This true story appeared on Facebook this morning. As I read it, I found myself asking some uncomfortable but necessary questions.
What type of upbringing did the mother have that made her believe it was acceptable to teach her daughter to be discriminatory and unkind?
Why did the daughter not feel able to tell her mother that her behaviour was wrong?
Why did those witnessing this not speak out against such racist language and behaviour?
Those questions prompted this blog. Because racism is not just a shocking incident, it’s a mirror to our society. It shows what we tolerate, excuse, or stay silent about.
The Story
On a CrossCountry train from Winchester to Manchester, a professional man entered the carriage and asked politely if he could sit at a free table seat where a mother and daughter had placed their handbags. They sighed, rolled their eyes and told him to sit elsewhere.
When he explained he needed space for his laptop, the mother snapped: “Just go away and stop being so disgusting.”
As he calmly replied that he had a right to sit there, the mother and daughter stood up. The daughter muttered, “You’re just disgusting,” and the mother shouted,
“You people are so rude! You filthy P@ki!”
The man sat down and began to work. A woman opposite expressed shock and apologised. Others looked away.
This was not a misunderstanding. It was racism — overt, deliberate, and humiliating.
Why This Is Racism
What Is Racism?
Under the Equality Act 2010, race includes colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins.
Racism occurs when someone is treated unfairly, harassed or abused because of their race or perceived race.
Racism may be:
- Direct: Open prejudice, slurs or exclusion.
- Indirect: Rules or policies that disadvantage racial groups.
- Harassment: Behaviour that creates a hostile or degrading environment.
- Victimisation: Punishing someone for raising concerns about racism.
Checklist: Why This Incident Was Racist
- A racial slur was used, directed at the man’s assumed ethnicity.
- The language was demeaning, aiming to humiliate.
- The phrase “you people” reflected prejudice and stereotyping.
- The behaviour created a hostile and intimidating environment.
- There was a visible power imbalance and attempt to exclude the man.
- The silence of others allowed racism to go unchallenged.
This was not a misunderstanding or “difference of opinion,” it was direct racial harassment.
The Human Impact
Everyday racism may seem small to those who don’t experience it, but its effects are profound.
Victims often question themselves:
“Did I do something wrong?”
“Should I have ignored it?”
“Is it me?”
These moments accumulate, damaging confidence, wellbeing and trust in others. Studies consistently show that people who experience racism are more likely to suffer anxiety, depression and poor physical health.
Racism doesn’t just affect individuals, it corrodes the social fabric that binds communities together.
Checklist: Racist Behaviours to Recognise and Challenge
Recognise
- Racial slurs, jokes or stereotypes
- Questioning someone’s “real” nationality
- Excluding people because of how they look or dress
- Assuming lack of ability or authority based on race or accent
- Mocking or mispronouncing names repeatedly
- Dismissing reports of racism as “oversensitivity”
- Expecting people of colour to explain racism to others
Challenge
- Speak up in the moment: “That comment isn’t acceptable.”
- Offer support to the person targeted: “Are you okay? I saw what happened.”
- Report the incident to management, HR or security.
- Encourage others to speak out with you.
- Reflect on your own reactions — silence can equal complicity.
How to Report Racism
In the Workplace
- Report to your line manager, HR department or EDI Lead.
- Ask for a written record of the incident and the outcome.
- Reference your organisation’s anti-harassment and dignity-at-work policies.
In Education
- Report to the Principal, Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead, or EDI Governor.
- Ask for the incident to be logged as racist under statutory reporting duties.
In Public Spaces
- For transport incidents: Text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 (British Transport Police).
- For other public spaces: Use the national hate crime portal True Vision (www.report-it.org.uk).
- Always record what you can: date, time, what was said, and witness details if safe to do so.
Reflection: What Does This Story Teach Us?
This isn’t just about one train journey. It’s about what we permit as a society.
It’s about people who walk our streets, go to work, study, and raise families, but still have to brace themselves daily for how they might be treated because their skin colour, accent, dress or religion is different.
Racism isn’t confined to transport it’s visible in our workplaces, schools, sports clubs, social media, and even in flags or symbols displayed on public property that exclude or intimidate others.
We cannot call ourselves a fair and democratic society while any person has to live defensively because of who they are.
Conclusion: What We Must All Do
As Employees and Colleagues
- Challenge racist comments and behaviours, even if they’re “just jokes”.
- Create safe spaces for open dialogue about discrimination.
- Support colleagues who experience racism listen, believe, and advocate.
- Take responsibility for learning about bias and privilege.
- Ensure equality, diversity and inclusion are more than policy words, they are lived values.
As Passers-by and Bystanders
- Intervene safely — speak up or distract the perpetrator if it’s safe to do so.
- Offer comfort and reassurance to the person targeted.
- Be a witness — record, report and stand in solidarity.
- Understand that silence signals acceptance; your voice can change the outcome.
As Local Councillors, MPs and People of Influence
- Publicly condemn racism in all its forms.
- Review local policies and ensure equality is embedded in housing, education, policing and planning.
- Challenge discriminatory symbols, displays or practices in public spaces.
- Invest in anti-racism education and community cohesion projects.
- Use your platform to protect marginalised communities, not to inflame division.
Final Words
Racism is not limited to a train carriage it exists on our streets, in our workplaces, and within our institutions. It’s visible in whose voices are heard, whose pain is ignored, and whose humanity is questioned.
We are not defined by the colour of our skin, our accent, our dress, or our faith.
We are human – all of us.
The challenge is simple but urgent:
See it. Name it. Stop it.
Let’s make equality more than a slogan – let’s make it a daily practice.
A.N.T.I.–R.A.C.I.S.M.
Awareness – Recognise racism in all its forms, from everyday microaggressions to systemic inequality.
Never ignore discrimination – Silence supports the status quo; speak up and stand beside those targeted.
Take action – Report it, record it, and challenge it wherever it occurs — online, in work, or on the street.
Include everyone – Build spaces where every voice is heard, valued, and represented.
Respect difference – Celebrate diversity of culture, identity, and lived experience.
Acknowledge privilege – Understand how advantage operates and use it responsibly for fairness.
Challenge prejudice – Confront stereotypes, bias, and harmful assumptions.
Inspire change – Be the example; model equality, empathy, and courage.
Speak up – Intervene safely, report wrongdoing, and support those affected.
Make equality matter – Embed anti-racism into everyday practice, policy, and personal choice.
Call to Action
Whether you’re an employee, educator, student, bystander, or leader
Anti-racism starts with you.
Together we create workplaces, schools, and communities where everyone belongs and thrives.
Alyson Malach