Chris Okafor asked:
Galway, Ireland- Racism In Taxi Industry
Most times, expression without impression often gives rise to depression and as such, I am both impressed and depressed by an article written by one Yousef Loughnane on the above subject matter (Galway Advertiser, the 9th Nov, 2006).
I am impressed that someone like this writer has taken it upon himself to speak out and depressed that this ugly trend is happening in Galway City, which has been applauded for its continuous fight against racism.
The word racism is very ambiguous one, which is often inexplicable. There are different types of racism such as prejudice, discrimination, and economic as well as same race. Those involved in its practice with their ethno-centric based oriented views have one thing in common “hatred” Here is the big question: Is there any correlations between racism and discrimination? The answer is that both words are inter-related and sometimes because of ones colour or background, whenever you are denied of something from someone that is not of the same race with you, there is a great tendency for one to cry foul.
I honestly do not believe that the reason why I could not get the job I applied for in most establishments here especially from 6 months trained HR personnel who cannot construct other form of English except “We regret to inform you that we do not have position relevant to your qualifications” is primarily because of my colour. This could have 99.9% racial of racial attachment, which, invariably depends on the context under which it was written or individual perceptions.
Between January to June 2006, the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) in absence of official statistics recorded series of reported incidence relating to racism in Ireland some of which was said to have been forwarded by non-governmental organisations on behalf of the victims. These include key organisations working with Travellers, Refugees and Asylum Seekers and Migrants. Most victims have reported other incident directly to NCCRI.
Within these 6 months, there were 25 ****** incidents reported and compiled by the NCCRI of which 75% are reportedly occurring in greater Dublin area. Majority of these incidents were targeted on adults, both male and female and in most cases, children were present. Their findings indicated that people of all ages and gender are experiencing racism in Ireland.
Statistics further revealed that racism is being experienced regardless of ones legal status. Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Travellers and Non-EU citizens including people visiting as tourists are not spared.
It is, however, disheartening in case of African Taxi drivers, most of whom must have spent between 4-5yrs in pursuit of excellence in the university from their respective countries. Some of them had come to Ireland as asylum seekers and by twist of faith; they were given unconditional permission to remain in the state and fend for themselves. They have resorted to driving taxi and without recourse to their qualifications after all efforts to use their hard earned degree to secure a gainful employment became counter-productive.
My major concern here is that if this kind of misdemeanours and racial prejudice has been extended to taxi drivers from African extraction, then, it is, indeed, a monumental shame and a threat to social order. To these taxi drivers, I am going to pose this question asked by the legendry John Mason; Do you look at the horizon and see an opportunity or do you look into the distance and fear a problem? Fear is a poor chisel that carve out your tomorrows and if you are looking at your future from the position of fear, bear in mind that that view is inaccurate and distorted.
I hereby implore Galway City Council and National Action Plan against Racism to checkmate these people as soon as possible from further sowing this seed of discord that would ultimately trigger more tension and unnecessary fears.
In conclusion, “Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.”Martin Luther King, Jr.
Chris Obiajulu Okafor
……hails from Ogwashi-uku, Delta State, Nigeria but lives
Galway Ireland: chrisokafor@myself.com
