How deep can prejudice, ignorance and hate run? Is this the behaviour of human beings? From the mug shots of the three who were jailed for just three years, I can imagine walking on the other side of the road with such stern looking fellas coming my way – especially as a group. At this point all my notions of inclusivity and sitting at the same table fly through the window.
I wonder what the 3 years sentence would do for them – whether they would have the opportunity to reflect on their ignorance, bigotry and prejudice that culminated in such unacceptable human behaviour. Would their racism disappear and would they re-enter society as activists for racial justice or as people with a more generous view of humans who may look different. There is a long shot that this is still possible – at least one needs to believe in it for the sake of hope and a different world.
And, what about the victim who suffered at the hands of these callous individuals: what respite will he have trying to work through his post traumas, his depression, lack of sleep and suicidal inclinations as a result of what he experienced at the hands of workmates? Would he be able to trust workmates in his new job?
One party in this case of racist bullying that we need to look closer at is the employer whose response to the incident is as unhelpful, as it is revealing. Sure the three bullies were dismissed and are now locked away. But, why do I not believe that they were taking incidents like this seriously as they claimed in their defense, and in the process reverting back the onus on the victim by noting that he only reported the incident until after he left the company?
All victims know this tactic very well! What the employer should be asking is: why, if they had systems in place to monitor racist bullying, did the victim not feel inclined to report while on the job, but only after he left? Did their workspace, policies and ethos encourage a sense of due process, honest listening, a fair hearing and a sense of security? From the perspective of the victim, it is evident that this was not the case. And this is what should be listened to.
It is an indictment for any employer when racist behaviour goes unnoticed and unreported over such a long period. What employers still need to ask and act upon is whether their ethos, policies and operations create a safe and secure space for such racist bullying to be dealt with immediately or even better - to stop it from ever happening!
copyright© jagessar April 2008
