I AM writing in response to a letter (LET, July 21) headlined 'Racism cuts both ways!'
I don't know what the point of the reader is that the BBC should send undercover reporters to Islamic schools and mosques. Is she trying to say that mosques and Islamic schools are used by racist people, to promote their ways?
Racism in whatever shape or form is not taught in any type of school or religious building (churches, mosques, synagogues). Racism is picked up by narrow-minded people after they come into contact with other racists. This contact can be anywhere.
It is wrong to link any religion with racism. I would also like to point out that after the Secret Policeman documentary was shown another reader wrote (to the LET) that no wonder the police have racist views, when they have to protect and escort the likes of Abu Hamza.
The majority of racist views and comments made in the Secret Policeman were against Asians especially people of Pakistani descent. Abu Hamza is of Yemeni descent. Yemenis have a different language and culture to Asians.
Linking the views of racist police recruits to the behaviour of Abu Hamza was a pathetic excuse. I would also like to add that we have all heard of the African American leader known as Malcolm X. He was taught racist views which were against white people. Yet when he performed the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia he realised and understood the real Islam. Where people of all ages and races were united together.
There was no discrimination whatsoever. He also found that people from Europe, Africa, Asia and China could sit down and eat from the same dish, they'd all talk different languages yet there was a degree of understanding between them.
I'd suggest that people stop relying on newspaper, TV reports and common stereotypes and get out and meet people of the Islamic faith and learn more.
T KHAN, Mount Street, Brierfield.
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