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Thursday, 13 April, 2000, 15:41 GMT 16:41 UK
Are we racist? Your views
Racism demo
Racism exists throughout Scotland, the report says
A report says ethnic minorities in Scotland can't feel as "Scottish" as they want to because of widespread racism. It also says prejudice is growing against English people in Scotland. What do you think? We like to think of ourselves as a welcoming nation, but are we racist?

Tell us your views by e-mail. Your comments will be published on this page.


I am an English person living in Edinburgh. My experience is that Scots claim to hate 'the English' whilst having lots of English friends and often being married to English people.

They seem to love the individuals but hate the collectivity.

Might this be bravado, keeping up with the Daily Record view?

Why not accept that most English people are just like the ones you know, not the ones you read about in the cheap tabloid press? Claire Soper

It's high time we realised that antiquated notions of 'scottishness' (haggis & shortbread) exclude a large and vital percentage of scots, such as scots-italians and Scots-asians who have played a huge part in the nation over the past half-century or so.

Views of 'Scottishness' must include all kinds of 'Scottishness'. Even those living abroad! Paul Gorman, living in England

I am a mixed race woman from America. I have been involved in trying to get a BMX program for the kids in Scotland rejuvenated.

It is strange to log on to the BBC-Scotland website and see an article about racism. It has never been an issue, as long as I have had any dealings with the Scottish Cyclists' Union.

On the contrary, Mr. Jim Riach and his staff have been only to eager to help. And the citizens I have met from all over Scotland seem to be the same.

All very helpful and eager to find a way to get BMX (bicycle moto cross) out to the communities, to give the kids the opportunity to participate.

In America, especially where I live near Chicago, the racism is horrible.

It is subtle, but evil, nonetheless. If there is real racism in Scotland, please do everything you can to stop it!

It is a most terrible thing to be the victimised by racism. I speak from personal experience. Also, the destructive nature of racism, only serves to ruin any sort of sense of community.

I am of mixed race, as I said. And in that mix, is a Scottish grandfather. I never knew him, but after going to Scotland for the first time last year, I was struck by a profound sadness. I wish I could have known him, for I found everyone in Scotland to be wonderful people.

It only served to bring to mind what I must have missed by not knowing him.

White, black, red, yellow and every color in between, we all want the same thing. A safe place to live, work and raise our children in, worship God as we choose, and plan for a hopeful future.

Thank you Scotland for being who and what you are! I hope my perceptions are still correct. Sue Nyenhuis

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13 Apr 00 | Scotland
Racism bar to 'Scottishness'
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