Research of Black Britain

1948 - 1962:
   Between 1948 and 1962 was the Windrush Years; many West Indians travelled to Britain for the chance to work. Some went back to their country however many did stay which was a big change for Britain as it was the start of a multi-cultural society. However, many new immigrants were joining Britain and many White people denied Black people the right to housing and being let in to clubs and bars because of their race. In the 1950's many riots began causing disturbance and much more racist attacks through the Notting Hill riots (1958) especially. However, the West Indians came out in 1959 with the Notting Hill Carnival to exhibit a much more positive response and not retaliate in a violent way. A group started by Oswald Mosely called the White Defence League among with any others are known to start many of the racist attacks. In 1962, Britain passed the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, therefore there were restrictions on immigrants entry.

British political groups such as the National Labour Party changed the social landscape and lead to racialisation. This group name even made the Labour Party look bad even though they had very different policies. The National Labour Party was a part of the BNP and in Trafalgar Square in the 1950's lead campaings with slogans such as "Stop the coloured invasion" and "keep Britian White". This lead to thousands of people hearing racist speeches of how to keep Britain white.


Sapphire:

Sapphire is a film based on a mixed race young girl being killed and her father of her child is distraught as well as his family. The family say that they are not affected by the colour of her skin as they only found out a few days ago however, the police and Sapphire's Black brother believe it is because of her being black she was killed.
When Dr. Robbins (Sapphire's brother) enters the police's office their is daunting music and a close up of the police man's face. This therefore suggests that they were not expecting her brother to be black and of a high profession also. When the other policeman enters he is also shocked as he is silent for a moment. The close up shots have captured the prejudice as they must of assumed her brother was white.
This film highlights the social racialisation of this time as Sapphire lived in a home where only white women could live. However, the landlady assumed she was white and when she found out about her being Black was disgusted.
Sapphire was regarded as being White as she was acknowledged as a white woman therefore left an ethnic social group to be with white people. She even stopped being friends with a nurse and even the nurse says how she is "distinctive" that is probably why Sapphire stopped talking. This suggests that by Sapphire being noticed as a white person she had been put on a pedestal and was much more respected than if she were friends with Black people.
The prejudice is still around when the police men are investigating as one of the police man says referring to Black people  "we wouldn't have half this bother if they weren't here". This suggests that he is stererotyping Black people to be very disruptive, violent and criminals.
When we find out that the sister killed Sapphire it is because she is being taunted by Dr. Robbins holding her childs doll. The many cuts between a close up of her face and a close up of the brothers hands holding the doll gives so much tension and shows the sister is not liking this. She bursts out and says "no dirty hands" on my children's toys. It is amplified that even though she said she accepted Sapphire she lied as she hated the thought of a Black person touching her belongings and entering her house.
When the police man and Dr. Robbins leaves the home, both shake hands as Dr. Robbins leaves. There seems to be a sense of equal respect here after all the racist remarks.