Dear Patrish,

It can be difficult but I always confront these situations. Diplomatically at first, which tends to be my style and which you appear to have done Patrish, but more forcibly where necessary.

I am Irish by nationality but London born and bred so I don't sound the slightest bit Irish (except a couple of trained linguists have picked up my Sligo roots from the way I say "any" or "anybody", etc. but I digress). To all intents and purposes I sound English.

This has put me in many situations where I have encountered "institutional racism" in the workplace, people not realizing my roots, and I have found it necessary to confront these situations, not necessarily always to my professional benefit but at least to satisfying my personal values.

I have also been in situations here in Belgium where I have ended up playing music with individuals who I know are strong supporters of the VlaamsBlok (a bit like the BNP). I have always felt a little uncomfortable but since the first occasion of overt racism, when I walked pointedly out of a session following an anti-African comment from one of them, the subject of politics or race has never surfaced again. I hope it was because I made my feelings clear.

Maybe or maybe not this might help but I think you have to be YOU and express your opinions where necessary even though this might be a little uncomfortale.

All the best

mooman