100 Voices #AllAgainstRacism: Cen Manu – "Racism is still very much at large worldwide – and Ireland is not immune"

Cen Manu,
Musician & Songwriter

Racism is still very much at large worldwide – and Ireland is not immune. There’s racism everywhere. A good example in Ireland is a white person not wanting a black person as their neighbour. They won’t even speak to them. This is a very common issue in Ireland, but it’s hidden. Racism is not taken seriously in Ireland, something which is alarming, despite the low level of racist reports or attacks in Ireland, as compared to other European countries or the US, Australia and Asia.

Campaigns against racism should not just focus on hate against blacks: discrimination against other minority groups like Muslims and Travellers should be highlighted. It should be discussed in schools, from elementary right up to college. On radio, TV and online programmes, debates could be set up wherein people air their views on fighting racism. If we want to eradicate racism in Ireland – and the rest of the world – we must take the fight very seriously.

Read Part 2 of 100 Voices: #AllAgainstRacism in the current issue of Hot Press:

Special thanks to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission for their support in this project.