Where does racism sit in our moral belief systems? - Vicki Robinson
In recent years, an interesting and rather concerning phenomenon has emerged: suspension, loss of job, or threat of sacking, as a response to an accusation of racism. This is affecting people at all levels of British society.
In 2019, supermarket worker Brian Leach was sacked for gross misconduct, without notice, after sharing an old Billy Connolly comedy sketch on social media that mentioned suicide bombers, following a complaint from someone in head office. In 2021, Ollie Robinson was suspended from international cricket pending an investigation into racist (and sexist) tweets posted when he was a teenager in 2012/13. Leach was reinstated following an apology and social media campaign, and Robinson returned to international cricket after expressing his shame and regret.
Late last year, Lady Susan Hussey resigned from the Royal Household with immediate effect after repeatedly asking a black British charity founder where she was really from. The story dominated the news agenda, in contrast to very little coverage of Elon Musk’s release of the Twitter Files. Hussey, a lady-in-waiting to the late Queen Elizabeth II, apologised in a face-to-face meeting. According to a palace statement she, “pledged to deepen her awareness of the sensitivities involved and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the issues in this area”. Hussey appears to have returned to royal duties in recent weeks.
These reactions were extraordinarily disproportionate. Robinson’s tweets were posted when he was around eighteen, following a rather tricky period in his teenage years. Lady Hussey may well have been gathering information about guests, a common practice at royal events. Most concerningly, Leach shared the video of a mainstream comedian on his own social media page. Connolly’s sketch strongly satirised religion in general. It is doubtful that Leach, a less public figure than Hussey and Robinson, would have returned to his job without a social media campaign.
Would things have been so extreme if the three had been accused of, for example, shoplifting? Though social media can amplify things, there would surely have been some questioning or demand for evidence. With racism, even an accusation can deem someone guilty. It reveals the influence of Robin DiAngelo, who stated, "The question is not 'did racism take place' but rather, 'how did racism manifest in that situation?'".
The truth is that we have not worked out racism’s place in our systems of morality. Humans have spent millennia contemplating ethics and trying to find fair responses to behaviour that crosses a line. Where does racism fit into this?
A good place to start is Christianity, the moral foundation of the West. Paul’s famous comment in his Epistle to the Galatians emphasises common humanity:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (King James Version, Galatians 3:28)
The message of universalism is clear: goodness transcends the self and is available to all, regardless of background. This does not mean that we should abandon our sense of place and people (Jesus was very much of Galilee), but that values are the priority.
Yet in our increasingly diverse society, where Christianity is in rapid decline without an obvious replacement, there is less certainty about wrongdoing. Many struggle to find unity in shared values and a common vision for the future. Moral relativism dominates. When the underlying structure feels shaky, it becomes easy to react strongly to emotive issues.
Law also plays a central role. In democratic countries, everyone has the right to a fair trial to a) determine whether an offence has been committed and b) decide on a proportionate sentence. Lady Justice, often seen in statue form outside law courts globally, is blindfolded to represent impartiality, and carries scales to bring equilibrium. It is alarming that so many businesses have directly contravened the presumption of innocence until proven guilty – a cornerstone of our society.
Elites and institutions must shoulder at least some of the blame. Many seem not to be rooted in specific values, and shift about according to the latest fashionable cause or theory. People are sacked and then quietly reinstated. Our leaders often search for technological solutions to ethical issues, as in Covid. It is impossible to create effective responses to accusations of racism in a culture of such inconsistency. New definitions of words are imposed, which alter rules without discussion or analysis.
This situation gives online commentators an excessive influence. Justice is dispensed by whoever shouts the loudest. It is interesting that Leach’s ‘gross misconduct’ was not for racism but for breaching the company’s social media policy. His sacking looked very much like a fearful attempt to prevent a potential scandal. As is so often the case, potential reputational damage overrode calm investigation.
A clear framework is needed for businesses and institutions experiencing public accusations against someone’s character. Sacking must never be used to prevent disproportionate online reaction.
This could involve a mandatory cooling off period in the event of a social media storm. Some breathing space would offer the chance for all to get some perspective. Perhaps three months would be appropriate. Then, the validity of the accusation can be examined carefully, and a compassionate decision made. Surely an apology and perhaps a charity donation would have been an appropriate way for Robinson to address his teenage misdemeanours.
Most importantly, we need selection processes to bring forth leaders with strong values and the courage to challenge online mobs. By setting an example, it becomes easier for others to do the same. An ethical framework and united front will enable potential new solutions to emerge. The current situation has revealed weaknesses that can now be mended. In finding shared values, we can rise above prejudice to bring healing and strength to our society.