Issues Of Immigration + Race Flashcards
Why was there a rise of tensions?
-continuing influx immigrants from new commonwealth = social tensions early 50s + 60s remained
-survey north london 1965 showed 1/5 objected working either black or Asians + 1/2 said refused love next door to them
What did the lab govt do in 1966?
-1965 passed first race relations act
-forbade discrimination in public places on grounds of colour, race or ethnic origins
-but discrimination in housing + employment excluded
What was the Race Relations board?
-set up to consider discrimination complaints
-took part in publicity, finance + other aspects race relations
-but didn’t compel witnessed attend hearings
-734 complaints dismissed through lack of evidence
What was the act passed in 1968?
-new commonwealth immigration act
-due to alarm over sudden influxes Kenyan Asians
-limited right of return to Br for non-white commonwealth citizens
-this influx prompted Powell’s rivers of blood speech April 1968
What was the outcome of powells speech? (Politically)
-Powell strongly condemned by liberal establishment
-Heath sacked him from cons shadow cab + never spoke to him again
What was the public reaction to Powell’s speech?
-strikes by dockers + meat porters in london
-protest march to Downing Street in response to his sacking
-Gallup poll found 75% supported Powell’s speech
What was the second race Relations act 1968?
-banned racial discrimination in housing, employment, insurance + other services
-race relations board given stronger powers
What were the loopholes with this act?
-employers could discriminate in interests of ‘racial balance’
-complaints against police excluded from the law
-race relations board upheld 10% of 1241 complaints it received
What were the positive aspects to immigration?
-Notting hill carnival became annual event from 1964
-appearance Asian corner shops + Chinese takeaways introduced new foodstuffs
What was the Notting Hill carnival?
-set up by immigrants from Caribbean to improve community relations
-as since evolved as a regular attraction om August bank holidays
-has floats + steel bands playing traditional calypso music
-features bright costumes + dancing on the streets with typical Caribbean food etc.
What was the youth cultures influence over immigration?
-they drew from ethnic communities in music, fashion + street life
-hippies late 60s wore Indian + African cottons, kaftans + Arabian pants, Indian scarves
-music styles of Caribbean like Ska or eastern customs following the Beatles ‘ ‘conversion’ to meditation, yoga, ‘peace + love’ + soft drugs
