SHOULD a child of an immigrant really criticise others who wish to come this country?

We more than most should be able to relate to the experiences of those who have travelled miles to make a new place their home.

Or have some of us become so detached from the experiences of our parents and grandparents that we would gladly use overtly anti-immigrant language?

I'm not saying you can't discuss immigration and doing so does not make you racist.

But I sense some of the language used has very little to do with the debate but some people's deep-seated hatred of immigrants.

I will be the first to admit now we have a growing number of South Asians and minorities who seem to have forgotten the plight of their parents and grandparents and boast of us being ‘special’.

This idea that we came here legally and did not come here to take advantage of the economic benefits shows how a wider hatred of immigrants can soon seep into our consciousness.

If you live in a country which constantly panders towards an anti-immigrant agenda then you are going to start to believe the very same narrative.

Much of this has got to do with many of us not having anything in common with newly arrived immigrants. Those with immediate relatives from abroad could relate to a common plight.

Yet, these feelings of resentment are nothing new.

Back when there was an influx of Polish nationals the language used by some Asians was shocking. This was clear racism towards another nationality but we dressed it up as ‘banter’ and a ‘joke’. Now, where have we heard that before?

Some might suggest that it is a supposed new-found wealth that has made people air these feelings.

But this is where you would be wrong.

I have spoken to working classes in their mid-thirties from a minority background who bluntly tell me that they voted in favour of Brexit for the sole reason of stopping more immigrants coming to the country.

I find this confusing. We are, like it or not, the children of immigrants. Our forefathers came to the country and were welcomed but at the same time faced the same if not more levels of racism.

Somehow they managed to turn the other cheek and live their lives.

They got by in crowded homes and worked long shifts.

The question I pose is this – what would the human being who stepped off that plane back in 1961 think on hearing his descendent in 2019 speaking ill of another new arrival?

I'm pretty certain he would not be impressed.