'Self-segregation being practised in Bradford'

By Hasan Suroor

LONDON, JULY 12. ``Self-segregation'' has been identified as a major cause of alienation between white and ethnic communities in Bradford, where widespread racial violence took place last weekend. A virtual self-imposed ``apartheid'' is said to exist here with almost no communication between Asians - mostly Pakistanis and Bangladeshis - and whites.

The former chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, Lord Herman Ouseley, author of a new report on race relations in Bradford, voiced concern today over the near absence of any social interaction between the city's whites and non- whites. Bradford, as he saw it, looked like two cities: one in which only whites lived; and the other inhabited by ethnic groups. The two communities sent their children to their ``own'' schools and, in turn, these schools did little to promote understanding about other communities. The result was: mistrust and prejudice arising out of ignorance and lack of awareness about each other.

Lord Ouseley, whose report was ``leaked'' two days ago but officially released today, pleaded with the people of Bradford to get out of self-appointed ``no go'' areas and lead more integrated lives. He disagreed with the view that forcing people to send their children to integrated schools or live in mixed neighbourhoods interfered with their choice. ``Shouldn't people be free to live where they want to live and send their children to the schools of their choice?'' asked one resident.

Lord Ouseley said people were free to make their choices but these should be ``more inclusive'', and the tendency to ``move away from other communities'' did not help in building bridges with others. ``Moving away from others creates suspicion'', he pointed out. In his report he has pointedly underlined the damaging effect of self-segregation, with different communities seeking to ``protect their identities and cultures by discouraging and avoiding contact with other communities and institutions.'' This led to a communication gap and reinforced mutual prejudice - the view among whites for instance that immigrants were being pampered. The widespread ``Islamphobia'' was a direct result of Muslims leading an insular existence, cut off from the mainstream.

He said his report, commissioned by Bradford Vision and the local council and written well before the recent riots, was not intended to offer ``instant solutions''; and its findings were not a ``knee-jerk reaction'' to an event. Most importantly the report was based on the views of the local people and its findings reflected the concerns on the ground. Its aim was to take a long hard look at both the positive and negative aspects of Bradford and offer a lasting perspective.

He emphasised that not everything about Bradford was ``negative'' and its achievements should not be allowed to be undermined by recent events. ``Bradford is a district which can celebrate some of its achievements,'' he said.

Lord Ouseley identified the need for integrated education as a pre-condition for better communal understanding, and suggested a review of school curriculum to make them more inclusive.

He also wanted more young people to take over leadership roles.

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