that the colours of 'black' and 'white' remain but in a more harmonious blend where both colours are preserved, celebrated and respected through fair and equal access to opportunity afforded to not only both of these races but to all races in Bermuda. The fight against racism must continue until racism is uprooted and replaced by equality of opportunity, sincerity and harmony among all who call Bermuda home.

Nikkita Scott is the chairperson of the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE)