Brave Conversations about National Identity
Photo by Joe Darams on Unsplash
The 2024 race riots have reignited a vital conversation about British identity, shaking the foundations of what it means to belong in the UK.
Historically, Britishness has been characterised by a sense of unity, democracy, and fairness. Yet the recent unrest exposes the deep fissures in a country still wrestling with its colonial past, class divisions, and ongoing racial inequalities. As tensions rise in cities across the nation, it becomes clear that British identity is evolving—often in ways that challenge long-held narratives.
For much of its history, British identity was intertwined with the monarchy, the empire, and global influence, with an implicit undertone of Whiteness as the default identity, both at home and abroad. In today’s multicultural society, these traditional markers no longer suffice, and this shift can be unsettling for those who hold onto a more nostalgic or exclusionary vision of the country’s identity.
Britain’s diverse population brings a wealth of experiences, cultures, and histories. However, the riots highlight the systemic racism and inequality that still plague society. For some, the rapid pace of change, alongside fears of losing cultural dominance, fuels resistance to a more inclusive understanding of Britishness.
The violent clashes raise critical questions about belonging—who gets to be considered “truly” British? For many within minority communities, the riots serve as a painful reminder of their continued struggle against discrimination, exclusion, and underrepresentation. Attacks on mosques, asylum centres, and homes, coupled with hateful rhetoric, not only evoke memories of past racism but also create new wounds for those who believed such overt hatred had diminished.
In the workplace, leaders face a different kind of challenge. Employees who work side by side in diverse teams suddenly found themselves on opposite sides of this national conflict. Some staff were even implicated or arrested for inciting or participating in the violence, both online and in person. Leaders were forced to balance making their employees feel safe and supported while avoiding knee-jerk reactions to those involved in the unrest. They had to navigate a delicate process of reviewing policies and fostering dialogue about how such divisions could arise within their workforce.
Engaging in a brave conversation about national identity requires starting from a place of good intent. Assumptions often cloud these discussions, making it easy to fall into a binary of right and wrong. The first step toward clarity is listening with an open mind and exercising impulse control—especially when emotionally charged issues arise.
For instance, I have facilitated debates where outdated terms like "coloured" or "ethnics" were used to describe non-White individuals. While it is simple to correct, taking the time to explain why certain language may offend others is far more productive. This approach fosters understanding rather than alienation and helps bridge the gap between ignorance and awareness.
For organisational leaders, the braver conversation is encouraging employees to think carefully about what they say, particularly on social media. Freedom of speech is often invoked to justify inflammatory opinions, but when those views violate company policies or damage workplace relationships, that defense holds little weight. Leaders must reiterate the importance of maintaining professionalism, even outside of work, as employees represent their organisations in all public spaces, including online.
Looking ahead, business and organisational leaders can use the unrest as a catalyst for meaningful change. These painful events offer an opportunity for deeper reflection and action. British identity needs to be redefined inclusively, recognisng the contributions of all citizens, regardless of race, religion, or background. Only then can we move towards a future where everyone feels a sense of belonging, both in society and in the workplace. True Britishness should be a source of pride for all its people, not just a select few.
