Passive or Pragmatic? Narratives and responses of Second-Generation Nigerian Christians to racism in Britain

This paper explores the coping strategies of second-generation Nigerian Christians to issues of racism in everyday life in Britain, asking whether these are passive or pragmatic approaches. Using in-depth interviews, I narrate the perspectives of second-generation Nigerians (SGNs) - who are black non-migrant Europeans of African descent, born in Europe - in making life choices. Participants were socialised into the culture and religion of their African migrant parents which in combination with British norms influenced their identity construction. The aim of this study is to understand how these young adults navigate racism within various social spaces like educational institutions, occupational organizations and other public arena.

Participants reported being confronted with their ‘blackness’ in everyday life but rather than allow this phenomenon to determine and deter their life choices, they are constructing ways of being that allow them to successfully negotiate the interstices of race, faith and integration. Most adopt what may be termed as passive attitudes such as silence, avoidance or ‘excusing whiteness’ aimed at fitting in and avoiding confrontation. Feeling powerless to make fundamental changes through confrontations, they choose the path of least resistance in order to maintain their emotional wellbeing and to enhance economic and social integration. They consider this as pragmatic. Others speak up against acts of racism, participate in anti-racism programs and where necessary, leverage their networks to counter acts of discrimination. However, these reactions tend to be flexible, context-dependent and often influenced by age, economic status, individual ambition as well as religious and family upbringing.

Abstract

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