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My experience of racism in the UK – a thread. I am a white Canadian of Anglo-European ancestry who immigrated to the UK 10 years ago. I have not personally been on the receiving end of hostility or racism, but oh lord have I seen it.
In conversation with colleagues several years ago (non-HE), a comment was made about immigrants coming here to steal jobs. I said, ‘what, by people like me?’ The response was, ‘no, you’re the right kind of immigrant.’ I asked for explanation and was told ‘you know what I mean.’
Yes, I did know what they meant, and it was not ‘highly-skilled’. They could bring themselves far enough to allude, but not outright state their racist position. THIS is the most common form of racism I’ve encountered – firmly implied, seldom stated outright, but very, very real.
Only once have I been told to go back to where I came from. This was from an angry young woman who was part of a group I aggressively told off for damaging a friend’s property at a pub. She told me to go back to America.
...but I digress
...but I digress
I live in Wales and am learning Welsh. I have been told multiple times that I’m ‘basically Welsh’ now. I know Black and Asian Welsh people, born and raised here who speak Welsh as a first language and identify as Welsh, who are frequently told they are not, and cannot be, Welsh.
Even the census does not allow for someone to be both from a BAME background and Welsh at the same time. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/dec/06/welsh-woman-of-colour-census-identity-whiteness
In terms of immigration, I have never had an issue with obtaining a visa. I came on a student visa, stayed on a post-study visa, and became a permanent resident through the 5-year unmarried partner/spouse visa route.
My partner didn’t even come with me to my first spouse visa appointment. I had his documents, and they asked where he was (first day of his PGCE), but had no proof of this. I was in and out in less than an hour. Many others who don't look like me wait MUCH longer.
Meanwhile, a good friend of mine who is also highly educated, first language English, from a former British colony and a moderately affluent background, but unlike me, is not white and does not have an British-sounding name has had a VERY different experience.
Despite meeting all requirements for a 5-year spouse visa, including being married to a Brit, having enough cash, they were granted a 10-year route designed for those who don’t meet all the requirements, often due to economic destitution or refugee status, neither of which apply.
This same friend was offered a job at a respected UK institution, and in addition to providing evidence of right to work, was asked to provide their marriage certificate and bring their spouse to HR to prove the marriage was legitimate (!!) before being given a formal contract.
In sum, racism in the UK is very real and you don’t have to look far to see it. I know this because 1) I’ve benefited from it (as the ‘good kind’ of immigrant I’ve experienced very few barriers), 2) I’ve witnessed it, 3) people close to me have experienced it. It is undeniable.
We all have a hand to play in making things better: Listen, be an ally, challenge it when you see it, even if it doesn’t directly affect you and your identity, and always try to do better. I’m certainly not perfect and have a lot to learn, as do we all. 
