Ireland is not immune to racism

LMHR Ireland: Ireland is not immune to racism, so how on earth people come to that conclusion I just don't know. There have been quite a few violent attacks in the last few months, including people being burnt out of their homes and businesses. If the mainstream media wants to turn a blind eye to it, the only way to bring the attacks to light is for people to get out there and be open about it.

I'm sure many people who suffer from racially motivated assaults; whether it be physically or verbally, feel that there is no point in reporting it, or that they are alone, because they come from a minority group. So, if there are people out there that feel there is nothing can be done, get in touch with people like us or European Network Against Racism or even Integrating Ireland. What you'll find is that when the light is shone on the cowards that attack people, they tend to disappear. Hence the reason why they're only cowards.


SpunOut.ie: I'm a red-headed, freckly faced lad with Irish roots deeper than spuds - why should I give a shite about racism?

LMHR: Irish people have been discriminated against for centuries. 800 of what? Even in the 70's the words ''No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs'' hung on the windows of public houses in the U.K.

So, imagine yourself Irish, jobless, on the dole and its 1970......forget that! 2010! You go to another country to find work and are greeted by racist comments etc. Put the shoe on the other foot. Imagine yourself in their position. And don't buy into the rumours that circulate about immigrants in this country. You don't see all Irish people sitting on pots of gold; smoking pipes and drinking whiskey do you! No, just the bankers and their buddies...but that's for another interview I guess!

SpunOut.ie:  How is LMHR making a difference?

LMHR: We want LMHR to be a tool that people and other organisations can use to campaign on local issues. Even to raise funds for the victims of racially motivated attacks. At the moment we're putting together an event for a group who were victims of an arson attack.

This year, we felt that the Anti Racism Action Week was going to pass unnoticed. I personally saw absolutely nothing about it on the Dept of Immigration website for example and I read a letter from the Dept claiming they are doing plenty to combat racism, and it's available to see on their website. We all know recession brings anger. Anger turns to hate. Racism is hate. Our aim is to bring people together through musically orientated events. To have minorities and majorities work together to put on these events. To let people campaign on their local issues and raise funds and have debates and bring things to light. We might not change the world, but we will change some minds.


SpunOut.ie:  Okay, okay. We're inspired. How can people (musical ones and ones who can't even handle a tune in the shower) get involved?
 
LMHR: Well, we're aiming to put on regular events across the country with the help of groups like SRTRC, Integrating Ireland and ENAR. You don't have to be a rock n 'roll star, events manager or a rocket scientist to get involved. You just need the will. And where there's a will there's a way! If anyone is interested in getting involved all they have to do is register at www.lmhrireland.com . And we are always looking for ideas on what to put on and where so send your ideas in!

But most importantly, if you are someone, or you know someone that is being, or has been targeted in any way because of the colour of their skin, religion or orientation...tell someone. There are lots of groups, including us that are there to help. That's the most important message we can give you.

lmhr.everydaycake.org/

info@lmhrireland.com

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