Show Racism the Red Card survey finds 1 in 4 young people use the word ‘Paki’

The study found that almost half of the young people surveyed believe ‘coloured’ is an acceptable term to use and 42 per cent believe the word ‘half-caste’ is okay. The survey also showed almost 1 in 5 thought that the word ‘chinky’ was acceptable to use, a word that has been particularly highlighted by the recent revelations about ex-Cardiff City manager, Malky Mackay.

What was most shocking were the number of the young people surveyed who believe that the word ‘Nigger’ is acceptable. Show Racism the Red Card consider the blame for the prevalence of this word lies at least in part with its use in popular rap and hip-hop music.

Ian Simpson, Education Manager from Show Racism the Red Card Wales, said that “while rappers and other role models continue to use the n-word and other offensive words it is difficult for us, as an anti-racism education, to educate young people. They are left feeling confused and uncertain about which terms are acceptable and which are not. As role models, they can have a massive influence in young people’s lives and we would want that influence to be a positive one.”

In a previous survey carried out with Show Racism the Red Card and the National Union of Teachers, almost 90 per cent of teachers surveyed stated that they had not received any anti-racism training.

25 per cent of teachers stated that they are not at all confident to deliver an educational workshop about combatting far right groups and organisations, an area of increased concern across Wales. One teacher surveyed noted that “as a teacher we pass on our values to the pupils.” This particular teacher had previously stated that the words “Paki” “Coloured” “Chinky” and “Half-Caste” are acceptable to use.

Sunil Patel, Campaign Manager, said that "schools should be a safe environment for pupils to learn and flourish, unfortunately, this is not the case for many of the victims of racist bullying. Certain groups such as minority ethnic or religious background are at a higher than average risk of bullying and in the long term affects to them can be devastating for them. The use of racist language needs to be taken more seriously and not treated as if it’s banter. The recent report from Estyn ‘Action on Bullying’ highlighted that Schools and Local Authorities should do more to tackle racism and provide a level playing field for all pupils".

As the leading anti-racism educational campaign in Wales, Show Racism the Red Card faces increasing barriers to teaching young people, including a lack of funding from local councils. As a result of this, in areas, such as Cardiff, where Show Racism the Red Card obtains no funding, there is a concern that young people will not be receiving any anti-racism education.

In the 2013/2014 academic year Show Racism the Red Card Wales educated close to 800 trainee teachers from across Wales, giving them the vital tools to deal with racism in their schools and delivered workshops to 17,000 young people across Wales in schools, youth clubs, pupil referral units and prisons. In light of these shocking revelations, the campaign hopes to be able to gain increased support from schools and local councils to tackle this important issue.