LONDON: The term “Paki” is a deeply offensive racial slur originating in the United Kingdom, directed primarily at individuals of Pakistani and South Asian descent, as well as Muslims or those perceived as such.
The term’s usage is intertwined with a troubling history of racism, violence, and colonial legacy, reflecting broader issues of prejudice and xenophobia that continue to resonate today.
The term “Paki” gained notoriety in the late 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by severe racial tension and violence in the UK. During this era, white supremacist groups, notably skinheads, targeted South Asian immigrants in a series of brutal assaults known as “Paki-bashing.”
These attacks by far-right groups were not confined to Pakistanis alone but also included Indians and Bangladeshis. The murder of Bangladeshi immigrant Altaf Ali in 1978 became a turning point for the South Asian community, leading to the formation of self-defence groups.
Although the violence eventually diminished, the slur persisted, continuing to be used as a tool of racism and exclusion.
Mainstreaming Racism in UK
In recent years, the term “Paki” has seen a troubling resurgence. Once a hallmark of far-right extremists, it has now flooded mainstream discourse, finding its way into the rhetoric of some politicians, members of the Royal Family, and even popular media figures and YouTubers.
This shift reflects a disturbing normalization of racism, as evidenced by the recent far-right riots in the UK that targeted immigrants, particularly those of South Asian descent. These riots serve as a stark reminder of Britain’s colonial and racist past, revealing how deeply entrenched prejudices continue to influence contemporary society.
Britain’s History of Exploitation and Repression
Britain’s colonial past plays a significant role in understanding the origins and persistence of this slur. For over 200 years, the British Empire colonized South Asia, a period marked by exploitation and repression.
Despite the pivotal role South Asians played during World War II, with many serving in the British Army, and their crucial contributions to post-war rebuilding efforts in the UK, xenophobic sentiments surged. Politicians like Enoch Powell, with his infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech in 1968, exacerbated these tensions, inflaming racial prejudices and inciting violence against minorities.
Racism Still a Pressing Issue in UK
Despite significant progress in some areas, racism remains a pressing issue in the UK. According to a report cited by Human Rights Watch, over one-third of people from minority backgrounds in the UK have experienced racist assaults.
Recent events, including the far-right riots, underscore the ongoing presence of anti-Muslim sentiments and xenophobia in the UK. The term “Paki” remains a powerful symbol of this enduring prejudice, reflecting broader societal issues that need to be addressed.
The term “Paki” is more than just a racial slur; it is a reflection of Britain’s complex and painful history of racism and colonialism.
The rise in far-right activity signals that while some progress has been made, the struggle against racism and xenophobia is far from over.
