Friday 12 December 2014

Immigrants Actually Help Our Ecomomies!

Back in 2008 I remember sitting up late to watch the American Election results. I wasn't usually interested in American politics' but that year was different. For the first time, in my life time a black man had the overwhelming potential to become president of the 'free world'. When it became clear that Barack Obama would indeed be the next president of America, I naively thought, wow the world is really ready for change and that for once we were moving in the right direction. But all you have to do is read the newspapers today to realise that unfortunately racism is still alive and rampaging through our society.

Racism isn't just happening in America, it's happening right on your own doorstep! Here in Ireland and the UK, there has been a dramatic rise in hate related crimes. With certain politicians filling people's heads with nonsense that immigrants are to blame for our current economic situation. They are scapegoating immigrants for problems caused by the banks and the governments.

What a lot of Irish and British people fail to remember is that many of our people have flocked to countries such as Australia and America throughout history in an attempt to make a better life for themselves. Is it not time we returned the favour to the world, and allowed others to come here for a better life? Shouldn't we be proud that people from around the world want to make a life for themselves here?

There are those that say that immigrants are taking our jobs, while others will contradict this and say that they are taking advantage of our benefit systems. So it seems no matter what they do, immigrants will be viewed in a negative manner by some people. A financial study in the UK between 2001 - 2011 actually show's that EU migrants and Non EU migrants actually stimulated the economy much more than UK natives did. There are also similar reports for Ireland.
 
 
The figures speak for themselves, having foreign nationals here is actually very good for our fragile economies. Maybe our politicians  should be informing people of these facts, but then that would put the responsibility of our current economic and social problems at there feet. Something they would rather avoid.
 
 
Please share this blog post, so that other people can recognise just how important it is to our economies to have immigrants in our countries.
 
 
 
 
B~ 

Friday 17 October 2014

Campaign To Get Changes Made To Facebooks Community Standards.



Facebook, when used in a positive way, can be fun, informative and a great way to connect with people. Unfortunately it can also be used as a breeding ground for hate and negativity. The community standards are what Facebook use as a guideline on whether a post is acceptable or not. It seems that even when we can't understand or agree with someone else's opinions they have the right to express them, even when they may appear to be racist, homophobic, sexist etc. So it can become frustrating when you report a post that is clearly offensive only to be told that it does not violate the Community Standards.

One of our Admins is working on a campaign to get Facebook to review their community standards and to make much needed changes. To make the campaign a success, a lot of research will need to be carried out as well as interacting with people on Facebook about how certain posts have impacted on them emotionally and mentally.

 The campaign is not only about presenting the problem, it is also about offering solutions. It may be unrealistic to expect Facebook to shut down pages and groups so we need to think of things that Facebook could implement as a deterrent.For example Admin T has suggested the introduction of the 'dislike' button with the option to give a reason why you dislike the post (but only if you want to give a reason). People tend to want to be liked, they are encouraged to keep posting about certain topics, if those posts get a lot of likes. Adding the dislike button would mean the posts would be able to get negative feedback instantly and as people want to be liked, it will make them pause and think before they post.

Admin B has suggested a warning label on a page/group or person. If a person/page/group receives x amount of reports for the same thing e.g. content is racist, homophobic, sexist etc a warning come up at the top of the page saying

"The person/page/group you are on contains content that some will find racist" ( or insert whatever the person/page/group is being reported for.)

To make it fair it would have to be x amount of different people reporting rather than x amount of reports as we don't want someone sitting and repeatedly reporting the same page over and over just to get the warning on their Facebook page.
 
This may make people think before engaging in a post or joining a group/page as people do not want to be branded as anything negative.
 
Admin B is looking for volunteers to help get this campaign up and running, if you are interested please email briegehavern1@hotmail.com
 
 

Thursday 16 October 2014

Our Twitter Page @ROIsaysno and this Blog looking for #Volunteers !!

Hello from ROiAR ..if you follow our Twitter Page @ROIsaysno and look at this Blog page from time to time and like what we try to do would you be interested in writing the odd Blog or Tweeting one day per week ? If you'd like to join our growing group as a part-time Admin please send us an e-mail stating whether you're interested in Tweeting or Blogging ! Address is roiagainstracism@yahoo.com   .

We are also on Facebook ! Our page is Republic Of Ireland Against Racism a.a.f (stands for and all friends BTW!) . Please become a member today.

We are getting busier as a group due to more members and followers and could really do with the help. Please share or RT this Blog far and wide and it would be appreciated very much .

Looking forward to hearing from you soon, T.

Friday 12 September 2014

We Want To Hear From You!



We revealed earlier this week that we would be doing a write up about various groups and organisations that are working hard to end racism and discrimination. There are so many wonderful groups/organisations out there and we would like to hear from you. If you are a member of a group or organisation that works towards creating equality and an integrated multicultural society please get in touch with us. Send us an email to roiarroisaysno@gmail.com We want to let people know what you do, and how they can help by getting involved.

We would also like to hear from our members on any of social networking pages. Have you been a victim of racism? Would be willing to share your experience with us, so we can bring awareness to what it's really like to face racism in today's world.

We are also on the look out for bloggers to join us. If you would like to write a blog for us relating to racism/discrimination please get in touch with us on any of our social networking pages, https://www.facebook.com/groups/roIar/ or on twitter  https://twitter.com/ROIsaysno or send us an email.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Wednesday 10 September 2014

This Months Group/Organisation ; BlueFire


There are many groups and organisations that are working hard to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and tolerance. Some bring awareness to the issues faced by minority groups, others use the Arts to bring communities together. Every month ROiAR will catch up with one of these groups/organisations to find out what they are up to and how we can help.

This month we got chatting with the lovely people from BlueFire who are based in Dublin, Ireland.


Why and when was BlueFire set up?

BlueFire was set up in 2013 to facilitate social and intercultural integration through music and the arts.
 

BlueFire is a great name, is there a story behind the name?

 The heart behind it is that when we think of fire we think of the colour red/yellow, however blue fire is also fire, it is just a different type of fire.  And isn't this the same as people? We can range from white, to tan, to light brown to black, but we are all human, and should be treated as such.

 

What does BlueFire do?

An integral part of what we do at BlueFire is creating interactive intercultural events where people can engage with those from other communities and cultural backgrounds. Our main project is our annual festival, the BlueFire Street Fest.

You can also find more information here - http://www.bluefiredublin.ie/#!about/c1xva 

 

Do you have any upcoming events?

The BlueFire Street Fest 2014 takes place in the historic Smithfield Square in Dublin City Centre on 20th September and it's absolutely free. Through music and the arts, BlueFire Street Fest 2014 will showcase the diverse range of people and cultures that now call Dublin home. Suitable for all ages and nationalities, musicians and artists from across Ireland and the world will participate in this city centre extravaganza.  

 
How can people get involved?

People can get involved by volunteering with BlueFire at volunteer.ie. BlueFire is run completely by volunteers who donate their time to assist with the running, organising and promotion of events.

 
Is racism a problem in Ireland?

 Yes, it is, but I feel that only a small percentage of racism is driven by maliciousness. We at BlueFire believe that the majority of racism comes from a lack of understanding of one another, and from preconceived prejudices that we have been born into.  We feel strongly that by providing spaces in which we can learn the truths about other cultures, we will see a drop in racism in this country.

 
Can the Arts help bring communities together?

The arts offer a universal language which transcends social differences. Education doesn't only have to happen in the classroom, we can learn through sharing experiences and through shared experience.
 
If you are interested in learning more about BlueFire's Street Festival check out https://www.facebook.com/events/933347823349458/
You can also check them out @BlueFireDublin on twitter



B~

Friday 29 August 2014

#EndDirectProvision NOW !!




Scary numbers above aren't they ? Scary to read on their own.

Imagine coming from for example a war-torn Country or a Country experiencing famine etc and having to experience the further horrors of a system that doesn't allow you to seek employment or cook your own food...

Imagine being insulted with the paltry pittance of €19 p.w allowance ? Having to live in cramped , overcrowded conditions with in a lot of cases complete strangers.

This isn't The Prison System ..this is what Asylum Seekers have to endure in Ireland. If you want to help #EndDirectProvision please e-mail your concerns to your local T.D or attend their clinics and make your voice heard.

Thanks , T

Monday 18 August 2014

Tackling Racism : Solidarity?

“We've got to face the fact that some people say you fight fire best with fire, but we say you put fire out best with water. We say you don't fight racism with racism. We're gonna fight racism with solidarity.”   Fred Hampton.
 
 
 
There are so many people dealing with racist incidents throughout Ireland and the world. Every year we see an increase in the numbers of reported hate crimes and there are countless other incidents that remain unreported. We hear about a families home being targeted because they are foreign nationals. Headlines around the world tell us of young unarmed black people being killed by law enforcement officers. We are told about how intolerance and prejudice have made people's life unbearable.
 
Every country, every community has it's own problems with racism and discrimination and unfortunately these problems continue to grow and intensify as there is a 'us' and 'them' divide. Victims of racism and discrimination often tend to become perpetrators of hate themselves, they become so worn out and/or angry by what they or those they love have faced that they end up being dragged into the ever spiralling dance of hatred. 
 
After having conversations with a people from various communities one thing that was noticeable was the fact that many of them believe that the racism or discrimination they have faced is worse or more widespread than others and that the particular form of racism/discrimination needs to be eradicated first then the rest should be easier to sort out.  This thought process is very worrying as it undermines what another human being has been through and has the potential to splinter the efforts of those who are trying to bring equality into the world for everyone.
 
Does there need to be more compassion and empathy between various groups who have faced discrimination? The simple answer is YES! Anyone who has had to deal with discrimination knows what it feels like to be judged on something that is out of their control. Therefore they should be able to empathise with someone else who has been the victim of discrimination even when it is not similar to their own experience. There should be less, 'oh that's nothing compared to what I've had to deal with' way of thinking as you too become responsible for allowing another person to be oppressed.
 
If every person who has faced racism/discrimination stood together as one instead of in splintered groups would we have a better chance of bringing equality and fairness for all?



B~


Wednesday 6 August 2014

NEW BLOOD FOR AN GARDA SIOCHANA

A year ago, former Justice Minister Alan Shatter announced that the freeze on recruitment to An Garda Siochana was to be suspended. Minister Shatter acknowledged the importance of regular recruitment of 'New Blood' to an organisation such as An Garda Siochana.


On the 12th of December last year the recruitment drive began and approximately 20,000 applications were received up to the closing deadline of 9th January 2014. It is estimated that 250 - 300 positions are available. The ethnic diversity represented in this group will provide a litmus test as to whether An Garda Siochana Management has taken on board the criticisms and recommendations of the past in relation to the recruitment of ethnic minorities.

In 2004 Mr Justice Morris identifed in his first report on the Morris Tribunal a culture of ‘us and them’ in the Gardaí. The Gardaí he investigated saw themselves as removed from society in some way. In his recommendations in that first report, Justice Morris called for increased recruitment from ethnic minority groups to break down those concepts of ‘us’. He stated:
“If a sector of society providing one of the most important functions of a democratic society is monolithic in its makeup then that attitude is reinforced.”

This was echoed in 2005 by the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Michael McDowell T.D. who reported:
"The Force is in danger of becoming detached from the community. Its members are in danger of becoming relative strangers to the community they police....... a sense of alienation and drifting apart between the community and the Garda Síochána ....... has been increasingly expressed to public representatives right across the country by ordinary citizens of good will towards the force".
In 2008 the Gardai had set out in their Strategic Goals an aim of 5% of new recruits being from an ethnic minority background but achieved just 2.2%. This is woefully inadequate as 12% of Irish residents are non-nationals. Ethnic diversity within An Garda Siochana has barely changed since 1996 when just 1% of Irish residents were of foreign birth.

The number of non-Irish nationals in 2002 was recorded at 224,261 persons. By 2006 this had increased to 419,733 representing an increase of 87 per cent. The growth in the number of non-Irish nationals has continued and their number stood at 544,357 at the time of the 2011 Census. The number of non-Irish national full-time trainees and full-time attested members of the Force is 46 (12/6/09), of which almost half (20) are originally from China. 12 nations with over 10,000 residents accounted for 74.4 per cent of all non-Irish nationals in 2011. By far, the largest single group of non-national residents is from Poland with a population of 120,461 yet only 9 Gardai (as of 2009) have been recruited from this community. Lithuanian non-nationals fare even worse, with a population of 34,579, just one solitary person has been recruited to An Garda Siochana. Latvian, Indian, Slovakian and Philippian non-national residents with a combined population of almost 60 thousand have no representation in the ranks of An Garda Siochana.

The Garda Racial, Intercultural & Diversity Office (GRIDO) was established 14 years ago. In that time only 270 ethnic liaison officers have received training across the country to work with individuals and groups in minority communities in an attempt to ensure that they feel they can turn to An Garda Síochána for help when they need it. Not surprisingly this approach is unique in Europe, training officers to 'accommodate' non-nationals is a far sight short of true integration through targeted recruitment of non-nationals as is the case in other European, multi-cultural societies.

The chief constable overseeing Police recruitment in England and Wales, Alex Marshall head of the new College of Policing, said quotas, as used in Northern Ireland, may be necessary to ensure a radical overhaul of the racial makeup of urban forces. A 50-50 recruitment process was introduced to increase the numbers of Catholics joining the police in Northern Ireland. When it was introduced in 2001, Catholics made up about 8% of the police service. By 2010, the level had risen to just over 27%. Currently, 29.76% of officers come from the Catholic community.

Marshall, formerly the chief constable of Hampshire police, in which role he won an award last year for promoting the interests of lesbian and gay officers, said: "There are lots of forces with relatively low black and multi-ethnic populations and they are already starting to do really well on recruiting. It is a much harder challenge for the big city forces. The Met are really pushing the boundaries; they are trying incredibly hard to recruit Londoners who represent people of London in the way they are and the way they look, from all races and all populations."

In England and Wales under Labour's 2010 Equalities Act, police forces can recruit an officer from black and multi-ethnic communities over an equally qualified candidate on the grounds of improving the diversity of their staff. In November 2013, the UK government issued guidance to police forces to encourage them to use such "positive action".


As the recruitment freeze begins to loosen, it is imperative that 'New Blood' is actively sought to increase the ethnic diversity and capabilities of An Garda Siochana. A monolithic Force in a multi-cultural society is doomed to make serious mistakes in minority communities which may even impinge on the rights of parents and children................. OH!



Written by Martin Mcmahon
Check out Martin's website http://www.ramshornrepublic.com/

Sunday 3 August 2014

Sunday Songs

Music can be used to bring a positive message to the public. It can lift your mood and the lyrics can touch your soul. We hope you are all enjoying your Sunday and that you all have a wonderful week.

 
It requires wisdom to understand wisdom: the music is nothing if the audience is deaf. -
 Walter Lippmann
 
Black Eyed Peas - One Tribe
 
 
 
 
Bob Sinclair + Cutee B feat. Gary Pine + Dollarman - Sound of Freedom
 
 
 
 

Jason Mraz - Everything is Sound
 
 
 
 
M People - Search For the Hero
 
 
 
 
Fleetwood Mac - Don't Stop
 
 
 
 
One Republic - Marching On
 
 
 
B~


Sunday 27 July 2014

Sunday Songs


Music has the power to move people, to make them sit up and listen. It can make you cry, laugh, smile or make you want to change the world. When we listen to the lyrics of songs we can usually find a message the artist is trying to convey.
That was when I realised that music is the most profound, magical form of communication there is. - Lesley Garrett
 
 
Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror
 
 
 
Katy Perry - Firework
 
 
McFly - I'll Be Okay
 
 
Five for Fighting - World
 
 
Chris Rene - Young Homie
 
 
Matisyahu - One Day
 
 
 
B~

Sunday 20 July 2014

Sunday Songs Special : #TimeForPeace



Every Sunday we put together a few songs that have an inspirational and positive message in the lyrics. What could be more inspiring and positive than songs that ask for peace for everyone in the world? That ask for wars to be stopped?



All we are saying is give peace a chance. ~John Lennon
 
Bob Dylan - Blowing in the Wind
 
 
 
Tracy Chapman - The Times They Are A Changin'
 
 
 
 
Elvis Costello - (What's So Funny) Peace, Love and Understanding
 
 
 
 
Grand Funk Railroad - People Let's Stop The War
 
 
 
 
Cat Steven's - Peace Train
 
 
 
 
John Lennon - Give Peace a Chance
 
 
 
 
B~
 
 
 

Saturday 19 July 2014

#TimeForPeace




You can't turn on the news these days without being confronted with conflict from all around the world. Whether it be war, revolts and rebellions or the increase of hate crimes, we find ourselves in a very divided and troubled planet.

There are however many people who find it difficult to watch, read or live through these challenging times. We want a world were people can live together, acknowledging and accepting each others differences. Where conflict can be dealt with through discussion, debate and peaceful means. Where it is safe for children to play on any street in the world without fear of being caught in the crossfire of conflict.

The ROIAR team will be running a #TimeForPeace campaign on all our social networking site accounts (thanks to our twitter admin T) and we would like YOU to join us. If you want to see peace in the world let your voice be heard by putting up a post on Facebook or a tweet on twitter with #TimeForPeace.


Sunday 13 July 2014

Sunday Songs

Since ancient times, music has been used to inspire and motivate. Today music can bring people together, and many songs have a positive message in the lyrics. This is the latest instalment of our Sunday Songs. Hope you are all enjoying your weekend and hope you have a great week.


Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit. No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, music proves: We are the same."
~ John Denver ~
Primal Scream - Movin On Up
 
 
 
 
The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun
 
 
 
 
Kaanan - Wavin Flag
 
 
 
 
Switchfoot - Dare You To Move
 
 
 
 
Nas - I can
 
 
 
 
Bon Jovi - It's My Life
 
 
 
 
 
~B


Friday 11 July 2014

#DancersAgainstRacism



The arts have been used over the years to bring various cultures together, to highlight social issues and to try and make the world a better place. Musicians and comedians have used their craft and passion to add their voices to  anti-racism campaigns and now it's the turn for dance crews around the world
Sara Galan, a dancer from Stockholm, Sweden has set up an ambitious project #DancersAgainstRacism where she invites dancers from around the world to stand united against racism and to use their passion of dancing as a way to do so.

The projects first video was uploaded to YouTube in early July and now has dance crews from all around the world wishing to participate. If you are a dancer and are interested in learning more check out the Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/wesharedance or the YouTube page  http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTp6Q3vSm7bkJhgfXfNROrg

Let's #KickRacismOutofTown by supporting #DancersAgainstRacism


B~

Wednesday 9 July 2014

Tackling Racism: Are comedy and uploading racist incidents the way to go?

Most people enjoy comedy, whether it's movies, TV shows or stand up. Comedy makes us laugh, but can it also be used to highlight social and cultural issues?  Of course it can, "Comedy is defiance. It's a snort of contempt in the face of fear and anxiety. And it's the laughter that allows hope to creep back on the inhale." ~ Will Durst

Over the years many comedians have brought up the issue of racism in their shows but while they may be using humour, it does make the audience realise that racist remarks and attitudes are silly and sound ridiculous.

 
 

Sometimes talks and lectures about racism do not appeal to the masses, they would rather be entertained than sit through someone giving them facts and figures. Comedy, stand up in particular, has the ability to entertain people as well as give them something meaningful to think about, so could comedy possibly be the best way forward in tackling racism?

Another possible way of tacking racism comes in the form of technology. Today the majority of people have smartphones with camera's and have access to the internet. People are able to video incidents and upload them to the internet for all the world to see. With social networking tools at our disposal these video's can end up being seen by millions. Not only does this help the victim(s) of any racist incident as there is visual evidence of the incident if they decide to pursue legal matters, but also highlights how uncomfortable and often cringe worthy these type of incidents can be. Is this possibly the new way to name and shame racists?


Is it possible that by exposing these types of hate crimes online will embarrass people into behaving better? Will it make others just see how vile these kind of incidents are and help make a change?



B~

Sunday 6 July 2014

Sunday Songs

It's Sunday, so that means we have another instalment of Songs that have a positive message or a feel good factor. Hope you are all having a lovely Sunday and hope that you have a wonderful week.


Sometimes I feel like rap music is almost the key to stopping racism. - Eminem

Pitbull feat Jennifer Lopez & Claudia Leitte - We Are One





Taylor Swift - A Place in This World




John Mayer - Say




Elton John - Circle of Life






Joe Esposito - The Best





Cast of 'Rent' - Seasons of Love





B~

Sunday 29 June 2014

Sunday Songs

It's Sunday which means we have another instalment of Songs that have a positive message. We hope you are having a wonderful and relaxing Sunday and have an awesome weekend!



The world's most famous and popular language is music. - Psy

Sly & The Family Stone - Everyday People








Queen - Don't Stop Me Now






ELO - Hold On Tight




Martha and the Vandellas - Dancing in the Street






Cat Stevens - Peace Train




Aretha Franklin - Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive





B~