Oxford Union accused of racism for sale of 'colonial comeback' cocktail
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Version 0 of 1. Students have accused the Oxford Union of racism after it sold a cocktail named the “colonial comeback” at a debate about the British Empire. Posters for the drink, posted at the union, included an image of black hands in chains, alongside the drink’s price and ingredients. Oxford Union have made a RACIST COLONIAL COCKTAILS for the Reperations debate #rhodesmustfalloxford pic.twitter.com/YxFqFqACUS The debating society was hosting an event called “this house believes Britain owes reparations to her former colonies”, which was set to debate how British politicians should address colonialism. Speakers included former Conservative MP Sir Richard Ottaway, Indian politician Dr Shashi Tharoor and British historian professor John Mackenzie. Adam Cooper, a PhD student at the University of Oxford, says that he complained when he saw the drink advertised and the posters were then taken down. Students have since expressed anger at the drink and poster on social media. Esther Odejimi, BME officer at the Oxford Union, has told student paper Cherwell that she will resign from her role following the criticism. She says: “This ridiculously insensitive poster has been pasted up on the union walls. I’m disgusted at the way they have behaved both towards me, and the wider black community. I want nothing to do with them at all. I’m disgusted. Racism is definitely not dead.” Nikhil Venkatesh, Oxford University Student Union’s BME officer, says the cocktail and advertising are “unacceptable”. He says: “Reducing centuries of violent oppression to a humourously named cocktail is simply unacceptable. We are still living with the damaging legacy of colonialism. “Sadly Oxford, and especially the Oxford Union, remains dominated by privilege, which is why inconsiderate episodes such as this occur. Oxford students are becoming more aware of these issues, and we have in our student body a number of activists who are trying to effect change in our attitudes to race.” Risham Nadeem, a final year history student at the University of Oxford, says that she is “horrified” by the posters. She says: “I am so disappointed - but unfortunately not particularly surprised - in the actions of the union. It’s glorification of slavery, on the night of a debate about colonial reparations, no less.” Cooper says that he was shocked when he saw the drink. Speaking to the Telegraph he said: “I wasn’t expecting something that celebrated enslavement and colonialism in such a crass way. It was something I didn’t expect and it was really shocking. I think people were made really angry by it, understandably.” Others took to Twitter to express their anger at the cocktail and poster. Can I hand my Union card back please? Horrified & disgusted. #rhodesmustfalloxford Hey post-racial world, welcome to Oxford's hip "Colonial Comeback" cocktail. Classy. #rhodesmustfalloxford pic.twitter.com/IGBWhTeMuy unbelievable that on the night planned for launch of #rhodesmustfalloxford this drink at the Union showed EXACTLY why pic.twitter.com/aNUx4M6aHK The Oxford Union has been contacted by the Guardian but has so far declined to comment. Keep up with the latest on Guardian Students: follow us on Twitter at @GdnStudents – and become a member to receive exclusive benefits and our weekly newsletter. |