The hot “Muslim story” of last week was centred around an accusation towards Sir Ian Blair, Britain’s most senior police officer, of overlooking black and Asian detectives for promotion in favour of his white colleagues.

This may come as no surprise to some; the racism that dogs the police force has somewhat been an open secret. Ever since the tragic death of Steven Lawrence’s, the media has been a great instrument in highlighting this; although one cannot take these undercover reports as a general consensus, it does nonetheless highlight a shockingly sad tale of some of the stigmas facing Asian (and black) people in today’s society.

On the topic of the accusations, The Telegraph wrote: “Commander Shabir Hussain, who joined the Met in 1983, told an employment tribunal that the Metropolitan Police commissioner surrounded himself with a “golden circle” of preferred candidates.”

What also surprised me about this article is that Commander Hussain was described as one of the country’s “leading Asian officers”.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but surely there’s isn’t a separate category in the police force for Asian officers where they are ranked on their merits based on race?

This passive description by the Telegraph isn’t just about the police force, but spreads to the wider society, where Asian professionals may be judged on their race first, and talent second.

The article continuous: “Commander Hussain, who is one of the country’s leading Asian officers, said his application to become deputy assistant commissioner had been rejected four times because he was the wrong colour - despite being better qualified than other hopefuls.”

The quote used of Commander Hussain states, “Ian Blair in particular seems to have his favourite sons and daughters, who he sponsors for promotion… I believe I was excluded from the golden circle because my face did not fit, and because I am not white.”

If this really is case, and colour is king, what hope does it leave for the rest of us budding professionals?

Certain career paths have had stereotypes of “old boys clubs”, and “it’s not what you know, but who you know” attached to them; law, banking, and journalism being just some. In these sectors being well-connected in mainstream (i.e. caucasian) circles seems to be crucial to a successful career.

Whatever happened to being promoted on merit?  Why should hard work slip under the radar, while moving in the right circles can get you places?

Commander Hussain’s case continues, and I hope that such claims, if found to be true, push the police force, and other professions to assess their attitudes.  It’s a big ask, but we can only hope to be seen beyond colour.

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