Talk: “Different but Equal — Speaking Out About Racism in Ireland”
Good morning everyone,
My name is Precious and I’m seventeen years old. I moved to Ireland five years ago with my family. When we first arrived, I was nervous but also really excited. I imagined green fields, friendly faces, and a fresh start. And to be fair, Ireland is a beautiful country with amazing people, but it’s also a place where I’ve learned that racism is still very real, even if people don’t always talk about it.
When I first came here, I didn’t even understand what racism really meant. I thought it was just about name-calling or violence. But I quickly learned that it can also be quiet and sneaky, the way someone stares at you a little too long on the bus, or the way a teacher mispronounces your name every single day, even after you correct them. It’s the feeling of being “othered,” like you don’t fully belong, no matter how hard you try.
There have been times I’ve walked down the street and heard people whisper or laugh behind me because of my accent or the colour of my skin. Once, someone told me to “go back home” and I remember thinking, but this is my home now. Those moments hurt, not just because of the words themselves, but because they make you feel small, like you don’t have a place.
I know that most people in Ireland aren’t racist. I’ve met incredible friends, teachers, and neighbours who have shown me kindness and made me feel welcome. But that doesn’t mean racism doesn’t exist. It does. It might not always be loud or obvious, but it’s there, in jokes, in social media comments, in how people are treated differently based on their name or background.
I think racism is a serious issue because it affects people’s confidence, mental health, and sense of identity. It divides communities and makes people afraid to be themselves. No one should have to change the way they speak, dress, or act just to be accepted. And yet, that’s what so many young immigrants like me feel we have to do.
What really hurts is when people say things like, “Ireland isn’t racist” or “You’re just being too sensitive.” Those words dismiss the real experiences of so many people. They make it harder to speak up. And when people stay silent, the problem only gets worse.
What do I want done about it?
First, I want schools to talk more openly about racism. Not just one lesson during Black History Month or after a racist incident, but real conversations all year round about respect, diversity, and how to be an ally. We need to teach empathy, not just tolerance.
I also think the government should make sure that hate crimes are taken seriously and properly punished. People should feel safe reporting racism without worrying they’ll be ignored. And social media companies need to do more to stop racist abuse online, because that’s where a lot of the damage is done today.
But most of all, I want people to listen. I want people to listen when someone says they’ve been treated unfairly. Don’t tell them they’re imagining it. Don’t make excuses. Just listen and try to understand.
Being different shouldn’t be something to hide, it should be something to celebrate. Ireland has always been proud of its culture, its music, its language, and its people. But part of what makes Ireland great today is that it’s becoming more diverse. We can be Irish and African, and Asian, and Eastern European. That’s what modern Ireland looks like and it’s something to be proud of.
When I look around this room, I see the future of Ireland. And I honestly believe that if our generation stands together, we can build a country where no one ever feels like an outsider.
Thank you.