As a member of an ethnic minority growing up in a city in Northern Ireland I feel I have been quite lucky in the sense that I have been accepted by my friends for who I am as a person. What has saddened me on a wider scale however is the growing lack of acceptance, particularly of the Muslim community.
Being second generation Bangladesh I am aware there is a large Muslim population in that country. Although I’m not Muslim myself I have met and know quite a number of people from that community and it angers me to see them all stereotyped in a negative way.
Talking to them I have established many believe their views and beliefs have been distorted and misrepresented within the media and wider society due to the actions of a small minority of extremists.
Growing up in a country such as Northern Ireland I have watched hatred and a lack of acceptance tear communities apart, but as I get older I have become more aware of the issues I face as an ethnic minority in the future.
As I see it I think it is crucial the media ensures they adopt and maintain a responsible level of reporting about ethnic minorities, because there currently is so much misinformation out there.
As young people we need to educate ourselves about difference and acceptance. I’m not talking simply about tolerance as to me that term suggests living with someone or some group you have no desire to integrate with.
Even here in Northern Ireland there is a current campaign to introduce more integrated education and surely this is a way forward, not only here in Northern Ireland, but further a field.
Fear can often be the biggest barrier in life - but if people don’t reach out to others we see as different ignorance prevails and you won’t get to meet great people like me!
About the team
This story was edited by Rebecca Burns. It was published by Reach for the Sky website.
