It's continually exhausting explaining to people that racism involves power structures and is not the same thing as prejudice. You literally can't be racist towards a white person. But so many don't want to hear it.
One aspect I’d like to understand more is the politics around this - why now ? I believe there’s been recent legislative changes in the UK and this feels like a high-ish profile test case. I also agree with other commenters that understanding the interactions that preceded her statement is needed - not to mitigate the words, but to understand them in any wider context on that night.
Personally, and reflecting as a white male (and with all the undeserved privilege that entails) I’ve also tried to appreciate in what, if any circumstances, I’d have felt being called a ‘stupid, white bastard’ was racist. And I’m struggling to find one. In this instance, I’d certainly have had some frustrations at having to deal with (yet) another inebriated taxi passenger as part of my job, and her reported words appear intended to be provocative in the moment, but that doesn’t equal racism, and especially so given the power dynamics here.
It should have ended as a regrettable incident on the night - that it hasn’t suggests there’s more in play than just a throwaway insult.
Preface. I love Sam Kerr it is very hard to critique someone who has such an enormous positive effect on our country especially on women and girls.
I don't think by definition her alleged statement is racist, I would imagine that the police officer would have been called way worse. I do however feel the comment is inappropriate, it cycles debate at such a low level of intellect and gets us nowhere on making real change for the people who experience real racism.
I also do not know the context of language that transpired between Sam and the officer prior to her making that statement which I think is important.
Your depth of analysis is so greatly appreciated and refreshing. It’s nice to consume media that isn’t afraid to challenge the Murdoch sea and (to me, more importantly) believes that there are humans who want to consume critical analysis, even if it does take up more time in their day. Thank you Hannah. Particularly loved “sense of justice is not based in fairness or equality, but in loyalty to those who look and act like them.”
I’m wondering is sexism came into the incident as well. Unless it is another officer by the same name, he was stood down for gross misconduct that involved women and minors. If that is true, I could picture him feeling like he needed to exert some sort of authority over her as a successful woman
It's continually exhausting explaining to people that racism involves power structures and is not the same thing as prejudice. You literally can't be racist towards a white person. But so many don't want to hear it.
One aspect I’d like to understand more is the politics around this - why now ? I believe there’s been recent legislative changes in the UK and this feels like a high-ish profile test case. I also agree with other commenters that understanding the interactions that preceded her statement is needed - not to mitigate the words, but to understand them in any wider context on that night.
Personally, and reflecting as a white male (and with all the undeserved privilege that entails) I’ve also tried to appreciate in what, if any circumstances, I’d have felt being called a ‘stupid, white bastard’ was racist. And I’m struggling to find one. In this instance, I’d certainly have had some frustrations at having to deal with (yet) another inebriated taxi passenger as part of my job, and her reported words appear intended to be provocative in the moment, but that doesn’t equal racism, and especially so given the power dynamics here.
It should have ended as a regrettable incident on the night - that it hasn’t suggests there’s more in play than just a throwaway insult.
Preface. I love Sam Kerr it is very hard to critique someone who has such an enormous positive effect on our country especially on women and girls.
I don't think by definition her alleged statement is racist, I would imagine that the police officer would have been called way worse. I do however feel the comment is inappropriate, it cycles debate at such a low level of intellect and gets us nowhere on making real change for the people who experience real racism.
I also do not know the context of language that transpired between Sam and the officer prior to her making that statement which I think is important.
Thanks Hannah. Completely agree.
The Venn diagram IS a circle! Great work Hannah, couldn’t agree more!
Your depth of analysis is so greatly appreciated and refreshing. It’s nice to consume media that isn’t afraid to challenge the Murdoch sea and (to me, more importantly) believes that there are humans who want to consume critical analysis, even if it does take up more time in their day. Thank you Hannah. Particularly loved “sense of justice is not based in fairness or equality, but in loyalty to those who look and act like them.”
Great article Hannah.
I’m wondering is sexism came into the incident as well. Unless it is another officer by the same name, he was stood down for gross misconduct that involved women and minors. If that is true, I could picture him feeling like he needed to exert some sort of authority over her as a successful woman