1/ Thread on Empire and Racism and need for context

My dad grew up under the Indian Raj, and endured racism in the UK. But he loves Britain. Why? Because he knows that the UK is less sectarian and more meritocratic than almost any other nation on earth. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/f19fc0f4-aca2-11ea-a162-e62c6152f801

2/ As an immigrant, he was all too aware of the racism and sectarianism that existed in other nations. He grew up as a Shi’ite Muslim in a majority Hindu nation. His family lived in fear of persecution even before partition.

3/ He knew of the bloody atrocities that had been perpetrated in the name of religion throughout India’s history, from the 7th century onwards, persecution that continues, in various forms, to this day. He knew of the bubbling tensions between Sunnis and Shi’ites within Islam

4/ He knew of apartheid in South Africa, Jim Crow laws in America, tribal conflict in sub-Saharan Africa. He was also painfully aware of the corruption and nepotism that has long been integral to kin-based societies (and remains so today).

5/ He knew of the atrocities committed in empire, the famines and more, but also recognises that many British colonies prospered relative to those of France, Spain and Portugal because of the institutions and culture gained from Britain, not least the common law.

6/ I think we should resist the temptation for British history to be exploited by the political extremes, something that will exacerbate polarisation. Britain has been a force for good in the world, and has committed many crimes. This is the paradox both sides need to grasp.