Assembly Insights: Black History Month – The Power of Language
Assembly Extract from the Black History Month Assembly
Presented on Monday 30 September 2024
Tomorrow marks the start of Black History Month, and we want to make this a real focus for the school. Some people might view Black History Month as tokenistic, questioning why black history and achievements aren’t recognised throughout the year. While it’s true that these discussions should be part of our daily lives, Black History Month offers an important opportunity to have conversations that might otherwise be overlooked.
Mr. Greenidge, who leads the Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS), has helped to shape today’s assembly, where we will explore the significance of Black History Month, particularly in relation to language and the ways it is used – both inadvertently and purposefully – to discriminate against black people.
Speaker 1: A Look Back Through History
Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history. Many of us wish we could celebrate the diversity of all cultures year-round. However, recent events, such as the tragic violence over the summer, remind us that we still have a long way to go. The unrest we witnessed was not an isolated event; it echoes a long history of public disturbances and race riots, stretching back to the 16th century in the UK. From the riots of 1919 in Liverpool, Glasgow, Cardiff, and beyond, to the events of 2024, these incidents remind us how deeply ingrained racial tension still is.
What is often at the root of these tensions is a question of identity – who is deemed “British”? Can you tell someone’s nationality just by looking at them? This has always been a dangerous assumption. Race, ethnicity, and nationality are complex, and using someone’s appearance as a basis for judgment has led to harmful stereotypes and discrimination.
Speaker 2: The Power of Words
Language has long been a tool used to oppress black people. During the transatlantic slave trade, European colonists and enslavers dehumanised African people with derogatory terms, reinforcing ideas of racial inferiority. This language of hate wasn’t just words; it justified the brutal treatment of black people and served as a foundation for their continued social, economic, and political marginalisation.
Sadly, this racialised language persists in the modern world. In the UK, political campaigns have relied on racialised rhetoric to foster fear and division, while black politicians and families still face threats rooted in these harmful legacies. We must acknowledge the psychological harm caused by such language throughout history and work to dismantle its use today.
Speaker 3: Racism in the Digital Age
While it’s less common to hear overt racist language in the streets, the anonymity of social media has allowed racism to flourish. Platforms like Twitter (now X) have been slow to address the spread of racial abuse. Notorious figures like Tommy Robinson have been reinstated, raising important questions about free speech and accountability. This unchecked freedom has led to damaging consequences, fuelling racial tensions and online abuse.
We saw this play out when black footballers, such as Bukayo Saka, were subjected to racial slurs after England’s loss in the Euros. Many of those responsible faced little to no consequences, with some dismissing the abuse as “just humour.” This highlights the ongoing challenge of tackling racism, both in public and online.
Speaker 4: Stereotypes in Film and Television
Stereotypes of black people in film and television remain pervasive. Too often, black characters are cast in roles that reinforce harmful tropes – criminals, gangsters, and thugs. While 35% of gang members in the US are black, the disproportionate representation in media (62%) suggests something deeper. These portrayals date back to slavery when black Americans were depicted as brutes to justify control and mistreatment.
Such depictions have led to internalized stereotypes, with studies showing that 82% of black Americans believe they are perceived as violent by white people. However, it’s important to note that these portrayals have also drawn attention to real struggles, such as poverty, which continues to disproportionately affect black communities.
Speaker 5: Racial Bias in Football Commentary
Growing up watching the Premier League, I often wondered why certain players were described as “intelligent” while others were labelled “aggressive” or as having “bad attitudes.” A 2020 study by Run Repeat and the Footballers’ Association analysed 2,000 commentary statements from 80 football matches. It revealed significant racial bias: players with lighter skin tones were praised for intelligence and quality, while those with darker skin tones were more likely to receive criticism.
For instance, 62.6% of praise was directed towards players with lighter skin, while 63.33% of criticism was aimed at those with darker skin. These findings suggest that racial bias continues to shape the way we view and talk about athletes.
Speaker 5: Nigerian Independence Day