Shofa Miah reviews a Channel 4 series that underlined why self defence is no offence in South Asian response to racism in Britain in the 1970s

After watching Defiance, I felt proud to be a British Bangladeshi, learning more about how my late father and brave South Asian men and women of that era survived violent racism, oppression, and injustice – under a police force that was also systemically racist.

Although I grew up in another part of London, as a Newham resident of 20 years, it is wonderful to see the diversity and community cohesion in the Borough.

However, I’ve listened to some harrowing stories from my husband, who grew up in Newham in the ‘80s and ‘90s and has experienced racism throughout the education system and into his career and professional space. It reminded me of my own childhood in the 1980s, in Westminster and my late father urging us to cross the road to avoid walking past jeering white men with shaved heads, black leather boots and puffer jackets, who would call us derogatory names and sometimes spit at us.

It was scary but as kids, we had faith in our Abba (Dad), a strong, fit and well-built man, due to lifelong manual labour work in London. We knew he could take them ALL out if he had to. Like they are today, these racist bullies were cowards.

I also have grim childhood memories of teachers and school staff, and dinner ladies, calling South Asian children the derogatory P word and segregating us during learning sessions and eating times. These were dreadful times, where we were taken aside to have our hair checked in a line, excluding the white children.

There were also examples of where we were forced to eat meat during lunch time, even though it was not suited to our religious beliefs. There are many instances of bullying and name calling from your peers and exclusion from taking part in the lead roles and opportunities, whether sports, arts or special trips.

I am glad things have improved for our children, although I would say racism is still at work. It has become more covert, but deeply rooted systematic racism prevails and we continue to see it in company pay gap reports and research on social inequality. Statistics tell a story.

The recent Channel 4 documentary Defiance made me proud and reinforced my respect for all the brave men and women, past and present, from all communities who continue to fight for equality, diversity, inclusion and justice.

This educational masterpiece from Channel Four production team is a moving and compelling tribute to all the brave souls who lost their lives as a result of racist hatred and violence.

As one member of our community Rabinder Lail told me, “The programme got me to reflect on the struggles and violence people had to endure. It did upset me as people going about their lives were subjected to this type of discriminatory behaviour, which led to people being killed, and I asked myself why and for what?“

Was it because they were different? They did not fit the look of the community and were segregated from life in the community. I am hopeful and positive about the future as diversity has been embraced by the majority of communities and everyone is more integrated.

“However, we should not forget the people who fought against racism. As if it weren’t for them, we would not be where we are now. We need to as communities be together and together; we are stronger to make further progress.”

Another person of South Asian origin who grew up in the 1980s in Newham told me: “Racism was pervasive and a deeply ingrained part of our daily lives. In the classroom, you were often sidelined and given less attention. In the playground, we were the subject of verbal abuse, called names and bullied, sometimes physically attacked or pushed around which led to a sense of fear and insecurity.”

He said response and resilience was achieved through community. “Over time as our communities grew in numbers we were able to work through the issues faced and retaliate/defend ourselves better. We made friends within these communities and stuck together, looking out for each other as we grew with and through these times.

“I can recall vividly no go areas, where the majority that resided were skinheads and groups such as the National Front. We would pass by very quickly or avoid altogether for fear of attack or being mugged.”

These experiences continue to influence how we present ourselves today. There remains a stigma and feeling of a need for acceptance, validation and inclusion. While progress has been made in combating racism, many of the underlying issues persist, highlighting the ongoing struggle for racial equality and social justice.

Watch Defiance: Fighting the Far Right on Channel 4.

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