Immersing myself in the academic life at Northumbria University, I found myself ensconced in an environment that was as kaleidoscopic as it was labyrinthine. The university was a microcosm of the UK itself, a melting pot of cultures, ideas and identities. Yet, amidst that vibrant diversity, I encountered an unexpected and disconcerting phenomenon.

The discrimination I faced, regrettably, often emanated from an unexpected source — second-generation immigrants of Pakistani, Indian, Nepali and Bangladeshi descent. This was a disheartening revelation, and a bitter pill to swallow. The irony was not lost on me that those who shared a similar cultural heritage were the ones perpetuating such divisive attitudes. I recall working for a company that employed a significant number of Pakistani students, including myself, alongside British-born Pakistanis. The disparity was stark and unjust. We, the students on visas, were paid less than the minimum wage, while our British-born counterparts, many of whom were merely high school graduates, received full wages or even more. This blatant discrimination was unfair, and a stark reminder of the deeply entrenched biases that persist within our communities. The irony of the children of immigrants advocating stringent immigration policies is a reality I witnessed first-hand. It is a narrative that is all too familiar to many Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and Nepali students in the UK.

There is another facet of the issue that often goes unnoticed. While the racism and discrimination propagated by figures like Tommy Robinson or Nigel Farage towards immigrants and refugees often dominate the discourse, the discrimination within the immigrant communities is frequently overlooked. This form of discrimination, or one should say ‘intra-racism’, is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.

As I reflect on my time in Newcastle, I am reminded that the struggle against discrimination is far from over. It is a battle that must be fought on multiple fronts, including within our own communities. It is high time we broadened our understanding of racism and discrimination, shedding light on these shadowy corners of societies we live in.

The superiority complex exhibited by some second-generation immigrants, and the way they look down upon their own people is a deeply troubling aspect of the larger issue. It is a form of discrimination that is often overshadowed by more overt forms of racism even though it is no less damaging and condemnable. It is a silent epidemic, a cancer that eats away at the fabric of our communities.

Of course, not all second-generation immigrants harbour such attitudes. There are many who are empathetic, understanding and supportive. However, in my experience, the majority did exhibit such discriminatory behaviour, which was a sad and disheartening reality.

Sadaat Sethi

Mingora, Swat