Last week there was some disturbing news that some aspects of Northern Ireland society show even less tolerance than was previously suspected. Rosie Cowan reported on attacks against Africans in the loyalist Village area of Belfast.
She spoke to Dr Uhomoibhi, a lecturer at Queens University, who pointed out that Africans break all the rules of group conformity in Northern Ireland:
Africans here are not a homogeneous community. There are Catholics and Protestants, living in loyalist and nationalist areas, from the Falls Road to the Shankill. Those attacking us want to push the community into a state of confusion and derail it from reaching harmony and peaceful coexistence.
It is crucial that the African community sticks together, otherwise Africans have nowhere to run to for help. The government has to back up good intentions with effective legislation and realise that inclusivity means not just Protestants and Catholics living together but a truly multi-cultural society that enriches everyone.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
Discover more from Slugger O'Toole
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
