What I find arresting about this picture is that the young woman in the centre is looking straight at the camera, which normally disqualifies a casual shot from being published. But her facial expression is haunting. Needless to say, the topic of immigration and race relations needs handling with the greatest care and sensitivity.
Moving to another country
Why do people migrate? Employ-ment? (Many move during a recession.) Freedom of expression? (Writers, philosophers, scientists.) Climate? (Britons going to Australia, Spain.) Opportunities? (Millions have moved to America.) Beliefs? (Reli-gious and political persecution forcing people to find a more sympa-thetic homeland.) What does the face of the woman in the picture suggest? Boredom? Apprehension? Curiosity? How would you feel if you moved to another land?
A multi-ethnic society
What does a country gain from people who come from elsewhere? (For example, new working practices and skills, like the business acumen of East African Asians; the scientific and technological knowledge of experts who decide to move; music, dance, literature and the arts; new foods, like pizza, curry, fashions; new customs and pastimes, such as carnivals.) Are there any stresses - over jobs, housing, relationships? What can people do to ensure racial harmony?
Writing
Complete the story: “When Lila arrived in London she was not sure what to expect ...”
Watch out for the BBC’s ‘Windrush’ season which runs until August.
Ted Wragg is professor of education at Exeter University
The Big Picture see page 18
