In society today, people continue to face discrimination and bias, both conscious and unconscious, due to their ethnicity or cultural background. It’s important to recognise the amazing work that has been happening to start putting an end to racism, however, many people across the world experience racism daily.
The treatment of the English footballers in the Euro 2020 final and the unwarranted criticism and abuse Chinese people endured over the origin of the Covid 19 pandemic are just two examples that demonstrate the necessity of days such as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Observed annually on 21 March, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, organised by the United Nations, is held on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.
Pause for a moment and consider when you have witnessed discrimination. If you can’t think of examples, does that mean it hasn’t happened, or you weren’t aware of it? If you can think of examples, what did you do in those instances?
At Carnival UK we’re committed to a positive and just corporate culture, based on inclusion and the power of diversity. We passionately believe that every single person, ship and shore, should feel like they belong.
How can you help end racial discrimination?
A passive approach to acts of discrimination, through staying silent, or by not opening our eyes to when racism occurs, allows racism to live. However, we have the power to change this. We can increase our awareness of when racism takes place and speak up when it occurs – we can make the choice to be anti-racist – find out more about being anti-racist in this BBC Bitesize.
Make a difference by choosing to be inclusive, constantly seeking to make it clear that racist behaviours and actions are not acceptable, and challenge respectfully and clearly.
Listen & Learn
- Our awareness of issues is limited by our view of the world – be open to learning more and to the perspectives of others based on their lived experiences. You’ll widen your own perspective and be more likely to spot discrimination.
- Be aware that acts of racism can be subtle – we call these micro-incivilities. It can be not acknowledging someone’s contribution, constantly criticising or never praising. Take time to learn more about what these are (see below) and understand how the little things make a big difference.
Speak up
- Everyone should feel free to be themselves and comfortable and proud to talk about their heritage – share your stories and help your colleagues understand your lived experiences.
- We ‘re determined to create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination – you should never experience any of this, but if you do, we’ll support you and take immediate action. Speak to your line manager, your HR Manager on board, Employee Relations shoreside, or call the compliance hotline on +1-305-406-5863.
- Be an active bystander and be anti-racist – Speak Up if you witness micro-incivilities, bias, exclusion or any other form of discrimination.
Understanding microaggressions
The little things you say or do show a lot about what you’re really thinking. They can send powerful messages to the people around you.
These tiny, often unconscious things are called microaggressions. They can make those around us feel excluded, unappreciated and disrespected.
This video is a great way to help people understand the impact microaggressions have – just imagine that instead of being a verbal comment, a microaggression is a mosquito bite!
Inclusion is woven throughout our Culture Essentials. Through Respecting and Protecting our colleagues, ensuring we Listen and Learn and Speak Up, we’ll not only build a stronger more inclusive Carnival UK culture, we’ll also help to eliminate racial discrimination.
Please note cover photo was taken pre Covid-19.