Why some Sheffielders feel racism will always be an issue

Although the subject of racism has been brought further into the spotlight in recent weeks, some people in Sheffield believe ‘there will always be people who don’t get it’.
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Protesters took to Devonshire Green at the weekend, to demonstrate that black lives matter, and it has highlighted the divide of supporters and non supporters in Sheffield.

Some Sheffielders have told of how they have been the subject of negative comments, illustrating that there are people who have incorrectly interpreted the message behind the movement.

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Natalia said: “People think it’s all about black lives being more important than anyone else and that is certainly not the message.

Black Lives Matter demonstration in Devonshire Green, Sheffield.
6 June 2020. Picture Bruce Rollinson
Black Lives Matter demonstration in Devonshire Green, Sheffield.
6 June 2020. Picture Bruce Rollinson
Black Lives Matter demonstration in Devonshire Green, Sheffield. 6 June 2020. Picture Bruce Rollinson

“I’ve seen a lot of angry ‘don’t all lives matter?’ comments. Yes all lives do matter, but it’s about individuals who are not white, having a bit more attention and respect than what we do now.”

Dina explained: “How would you feel if you got on the bus and you are the last person that a person chooses to sit next to?

“Or if someone mistakes you for another black person as you are both black, because every black person looks exactly the same right?”

Rakesh said: “It also affects your mental health.

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“A normal white person may be unhappy with their job or relationships, but for non white people, we have the additional stresses of not being liked and not fitting in.

“Why should it be okay for people to eat our food and use our products, yet treat an actual person like they are invisible just because of the colour of their skin?”

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