Make Bradford British - Desmond

13 February 2012

Desmond, is one of the few black people living in one of Bradford's estates. A full-time cleaner, Desmond has four children and now lives with his partner and youngest daughter. He says he's experienced prejudice in Bradford throughout this life, including from other black people, "They used to call me Uncle Tom and stuff like that because I went round with white people." A survivor of a horrendous racially motivated attack in Bradford, Desmond's experience shows the reality of race-fuelled hate crimes.

 

Why did you decide to take part in the series?
Because I wanted to make a difference in Bradford. I'd been working out of Bradford for about 15 years, and then I got made redundant, and I had to go and find another job. So all of a sudden I was going through town every day, and I was seeing what town was like, how people were and how things were, and I thought "Boy, when I was younger this weren't Bradford. It's just a tip!" And this leaflet came through the door saying they wanted somebody to talk about their experience living in Bradford. And I thought "I've got enough experience. I'm 47 now, and I've been through all sorts. So I'll give my opinion."

 

Why do you think Bradford is so segregated?
I think it's because they've let people get away with what they want to do. Especially since the riots happened, I think people have been tiptoeing around and letting people do what they want.

 

What did others in your community think about you doing this?
At first they thought I as stupid. They told me I'd get crucified. But I told them it had to be done. I wasn't bothered about that, because I wanted to make a difference. If you want to do something, just go for it, and whatever happens, happens.

 

Was the project what you expected?
More or less, yeah. My mind was set to accept anything they threw at me, no matter what it was. It was quite easy, I thought it would be harder. There was less conflict than I'd expected. I thought there would be more arguments, that we'd have a few problems. But I was ready for all that. We had a few conflicts, but you have conflicts when you're married, never mind with eight people who have never met before, from different backgrounds. But we were able to adapt. It was pretty good.

 

Do you feel that you were fairly represented in the programme?
Yeah, I do actually. When I watched it, I was quite surprised at first. But when you're watching yourself on telly, it's a bit weird. But then I looked at it and I thought "That's me, that!" I'm pretty pleased, actually.

 

What were the high and the low points of the project?
There were quite a lot of highs. From the moment I walked into the house it was a high, because it was all new to me. The low point? Going back to the pub [where Desmond had been the victim of a racist beating years before] with Jens was a low point. It was very, very hard. And talking about it, because I'd never really talked about it. Having to then explain it to my parents, and to the crew and everyone, that was quite difficult. But it was only a low point at the time, it ended up being a good point, because it cleared my head. It was always going to happen, and for it to happen like that, with people there to sympathise instead of criticise, it was pretty good actually.

 

What do you think you've learned, taking part in the series?
I've learned so much. I've learned that I've been naïve about what's happening out there. Because it isn't happening to me, I didn't care. Racism and segregation. But doing this has really opened my eyes to everything. I think I've got loads to do, I've got a long way to go, but bit by bit, I'm doing them. I'm talking about helping people, and letting them see things from a different perspective. I'm trying to help people, talk to people in town, that sort of thing. I'm doing loads of talking to people, me. They give me something that I can work on, and I'll give them something. I'm really enjoying it. It's given me a new lease of life.

 

What do you think it means to be British?
I've had this question before, and I still don't have a proper answer for it. For me, to be British is to help others.  No matter what colour or creed you are. When you come in this country, if you're contributing, you should be helped. People that have come here and aren't contributing, and are stealing and robbing the social, they should go home. They're no good to us. We want this country to get back on its feet. But if people are bringing money in, and paying their taxes, I think they should be treated just like us.