Harbouring hatred is not a talent gifted to specific groups, writes Chris Opoku, and we need to talk more about racism between minorities.

Living as an ethnic minority in a predominantly white society is an intriguing experience. Uncountable times, I’ve been subjected to a phenomenon I like to call “whitesplaining”.

Those without the lived experience of an African woman seem to know my difficulties, desires and dreams better than me. They unknowingly broadcast their opinions as more authentic and accurate than mine. They speak for me, and one of their arguments that regularly leads to discussion is that minorities cannot be racist.

I still remember when a classmate told me I needed to change my mindset, since Black people were usually in agreement with her regarding societal issues. I wondered: “Why does this person expect me to satisfy their perceptions of my ethnic group?”

Although it appears that the number of anti-racists is increasing, it does not take long to realise that minorities are just fulfilling stereotypes. On one side, people join you in battles against institutional racism; on the other, they use you to hide their lack of understanding.

Discrimination comes in different forms, and one of them is a tendency to make assumptions.

Wherever the concept of helpless, innocent and faultless minorities came from, it must return to its roots. In fact, the notion that we cannot be racist against any other ethnic group is another white-coated…