Call it the refuge of the scoundrel. For, invariably, when we have the temerity to point out that an industry or service needs to do better in terms of representation, the cry goes up: “We’d love to, but you just can’t get the people.” As ever, I say, go out and find them then – particularly if you see representation as a matter of some importance. If Muhammad isn’t coming to the mountain, take the mountain to Muhammad.
There was a bit of this last week after I wrote of the failure of the England and Wales Cricket Board to attract many Asians into the professional game when set against the huge numbers who play at grassroots level. I tried to be fair. It’s not as if the ECB isn’t doing anything. It just needs to do something that works. Predictably, there was protest.
“Could it be that young Asian cricketers simply lose interest in the game?” said one huffy tweet. “Does everything have to come down to discrimination?” Well, of course it doesn’t. But it does seem strange, and a bit unlikely, that so many cricket-mad Asians lose their appetite for the game at a rate so much faster than other cricket-mad youngsters in England. Indeed, you might think that those from relatively deprived communities would be keener than most to build a lucrative career from a sport they excel at, and might retain an enthusiasm more fervent than the average. But that assumes they see the transition from grassroots to professional level as one they might feasibly make. Therein lies the rub.
People put themselves forward for all sorts of things if they feel an offer seems credible and has meaningful potential for advancement. Last week, I met an engaging guy, a black Rastafarian with a sunny disposition and much to say about what he saw as the rundown of services in south London. Also the wider repercussions of all those millions spent bailing out the profligate banks. He has been busy, he said, telling people where he lives that things won’t improve unless they get involved and that the best way to intervene is through the ballot box. Ask yourself, could there be any smarter way for the Green party to connect with grassroots, hard-to-reach, communities in Brixton than to have found an articulate, black, ear-to-the-ground candidate such as the Rastafarian Rashid Nix?
