Racism
By Sarah Durno
I am currently teaching in South Korea but I like to keep up-to-date with issues in my home country, Scotland. The press there often focuses on the complex issue of racism as it is increasingly apparent that this is a problem that's only getting worse.
Scotland prides itself on being a friendly country, welcoming of strangers. In reality however, alongside this famous culture of hospitality, there also exists a long history of racism in Scotland.
Today's figures show that there were over 5,000 racist incidents recorded by the Scottish police during 2005-06, with over half carried out against people of Asian origin and predominantly carried out on a Friday and Saturday night by white men under 20 years old.
Furthermore, in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, racist attacks have nearly doubled over the past two years. Therefore, despite various campaigns being established to eradicate this issue after the government clearly expressed Scotland will not tolerate this, results are still required, and to be honest I do not know how this is possible.
Immigration and racism now come hand in hand in Scotland: nearly 40,000 Eastern European immigrants have taken up employment in Scotland since 2004, when countries such as Poland, Latvia and Slovakia joined the European Union (EU).
Most work in low-paid positions in catering, farming and food processing but earn far more in Scotland than they ever would in their home country, sending money back to their family.
Therefore, Scotland has the fastest-growing migrant population in the U.K.; between 1991 and 2001, Scotland's foreign-born population rose by 34 percent compared with 29 percent in England.
It is believed that the influx of Eastern European workers into Scottish towns and villages has led to tensions over jobs and access to services, with a feeling of resentment despite immigrants working in the less desirable positions.
The media reports that many incidents are alcohol fuelled but this is not an excuse in my eyes. There is a clear lack of respect for individuals who are that bit different from your average Scot and this is tragic.
Most immigrants seek Scotland out as a place to work hard and earn money and they should be left in peace to do so as this is their right.
I have been in Korea for two months now and I think many Scots could learn something from this nation. For a start, I have been welcomed by some of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met in my life and have experienced some of the greatest hospitality because I am that bit different from the average Korean.
The Koreans I have met have all been fascinated by foreigners and are eager to learn about another culture and way of life, not attack them for being in their country.
Furthermore, the level of crime in Korea is low and I feel extremely safe at all times in my city of Chung-ju, North Chungcheong Province, a feeling I cannot remember having frequently in the U.K. as a whole.
I am content with living in such a kind country and when reading about these uncultured Scots who pick fights after too many beers, it makes me realize that Scotland has a lot of work ahead if this problem is to be addressed and improved.
These racist and harmful individuals need to be educated and made aware of other countries in order to make Scots like myself proud of their own again.
Scotland is a beautiful country and has a kind nation but this is currently being ruined by this violent, and unjustified, behavior. Proud Scots need to continue with the antiracism message (this behavior will not be tolerated), regardless of where it happens and who the victims are.
Sarah Durno teaches English as a foreign language in elementary schools in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province. She is from Scotland. She can be reached at sarahd2003_3@hotmail.com.