Limey Go Home

Came in for some random racist abuse today.

At about 6.15pm this evening, Francis, Steve and I were walking along Church Street from the office to the cinema when a black guy driving past on a scooter yelled at us

"Go back to your own country!"

The three of us were so shocked at being on the receiving end of such an unprovoked outburst, we had to check with each other that this guy had actually said what we thought he'd said, and that it had been directed at us.

It's not the first time I've encountered anti-expat feeling here. A couple of months ago I was walking back to the car after work when a black guy on a bike pulling out of the gas station stopped to let me cross in front of him. A little further down the street he pulled up alongside me and said "I wouldn't have run you over, you know. We depend on people like you" in a voice heavy with sarcasm. Before I could respond, he drove off.

For all these guys knew, I could have been a white Bermudian. So I'm not so sure these instances represent anti-expat feeling so much as plain old racism.

Comments

[Angelo on 22.11.03 at 01:30]

Considering Bermuda was colonised in the 1600s, we are all relatively new residents on the Island. So what if my family has been here for over 200 years, I know that we were all once foreigners to this land.
To me this guy is just plain ignorant, living in his little ignorant world unaware of the world around him. What gets me the most about these kind of people is that they blame everyone else for their problems when it is themselves they have to blame. You will find that the people that complain the most are the ones that never do a thing in the first place.
From a REAL Bermudian, I welcome you onto this rock as my brother. Even though we may have all come from different places, we all now make Bermuda our home. We must learn to take advantage of the differences between us and work hard together to make our home a better place.

[wolf on 22.11.03 at 10:01]

Well my family has been in Bermuda since1620--the problem guys is that some Bermudians feel forced out of their own economy and with over 8000 expats in the economy many of them in the white collar sector the local tribe is growing restless---Many Bermudians resent the economic pillage without seeing the many positive things that expats do----However the bad and the ugly among the expat community harm the interests of the innocent. It was not racism---more economic resentment.

[911 on 22.11.03 at 15:42]

That’s YOUR politically correct opinion.

How come racist abuse is aimed only at Europeans? Not west Indian expats? who also have made fortunes here?

I have come across black racism for years BEFORE the PLP won, it’s now promoted by this govt. and growing worse daily.

[Bill Akin on 22.11.03 at 17:25]

I wonder what would happen to Bermuda if every expat took that advice and packed up and left?
Regards, Bill

[Fraz on 23.11.03 at 01:23]

In light of the last couple of comments, could someone please enlighten us non-Bermudians reading Phil's blog: what is the education system like in Bermuda? High-school graduation rate? University matriculation? Is it fair to assume that schools are largely integrated, or is it like elsewhere in the world, it all depends on where you live?

I could guess, but "make an assumption, make a mistake"

[graeme outerbridge on 23.11.03 at 09:54]

911---the same sort of abuse was always directed at West Indians too---on many construction sites across the island they bore the brunt of the "jump up treatment"---same dust off your ticket remarks---not racism just shoulder bumping next to the money trough---Bermudians have been very lucky since the war and it has in some cases softened our work ethic---When hard working people enter the Bermudian work force many can only compete with thier mouths--I have seen this same trend in London were Europeans are forcing their way into the English middle classes recieving the same resentment and rough verbal treatment---I think the Asians recieve it the worst though----

[graeme outerbridge on 23.11.03 at 10:02]

Fraz--the Bermudian education system is sound and the island has one small college--but most students go to college abroad---there is a very high literacy rate--the main problem is that like in many other larger countries education is reactive to the changes in the economy therefore training in needed sectors is off the mark.The added problem in Bermuda is over employment--the local labour pool cannot keep pace with the job creation in our economy hence the need to import foreign labour.

[Christian Dunleavy on 23.11.03 at 20:24]

I take issue with Graeme's comment that this wasn't racist - because West Indian's get it too (which they do, I agree with that).

The sentiment wasn't racist - as it is directed at all sorts of people (that's the anti-expat feeling Phil talks about) - *but* the assumption that white equals expat is racist. It is prejuducial and in my opinion racist.

Racism is believing that one group is superior to another because of skin colour. This individual presumed that the 3 individuals couldn't be local because they were white (although in this case he was correct).

There is a growing sentiment here that only black Bermudians are 'Bermudian', or TRUE Bermudian. When I go to Cup Match I have to beat off ushers funneling me into the "Tourist Tent", and I wasn't wearing a flowered shirt and a huge camera around my neck! It's because I'm white, no other explanation.

'Bermudian' and 'expat' have become code words for black and white. These are used all the time in both political and social discourse. When Renee Webb recently said at a PLP election rally that the PLP would ensure that 'Bermudians' were represented at all levels of Government, what did she mean? Bermudians are already represented at all levels of Government! I know what she meant and so did everyone at that rally.

With regards to education I think Graeme is being very kind. Bermuda's public education system is in terrible shape. The public system is de-facto segregated with mostly black children, while the majority of white kids go to private schools with an increasing number of black students.

Starting in the 80s (I think) the UBP allowed the public system standards to deteriorate and it continues at a sub par level under the PLP. No Education Minister I can recall has had the nerve to stand up to the Department of Education and increase standards. It isn't money, the budget is $70M/year. The Department has become accountable to no-one.

Our graduates are not prepared to participate in the local economy - and it is creating a huge social problem. Many blacks are unequipped to participate in the local economy because of the public school system. That has to change.

Sorry for the long post.

[Graeme Outerbridge on 23.11.03 at 21:57]

Christian maybe the person was prejudice but its a jump to go right to racism.Maybe this individual was xenophobic but if you go to my earlier remarks I was painting a general understanding of the anti foreigner sentiment in Bermuda but I have found that levels of racism in Bermuda are low but when you find it--it generally is an equal oppurtunity employer--public education in Bermuda has its challenges in Bermuda but I do not think it is dire as you state---one thing is certain the Mega school concept started under the UBP has greatly harmed public education and the PLP have just continued the slide by building Berkley.

[Trimonious on 24.11.03 at 11:49]

I am a white Bermudian and i teach at the college. i recently received the "why don't you go back to where you came from?" remark from a student (not one of mine).

This is absolutely based on the fact that i am white. I agree that there is an increasing xenophobia which was encouraged by the Smith gov't but is not being mitigated with some political skill by Premier Scott. It's too early to make safe bets, but the tone he has set so far is very different. The tone has changed from racial incitement to nationalism and independence from Britain (however subtly).

Having said all that, the UBP did not do a great job in providing more opportunities for black males in particular. And they will never win another election so long as their leader is GG.

[graeme outerbridge on 24.11.03 at 13:53]

Trimonious you are right on the mark but as long as Bermuda goes on with this split personality we are going nowhere as a small split island--The hope as always is with the young--lets hope that they can teach us a new way without all the town country stupidy--Its amamazing what students will say when they are late with a paper--long as your in Bermuda you are my cousin so from now on you are home--tell them Graeme Outerbridge said so!!! all the best teach on

[Eric on 17.12.03 at 09:41]

This reminds me of what is probably my most amusing anecdote of living on the island thus far. I was walking along Front Street to get to the bank and someone in a car next to me yelled out "GO BACK TO AFRICA!!"

I looked all around, relatively shocked that anyone would say this to someone, at least so loudly, in this day and age. I didn't see who had yelled it, but it was a black male, with a Bermudian accent.
Not a single person was around me - and I'm as white as they come - so I have absolutely no idea who that comment was aimed at... I simply hope that the delivery men of Bermuda have a keen sense of humor that I was able to get a glimpse of on that and I wasn't in the crossfire of some strange racist remark.

For the rest of the day, I pondered how far back I would have to go to get to Africa. I've certainly never been there in this life, and most of my heritage is Norwegian or British.

Perhaps it was simply foreshadowing of some future trip I am to take... "Back to Africa - for the First Time". Sounds like a strange new advertising campaign for their board of tourism.

[Lizardfish on 26.01.04 at 13:02]

I am a white Bermudian and I ge the same treatment. People do assume you are ex-pat, even before you speak. I ma constantly being told to go back to my own country especially on the street. We all come from Africa, originally. I quite fancy a trip there someday, so, next time someone says that to me. Iam going to reply "if you're paying, I quite fancy a holiday in Zimbabwe, thanks!"

[ben on 10.03.04 at 16:53]

Strange I have freinds in Bermuda (expats) who are commenting on the tense relations. I have been considering moving to Bermuda for some time, but feel I would be welcome more in the cayman islands. They seem to appreciate what expats bring to the economy.

Cheers.

[Bryant Trew on 10.03.04 at 18:47]

Phil, those individuals are in a minority, just like the outrageous bigots on the Yahoo Bermuda Free Speech Forum. ...not sure if you know about the BFSF, but you'd be gobsmacked. Anyway, as Bermuda becomes more genuinely diversified (beyond working 9-5 together), it'll be quite clear that such comments are not representative of the larger population. Even the idiotic utterances made by some politicians is not representative of the broader community.

[Rich Ambrosio on 15.04.04 at 01:33]

Bryant - perhaps this comes a tad bit late - was just casually going through Phil's page - so please apologise! ;)

However, I immediately had to comment on the BFSF point - I am in complete agreement with your characterisation of its posters as "bigots". Hell, I'm not sure even that word does them justice!

Immediately upon posting several points which I thought were perfectly rational, I was placed on their "approval-required-first" list and then subsequently banned! Imagine that! A free speech forum! Requiring approval! And banning people??? Oh the "ironing" is delicious...

In my opinion, this is what happens when you give people the convenience of pseudoynms! Damned fine example of how free speech can be damaging, as it is empowering! (not directed to those who use them but still do not deviate from common norms of decency..)

Keep up the good work tho Phil!

[Rich Ambrosio on 15.04.04 at 01:34]

I meant, I apologise...

[colenall on 20.05.04 at 03:26]

I am a white dood who grew up in bermuda...
what do you do ex pats DO to mix in? how much of a culture gap is there so that yuo are told to go home? my dad was an ex pat, i suppose. He was always in the thick of the things in the community...
me, i was a teen and part of the local scene anyway, and I NEVER GOT called an expat...coz- I was pretty much a bermudian to anybody who would listen or look at me.
Now, we could spot ex-pats like my dad a mile awaay...
my mum had a phd- right white-liberal guilt humanities sympathiser... took us to see
WE ARE PEOPLE TOO concert *were talking 1982 here) up in prospect at the theatre, like going to the appollo in Harlem- and
shuxx, what do you know? my parents had me and my sister dressed like we are going to Coral Beach club,
no wonder the crowd were looking at us like we were a bunch of jump ups. My sister was about 13 and feeling VERY intimidated...
but you know? i used to go to the football--
PHC Zebras, and out of nowhere- a bunch of people who remembered me from PHC zebras came up to us wierd white people to make us feel at home. Only white doods in the entire place, except of course- two others, who you know - 'checked us out' in that 'what on EARTH are you doing here?' kind of way...
most embarrassing public appearance I ever made as a teen.
next day, freedom, on the beach in my clothes with my friends dressed for THE PEOPLE,
not some bourgeous middle-class social-climbing style of my dad,
who was an ex pat.

My eldest sister still lives there(i am an island city monster still don'T worry- i am in montreal), and complains too about anti-expat 'tude but the fact is-
she walks around like your typical chick who gets to fly to boston every now and then for shopping, so no wonder.

Get with it, or get out... right?

thanks for your time gents and ladies.

[Rob on 11.09.04 at 07:06]

Just reading the comments - used to be an expat back in the eighties and in twenty years BERMUDA has gone nowhere-the resentment and obvious prejudice against expats was there then and is still there now. If I was to make statements on the street in the UK that you have referenced in your column then UK law dictates that I am enciting racial hatred and could be prosecuted. Take a page BDA.

[Johnny Depp on 05.11.04 at 15:02]

This is like some kind of photo negative of "a black man in Ohio.com". I've been laughing my head off at these comments. Perhaps dealing with a few comments or guys yelling will be good for your long term growth as a person. Maybe now you can say you've walked in the shoes of the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Oh dear - poor little expat being spat upon in society!!! Wa wa wa. Stop crying and get over it. This island is probably the freindliest place I've ever seen as an expat, and now spouse of bermudian. It's unfortunate that non-blacks don't get to experience what it's like walking through society feared, looked down upon, etc. If I were you I'd chalk this one up to an awesome experience in a bright and warm climate and when the "closing in on you" feeling this island tends to have after several years is too much to bear, leave, go back to your rainy, gray, warm beer drinking home with all the wealth (both monetary and of experiences) and fortune gained by this truly unique experience.

Case Closed.

[Hilda Ogden on 28.02.05 at 12:24]

Limey's will no doubt be thrilled to know that if you tune into National Geographic on WOW tv, Coronation Street and Emmerdale are broadcast Monday thru Thursday. The Corras omnibus is on Sunday morning at 11am.

Phil, it'll stop those home sickness episodes.

Enjoy!

[Shark on 28.02.05 at 13:05]

As a Bermudian Talk like this sadens my heart. I thought we Bermudians were better then that. Have things really changed so much since 1997 when my family left for education purposes in the UK (the education system at middle-shcoll level is patheitic and thats why we moved). I was born in Bermuda in 1984. My mother is engligh (decended from Irish) and my dad is canadian (decended from Indian). I do not count myself as white but am of proud mixed heritage. Has this all happened because the PLP have taken power in Bermuda? If so they need to be voted out of power and as im 21 I can vote. I dont want to see my lovley Bermuda ruiened because people still hold back to a past idea were lines are drawn on race or natinality. please someone tell e im over-reacting.

[The Limey on 28.02.05 at 13:11]

Shark - This was an isolated incident and I've not experienced anything similar since.

[Fornicator on 28.02.05 at 17:03]

Shark,

When was the last time you spent a significant amount of time in Bermuda?

[sal on 28.02.05 at 18:00]

It may be an isolated incident for you limey,but for most of of us in the hood, this kind of racial threats,insults and intimidation is common.I often see insults directed especially towards Indians,Asian,Portuguese,and Filipinos, and it has gotten worse since 1998,following the example of their PLP politicians.

[Shark on 28.02.05 at 18:11]

Fornicator

I alwasy spend my summer vacation (the whole 2 months and spent the previous summer vacation there) In Bermuda working and cathcing up with relitves and friends (only time I can meet my friends from Bermuda as for the rest of the year there abroad studying like me) I wish I could spend more time but my degree course up most of my time and most of the academic year. Though in 3 years when my degree finishes all be spending alot of time in Bermuda by force (I was called up for the regiment last october).

[Fornicator on 28.02.05 at 18:48]

Cool - good luck in your studies. I was primarily asking, because living here is the best way to see for yourself what is really going on. If this wasn't an isolated incident, then I think that you would naturally see more of it reported in the media, and certainly hear a great deal of concern on how such alleged, rampant hostility (per Sal's comment) is a huge negative impact on international business. Racial hostility has been around for a long time. It isn't a black only phenomenon, and it certainly isn't something that has just come about since 1998. If there is anything to be said about what happened since 1998, it would be that despite the stumbles we are a better country for it IMO.

[Shark on 28.02.05 at 19:16]

mayby its because i was about 12 or 13 when i left Bermuda for the UK to study and me and my friends dident really care about these things or were aware of it to a great extent. Its only the past several years (since i was 15 I think) that I have really goten into history and politics, and only the last 3-4 years that I have been concerned about what is going on in Bermuda. I will be voting in the next election (i think i can still do that as I was called up for the regiment ;). Dont know which party yet UBP or PLP....mayby a good moderate third party will pop up between now and the next elcetion.......Only time will tell.

[CB on 28.02.05 at 19:29]

I still get passed off as a Limey and I've been in Bda almost 40 years - I arrived as a young child. I notice in other countries that when you get your citizenship it is a time of celebration. Here I was made to think it was a dirty secret and you don't talk about being a 'paper Bermudian'.

[Shark on 28.02.05 at 19:39]

When my family came to the UK for Bermuda we were sort of welcomed. Im not sure as the British can be rather cold in there grettings...mayby its because they spend most of there time working. Though it was a bit of an anoyence as Brits couldent tell were I was from, from my accent (having benifited being born and living in Bermuda my accent is a mix or Caribian, Americian and English.

[Tiger Bay on 28.02.05 at 19:40]

Bermudians need to get off our high horses about expats. This is a SMALL town - we need the fresh blood (never mind the new genes!!!!) to make our community vibrant socially, and the varied skills to make our business community work period.

[J Starling on 04.03.06 at 13:34]

I've often been mistaken as an expat or tourist here, though I am a Bermudian. I think that, aside from my wonderful white skin, my accent is kind of continental European sometimes. Never been asked to go back to Europe here though. Got told several times to go back to Auschwitz and get gassed by Canadian neo-Nazis quite a few times. Apparently they thought I was Jewish. My housemates were all from Africa and India though and we often got drive by ignorance about going back to Africa or being monkeys which was pretty bad. Saw a lot of things when doing our shopping - but I don't think for an instant that all Canadians are racist. I've had bottles thrown at me here, the only reason I can come up with was because of my skin, but I don't think all blacks are racist thugs. What gets me though is seeing the rudeness exhibited towards Asians these days, Chinese, Filipino, Indo-Pakistani, Malay and the like. Its almost as if the status quo fo white and black was just beginning to settle down and now we can all pick on the new foriegners. It makes me sick. Sometimes I wonder if its a losing battle, fighting uphill against ignorance and intolerance. But what else can one do?

[SmokingGun on 04.03.06 at 14:01]

"But what else can one do?"

Stick a couple of cops up at Ice Queen at night and bust heads with a good old wooden truncheon every time some jerk-off spews a disgusting racial remark at the employees.

Or Tazer them if people think truncheons are too old school....

[Ethiops on 04.03.06 at 16:16]

Such is life we move on! I've heard such things in so many countries I've developed a theory that allows people the right to be c***s. This isn't worthy of being a thread. You'll never change people, you can accept them though and it's in this acceptance the seed of attraction is planted. Things that aren't pretty need promotion. Like all the talk of race relations. It ain't pretty thus gets promoted out the asslips. Acceptance goes along way. Smile in the face of ignorance it'll make you feel good...

[SmokingGun on 04.03.06 at 16:28]

So Ethiops - it's about 9.30 pm in Paris? You've just come back from a walk along the Seine after you've had a fine bottle of wine whilst enjoying a delicious Beef Bourgogne amongst friends. And everything in the world is good. Not great, but good enough....

Is that it?

[Ethiops on 04.03.06 at 16:54]

As wonderful as that sounds, unfortunately it's not it. I'm in spain for one and the poulet au cidre is in the oven with 40mins remaining. I'm a bit hung over so I doubt there will be any wine tonight. I'm with friends though. As for the world having finally seen "la grande détournement" I say monde de merde. lol

Mind you I like and support your idea on sticking a cop at ice queen during bar/club closing hours.

[J Starling on 04.03.06 at 17:17]

Les Illusions perdues. I cannot accept that people cannot change - I've seen to much to contradict that. The problem is that the number of ignorant and intolerant people constantly amazes me. Using thugs to beat up thugs would only serve as a band-aid solution, I think honest dialogue would be a lot more useful, albeit not as satisfying. I think the problem with our education system, combined with a culture of entitlement and insularism definetely don't help.

[SmokingGun on 04.03.06 at 17:20]

España eh? Poulet au cidre sounds good too but nothing beats a great Spanish Paella. :)

[SmokingGun on 04.03.06 at 17:24]

"Using thugs to beat up thugs would only serve as a band-aid solution, I think honest dialogue would be a lot more useful, albeit not as satisfying."

Not as satisfaying? As in getting a hot french frie shoved up your nose by a drunken twit who's not in the mood to apologise? ;)

[J Starling on 04.03.06 at 17:31]

I never said anyhting about self-defence, or intervening to stop an assault. Sounds like they need security guards, or to unionise and demand better security. All I meant to say was that beating up people for making racist remarks won't solve anything except maybe lead to even greater quiet resentment and all out pogroms.

[SmokingGun on 04.03.06 at 17:38]

J Starling - I was being very tongue in cheek about the beatings. As I was with the frie in the nostril. Just having a police presence would be enough to deter rampant slurs as has been mentioned before.

Mind you I wouldn't want to be the cop on duty getting the fat jokes for hanging out at Ice Queen all the time....

[J Starling on 04.03.06 at 17:42]

At least they don't sell donuts. One must watch out for vigilantism - I reckon it will surface sooner or later, for good or bad.

[blovator on 04.03.06 at 17:45]

You will have to excuse Mr. Outerbridge. He was in parliament and part of parliementary procedure in Bermuda is to remain ignorant of the Department of Education. It is in very serious trouble.

It has everything to do with the issue of this thread. A large number of black children go to public school ( government run) and most whites go to the private school. Bermuda is a highly sophisticated economy and members of government of what ever stripe have not yet grasped the importance of education is such a situation. At this point screaming it in their faces isn't actually going to get you heard. So we have a great need for outside labour because our indigenous labour does not get educated for the challenges they will face as Bermudians. There is a great discontent with that outside labour when it arrives. Its not fair. The discontent should be directed at politicians who year in and out ignore the problem and the civil servants at dept of ed who should all be fired.

If you have children, you will be handicapping them by using the government education system that is the grand rip off of the Bermudian taxpayer.

It's been absurdly bad for decades and Outerbridge can take a very small part of the blame.

Graeham, don't tell people things like that. I doesn't help.