BME – The Orbital

Important issues require special attention. The continuing struggle that Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) individuals undergo in society and the workplace is staggering. Our government is finally starting to realise that this is a severe problem, with a report on gov.uk stating that "people from BME backgrounds are less likely to progress in the workplace than white counterparts". However, efforts have been made to improve opportunities for individuals from black or minority backgrounds in society and the workplace. At a university level, students, staff and governors must take more responsibility for inspiring change in teaching and learning to support the advancement of coloured students. Thankfully, one postgraduate student is making an intensive effort to bring this current issue to li...

Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements of a culture without the consent of that community nor a full understanding of why such elements are important. It has continued to make national headlines with scores of celebrities being accused of adopting cultural icons such as dreadlocks and henna without a full appreciation of their significance to communities around the globe. Much of the controversy surrounding cultural appropriation concerns the people who believe their appropriation is just a gesture of appreciation and a recognition of the beauty of such elements. Fundamentally, though, this idea is rooted in an orientalist thought process which reduces items to simply ‘beautiful’ and ‘mysterious’ objects, void of any deep sentimental or spiritual significance. So how...

Tag: BME

We Are BME: A Thank You to Renee Landell

Cultural Allyship: Make It Count