The following are responses to The Sunday Gleaner's main story on June 10 which spoke to racism in Britain. The story, backed by findings from a Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll, stated that most Jamaicans in Britain view their adopted homeland as racist.

A newbreed of Jamaicans in UK

The Editor, Sir:

I just read the Bill Johnson poll about racism in Britain.

After the mid-1970s a different breed of Jamaicans started to arrive. Many of them did not seem to understand the concept of 'law and order'. I called this new breed 'The Manley Educated Generation' probably unkind to the late politician, but that's the only way I could differentiate between them and, say, the 'Windrush Generation'. I totally agree with comments made by Mr. La Touche in the same article.

I know of the long debate among the authorities about applying visa regulations to Jamaicans because of the amount of those of criminal intent coming in from Jamaica. We have these criminals to thank for this, not racism, as is often said.

It is my considered opinion that Jamaicans will continue to be treated with disrespect wherever they go, Europe, Africa, or Mars, because a very large percentage of us were dragged up, rather than brought up, and this will continue to get worse if our leaders don't take the correct course to stop this outrageous behaviour among our people. Most of it costs nothing, unless, of course, you know different.

I made a gigantic mistake in coming back to live in Jamaica!

I am, etc.,

P. FOSTER

St. Elizabeth.

British racism will always be

The Editor, Sir:

I agree with the sentiments of the poll on racism in Britain. Racism in Britain has always existed and will always be there. I lived and worked in Britain from 1956 for 40 years and have achieved much, mostly due to my capacity to deal with racism, levelled against me and others, and my tenacity and zeal to succeed.

In trying to help others deal with racism, I associated myself and sometimes led organisations fighting against that malady. I went into politics and the Inner London Education Authority until its demise in 1990 by the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her racist Tory government.

The present Labour government led by Prime Minister Tony Blairis just as bad, and in some cases even worse.

Comment on the poll

It is hard to understand Mr. La Touche's comments on the poll. It seems the 28 years he spent in Britain he was cocooned in cloud cuckooland, mistaking racist acts and comments for friendly gestures and advice. He does not really understand how subtle racist actions can be exercised. For his benefit, racism is defined as 'Prejudice Plus Power'.

The majority of the British people of all social strata are carriers of that trait. Mr. La Touche seems to take pleasure in making odd comments. A few weeks ago he uttered opposition to the issue of reparation, a subject matter that should be pursued.

I am, etc.,

LES FRANCIS

lesmond72@yahoo.com

Mandeville

Via Go-Jamaica

UK-Ja connection

From Kingston to London: A special series on the experiences of Jamaicans in Britain.

This series, which started on Sunday, will continue in The Gleaner tomorrow.