Public Comment

I grew up in a working class neighborhood in Birmingham England, a city that used to be known as the “black country.” It gained its name because of its smokey atmosphere from large scale steel furnaces. It was also the center of large scale manufacturing, a favorite target of German bombing raids during the second World War.

Going to school I quickly realized we were “different” (light skinned Sikhs with turbans) and were often exposed to racial slurs sometimes morphing into fist fights. The racism of the 30’s was deep rooted until the late 90’s when a large number of brown and black immigrants changed the demographics in a profound way. In some school districts the heavy influx of immigrants most notably in Southall, a large suburban district in West London. “Punjabi” students outnumbered the local white Brits. Predictably there no more bullying where the local whites were no match against their husky brown school mates.

My dad was a medical doctor who through enormous perseverance established a private practice in one of Birmingham’s unfriendly suburbs.

Occasionally, my parents took us to various holiday resorts but alas the reception was frosty and unwelcome. I experienced great difficulty gaining employment because of systemic racism but once I was hired I was warmly accepted. My sense of humor which I acquired from wonderful British comedians, had a lot to do with changing attitudes but only within the confines of the work place. Once I left the safety of my company, I was just another unwanted “foreigner.”

Racism was raging up to the year I left the UK in 1967. Advertising in newsagents bulletin boards were replete with overt racism. Example, “2 br. flat for rent, no pakis colored, . . “). Employment opportunities carried similar exclusions. One “barrow boy” (a vegetable seller) who I befriended, whispered“ you’re ok mate, it’s those “darkies” I don’t like, to which I replied “you’re ok mate it’s those other “whites” I can’t stand!” One company interview I recollect was with a large computer company offering programming courses to its customers. 15 minutes into the interview my future boss leaned forward and asked me whether I spoke English! I gasped with an Oprah response, WHHHAAT? “”sir, I was born in the UK and English is the only language I can speak fluently”.  

Having experienced British “hospitality” for many years I watched the Meghan- Harry interview with rapt attention. Perhaps Meghan had never been exposed to American racism given she was of mixed race , very attractive and had a very successful acting career prior to meeting Prince Harry. It was no surprise that her wedding was parlayed with great gusto by the UK media. But once she failed to play her role of a perpetual on demand smiling “princess” the “palace guard” froze Harry’s palace salary, withdrew his security and Meghan’s palace title. Rejected and bereft of financial security to keep them alive, it is not at all surprising that Megan fell into acute depression and suicidal thoughts. The “skin tone” comment of their future son, Archie came as no surprise. The thought of having a future “colored” king was clearly unacceptable.  

The palace “firm” and upper echelons of British society desperately cling on to the only relic of their former glory, as head of the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth, perhaps the last bastion of royalty soldiers on supported by its seniors but has not endeared herself to Britain’s younger population. Furthermore, many citizens of the Commonwealth resent being subservient to the British crown.  

A recent British poll taken after the Oprah interview reported over 50% of younger Brits thought that Meghan was treated very poorly and voiced doubts as to the relevance of the monocracy. In sharp contrast, the over 60’s reported that the palace had treated her well. One twitter that caught my eye:  

ONCE AGAIN AMERICA WILL DEFEAT THE BRITISH MONARCHY BY SPILLING TEA  

Some of us still remember when King Edward was forced to abdicate after he married an American divorcee, Wallace Simpson. Even the beautiful, charming princess Diana invited to the gilded cage soon fell out of favor hounded by a hostile media who reported her struggles with bulimia and her extra marriage dalliances.  

One comment made by Meghan was extremely revealing. To ensure the tabloids report favorable coverage of the royal family Buckingham Palace hosts regular parties for the tabloids.  

Perhaps it it’s time to honor Elizabeth as the last queen of a failing “empire.” Prince Charles has long abdicated his duties as a farther and grandfather. It is a mystery how his son, Andrew, continues to enjoy all the palace perks after his association with Epstein became known. Andrew stayed at Epstein’s homes in New York and Florida as well as on his private island in the Caribbean where he allegedly participated in sexual orgies with underage girls. Does he still enjoy place security and a salary? Isn’t this a double standard.  

In a period where people of the world are demanding respect and equality it’s time to convert Bucking Place and other palaces belonging to the “Crown” as anachronistic relics - to hotels. No more curtsying and bowing humiliating gestures denoting high and low, vestiges of a construct of British palace history. One final request, to the reigning queen please ask the “firm” to return the stolen jewelry from the former colonies back to their rightful owners.