Cyprus-Forum.com

[BigDutch]

A friend of mine (he is "white") works in West London as a policeman.

Sometimes he stops cars/persons for checking/searching etc if they look "suspect". He told me today about reactions from stopping people :

He goes to a number of neighbourhoods. Some are "white", some are "west indian", some are "asian".

He stops a car in the "west indian" area - first question from member of public : "is it because i`m black?" .... implying race based operation

He stops a car in the "asian" area - first question from member of public : "is it because i`m a muslim?" .... implying religion based operation

He stops a car in the "white" area - first question is never about race or religion.

Now if my friend was "black" or "asian" would he have got the same responses ? Would the "white" man have felt harassed because of his skin colour ?

I`m trying to show an example that no matter where you are in the world physical minorities will also feel "under pressure" from the majority.

In my opinion this is the greatest reason why the "green line" will never disappear entirely.

[erolz]

These issue are to do with race and predjudice in a multi ethenic society that the UK is. You talk of minorites feeling under pressure but there are many in the 'majority' that complain of exactly thr same thing. That actualy they get treated worse because they are in a minority.

Also I doubt your policeman's story. I suspect that it is not what was actualy said by the black and muslim 'suspects' but more what the policeman feels is thier view. In my experience most people in the UK of all races and religions first reaction to being stopped by the police is one of 'whats the problem officer'. There may be some exceptions to this but they are just that - exceptions and not the normal.

The fact remains that even today their is real reason for ethnic minorites to suspect discrimination from the police. The police is not as racialy mixed as the general population - despite years of attempts to recuit more officer from ethnic minotites. It is also true that the police DO stop ethnic groups more frequently than non ethenic groups. There is much racsim in the UK and in the UK police.

It is also true that some members of ethnic minorites have 'chips on their shoulders' and try and relate evryhting that happens to them to the fact of their race - whether it is truely a factor or not. I have little doubt that these are a minroty within any minority. It is also true that some within ethnic minorites are themselves 'racist' against other groups.

Despite there being real racism in the UK there has never been the level of racial / ethnic / religous violence in the UK that marked many sad periods in Cyprus's history.

As far as what fear of 'others' can lead to and effect it can have on peoples rights a contemporary example can be seen in this story.

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.ph ... &archive=1

Personaly I think it is unacceptable that the 'victims' of this racial hysteria where the ones who had to delay their flight and not the 'perpetrators' of the hysteria. If I was stopped from bording a flight because some passenger did not like the look of me I would sue the airline for everything I could. Outrageous.

[BigDutch]

Erolz,

i`m disapointed that you doubt my friend.

However you have confirmed the point of the problem.

"Racism" and "chips on shoulder" will happen everywhere.

Regarding that article it is a problem that just from the "look" of the people that they have been targetted, however it proves the point.

[erolz]

Another new story on a similar theme

Strange Cyprus connection here too

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3678694.stm

I had no idea of Cat Stevens GC hertiage - you learn something new every day Won't stop me enjoying his music.

[MicAtCyp]

If I was stopped from bording a flight because some passenger did not like the look of me I would sue the airline for everything I could.

Bravo Erol! I would do the same too.This is the way to "normalise" Democracy. I wish the same attitute and "possibility to excercise it" existed in Cyprus in the 63-74 period.Things would be much different today.

[MicAtCyp]

I had no idea of Cat Stevens GC hertiage - you learn something new every day

Cat stevens converted to Islam from as long as back in the 80s. He was everyday on TV wearing the traditional muslim clothes when I was working in the gulf and talking about Islam. I remember once he said that Islam is closer to the real human person than Christianity is.Another day he said his parents were relactunt at first but then not only respected his decision, they even like his new way of life.

[cannedmoose]

Another new story on a similar theme

Strange Cyprus connection here too

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3678694.stm

I had no idea of Cat Stevens GC hertiage - you learn something new every day Won't stop me enjoying his music.

Blimey You find out something new every day! The GC mafia are everywhere!

[Bananiot]

Here are the lyrics of one of my favourite Cat Steven's songs, written by him too.

Lady d'Arbanville

My Lady d'Arbanville, why do you sleep so still?
I'll wake you tomorrow
and you will be my fill, yes, you will be my fill.

My Lady d'Arbanville why does it grieve me so?
But your heart seems so silent.
Why do you breathe so low, why do you breathe so low,

My Lady d'Arbanville why do you sleep so still?
I'll wake you tomorrow
and you will be my fill, yes, you will be my fill.

My Lady d'Arbanville, you look so cold tonight.
Your lips feel like winter,
your skin has turned to white, your skin has turned to white.

My Lady d'Arbanville, why do you sleep so still?
I'll wake you tomorrow
and you will be my fill, yes, you will be my fill.

La la la la la....

My Lady d'Arbanville why does it grieve me so?
But your heart seems so silent.
Why do you breathe so low, why do you breathe so low,

I loved you my lady, though in your grave you lie,
I'll always be with you
This rose will never die, this rose will never die.

I loved you my lady, though in your grave you lie,
I'll always be with you
This rose will never die, this rose will never die.

[erolz]

Here are the lyrics of one of my favourite Cat Steven's songs, written by him too.

Lady d'Arbanville

Here you go then - consistent with TC attitudes towards property and theft. Stolen direct from the orginal GC owner (Yusef Islam)

http://www.visionmatters.co.uk/cyprus/Track4.wma

[brother]

EROLZ WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?