Voices Volume Eleven — People of Colour by Falmouth & Exeter Students' Union

Voices P E O P L E O F CO LO U R

VOICES VOLUME ELEVEN PEOPLE OF COLOUR N O V E M B E R 2019

Voices is a student-led campaign headed by Falmouth & Exeter Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union, providing a platform for people whose voices might previously have been lost in the noise.

Trigger warning This publication contains language which may be offensive to some readers and references to issues which may be triggering to some. If you need to talk to someone, please contact the Student Support Services team or visit thesu.org.uk/welfare

The views expressed in this publication are the individualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own and do not reflect those of the universities, The SU, and the team involved in its production.

People of Colour A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

For this volume of Voices, we wanted there to be a sense of conversation; talking and listening to peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experiences of being a person of colour. Throughout the project, it came apparent that everyone had different views and ideas surrounding their race, culture, ethnicity, but, most importantly, their identity. Through sharing their experiences and stories, it provided a wide range of perspectives on similar topics, which created pause for thought and curiosity on our own state of mind, and as to how we viewed our own identity. Sam Oldham Editor-in-Chief

FOREWORD

pon conception, it was evident to us that

important to give a voice to students who haven’t

in the soft relaunch of this magazine, interviewed

been allowed one before. In this community it is

and written during Black History Month, that it

important for POC to support each other as the

should be about just that; black people. We traded,

impact of the whole is stronger than that of the

back and forth, ideas. How to make this the best

individuals.

edition? What do The People want to read? The

According to The Times ‘Good University

result of the discussion was to open this edition to

Guide 2020’, Falmouth University ranked 121/128

the wider community of colour. BME (Black and

in percentage of ethnic students {6.2% of students

Minority Ethic) edition? POC (People of Colour)

are ethnic students} and The University of Exeter

edition? All possible names for our first edition. All

ranked 102/128 in percentage of ethnic students

detractions, I felt initially, from the focus of the

{10.2% of students are ethnic students].

project.

I could try and make assumptions about your

This magazine aptly named Voices, is a powerful

race, age, social-political leanings, but that would

tool, in that it does what it says on the tin; gives

be incredibly reductive. Instead I will applaud you,

voice to those from whom the larger community

not only for getting this far in a scattered article

might not hear from. Though it is important to

but also for picking up this magazine. In its final

share platforms with other POC, it is important to

form, this magazine is bound to spark a little bit

note the name of the month; Black History Month.

of controversy, as few people like discussing race,

It is reductive and problematic to squash the lived

and even fewer like being called a racist. It is vital

experiences of a wide range of ethnicities and

that as we read through the stories of the magazine,

cultures under one acronym. Whether that label

we think to ourselves: Can I relate? Why do I feel

was BME, BAME or POC, these words encompass a

uncomfortable? What am I learning? Have I done

multitude of people whose identities intersect but

that before? This edition centres POC with a focus

are their own independent stories.

on Black people. That does not mean that this is

I am still of the opinion that ‘political

the anti – white edition. In fact, turn to the back

blackness’ is an idea/label that only serves to

of the magazine and you’ll see the majority of the

further reduce the experiences of POC to an

names belong to white people. I hope that when

inclusion quota. I am not offended by the labels

finished with the magazine you’ll have learned

themselves, just the instances in which they are

about an experience that you may have dismissed

used as part of a ‘negative identity’. I believe that

as someone else’s problem.

in this day and age it can be counter productive to group people together when their only similarity is that they’re not-white. To be frank, if we were

Albert Duker

at diverse universities I would not be for ‘sharing

Managing Editor

the microphone’ but as we aren’t, I think it is

ADAM ALI

What subject are you studying? Creative Advertising, I’m in my second year and I love it. I am a copywriter; I focus on slogans and the words in adverts. What companies do you want to work for post-graduation? I would either like to work for a large advertising agency or a small company where my work is more meaningful, and I can make a difference.

Why did you choose Falmouth? I had never visited Falmouth but heard Falmouth was a beautiful place. I always used

This is who I am, not what my skin says I should be.

to come to Cornwall for family holidays but never directly had visited Falmouth as a place. I remember when I got my results, I chose then. I

Where are you from?

previously applied to Philosophy in Liverpool. Choosing Advertising gave me employable skills.

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire.

I like writing, a lot, and I heard there was a lot of money in it. Worrying about your next meal is not

Has anything from your holiday experience

ideal. Creative Advertising seemed a logical choice.

carried over into your university experience?

Has Falmouth lived up to expectations?

Apart from the scenery, university and holidays are two different things. They are independent

Yeah, it definitely has. It’s a beautiful place, especially living in town. It’s better than Penryn.

of each other. Holidays are family, university is friends.

There’s not a lot going on over there. Did you have any issues in your first year? Anything When you came down to visit Cornwall with your

your background or ethnicity has affected?

family, did you feel like a minority? No issues. I know friends who have. Not even a My family has always lived in minority areas, so we’ve never noticed really. In both primary and secondary education, there was an ethnic minority of 1%. It was myself and my brother.

single comment. But then again, am I ignoring it or is it actually just not happening?

ADAM ALI

You previously indicated, all of your friends are white, and you are the ‘black guy’. Do you play up to the stereotype? No. My friends call me the ‘whitest brown person’. My nan calls me a coconut; brown on the outside, white on the inside. That’s always fun. Why does she say that? How do you behave that makes her call you a coconut? It’s traits I don’t display. I don’t listen to rap and grime music. I listen to weird stuff. I like to listen to classical music when I am studying. Do you think you are white because you want to be white? Are you rejecting the previous generations of your culture? Yes, I am a bit ashamed of the whole Jihadi thing, the whole Muslim culture. I am disgusted by how we treat women, how we treat the poor. It’s a self-centred religion. I don’t practise anymore. I read a little bit of the Quran with my grandad; he runs a mosque. The rest of my family are atheists. Why did your family become atheist? They chose. It was never forced upon us. My family are fairly liberal. My great-grandad was a captain in the World War. Three generations have been in the UK.

Do you have any friends on campus who are also BAME? There are a few of us. Do you think at this University that things need to be raised and made better for future generations who will

Are you scared to join societies because

come through?

you think people would question your culture or reject you because you don’t

There are quite a few societies to

practise or follow your culture?

support students. As long as you have clusters of communities, I feel, you can

I think so. They obviously practice

maintain good mental health. I haven’t

or are very well connected to it. I’ve

joined a society because I don’t practice

grown up in a very white area. I don’t

my faith. The most participation I do

feel a part of that community. If I was

within my culture is eating my dad’s

to go along, I would be forcing myself

curries. I was thinking I would like to

to be someone that I’m not. This is who

learn more about my culture. I usually

I am, not what my skin says I should be.

try to be ignorant of it. What we’ve done in the past kind of makes me feel sick.

Do you feel people make assumptions about you?

Have you experienced prejudice towards your culture?

Definitely. People make assumptions that I am always Muslim. My barber

It’s quite obvious when something is

thought I was Muslim. You don’t ask

written by a racist. I feel racism generally

a white person if they are Christian. I

falls into two categories: people who

get questioned when I eat bacon, so it

are generally worried and people who

comes back to education again.

consider us to be de-evolved citizens. What frustrates me the most is the lack

What would you enforce universities to

of education resulting in ill-informed

do to be less ignorant?

decisions towards Islam. This

very

big

question.

Education, cultural beliefs – it needs to be taught. Values need to be changed on a much larger level for anything significant to be shifted. Values can’t be taught, they must be embedded.

ANONYMOUS

’m in my second year of Politics and

International Relations. I’m originally from North Kent and my family are from Nigeria. Part of my family were born there; my brother, who is the oldest, came over when he was 11, but the rest of my family were born here. For me, defining home is quite hard, as the way I grew up, I knew about my roots. But then, because I lived in a whitemajority area, it was quite conflicted because, even though I had heard about it from my family, I didn’t really know about it, outside of that context. From the age of four and up, spending most of your time at school, influences you more also. At the time, I didn’t really know where to call home, because people asked you where you’re from, and you’re more inclined to say Britain, or London specifically, because if you say anything outside it draws attention and everyone would always get a bit confused. I think more so now, I tend to say my home country before where I am actually living. Now, it is more about me owning my identity rather than saying I’m from London, because that is what I identify with. I don’t see myself staying here beyond education. So I know myself a bit more. I

I took diversity back home for granted.

want to explore after education. I went back home last year, but I didn’t fully experience what it would be like to live in the city there (Abujas). It is more of a case of going back there and seeing how it would be working there, but right now my possible option is Canada, to do finance. To begin with, I wasn’t really sure between Law and Finance, because government roles were not something I wanted to do, because the political outlook right now is very unstable, and I think, even though there are people from minority backgrounds in politics, I think, within the Western sphere, it’s not really as overt. I think that has put me off, and knowing that the people in power right now don’t advocate for people of my background

to be able to have certain viewpoints, or have

You can see that most top organisations don’t

importance, and I think that has affected my

actually have diversity initiatives in place to tackle

decision. I think there are a lot of problems within

these problems, and that’s because of who they are

the system that are deeply rooted in Western

recruiting in the HR teams. In particular to those

history. I think that is something that’s sort of put

who are able to get past the stage that’s face to

me off that role, so my other options were finance

face, once you do get into those organisations, its

and law. And with law, despite the way it works,

up to the team to decide, not the actual HR team,

I think the industry, especially from what I have

however that team is also likely to be of a white

seen in the UK, is obviously heavily white-male

majority as well. Once you actually get there, you

dominated, and even though I say that has put

could end up being set back just because of that.

me off, it’s not something that I actively saw as a

It’s a lot.

reason for me not to do law.

I think, in certain circumstances, you have to

I think, from experience, I ended up just falling

look at how a person has grown up and what they

into finance more because that’s where I was

have done to get there. You can tell that those

getting more experience. Going through insight

who are in higher positions, they have probably

days and different work experiences, I don’t really

had to play on the fact that they’ve got into the

think they were hindered by my background, but

organization because they are seen to betray what

at the same time I do. I could see that there was a

makes them them, changing themselves. [Talking

presence of people that look like me, but I could

about Samira Mighty from Love Island season

also see that there was a lack of interest in getting

four] she is an individualised case; you can tell by

more people who look like me. I can see there is a

her upbringing, that she has had to make herself

conflict of interest there, and that has affected the

look a certain way act a certain, way so that she

way I am able to enter the sector.

is able to sort of get to where she is. There was

I would say it is something I would be

this controversy as well, because she was basically

passionate about, trying to knock down those

using ‘white’ hair extension companies for her hair,

barriers, but I’d also say it’s a thing that is not only

and people saw that as obviously, in a way, of her

my responsibility and my issue. It’s interesting

betraying her identity because it doesn’t really

talking about responsibility; me and a friend

make sense for someone with her hair type to do

discussed how there are people within the sector

something like that, and obviously shows that now

who are from our background who actively don’t

we can’t really connect with her the same way if

want to throw the ladder down for other people

she uses her platform to benefit those who aren’t

to get to where they are. So I would say that there

from her community.

are multiple barriers that need to be tackled in a

On the topic of westernising or staying true

different way. And, not only that, but I think the

to your culture, I there is a fine line between

people who actually have power to bring these

adapting to ways, you’re not really assimilating

people into the organisations, such as HR, are

but becoming more accustomed to how things are

majority white-females, so obviously they may not

different from back home, and rejecting your own

have the diversity of thoughts to understand how

identity and not accepting where your roots are.

to create different pathways.

ANONYMOUS

What a lot of people end up doing, and what they

the Western sphere, everyone thought it was

see from receiving different forms of rejection in

revolutionary, like it was something really different

life, maybe because they have a different surname

to come up with, but at the same time its standard.

etc. I had this when I was growing up. I didn’t have

Feminism should not be seen as a Western idea.

my current surname, I had the surname that my

The fact that if we’re meant to be global students

mum had before, when my parents divorced, so

who are thinking is such a straightforward route,

seeing my name you would have probably thought

it is not somewhere I would want to be. I thought

I was someone else, and then when I would go to

that if that’s something that the society wants to

an interview they would be like, “oh...hi.” In my

represent, then that’s something that I don’t want

area, the shopping centres never actually had any

to be a part of. People either do or don’t realise

diversity whatsoever - if there were any people

that their version of what’s meant to be something

of colour, it would be generic stores like JD,

that’s international is something that is only

and it wasn’t actually diverse at all. So if I was to

catered for themselves and the concepts that were

actually get the job in the end, I would get there

brought up, only affected all-white women, and

and notice that I would be the only person of

they don’t realise that there is an intersectionality

colour, and it would be so uncomfortable because

within feminism that means that you could be

you would get these sly remarks, that are slightly

someone affected as a white woman or someone

offensive, and you just don’t know what to do,

that’s affected as a black woman, or someone

because there was no one to turn to. So I think,

from the Asian community, for example. I think

people end up getting to the point where they are

they need to realise that these issues that are

so uncomfortable that they think the only way

going on within the Western sphere is not the only

forward is to sort of assimilate and pretend that

issue. That draws less importance to those that are

you’re not who you are. I think people can get lost

affected within these other areas and they’re not

in that and forget that that’s what they’re going

going to feel as if they are important enough to

towards, that is what they want, they don’t want

introduce their experiences. They might think that,

people to come into organisations with their own

actually, it is normal, because if it is not included

personal views, personal backgrounds, and disrupt

in that general sphere of feminism, then what is it?

the wall that they already created. I think people

A lot of the issues are to do with traditions, for

can get too deep into that and it ends up being a

example, things that are still happening everywhere,

thing where they alienate people who may come

but don’t actually fit into say ‘modern norms’, for

into an organisation looking like them, and they

example FGM, is something that is happening

may not recognise that that’s sort of where they

within, not only Nigeria, but also Western Africa,

come from.

and it is not really a thing that is being addressed

At university, I did participate in the Debating

properly, apart from, like, the non-governmental

Society for a while, but there was a reason why

organisations, and you can see how slow that

I left. We had a debate on feminism, and I spent

progress has been And, if you look at percentages,

a good 45 minutes listening to what everyone

I think it is something like 70% of women in Nigeria

else said, and their whole idea was based on

are being affected by FGM, and it is something that

Western feminism. When I introduced the idea

happens from a young age, like nine and ten. So it

of FGM (female genital mutilation), and streams

is something that is really barbaric but is affecting

of feminism that were experienced outside of

girls at such a young age, which then affects them

for the rest of their lives. Women aren’t able

so small here, but there it was a massive

to talk about it because they feel like they

thing, like she would not be able to take

don’t have that sort of importance or

her qualifications if she didn’t wear a

access to feel heard. The way that

skirt.

the Western society is seen in non-

I think acknowledging that there is a

Western societies, it has been put

problem is a start. I think if we discussed

on a pedestal, and if something

it with my parents and grandparents, they

is not being covered by the Western society, then the issue will just disappear, and I think that is one

wouldn’t see it as a problem, they would see it as something they always have to do. So acknowledging the problem at hand, and discussing it as well, to recognise there is an

of the problems that

issue, going through those steps to solve those

we’re having currently

issues, and making sure the problem is widely

in Nigeria. However,

known through discussion, it is a widespread issue

globally, I think it’s

that people probably haven’t acknowledged. Me and

more apparent that

my siblings have a general consensus that my Mum

obviously there is a

is really stubborn, so I think we do try where we

gap between men and women, and it can be seen as such small things,

can, but I think with the community itself, they put such a high importance on how other people look at

but when you grow up in a Western country and your

them, so I think it is more to

parents are still affected by this, it is something that is really close. It is the littlest things from women being sort of submissive towards men, men having to be more dominant in the relationship. For example, if there is a male guest coming over, the woman has to prepare food for the man, and they have to bring a water bowl to clean their hands, they have to bow down when they give the food. I see my Mum doing it and it

with

pleasing

other

is something that can seem so normal to her, but people than to do with her own self-esteem. I think from the outside looking in, it seems ridiculous and we understand where she comes from in that respect, it doesn’t make sense for something like that to still however, when it comes to other things, we do try be happening in 2019. My mum is also a lawyer, and and hold her accountable and put her to the side when she went back to law school in Nigeria, they and say, this doesn’t really work in this environment, wouldn’t let her wear trousers, she had to wear a and I think slowly she is adjusting, but that would be long skirt. Obviously, that is something that is seen quite gradual.

ANONYMOUS

For me, my culture is a massive part of my life. I think the community has gone through a big process of reclaiming their culture and you can see that from how western musicians in particular, (the arts is a massive thing in the African community), how they become more widespread. They’re more well-known, they chart well, and I think that is to do with the fact that they’ve found a way to reclaim their culture. And I think a lot of people think it’s more to do with the fact that Africans are branching out, a lot of them have travelled out, living in Western societies, but, personally, I think it’s to do with the power of the movement. I think a lot of it is to do with the music, and the language as well. A lot of Western countries in Africa are fortunate to still have their own language that has been retained from their tribe, and you don’t really see that with more Southern countries, like Angola, who haven’t managed to retain it, and they are stuck with speaking Portuguese, which is a colonial language that is always going to remain, but we are lucky to have some languages that are being passed on from generation to generation. I think when people say they don’t see race, it doesn’t make sense. We live in a society where we have strict norms, and you can’t really deny that. I think, visually, especially living in a place like this, you can see that other people see you different. Personally I do see myself as black, I do also see myself as a black woman, together. That is something that I would never deny. In the round table discussion, we talked about how Kim Kardashian dealt with taking care of her daughter’s hair. There was some views about her having to straighten her daughters hair, and my own view was that she shouldn’t put that idea in

her daughter’s head that her hair isn’t as important

but, growing up, we haven’t seen her represent the

as what Western textures would look like. And I

black community, we have seen her as someone

think that is what she has inadvertently done, by

we’ve aspired to look like; fair skin, have western

straightening her daughter’s hair at such a young

hair, etc. Appearance wise, we can’t actually follow

age. Having her cousins, who are not mixed-race,

someone who is a physical representative but also

means she will already sub-consciously be making

someone who has that knowledge and background.

those comparisons between herself and them, and

Beyoncé is Texan, from the South, so she may not

how the media would see her will affect her. I think

have experienced that level of racism that someone

Kim needs to put more care in understanding that,

who is darker and has more afro-centric features.

because she has a mixed race child, she will be

For me, my role models probably exist, but the way

treated differently regardless. That can be seen

the media works and how things circulate, I don’t

with one of the other Kardashians, Khloe: her

know who they are, because people who are put

daughter is a lot darker, and she has been picked

on a pedestal are people who discuss issues that

up on in the media for the fact that she is darker,

don’t matter, and that’s why me and a large group

and people have been saying that she is not as

of people feel this way, because no-one is making

pretty as her siblings, who have less of an afro-

a difference to things that matter and making

texture and have fairer skin. I think Kim needs to

change. Society needs to prioritize what actually

actually take seriously how she might be portrayed

matters, as well as in the community, instead of

and how it might affect her daughter. I think with

the importance of fame and popularity.

Kanye, due to his own personal perceptions, for

I think people need to acknowledge not

example, how he thinks slavery could have been

only how issues created by people outside the

avoided, I think that comes into play, because he

community has affected the black community,

thinks that we have our own autonomy to be able

but also how it has created issues within the

to avoid these stereotypes, and obviously that is

community, and how it has been perpetuated as

not the case. Him having that sort of perception

well. I think people need to see what their role is

means that his daughter is just his daughter, she

with perpetuating these sort of issues and how

won’t have to face any of this backlash, but that’s

they can remediate that. I think it is more of a

not the truth. Someone with that much power

thing where the issues are so deeply rooted that

should use their platform to uplift the community,

people can’t find where it dates back to, and also

even though it is quite hard. Musicians do have

put focus on the roots where we can actually make

this platform, but they are also not taken seriously

the change and move forward. If we keep blaming

because they are musicians, not academics, they

other people then that is going to create more

are seen to not have an in-depth knowledge on

issues - that isn’t going to help anything. So I think,

issues such as race, so I think it is quite hard,

also looking how we go forward, whether it is, like,

because the platform could be used for charitable

small steps, because everyone wants to see this

reasons. But I think, when it comes to race issues,

‘great change’, but it is not going to happen. But

they’re not taken as seriously, especially if their

knowing that change is going to happen slowly is a

music doesn’t touch on anything such as race

positive move, being reassured by the fact that, if it

issues. I think you see that with artists such as

doesn’t affect our generation, we can at least make

Beyoncé, she indirectly touches on those issues

a better place for our children.

THE VOICES ROUNDTABLE On Wednesday, October 3, Voices held a

same question. I think Voices provides an

roundtable discussion where we invited

opportunity for people to speak out and

everyone who identified as a Person of

it actually gives them an opportunity to

Colour to discuss what that title meant

be heard.

to them. We gave them a space to talk freely about their experiences, not just at

What does your story mean to you?

university or in Falmouth, but their life as a whole. We began with an introduction where

everyone

stated

their

Joe To me, I think, we all live our own lives and

name,

it’s really easy to get caught up in all of

course, and where they called home (a

the bullshit. You spend your days getting

harder question than you think) and then

up and going to classes, going to Tesco’s

went on to cover a range of topics which

to get food, spending hours in the library

consisted of: History, discrimination, self-

doing work, and when you stop to tell your

belonging, family issues, representation,

story, and you stop to take a moment to

and the celebration of race as well as

be with yourself, that’s actually a radical

questions which touched on race within

act. If I have learned anything from the

popular culture and education. Although

hours spent reading, it’s the small things

most of the group were in agreement when

that you do that changes how you think.

in discussion, some topics sparked some

That moment of truly understanding can

discourse leading to an accumulation of

genuinely change someone’s life and

varied opinions as disclosed below.

their self-esteem and help them reclaim who they are. The world is attacking a

- Kenisha Ganesh

person of colour every single moment, and there is a system in place that’s trying

How many of you had heard of Voices

to eliminate the experiences you have.

before?

The idea that you can have one great moment of strength, and reclaim all of

Five people raised their hands

it, is ludicrous, it’s a series of moments and a series of telling yourself that you

Joe I was actually featured in the first edition

shouldn’t be embarrassed of facing

of Voices and it was a really interesting

racism, like I was for years. And if I could

time because here I was being asked to

do anything for anyone, it’s to try and

speak about race in front of black people

remind them that it is a slow process of

and I thought, what do I say that they

valuing yourself if you have been told not

don’t already know? I grew up in Norwich,

to, and it’s definitely one you have to work

which was once known as the last white

to do.

city, and that’s a real experience because everyone always talks about being black

Martha I went, predominantly, to ‘white’ schools

in London - try being black in Norwich.

and once I took myself out of the situation,

But if anything what I was speaking

from a ‘white’ school to one that is quite

about was trying to understand how I

mixed, I realised what was wrong and how

could be better, and now I’m asking the

different situations affected me. Walking

THE VOICES ROUNDTABLE

home and hearing racist comments and

Politics at university, as it has had a big

not dealing with it in the proper way

impact on my thought process and how

meant that it has resonated with me

I view things. Learning from world history

throughout my life and had an effect on

also makes you realise that what you’re

me as I grew older. But I think that being

going through isn’t an isolated situation

able to get out of that situation, and to

and that it is happening to an abundance

re-evaluate it, especially when you are

of people all over.

surrounded by people who look like you and embrace you, helps you realise that

How do you feel in Falmouth?

it’s okay to be who you are and makes you feel comfortable with your race. I

Martha Personally, I didn’t acknowledge my race

think I now feel comfortable because of

in first year that much, but after I went to

what I’ve been taught, both socially and in

China over the summer, I realised that

education, especially in relation to doing

the looks and stares that I was getting

there mirrored the ones that people

you’re always going to see the same

gave me here. Visiting a country which is

faces, and that’s one thing that I find

isolated and has little to no black people,

really nice. Although I was invited by the

therefore understanding their reaction to

African-Caribbean Society today, I see

me, to living in a country which was built

people from various other societies and

on multiculturalism, it creates confusion

that’s a plus I find really helps me feel

because people in Britain shouldn’t

comfortable about being here. Because

perceive POC like that.

of how small it is here, we can’t get away with being divided or staying within our

Akira I’ll say one positive thing about being a

groups, and it’s something you can’t find

minority in such a small campus like this

in another uni, like the ones in London for

one. Because we are so few, regardless

example.

of what ethnic society you’re part of, for example, the Islamic or Asian Society,

THE VOICES ROUNDTABLE

21 Albert I don’t know about anyone else but I

Joe I think I faced discrimination when I first

applied to Streatham Campus, and with

started here as, if you have not had the

applying there I knew what I was going to

pleasure of being in a class with me, I can be

get myself into. But coming here, I expected

what some people may call ‘confrontational’.

a much smaller community of POC but

I’ve had a lot of lecturers who see me as

was surprised at the size of the black

‘uppity’ but I believe that if the rules of your

community, as well as the wider community

classroom affect the lives of thousands of

of POC. It was much bigger than I realised

people, and you’re using them to promote

and extremely helpful to help me adjust

a system which is oppressive, then I don’t

and feel accepted into a new environment.

care about the rules of your classroom. You can’t take division as a bad thing as

Are societies a big part of your life in

people are not alike and we do disagree

Falmouth?

on certain issues, and it doesn’t undermine any movement we have. It actually makes it

Aaya They have provided a sense of security,

better because this idea that we all have to

for me, especially when you’re a minority

think the way is actually ludicrous and hurts

and you are going to a place not knowing

people because we are all forgetting things

what to expect. It’s interesting because I

and have our own privileges. I am one of the

had a conversation with someone from my

most privileged persons of colour there can

accommodation who’s also part of ACS,

be; I’m middle class, my mum’s white, I’m a

and he’s conflicted because of the name

man. The full effects of racism don’t affect

and believes there’s some sort of reverse

me in the way they do other people, and if

psychology to it. He believes that we

people are afraid to call me out, then I’m

shouldn’t have an African-Caribbean Society

not doing anything worth doing.

because it makes us more segregated than we should be, and I understand where he’s coming from, but without it I would be very lost. It has given me more of an incentive to reach out to people and has provided a platform for me to meet people from the Islamic and Asian societies for example, allowing me to network through my social life, which is really nice. Has anyone experienced discrimination? Akira No one can tell where I’m from! But nothing has really happened to me on campus that’s been significant that I can remember, which is nice. I mean, if you just smile then most people don’t say anything.

THE VOICES ROUNDTABLE

It was really tough but I got used to it.

23 Khadija I grew up around black people, so when

What about ‘Quota vs. Merit’?

I went to college it was a really different experience for me, because there were, like,

Akira Do you mean when a Professor feels

six girls who were mostly from Nigeria. So,

pressured to put an ethnic text or figure

for me, growing up I would watch TV series

on the module just to say it’s diverse, as

and films, and it was always white people, so

opposed to the person or text actually

I grew up with white people in a sense. And

being important? In that case, then I would

then in college, it really wasn’t a problem

rather just listen to the old white Professor

for me, but the way they treated me was

because it could seem like they are trying

different and I found it a bit hard. Like

to ‘academically festishise’ certain people

there was one time I was buying something

on the basis of their colour or ethnic

at the shop and a lady asked me what my

background and it’s degrading because

name was, and I said it was Khadija and she

you’re singling us out and just picking them

was like, ‘oh you guys should have British

solely because they are a person of colour.

names’ and I was really upset. It was really tough but I got used to it.

Kenisha Again, they did that in English as well. In my second year there was a module titled

Have you felt as if you weren’t represented

“Liberty, Tyranny, and Slavery”, so obviously

within your education?

more people of colour would sign up as it’s something that would resonate more with

Nasima I think what we study in Politics is quite

us than old white men writing poetry. But

varied to be fair, because our Professors

instead of actually discussing ethnic writers

are all mostly left wing, therefore they try

and poets, we discussed Langston Hughes

to make sure it’s not just white-focused.

in the first week, who was also known as the

With Politics it’s quite difficult because it’s

POC quota author because he was always

all mostly statistics and data, but if you’re

added when they needed to ‘diversify’

doing a BA it would be more different. But

the modules. And after that first week,

if you’re learning about personal politics

we proceeded to discuss opinions from

rather than stats, then you would learn

predominantly white authors for five weeks

about Post-Colonialism for example.

who gave their opinions on slavery.

Kenisha Yeah, definitely. I mean, with English, we

Did you learn about any ethnic histories

barely study literary figures who aren’t old,

throughout your education? In secondary

white men, and when we do it’s always the

school for example.

same one. It’s only in third year where there are modules that discuss people of colour

Nasima I think in secondary school it’s so much

writers through the entirety of the module

harder, because even if you’re learning

rather than just for one week.

about History, it’s from a white standpoint, so if the topic is Colonialism, for example, it would be taught as a good thing, which can be quite difficult because you’ll grow

THE VOICES ROUNDTABLE

up thinking Colonialism is a good thing, because that’s what you have been taught, and then you would have to do your own research if you wanted to know about other viewpoints. But in University, you have access to resources such as JSTOR which can help you learn more academically and you are able to widen your personal knowledge. The curriculum much all taught from a Eurocentric standpoint, is really toxic because, as children, we absorb everything we hear because we know no better. Do you agree with how People of Colour are represented in the media? Eg: pop

Why do you need to portray us in such a way just for the entertainment of others?

culture, in films etc… Martha I think it is an attempt at representation because for some shows we are represented,

and it was all white people on TV. It was

but the issue is more to do with how we

such a weird experience for me because

are being portrayed. In some shows, for

I was so used to seeing people for the

example, a light-skinned women and dark-

way they are rather than how they were

skinned man would be together, but in

portrayed in film and television. The Real

reality we mix with every other ethnicity.

Housewives, for example, how they pit

Another example would be a character

women of colour against each other, falsely

with darker skin would be portrayed as

intertwining women of colour and conflict.

someone with an attitude. So I think there

Or male characters being portrayed as

is representation, and then there is a false

criminals, aggressive, or vindictive. How

presentation of someone.

they portray people of colour, to me, was so off-putting, because we’re not really like

Anon. The thing is, for me, during that age where

that, because everyone reacts in the same

you absorb everything around you, all

way but because of the colour of our skin,

I watched was Nigerian movies and TV

everything is amplified. But the way the

programmes, in my country or in Senegal,

media portrays us, especially in Western

Nigeria, Sierra Leone etc… So I wasn’t really

culture, pitting us against each other just

exposed to Western culture, and for me,

for entertainment and engagement is quite

all I saw was black people. Then, when I

sickening. Why do you need to portray us

came back here at the age of nine, and I

in such a way just for the entertainment of

watched Eastenders or Coronation Street

others?

THE VOICES ROUNDTABLE

It’s just the way we are represented that’s the problem.

27 Kenisha I think you can see that still happening now with Love Island, for example, and how Yewande was edited to look aggressive

Is representation important in every

and angry all the time throughout that

space, like for all communities?

whole Danny situation, whereas Arabella was just seen as innocent and happy all

Anon. Absolutely, we do need to be represented,

the time. [In reference to Love Island 2019

it’s just the way we are represented that’s

Participants]

the problem. Just represent us as human beings and the way we are and not based

Albert And you can see it in people’s reactions

on a stereotype. When watching TV shows,

on Twitter as well. I mean, watching it

like Jane the Virgin, there’s the stereotype

as a black person, I thought she was

that, in Latin culture, all women are ‘sassy’

acting normal and I thought that’s how

and that they always have an attitude, and

I would react, but then you go and see

it’s the same for black people as well. It’s

the reactions and everyone is saying ‘Oh

the way that we are being represented

Yewande is being very aggressive’ and

that’s the problem, and how the media

‘Yewande is attacking everyone’.

goes about it is what needs to change. Sometimes they do it to fill a ‘quota’,

Anon. That’s the thing. If it’s a person of colour reacting to something that has upset

saying they have someone from that race, but their portrayal is wrong.

them, their actions are always seen as ‘overreactions’ which are seen as

Joe I think representation is nothing if that

aggressive or being ‘over the top’. There’s

representation

this bias that we are being aggressive

There’s no point having a black person,

and hysterical (especially for women of

for example, represent the community

colour). In a way, it’s sort of dehumanising,

if they are going to turn around and

because why shouldn’t we be able to

speak white narratives. We’ve all seen

act the way others act, and express our

the Candace Owens’ and the Clarence

feelings?

Thomas’ and all these people who are

isn’t

activist

one.

more than happy to fall for the attention Martha I think it’s the little things that are

of white people by coming out with

hyperbolised, for example Meghan, the

radical hot takes, like Kanye, for example.

Duchess of Sussex. Her actions being

‘Slavery’s a choice, get over it guys’, well,

deemed as ‘controlling’ and ‘crazy’ in the

in reality he does not feel the full impact

media, and used as the villain in the Royal

because his money has helped him buy

household.

his way out of the problems real people face. If you are fighting against injustice, you’re going to be seen as aggressive and that’s not a bad thing. Because the world is violent, and if you pretend it’s not then your representation means nothing.

THE VOICES ROUNDTABLE

you

feel

comfortable

labelling

yourself as British? like the question ‘where are you really We went around the room and each

from though?’

person gave their answer Nasima I wouldn’t say I’m British, like what you Albert I say I’m British in regards to my citizenship

said about citizenship in that sense, yes,

but when people ask me where I come

but not my nationality. I probably called

from, and venturing into territories of

myself British when I was younger but

countries, I usually say Kenya and Ghana,

as I got older I completely disregarded

and then I have to go into what tribe my

it. I think what snapped me out of it was

grandfather was from etc… So I usually

realising what the British actually did

say I’m Black British just to keep it all

to my home country and I don’t want

together as one.

anything to do with that. I mean, I was born here, but I didn’t really have a choice.

Nasra My nationality is British because I was

I wouldn’t be proud to claim being British,

born here but I wouldn’t say I am British

and I think people who are proud should

because my parents are from Somalia

seriously think about that.

and came to England when they were quite young. We don’t speak our language

Gabriel Nah, I’m not British. I don’t claim it, why

much at home anymore but I am fluent in

would I claim it? I mean just because I

my home language and follow my culture.

was born here it doesn’t mean I have to identify as it. By birth, I’m British, I guess

Albert Would you not say that you’re English?

but that’s about it.

Nasra No, never. Would you look at me and

Aaya I never thought about it like that, and now

think ‘oh, she’s English’. Especially down

that I have, it’s interesting. I do identify as

here, they will ask you where you’re from,

British, not in the sense that I’m patriotic,

and if you say London, which is where

but that I’m grateful that my parents were

they assume you live when you are of a

able to bring me here and allowed to

different ethnicity, they will ask you where

have the label of ‘British’. Now that I’m

you’re really from, which is definitely my

at university as a home student, I know

favourite question. Like what you said

that I am able to have a strong future

earlier about discrimination, I wouldn’t

and I’m confident in that, and I think it

say it’s discrimination, I would say it’s the

would be ignorant of me to completely

term microaggression. I’ve heard some

disregard that label. But to what extent I

things and seen some things which will

am emotionally attached to that British

definitely be classified as microaggression,

label is another story.

THE VOICES ROUNDTABLE

I feel like here, once they get an ethnic answer, they’re satisfied. Khadija I’m not British, I was born in Nigeria, so I

cultures because of my family and their

would always say I’m Nigerian. Touching

backgrounds; I’m a part of all those

on how people ask you where you’re

cultures and all those countries but I’m

really from, when I say I’m from Nigeria,

also British because I was born here. Being

no one pries any further, they have got

able to have that label of being British

their answer.

will open so many more doors for me because I can’t deny that part of myself,

Kenisha I feel like here, once they get an ethnic answer, they’re satisfied.

but it’s also something that comes with a negative connotation because of what happened to the countries I associate

Anon. For me it’s a bit of a tricky one because,

with. So I can’t just choose one really.

if I’m filling out a form, or if I’m asked in a formal setting, I would say Black

Nelida I would say I’m from nowhere really. I’m

British. But if I’m talking to people I

from Africa but I grew up in Spain. I am

would just say I’m African, and if they ask

in the middle of these two identities so

‘oh which country in Africa’, I couldn’t

it’s easier to just say I either come from

really answer, because I’m from all over

nowhere or I’m a citizen of the world.

the place. I’ve been exposed to so many

That’s my philosophy.

THE VOICES ROUNDTABLE

Ayisha I’m British Pakistani. There is a conflict that I face because people in Asian cultures

dress

modestly,

for

example, whereas Westerners tend to be more liberal, so I kind of have a foot on each side in a way. Martha With me, I think the only part that makes me British is growing up here. As I grew up, I started saying I am Nigerian first before saying I am British, because I’m proud of my culture and where I’m from. Kenisha I’m Asian. Born and bred. But I find it so interesting that some of you are so comfortable with not just being from one place, because if I were put in that situation I know I would need a definite answer and I like having a place to call home. I went to boarding school in Wales and there were so many ‘third culture kids’ who have moved around a lot or have mixed parents so each quarter of them is different, and I couldn’t deal with that as I find that there’s no sense of belonging. Joe The concept of ‘Britishness’ was created to merge the union of Scotland and England, it’s an ideology that’s a complete lie based on a negative identity. To me, I use British because it’s so much easier than the long explanation of where my parents are from or how they met and where they live etc… Today, we’ve talked a lot about these tensions, and I don’t think any of them can be reconciled. And part of the true liberation is that not every problem

has an answer, and that’s a difficult thing

example. So when I was with my black

to take on in this world.

friends from school, they were mostly Caribbean and West African, and even

Do you ever find yourself searching for a

the East Africans couldn’t really relate to

label to put on your identity or are you

me. I had questions like ‘how do you spell

happy with embracing every part of you?

plantain?’ or ‘how do you pronounce it?’, ‘you don’t belong with us’. And then, when

Joe To be honest, it’s about where you’re going, not where you come from.

I was my Arab friends, they would say I’m black, but my black friends say that I speak Arabic so I can’t relate to them. So

Anon. We’re not all from one place, we’re all

I felt a major conflict questioning myself,

from different places so you can’t exactly

like, would I ever know where I belong?

claim just one place. In a way, for me,

But as you grow, you go through a lot of

claiming one place in a way is betraying

these hardships and gain wisdom from it,

the other parts of me because I’m not

and eventually you move forward when

just from one place in Africa, I’m from

you accept it.

multiple places. Should Sam Do you think you’re still trying to find yourself or are you satisfied? Anon. I used to search for an answer but now

move

cultural

appropriation? In relation to pop culture, like Kim Kardashian, for example. Joe Trash.

I’m happy with being from many different places. We’re all different and all have

Kenisha I think there’s a fine line between

different backgrounds and that’s because

appropriation and appreciation. A very

of our histories and migration etc…

fine line.

Aaya I’m all for everyone embracing the different

Joe There

was

moment,

where

she

aspects of where they’re from but I do

straightened her daughter’s hair, that sent

understand the social problem that can

me into an apoplectic rage. If you want

arise, and that’s the issue with it. I went to a

to do it, it’s fine, I don’t want to police

secondary school in South London, where

you, but at such a young age I feel as if it

it had predominantly people of colour,

would have a lasting impact.

and I felt that I was going to belong, like ‘these are my people’. Being from Sudan,

Martha I think for her, most people who have

we are African, but we embrace an Arabic

mixed race children don’t know how

culture, so I speak Arabic at home, for

to do their child’s hair. But I feel, if you

THE VOICES ROUNDTABLE

I think there’s a fine line between appropriation marry into the culture, you should learn

Albert Well one major example for me is that

the responsibilities that come with that.

(growing up) my sister was always a little

Forcing that decision on your child at

bit darker than me because my dad is

such a young age will have an underlying

darker and my mum’s a bit lighter, so

effect on her, especially with her daughter

we mirrored our parents. I remember our

having so many cousins that are mixed

mum chatting to us in the car one day

race as well, but that obviously varies

and was like, to my sister, ‘when you were

with parental choice.

born one of your aunties looked at you and said you should have come out lighter

Anon. You let them be until it’s their kind of

and you would be prettier.’ And obviously

decision, and even then, you tell them that

my sister and I are super ‘radicalised’, so

they are beautiful as they are. Changing

when we heard that we were outraged

your child to mould her into a version

and disgusted and were wondering why

that you like, I mean, she isn’t a doll.

an auntie, who was fully Kenyan and grew up in Kenya, had such a colonized view.

Does anyone want to talk with their experience

with

colourism?

Nasima That happened to me; my Dad has got

example of colourism they would like to

green eyes and is very light-skinned, and

share?

when I came out everyone wished that I had

The issues discussed during our roundtable discussion provided a real insight into these people’s stories and the struggles they have faced. There was a real sense of comradery as, although they were describing incidents that affected them negatively, the group

and appreciation.

provided comfort and empowerment as they reiterated that age is a turning factor. It allowed them to understand that, despite what society says, they know who they are and are aware of their identity, and that’s the only thing that really matters. The discussion on discrimination was most interesting, as most said they hadn’t experienced direct racism, however experienced more of

green eyes and were really disappointed

what was defined as ‘microaggresion’,

when I didn’t. In an Asian community,

such as questions like ‘where are you

when a baby is born, everyone would be

really from’ and ‘how do you get your hair

like ‘it would be so much cuter if it was

so curly’. It was also interesting to see

lighter’ and that’s so much pressure to

how, even within the ethnic community,

put on anyone, especially a newborn

assumptions and ignorance were present, such as all Asians being oriental-looking,

Kenisha Yeah, it’s like bleaching soap, which is

for example. Overall, it was agreed upon

still to this day strongly advertised in

that it was nice to discuss issues such as

most Asian countries. The promotion

colourism and discrimination with other

of such products and ‘fetishisation’ of

people of colour, but concluded that the

lighter skin and Western traits stems from

next step to discussing these issues in

colonialism, and the lasting impact it has

order to invoke change would be to open

had on continents such as Asia and Africa.

up the conversation to white people as

And due to the difference in generations,

well.

it is now only questioned and seen as ‘insulting’ when someone says something like ‘you shouldn’t spend so much time in the sun, you’ll get too dark.’

- Kenisha Ganesh

ISABEL ARUNA

of support in challenging decisions and situations. Throughout university, it has been a blessing to be a part of Grace Church Truro. People there have been a brilliant church community who continue to support and encourage me in my personal and spiritual development. I have found that apart from Falmouth’s beautiful scenery, there is just a different pace of life here that I enjoy. Of course, there have been difficulties, but overall I have had a positive What was your experience like as a student at Exeter? Positive? Negative?

outlook to my experience here in Cornwall. I recognise that this might not be representative of everyone’s journey, particularly when focusing on

My experience as an Exeter student on Penryn campus was largely positive. I studied

challenges as an ethnic minority, but I guess no two perspectives are the same.

International Relations with English and Study Abroad as a Flexible Combined Honours (FCH)

Did you experience any discrimination, racism

student and I just graduated in July 2019.I loved

or microaggression during your time as a student?

the interdisciplinary nature of my course and the flexibility that I had to design my academic

Yes. Sometimes, I have felt like I have had to

pathway. I found my degree to be thought-

explain my “Britishness” despite the fact that I was

provoking and intellectually challenging.

born and brought up here my whole life. It can be

I think one of the academic assets with

weird how other people’s language and actions

studying on this campus is the small class sizes

can spark a familiar sense of “otherness” to the

and approachable lecturers who generally have an

place you call home. I have met people who have

open door policy. You are not just a face in the

commented on my ‘blackness’ or my “exotic look”.

crowd here. I received encouragement and support

Others who are surprised that” your English is so

from lecturers and staff when pursuing wider

good”. Or some white people who do not seem

opportunities and incredible experiences such as

satisfied that Bedfordshire is the place where I

a British Council sponsored summer internship in

am from. I then sometimes get further enquiries

Beijing and a study abroad in South Korea.

on where I am “actually from” cause all they really

Socially, this campus offers a good blend

want to know is about my ethnicity. I have strangers

of students especially being in community with

and friends alike who without my permission dig

students at Falmouth University. I have definitely

their hands into my afro or tug on my braids like

made close friendships whilst being here with

it is a toy, all in the name of fondness without a

individuals who have been an instrumental source

thought to my personal space.

I recognise I might not be representative of everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey

ISABEL ARUNA

But, this has honestly been reflective of my

highlights “being called a racist is not worse than

experience everywhere on different spectrums in

being the victim of racism”. I have experienced

my life. The unfortunate universality of covert and

that some people are too preoccupied defending

overt racial discrimination and microaggressions

their “colour blind” nature to stop, listen, accept

does not make it acceptable or justifiable, but it

or understand how you have even come to that

is still important to bear in mind to help put this

conclusion.

issue in perspective. Racism in all its forms is still

Quite frankly white fragility is frustrating and

a problem, everywhere. Perhaps that might seem

exhausting. Having to justify the racial prejudice I

like an obvious point, even to those who do not

endure and dealing with some people’s dismissive

feel its reality every day. But, even though people

nature or emotional disconnect with the implicit

know that racism still thrives, I have met many

racial biases I have witnessed, is draining and

individuals even friends who do not take my

offensive. I do think it is right to speak up and

experience of microaggression seriously.

voice the realities of racial discrimination that

Some still only recognise racial prejudice with

people from an ethnic minorities face. I do not

explicit derogatory language or with racial abuse

think change can happen without it. But all

and overt racial biases. I can recall countless

too often it sometimes seems easier to silently

occasions of microaggression and discrimination

endure moments of microaggression, not out of

here by people who do not consider their behaviour

tolerance as writer Reni Eddo-Lodge mentions but

as racist purely because they did not mean it to

self-preservation.

be. Now please do not get me wrong. I truly do

However, I have been challenged in many ways

understand and appreciate that some people do

with that stance. Upon reflection, there are times

mean well, are good people, make mistakes, are

where I regret not speaking up more when faced

genuinely unaware or ignorant that their choice of

with moments of implicit discrimination. Even

words or actions can be offensive. But no matter

though sometimes it does not feel like it is always

how well-intentioned, it should not be tolerated

my responsibility to inform people of their offensive

the way it is. I do not think I stand alone when I

behaviour, since they should know better. But can

say the hardest aspect about dealing with racism

they if I do not say anything? A lot of white people

or microaggression is not necessarily just the

do not know how to talk to ethnic minorities about

discrimination itself, but the flood of denial that

race. Feeling paralysed by political correctness

follows it.

some do not dare to ask uncomfortable questions

From what I have experienced as writer Reni Eddo-Lodge explains, some people are more

which are necessary to start to see the reality of what ethnic minorities face.

afraid and offended of being labelled as racist

On the other spectrum, I have met people

than being conscious of the racist behaviour they

eager to hear the realities of microaggression

are doing themselves. As writer Amelia Shroyer

and institutional racism because they want to

understand the problem and be part of the

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;it will look goodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on your CV. But, be open to trying

solution. People who are willing to believe and

new opportunities. Truly be proactive in engaging

accept that what they did or said was offensive

with something you are passionate about, it will be

and who genuinely apologise. Friends who want

more meaningful and interest you more.

to stand by me and listen to my truth because

In my first two years, I got involved with the

they care and want to know me better. In those

Falmouth Anchor as the Online and Print Editor.

moments it reminds me that even if they can never

I had a chance to be the 2nd year student

truly understand, my voice is seen. Ultimately,

representative for FCH and voice the interests

I think we all have a role to play in combating

and concerns of my cohort at the Student Staff

racism in all of its forms.

Liaison Committee. I realised as a student that FCH so often get forgotten within the academic

Were you part of any societies?

administration system because students tailor their degree and do not fit into a normal course

Yes. Some of my closest friends are people

category. Alongside this, I worked as one of the

I met in different societies during university.

Peer Advisors for the Humanities Undergraduate

Societies offer a great chance to meet students

Writing Centre which offered constructive and

from other disciplines that share a common

practical advice to students on academic writing.

interest with you. Personally as a follower of Jesus,

Through societies and lectures, I realised I am

faith is an important part of my life and journey

passionate about enhancing BAME representation

throughout university. Alongside church, the FCU

and diversity. From Second year, I was one of

was an incredible environment for me to wrestle

the ambassadors for the Fast Streamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Early

with spiritual questions, be part of a community

Diversity internship programme and be a part

who actively serve and share the gospel.

of raising awareness of their diversity schemes

The different responsibilities I was given in

at employability fairs and events on campus.

societies and volunteering was a good platform

In my final year, as one of the BAME student

to build on my skills, understanding and discover

representatives for the Humanities Education

what type of roles and issues that I am interested

Strategy Group for Widening Participation, we had

in. You might hear it a lot, but the experience you

a voice in shaping how the department engaged

gain in societies will be useful when applying for

with their access and participation strategy for

future job opportunities when you graduate. The

underrepresented groups. Furthermore, in my final

reality is you are likely to be competing against

year as Faith Officer for the SU Leadership Team I

candidates with the same degree or equivalent

advocated for the needs and concerns of the faith

qualifications as you. What you do now, will help

societies on campus. Whatever you are interested

set you apart. I am not saying you should only get

in there are a lot of opportunities available on this

involved with particular societies or roles because

campus and locally, so make use of it.

ISABEL ARUNA me to be in right now. Even if I was not doing this part time church internship, for this year I think I would still choose to be based here. What is your current role now? I work part time in Exeter’s Business School on this campus. I am the College’s Operations Administrative Assistant so essentially, I support them with their employability initiatives and events, What made you want to stay in Falmouth after

employer engagement, their monthly department

graduation?

newsletter, students’ risk assessments for their placements and other aspects.

I never thought I would stay in Falmouth after graduation. Like many people I was planning to find

Are you enjoying it?

a job in city and get started on my career, whatever that looked like. However, my year abroad shifted

Yes, so far I am. It is really interesting working on

my perspective on the way I considered my future

the other side of the university as a staff member.

plans. I think it made me think about what I truly

You understand and appreciate the hard work and

valued, which is my faith. So, I decided to stay in

nuances behind the scenes that you so easily took

Falmouth to do a part time internship with my

for granted as a student. I have only been in this

I think it made me think about what I truly value, church for a year. I wanted the opportunity to

position since the end of September, but I have

carve some intentional time to study theology,

had the chance to receive more responsibilities

grow in spiritual character and serve my church

beyond my role with aspects that I am interested

community. It is definitely a year of sacrifice and

in.

faith. So far, it has been interesting the doors of

For example, I recently coordinated the

opportunity that have opened and the level of

college’s Business and Community networking

introspection that I have experienced. I have been

event for its students. I was responsible for its

stretched and challenged with issues that are

oversight and delegating tasks to students who

close to my heart. Funny enough, whilst this was

were working with department to organise it. It is

my primary reason for staying, in the summer I

weird transitioning as a student into the working

realised that Falmouth is just the right place for

world. Though, I have received great support and

41 advice from my co-workers, supervisor and line

of representation. I do think that students and staff

manager particularly regarding managing my

alike are chosen based on a system of meritocracy

workload as a part time employee.

which in itself is a complex issue. However, the university has conscious strategies and initiatives

Have you seen any discrimination whilst a staff

to help put disadvantaged students on an equal

member at Exeter?

playing field. Obviously, there is still significant progress to make with improving accessibility and

I have only been in this role for a short time

support for underrepresented groups. Though, I

and can only comment on what I have seen so far

think that increasing equality within opportunities

in my College. Honestly, no. At least half of the

is the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priority in order to create more

staff in my department are from an international

accessibility in higher education; this is vital

background. People have been welcoming and

towards enabling social mobility which benefits

warmly embraced me as a new member of the team.

individuals and in the long-term society as a whole.

My opinion and outlook has been valued even with aspects beyond my role and I have been given

How has your environment and people you

autonomy and support within my responsibilities.

surround yourself with changed from transitioning

I feel like I have walked into an environment that

from being a student to an employee?

is conscious with its inclusivity and open to me voicing my past experiences of microaggressions as a student.

I think that depends on how you look at it. In one way, it has not been a big change for me. Obviously, most of my friends and cohort that I

What is your opinion on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;quotasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at Exeter

knew have moved on to live in different places.

University?

But I know a lot of people that have stayed in

which is my faith. I think that Exeter University recognises and

Falmouth beyond graduation and friends who are

appreciates the benefits diversity and inclusivity

still studying here. Even as a student my social

brings to its community.

The university has a

scene did not only orientate around people at

principle that everyone with the potential to benefit

university. I was always involved with my church

from higher education should have an equal

community for instance and most of the people

opportunity to do so. I think that speaks more to

there are permanently based here. I think what

its goals of widening participation and supporting

has shifted is the people I surround myself with

students from all backgrounds to access, succeed

at work who are mainly other staff members. Even

and progress through its university.

though this university is a familiar environment, it

So no, I do not think the university primarily subscribes to filling quotas to maintain an image

is still a new chapter for me which comes with its own challenges as well as benefits.

JOE WARD

What is home to you? Where do you think your

Do you feel at home here in the UK?

home is? My black side comes from the States. Am I I think that it is an important question. Where

Black British? So I am British and I am Black but I

home is. I think one of the most fundamental

am not sure if I am the two together. Am I both? Is

questions you can use to learn about yourself.

that part of the ridiculousness of it all? I prefer to

When you ask where your home is, it is as much

use the term Black because I think it is a universal

about trying to understand where you are from.

thing. I am diasporic definitely.. I see Britain as my

In that sense, I like to carry it as part of myself, I

home and I think I tried to reclaim as such despite

think that home is a thing you can take with you.

everything. It is so topical now with Brexit...as a

It is something you learn from and use to question

black person you recognise, if a British person

yourself. I know people who have never felt at

does not want to see someone who is Polish

home and I think that is a tragedy because I always

walking down the street, they are not going to want

imagine the idea of looking into the window of a

you. They canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell the difference with a European

home because it is such a sensation that people

walking down the street, but they can see you.

are familiar with. And to me, I feel home when

We only started talking about Britishness when

I can be who I need to be, and you have to give

it became clear that Britishness was not white. It

yourself that permission. Home is not supposed to

is such a racialised thing. I do not think that any

be efficient, it is not about how to do things the

black person was surprised by this doubling down

easy way, or having to have everything done but

on whiteness in this political climate. I grew up

rather that place where you can be rejuvenated

in Norwich, it was called the last white city for a

and fail comfortably. And in a world where, as a

reason and it is better now. But I was indoctrinated

person of colour, you are told you start with the

into whiteness, it taught me a lot but there was

precondition of failure, home is a place where that

this irreconcilable rift, they were telling me about

does not matter.

a world that did not exist. I remember this history class where I had to write about whether the British Empire was a force for good or not. And I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I understood that it was racist. I think it is really hard for people who have not gone through that experience to understand, it is every single day. Every day it chips away at the self you never knew existed. Then it breaks and, for me, you become conscious of every rip and tear that institutional racism inflicts on us. In some ways, it is a really painful moment and it is an amazing moment of radical love of blackness that comes from this respect of restoring yourself.

JOE WARD

What are your experiences with racism here at

and being influenced by my family several miles

universities?

away.

The bar is set too high with racism, it has to

As a black person heading into the workplace,

be blackface or hate crimes. But the bar should be

what are you thinking about in terms of the

lower, endorsing racism, gaslighting black people

limitations and opportunities you have?

about racism. One of the worst things someone can do is tell you, ‘are you sure that was racist?’. Yes I am

I think that being a person of colour is a

sure and I think it is even embodying the rhetoric

strength because it teaches you to exist on

and knowledges used to demonise people in the

the sidelines. It gives you the boldness to let

past. Exclusion is not a new phenomena and you

everyone else agree and you disagree. You will

need to be willing to know that people do not want

get a lot of terms like affirmative action thrown

to be part of your structure and be with you if the

around but as I am concerned, you just have

price of entrance is giving up your consciousness

to prove that you have to be at the table as so

and ability to live your own life.

many people of colour have done before us.

Are there any ways that you are able to connect with your heritage? It is something I have struggled with to be honest. I grew up thousands of miles away from my black family and trying to identify what it means to be black when no one can teach you that pride. It is a difficulty and you come to the point where it is not about your clothes, or what you do for fun, but rather a commitment to love other people. I think the way to connect is through loving others. But it is not easy, I don’t have the answers, it is not as easy as wearing something, because so much was lost. That’s why I think so much of Black British and American culture is about trying to create new things, new traditions, trying to create joy. Have you been able to learn about black (British) history? In class, I got about two hours of that, just Mary Seacole and the slave trade. I took it as an interest, I wanted to learn about it because it is also learning about me. I am not very clued through but it has been a personal journey, reading it and loving it

JULIA MATHEW

the whole “where are you really from?”, and when was born in India and moved over to the UK

I was younger I did question whether I belonged

when I was just three months old. I lived in Bexhill,

here. Now I embrace both cultures. It is so cool to

Kent, for the majority of my childhood but moved

know that if I want to explore where I’m originally

to Tunbridge Wells about three years ago. Now I

from, I’ve always got that opportunity. But I am

would call Kent home, more than Bexhill. I chose

so lucky and fortunate to have been raised in an

Falmouth as a University because of the seaside

area where I haven’t had to struggle to the extent

and because it’s a lovely place to study. My parents

that some other people have had to due to their

were both born in India but have spent a big part

heritage.

of their life in England too. So India is my family’s roots.

Growing up, because I wasn’t regarded as ‘Indian’, I was just one of the rest, I managed fine.

My relationship with the Indian culture is an

Every so often, when someone didn’t know me,

interesting one. I went back to India and Goa last

they would ask where I was from, and continue

summer. It was incredible, beautiful, and we had

to tell me all the bad things that came with my

an amazing time. I would regard England still as

culture, such as some bad stereotypes and traits,

my home, because that is what I am used to, but

which I was unaware of. This sometimes made

it was wonderful to see a completely different way

me ashamed of my heritage, so I didn’t show that

of living and a different lifestyle. I feel like I have

side to me because, firstly I didn’t need to, and

still got so much to learn from the Indian culture.

secondly, I didn’t feel like I had that side of me

Even though it is my heritage, I don’t know enough

anyway, so I struggled to embrace that part of me

about the place. I was never really completely

that was there. But as I grew older, I realised that

interested in my heritage until I grew up, which is

every culture has its flaws, and people are raised in

when I realised how beautiful and interesting the

a way that their culture seems right, and to other

culture is. I definitely want to embrace and learn

cultures they may see their actions and think that

more about my original heritage, but I would want

is wrong, but each culture has its own quirks. I just

to learn about it for me; I don’t feel an expectation

appreciate the parts of what I love about every

to learn the culture for anyone else, because I have

different culture, and I take the best bits from

spent most of my life not knowing much about it.

each!

I want to learn more for my own curiosity, just as I

I haven’t joined a society, such as an Asian

am interested completely about different cultures,

society, whilst being at Falmouth, because I haven’t

such as the Japanese and Chinese culture.

been raised so heavily towards that culture, so it is

I definitely felt like the ‘foreigner’ when I was

not something that I have felt is me. Personally, for

in India, especially with my accent! I didn’t feel

me, I wouldn’t have said I needed a society to help

bad about it, I kind of liked the idea of having the

me fit in, because this environment is the sort of

best of both worlds; I can talk about England as

environment that I’ve grown up in, so I would feel

well as learning about my original heritage whilst

more out of place being a part of a society which

being there. Living in England, I have never really

is solely focused on one thing. There is also a part

felt that sense of being a ‘foreigner’, perhaps it is

of me that feels, like, ‘why?’. I think it is amazing

because of where I grew up. Being fortunate to live

that people use where they’re from to define them,

where I have, my family has just been regarded and

however, to me, I feel like my heritage does not

welcomed as the same. Occasionally, we do get

define me as a person.

Sometimes, being the only Asian means you get looked at or treated differently

JULIA MATHEW

I would rather have a society that had a mix of different cultures to experience and celebrate, and try other foods, for example. It is nice to have a safety net for some. But for me, what defines me are more my interests and what I do. I love art, music, reading, I love the beach, I love being outdoors, I love nature, all those little things make up me. I see countries as a place where your feet stand. Your heritage or the colour of your skin shouldn’t separate or segregate you from other cultures. If you want to stand in India, stand in India. If you want to go and put your feet in Africa put your feet in Africa! But if you feel so proud and patriotic about where you’re from then that can define you. That’s why I love Falmouth, because I feel like everyone is free to express themselves. I love people embracing their differences, not being defined by one thing. I think that can be such an issue because people try to put a label on who you are because of where you’re from. But to me that is not how it should be. To me it is “you’re Julia” and a branch of me is Indian, and a branch of me is British, but a branch of me is also artistic, and another branch of me loves to read. I think this stems from how my parents have raised me; they raised me in a way that has been very much ‘you do you, Julia,’. They gave me the tools and let me make what I have of myself. They provided a stable ground for me to discover myself and do things for me. My parents have made me work for things and allow me to form my own opinion. They tell me their opinions and their views,

we have debates, we might argue, but we still respect each others’ perspectives. What makes me proud of my parents is that they still love India and are proud to talk about their country; they inspire me to keep exploring culture, and exploring what it means to be me. My parents can see that parts of my style and parts of my everyday aspects link back to that Indian heritage, and they like to tell me stories from their past. They have never questioned my personal perspective on who I am. My grandparents, live in India. Their way of living is different but we all have a routine; my Nan still goes to yoga every morning, my Grandad does his daily evening walks with his friends. When you think about those things, and about daily routines, it’s not different to anyone else, but they just approach it differently. You still have these little quirks. It is not about someone being ‘Indian’, for example, it is about being human and having the same core, no matter where you’re from. My culture and their culture has never gotten between anything. From knowing my Nan, I know she would love to see me in India more, it is not so much about me embracing their culture, I don’t think she would think ‘Julia is not Indian enough’, because, again, what is that? What is Indian enough, and what is British enough? I think that is such a bizarre concept. If I had to define myself by one thing, it would be creative. I feel really fortunate that I’m able to see the best of both worlds, I’m able to say that I have Indian heritage but also to have been raised and brought up in a way that British culture is what I am accustomed to, and that has never been a problem for me. I feel more thrilled now, because of how fortunate I have been, to explore my roots, and appreciate more Indian culture, and get to know where I was originally from.

ALEX AYOUB

Where do you live? I was born in Surrey, Kingston Hospital. I live in Oxshott. I’ve lived there my whole life.

Do you eat any Lebanese food? Yeah, usually we do that when my dad’s side of the family come over, but that’s usually when we go to London and we just pick up from a Lebanese

What’s your ethnic background?

restaurant. My favourite Lebanese dish is probably kibbeh, it’s very good.

My mom is Korean, but she grew up in Guam. My dad is Lebanese and lived between France and

What is it?

Lebanon during his childhood before settling in London.

Its mince meat in a coating, it’s my favorite, but it’s quite hard to find good kibbeh in London.

What languages do you speak at home? What about in Falmouth? At home we mainly speak English as it’s my dad’s first language and my mom is fluent as well.

Impossible.

My mom speaks Korean, Mandarin and English and my dad speaks Lebanese, French and English.

So being both Lebanese and Korean, which half do you relate to more, if any?

Why can’t you speak any of them? People say I look more Lebanese, and I’m When I was younger, I could speak French, but

probably closer to that ethnic group just because

since my grandma moved back to Lebanon I’ve

I’ve neve been to Korea before, whilst i’ve been

stopped speaking French.

to Lebanon quite a few times. I’d say I see the Lebanese side of my family quite frequently

What type of food do you eat at home, I know you’ve said your mom is a good cook? A lot of Korean food, a lot of BBQs, probably the best dish she does is a teppanyaki. We bring out the grill and she gets out all these nice little sauces and spices and puts them in the meat, it’s probably my favorite meal.

compared to my Korean side.

ALEX AYOUB

At uni do you interact with people from your cultures? Why have you not been to Korea?

Sometimes, because I’ve never actually lived in Korea or Lebanon, I don’t actively seek Korean

After my mom lived in Guam, she moved to

or Lebanese people, but a lot of Korean and

America to get citizenship, then to London to

Lebanese people recognise that I look like I’m

study. My mom’s side of the family all live in the

Korean/Lebanese, so I naturally start talking to

US, and that’s a bit further than Lebanon, so we

them. I’ve met a few Lebanese people here, and

generally don’t go there that much. My mum was

a few Korean. I wouldn’t say I’m really close with

born in Korea and moved to Guam when she was

them, but because we’re from the same ethnic

quite young, so we don’t have any family there.

background, it’s kinda like ‘hey, how’d you end up in Falmouth, such a small place’.

Why is that? My grandad moved to Guam because he didn’t enjoy living in Korea, so they moved, and

Have you experienced any racial discrimination before?

they ended up really enjoying Guam, as it’s a small Island that really fit their lifestyle, and they

Oh yeah, a couple times, yeah, just the standard

found out they could get citizenship in the US as

stuff, people calling you ‘ch*nky’, ‘yellow’. In the

Guam became a US colony, so they could claim

Arab sense not as much, more Asian. I usually

citizenship to help get jobs and stuff.

brush it off, I don’t really mind it that much. Never a serious problem that really upsets me, of course

What would your mum identify as?

it’s not nice to hear that people still stereotype like that, but it has happened before.

She’d identify as fully Korean, more than Guam or the US, but she has an American accent. Explain your American accent?

What about in Falmouth? No, when it was happening, I was younger and the people were immature, not really open to

I went to an international school, so I met a lot

different cultures yet, but in uni people are a bit

of people from around the world, and I’d say about

more open, and globalisation is bringing different

30% of my friends are American, and I guess my

regions of the world together more now.

accent got mixed between that and other places around the world.

How do you express your culture in your daily life?

Do you identify as British? I eat a Lot of Korean food, like a lot, and my When people ask me, I say yeah I’m British,

mum always sends me Asian food from our local

but then when they ask what I am ethnically, I say

Asian/Korean supermarket back home. I guess

Lebanese & Korean, just because it’s easier.

that really helps keep me in contact with that part

of my life. It’s good food, I enjoy eating it. With

they met in london. My mum living in Guam as

Lebanon, it’s more when I visit and we always eat.

well, such an isolated Island. I’ve never experienced

It’s the food.

two people meeting from those regions. Especially during the Lebenese Civil War, that’s why my dad

Do you feel like when you go back to Lebanon,

had to move to France, London, back and forth

you’re ‘Lebanese’?

and he ended up studying in London, at King’s, and my mum was studying Law in London. And

When I go to Lebanon or see my Korean

they just met.

family, they all say I’m super British, and say I have a British accent. That’s why when people ask ‘where you from’ I say the UK because that’s what

Did your dad have to leave Lebanon because of

they assume, maybe because of the way I talk and

the Civil War?

dress. Yeah. Well he didn’t have to, but it wasn’t safe Do you have any interest in learning your

anymore. So my dad and his family moved to

languages?

London for a bit, because my grandma (paternal) didn’t feel safe there, so they moved.

I really wanted to learn Arabic, as back home I had a few Arab friends, they would be speaking it

Your mum is a US citizen, hypothetically you

and I tried to pick up a few phrases. It was always

could be a US citizen?

annoying that I couldn’t speak one of the languages my parents could.

Yeah I could, and I could probably claim it in Lebanon as well. But not in Korea as I have family

What can you say? In what, Arab? ‘Kifak’, how are you doing,

in Lebanon. Doesn’t Korea have compulsory conscription?

‘Hamdu lil’Allah’ and ‘Sahtain’, I said a lot when I was younger, which is like ‘eat well’ or ‘keep

Yeah, but I don’t have citizenship there, thank

eating’. My grandma and my great uncle always

God. I have a lot of friends right now who are doing

telling me to eat. Korean not as many phrases,

that. It’s two years I think, and this one guy is just

‘Annyeonghaseyo’, which is how are you, and that’s

absolutely huge now. It’s crazy, it’s crazy.

pretty much it. My mom’s best friend was Korean, she nannied me and she taught me how to play piano and would speak to me in Korean. Anything else you want to say? I find it interesting how, despite how my dad’s Lebenese and my mum Korean, I find it weird how

The Winter I Complete My Thirty-Ninth Year Jessica Thomas English Literature and History

At last when my boobs sag freely, when my curves fall into the shapes, I fear I see in my mum I shall meet my mum under the sunless abyss of the oak where once the surfaced roots collided against the willow legs of running young girls and me. Such collisions that happened frequently, where the words of Uncle Albert not only lingered but resided in the breeze and the crash of the rattling thick leaves. Free! the very word is like a summer morning pouring onto me as if the sprinkle of a vision strengthened the mulberry petals from the orchid that only blossomed when mum turned forty. No longer does the jagged rustic blade that once collapsed upon our hearts drip the lineage of women who did not see spring. no longer do occasional men blunt the edges of my solitude no longer can my spine bear the weight of aunts lost to Albert. “A free woman?” Albert would cackle in laughter, once the sharp and dense sound of shrieking oak leaves but now his words fade like a forlorn anthem, a whistling wind passing through the meadow now where I reside, my own sturdy oak tree, whose neck tries from looking down at the white willowed birch arms of Albert. Instead his whistle vibrates off my branches passing the sunburnt bank of a river, red currant bushes and three-toed woodpeckers – suspending between the valley where the sun has dropped a bright vision where now I am my mum, no longer playing with words but cultivating an orchid. At last when my hairless eyebrows form a permanent frown when lines of age suffocate my face when my black skin hangs underneath my drooping eyes like the seas that swell and curve, I shall be free.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DIRECTOR

PHOTOGRAPHER

Allie Guy

Elizabeth Barrett

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JOURNALISTS

Thais Cardon

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Laura Nesbitt

MANAGING EDITOR

Albert Duker

CONTRIBUTOR

Sam Oldham

Kenisha Ganesh Kabejja Ganya Laura Nesbitt EVENTS COORDINATOR

Izzy Sanders

EVENTS ASSISTANT

Sam Taylor

DESIGNER

Robert Moran

Our thanks go to Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union for their constant and ongoing support in facilitating this project and to Falmouth University and the University of Exeter. Printed by Booths Print in Cornwall, UK. Cover | Fedrigoni Symbol Matt Plus 350 GSM Text | Fedrigoni Arcoprint 1 EW 120 GSM

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Thank you to the following for their contributions to this issue of Voices:

Aaya Nada Nelida Taque Ndey Martin Adam Ali Akira Allman Alex Ayoub Isabel Aruna Aiysha Ilyas Joe Ward Julia Mathew Khadija Dikko Gabriel Aitonje Martha Abiola Nasima Galiara Nasra Hassan

Voices T H E S U.O R G .U K / VO I C E S