Black statue ’incites racial hatred’ in Cumbrian town- claim
Last updated at 11:49, Friday, 23 April 2010
A row has broken out in Cockermouth over claims that a men’s hairdresser is inciting racial hatred by having a statue of a black barber outside his shop.
Residents have complained to the town council about the statue of a black member of a singing barber quartet outside the Original Barber Shop Company on Market Place.
They are asking for it to be removed, or placed permanently inside the shop. But owner Amir Jojo has hit out at these claims, saying he is not racist and the statue has become a tourist attraction.
Mr Jojo, of west African and Lebanese origin, said they have had numerous positive comments about it.
He said: “It is an authentic statue that I bought in an auction of barber shop memorabilia. I have had it here 18 months and no one has ever complained to me. We even had a competition to name him. Tourists love having their picture taken next to it.
“Me and my staff are not racist. Walter the statue brightens up what is still a very depressed town post-flood.”
But Michael Baron, a resident of South Street, called the statue a “blackamoor effigy” in a letter to the town council, asking for its removal.
He added: “While I have no doubt the owners intend it to be an advertisement for its excellent services, I sense I am not alone in finding it offensive to portray a person of colour in this servile position. Perhaps as well it offends some clause in racial discrimination legislation, but on any showing it does the town no credit to permit the public display of a racial stereotype.
“If the barber shop want it inside, I don’t think that breaks any laws, but outside in a part of the town on which millions have been lavished in its restoration, a blatantly racist image is not what visitors should be exposed to.”
Joan Ellis, of Cockermouth, said: “Market Place is now so attractive and, for the most part, has been the hub of the community and an oasis while the Main Street has been closed. Cockermouth residents should be very proud of the restoration.
“The main issue is that this is a stereotype image and a caricature of a black slave with exaggerated features. It is demeaning in its exaggeration. This sort of image doesn't belong anywhere, let alone in a progressive town like Cockermouth. It would be particularly offensive to a resident or visitor of African or Caribbean descent and it is offensive and embarrassing to me.”
Mr Jojo hit back at Mr Baron’s comments, saying: “I am thoroughly shocked by the language this man has used such as servile posture when all he is doing is gesturing his emotions when singing. He then says that this is blackamoor effigy – isn’t that a racist comment?”
The town council met last night. They received the comments, but no further action will be taken.
First published at 11:28, Friday, 23 April 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
Debs
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I'm asian and visit Cockermouth yearly and I'm offended by the golly statue. I think it's racist and has put me off going into the hairdressers. Of all the statues and signs they could've chosen.. I don't see how just because there were horrible floods its ok to put a racist symbol.. I think its terrible and can believe how most of you think it's harmless!
Posted by Jasmin on 7 September 2011 at 09:40