Hear
the ROAR
Racism is far from being a thing of the past, says Doug Johnstone, which is why the new Rock Against Racism campaign is so important.
usic has long been used to fight racistn in society. and these days it‘s as vital a tool as ever in getting the tnessage across. With that in mind. the Scottish Executive's One Scotland campaign — which aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects of racism and promote the positive aspects of a diverse Scotland — has hit on the idea of Rock Against Racism (RoAR for short).
RoAR is the joint brainchild of
One Scotland and Emap Radio. and comprises a series of shows across Scotland. bringing big names in music to intimate venues. in an effort to
communicate the seriousness of
the racism issue as well as celebrating diversity among the people of Scotland.
There is a general misconception
104 THE LIST ‘.9 Oct -2 Nov 2000
that Scotland is a cottntry which doesn‘t have much of a racism problem. This is not something borne out by the facts. Scottish police forces have recorded an increase in the number of racist incidents of something in the order of 30 percent over the last two years. with 5000 incidents reported last year. Similarly. the number of people either witnessing or being subjected to racial abttse has increased across the country over the last few years.
Scotland has a reputation for being open. friendly and welcoming. but this is not the reality for those who experience racism and discrimination on a daily basis. The Scottish Executive has been aware of this growing problem for a while now. and their One Scotland campaign has. over the last few years. partially
jumped at the chance to ac
succeeded in making racist language and attitudes
unacceptable. while also building confidence among communities. whereby people are proud to be part of a nation that ensures
opportunities are open to those of
all backgrounds and cultures.
The aim of the RoAR events is to raise awareness of the issues surrounding racism in Scotland with a younger audience who might not have got the message already. or who simply don't think about the subject. And what better way than through music‘.’ RoAR‘s organisers are also hoping that the shows will encourage people to recognise and speak out against racism and to celebrate Scotland‘s many cultures.
For the first show. Embrace will be doing a turn in the rather cosy environs of the Liquid Room in Edinburgh. Tuesday 24 October. According to the band‘s singer Danny McNamara. it was a cause they were keen to support.
‘When we got asked to do RoAR. it was something we all
g t involved with.~ he says. 'lt s surprising the number of people
out there that are racist. and it can be really uncomfortable. You can be with somebody who you think is the salt of the earth and one of the nicest people you’ve ever met.
then suddenly they‘ll say something and you‘ll be like "what?" If somebody's like that. I don't want to spend any more time
We have five pairs of tickets to give away to the Embrace gig at the Liquid Room in Edinburgh on Tuesday 24 October. Simply email us with your name. age. home postcode, day and evening telephone number. and the answer to the following question: ‘How many incidents of racism were reported in Scotland last year?’ to promotions©list.co.uk by 10am on Mon 23 Oct. Tickets will be dispatched by special delivery. No under 14s may attend. All 14—1 7 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Events are free and open only to competition winners. Tickets can only be obtained by entering into a competition in The List, on local radio stations including Clyde and Forth One. or online at www.rockagainstracism.info