What is Racism?

Racism is a specific form of discrimination and exclusion faced by minority ethnic groups.

Racism is based on the false belief that some “races” are inherently superior to others because of different skin colour, nationality, ethnic or cultural background.

Racism deprives people of their basic human right, dignity and respect.

What is Racist Behaviour?

Racist behaviour can take many forms:
It can involve the deliberate snubbing or exclusion of a person because of his/her race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin.
It can consist of offensive jokes or hurtful remarks, outright insults or persistent verbal harassment.
In its extreme form it can lead to threatening behaviour and injury.

What is Racial Discrimination?

Racial Discrimination is treating a person less favourably than another person in employment or in the supply of goods or services, including education & accommodation, on the grounds that the person is of different race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin.

A 10 point code to follow..........

• Treat people from minority groups with the same respect you show to other people
• Challenge where appropriate, racist remarks and insults.
• Report racist incidents to your branch secretary in the workplace and to the police outside the workplace.
• If you see racial harassment occurring in a public place, such as a shop, cinema, restaurant etc. inform the management.
• Support initiatives which help to combat racism – e.g. wear the Know Racism emblem.
• Look for opportunities to establish and strengthen your personal ties with local ethnic, religious and cultural minorities.
• Extend a hand of friendship to persons of different cultural backgrounds.
• Do not prejudge or label people because of their cultural or ethnic origin.
• Teach children to respect different cultures.
• Make your workplace a comfortable environment for workers of all cultures regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.

Racism is a denial of basic human rights

Racism is contrary to moral principles. Ireland has committed internationally to fight against all forms of racial discrimination.

Racism is against the law

Discrimination and harassment in the workplace on the grounds of religion, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, and membership of the Traveller community are outlawed by the Employment Equality Act, 1998. Discrimination and harassment on the same grounds in the supply of goods or services, including education or accommodation, are outlawed by the Equal Status Act, 2000. Other forms of racist behaviour are prohibited under laws such as; the Public Order Act, 1994 and the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989.

Ireland is increasingly a multi cultural society. This is a strength.

Ireland now has an opportunity to build an inclusive and intercultural society and to recognise that diversity provides benefits and opportunities. For example, immigrants are making a very positive contribution to the Irish economy.

Inward migration is not the cause of racism

Cultural diversity and racism existed in Ireland before the recent increase in the numbers of people coming to live in Ireland. Racism is a problem we must all tackle regardless of inward migration.

We all have a responsibility to tackle racism