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Why does the confidence & ability of Black and Asian ppl to group and share experiences in places where they feel less welcome cause racists to be triggered? A thread @UkBgh @itsanitarani @BBCCountryfile @ndawards 1/ https://metro.co.uk/2021/01/22/countryfile-hit-with-complaints-over-black-womens-walking-group-segment-13947978/
PoC have always loved nature. My family are from Kenya, our ancestors from Rajasthan, migrating & navigating vast landscapes is in our blood. But we have always visited in places in the UK in large numbers. Why? This photo (c1984) has 3 families on holiday at the Isle of Wight 2/
My memories of this holiday: 1. Fascination for the rocks; 2. Racism and intimidation from being in a place where we did not belong. White parents pulling their children out of paddling pools when we went in, comments abt how we smelt, the food we ate to the clothes we wore 3/
Here we are on Hayling Island (c1991). Plenty of racist comments from passers by about why we are here, the smell of our traditional food, my mother & dadima in traditional clothes. We do not feel welcome in shops so we take everything with us (incl the living room rug!) 4/
Mothers Day 2019 Dartmoor. I was intimidated by hostile behaviour/language from a resident as I parked in a village to get lunch for our walk. In front of my 8yo daughter who was terrified. Not a one off, living & working in natural environments for >20 yrs, I have seen it all 5/
Nature is for everyone but not everyone feels welcome. PoC feel intimidated, out of place, disconnected where often a warm welcome is not forthcoming. From being refused a B&B booking to abuse on trails (see @midhal) - this is a reality 6/
I have seen/experienced the structured & institutional racism within the sector. When I spoke about my experiences as a PoC existing in white rural spaces - I was condemned by racism, prejudice & ignorance. Remember I am on the INSIDE so how does it feel to be on the OUTSIDE? 7/
Advocacy groups in the sector like @SheffieldEnvir1 @maxwell_ayamba @MosaicOutdoors @Campaign4Parks @chilternrangers r making change on the inside. @UkBgh r taking the challenge more publicly. From both sides we can pressure the sector to address the disparity of experience 8/
None of this is new or innovative, it has evolved from NEED. Simply put, RACISM is an issue PoC have lived with for GENERATIONS. It impacts on every corner of our lives - even in nature, where there seem to be no boundaries for access. These unseen barriers need dismantling 9/
I discuss solutions & strategies in this blog for @HeritageFundUK. Read it, educate yourself, prepare to work hard to change a sector which is rife with performative action, institutional racism and fear of change. Change comes from inside & outside. END
https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/blogs/black-and-brown-faces-green-spaces
https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/blogs/black-and-brown-faces-green-spaces
