Across the West, racial injustice has become one of the most divisive issues of our age. Debate abounds around racism, identity, diversity, immigration and colonial history. In the rush to address injustice, Britain has followed the lead of the world’s dominant power: America. We judge ourselves by America’s standards, absorb its arguments and follow its agenda.
But what if we’re looking in the wrong place? In This is Not America, Tomiwa Owolade argues that too much of the conversation around race in Britain is viewed through the prism of American ideas. These don’t reflect the history, challenges and achievements of diverse black populations at home.
If we want to build a long-lasting anti-racist agenda we must acknowledge that crucial differences exist. A more effective agenda must value black British communities. Owolade discusses these communities and cultures. Factors include language, history, class, religion and national origin.
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