Racism should have no place in our society. Othering is a pernicious and vile practice – one which affects communities across Scotland. Gossip, innuendo and rumour all contribute to conduct which results in bullying, discrimination and disempowerment. It may not be full-blown racism, it might be sexism, or homophobia, or sectarianism – whatever it is, we are better than this and the campaign to deal with Dunoon’s ‘Jim Crow Rock’ is proof-positive that change is being demanded.
Thoughts on Encountering Dunoon’s ‘Jim Crow’ for the First Time At first it seems it is Crow, That sharp-faced Corvid – Yellow-eyed, black-billed, Black-footed and Wing-tipped In iridescent black-blue – Perhaps hooded in sombre Grey – seen against a scudding Winter sky - a darkling flag Tumbling low over the waves to- Ward a deep copse roost. But no – This ‘crow’ is anchored Upon the foreshore, stilted Mid-step, painted by the Unkind brush of local Tradition, shaping an Other With a vile cartoon graffito Of red lips and white tooth Strip – it is an indecent dis- Memberment of that Which we all share.
