News

Are race relations in the UK on a downward spiral?

Jaya Kathrecha - Carer
Since the bombings I have had to abandon my traditional Hindu dress as I became uncomfortable with the stares I seemed to provoke as an Asian. Community relations have been damaged but I believe our mixed society is strong enough to withstand the actions of a few deluded individuals. But we need to look at how we preach religion.

Kierra Box - Young people's activist
Any damage to relations is a result of foreign policy which repeatedly paints muslim nations as the enemy and newspaper coverage of the bombings which focuses on the ethnicity rather than the grievances of those who carried them out. More dialogue and understanding must be our tools to increase tolerance.

Len Smith - Gypsy activist
I place the blame for the downward spiral in race relations firmly on the tabloid press. They care little how their reporting will affect minorities. My own culture saw an instant rise in hate crimes after one tabloid launched a "Stamp on the camps" campaign. An independent body should take over from the Press Complaints Commission.

Richard West - Inspired Services

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I am worried about the backlash against muslims and I think many innocent people will now be treated as suspects. Of course this is not the first time religious groups have been targeted in this way. But it must be handled sensitively by the police and others. We need to understand more about each other and our communities and avoid stereotypes.