Most people in this country don't know the history of this country

So Professor Paul Gilroy of the LSE replied, when asked about the links of the British history of imperialism and the slave trade to racism in the UK today. He suggested that people from outside the UK know British history better than people growing up in Britain today. Appalling indictment of the British education system, is it not?

Another interesting point he made is that people never get away from being immigrants. His children are three generations away from immigration, and he pointed out that many members of Mrs Thatcher's cabinet were seen as immigrants, such as Leon Brittan, Michael Howard, and current cabinet members Margaret Hodge - even though many were born in the UK, and have gone through every step of the UK system. In that case, who am I, a real immigrant, to complain about being treated like a foreigner when I lived in the UK?

As seen on the Islam channel, by the way. Prof. Gilroy comes across as an extremely charming guy. I wonder if he has written any books on the topic. On the other hand, his topic is social theory, so his writing might be a bit dry?

The Islam channel now advertises a charity called 'Helping hands' which donates sacrificial cows and sheep for people in poorer countries. Hmmm. A living cow or sheep might be more productive...

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