‘We’re all human on the inside’: Teenager raises awareness after discrimination
Lindell Brown from Beccles pictured left is raising awarness on racial stereotyping. Picture: Contributed by Lindell Brown - Credit: Archant
A teenage boy has raised awareness of racial stereotyping after he claims he was profiled at a Beccles supermarket.
Clowes mural at Tesco, Beccles.Photo: Andy DarnellCopy: Hayley MaceFor: EDPArchant © 2007 (01603) 772434 - Credit: Archant © 2007
Lindell Brown was sitting on a bench in front of the town’s store when he was approached by security guards.
According to the college student, someone from within the store had made a report to security, who then approached him to ask for a proof of purchase from the store.
Mr Brown said: “I have absolutely no idea who told security, it was unknown that I had even been reported until the security guard approached me.
“The person that reported me would have done so because of how I look - that is evident. It has happened before.”
The school student took to Facebook to “highlight how common racial prejudice happens in general”.
The 17-year-old said: “It’s evident that a lot of people didn’t understand that in the post and thought I was accusing Tesco. It could have happened in Morrisons, ASDA, the local corner shop - it doesn’t matter. It’s nothing to do with Tesco. More the prejudice.
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“I’m just upset that people still have this view of multicultural people.”
Tesco said the issue did not directly involve the store and it did not wish to comment.
The teenager moved to Beccles last year from Carlton Colville and said this is the first time he has experience prejudice in the town.
“I’m aware Beccles is an incredibly dominant white community, which is understandable. This is Suffolk, not London,” he said.
“I love Beccles. I moved here last year but all my education and activities have happened here. I grew up here for pretty much all 17 years of my life.
“This is the first time I have had a problem in Beccles - it’s happened in Lowestoft before, but it’s still important to raise awareness. To let people know that black people are the same as white people. As are every other race. We’re all human on the inside.”
The teenager said he has had a “99pc” positive response from the Beccles community, but has since deleted the social media post to avoid hostility.
“My point was that racial stereotyping happens very often and people don’t realise, and that awareness is needed and the naivety needs to be eradicated.”
“My point was that racial stereotyping happens very often and people don’t realise, and that awareness is needed and the naivety needs to be eradicated.”
