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Dear Sir,

I recently attended the Press Release for Dr. Hodgson's book 'The Experience of Racism in Bermuda and its Wider Context' and was fascinated by the speech she gave.

Using no notes and speaking for well over 15 minutes, Dr. Hodgson succinctly and brilliantly detailed the context for her book, her concerns about where Bermuda was in its discourse on race, and gave an honest and frank revelation about her own personal evolution with regard to her understanding of racism.  

I have just finished reading Dr. Hodgson's well-researched book and  I am  blown away by how Dr. Hodgson has not only managed to capture the experience of racism from the historical perspective and how it continues to morph in today's society, but was also moved by what she hopes and wishes for Bermuda, that is:

 

n That the reading of the book would prove insightful for the reader on the illogical notion of racism that has its roots beyond the shores of Bermuda, and become a catalyst for change of attitudes and actions of whites and blacks in Bermuda;

n That readers will become proactive in demonstrating fairness to all people in Bermuda;

n That Bermuda society would become a model society of racial harmony through individual efforts as well as through collective intentional commitments of all Bermudians to uproot racism from our Island home.

  Dr. Hodgson sets an example for all of us.  It was humbling to hear this great lady speak so fluently about her concerns and worries for her beloved Bermuda and its people.

For six decades since she first began talking and writing on the subject of racism she has been much maligned, abused, blocked and ignored. She has at times infuriated various political leaders, Government House, the United Bermuda Party and the Progressive Labour Party.  

She has taken to task any politician, organization or individual that she feels has failed in addressing racism and its legacy.    Whether one agrees with her or not, one knows that she speaks with an integrity that only comes from understanding and knowing a truth. She has stayed true to her course and has never wavered from her belief that Bermuda's failure to address racism, in all its past and current forms, is the major cause of our problems today.  What is this but tenacity and courage in the face of great odds?    Winston Churchill once said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."  

  Whether racism manifests itself as current day structural racism or the internalized racism of black people, it will continue its destructive path into the future unless we take the time to stop, reflect on the past, and then move to make the changes necessary to make the future the model society of racial harmony Dr. Hodgson hopes and believes we can achieve.

Lynne Winfield[[In-content Ad]]

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