Reflections from a Real Scot
By Prince Emmanuel Obike, EMS Steering Group member
Embracing Multicultural Scotland has engaged ethnic minorities in a thorough consultation. What has emerged is the degree to which identity is important to so many of us. Feeling that you belong is a question of identity, "it has always been a question of identity", said one respondent. Those of us who live and work in Scotland do feel a sense of belonging even though racism has often also been part of our experience. We also feel close to whatever past or present identity has from past personal history been given to us. Some of us feel strongly Scottish and proud to be so. Also, but equally strong, are our other heritages whether cultural, religious or family. We may therefore be Scottish-Indian, Scottish Pakistani, Scottish-African, Scottish-Canadian, Scottish-Sikh or choose to have any other dual identity to complement our sense of Scottishness.
In the end, what we want individually or collectively is respect for our sense of identity and worth. Respect and mutual understanding is the key to overcoming marginalisation. That is what will foster a feeling of togetherness and allow diversity to be woven into the tapestry of Scottish life.
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