Embedded in the RAF motto of “Rising Above the Rest” for a BAME person in the Royal Air Force, is not simply “rising above the rest”. In my RAF career, I have had to work that much harder to be on par with my social peers and to prove my worth and place within my social environment. For me, the motto truly means, “Rising above and beyond the rest” in order to be considered on par with my peers.
Social scientists refer to my situation as having “a marked identity”. I see it as a vital part of this journey called ‘life’, embracing diversity and encouraging others to do so through education. This journey has led to me having a strong sense of self, fuelling my impetus to always achieve excellence and to stand up for my beliefs at all costs.
In the world today, it is vital that we celebrate individuality and uniqueness both within ourselves and others, for this is what makes our planet interesting and it is this that will support us to combat racism. We are blessed to have such a variety of personalities, creating one melting pot that is a direct result of an influence from a multitude of cultures. If you puncture the human skin, we all bleed red and our organs are all protected by the same amount of bones regardless of race. However, we are all cultivated on different soils, which gives us a unique taste and aesthetic. Embracing these influences and obtaining a point of view from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, can hugely benefit growth in our organisation and beyond into society.
Today, we should all strive to not only accept differences, but to promote the beauty it exhumes; like a florist would celebrate having a multitude of flowers in their garden. The time to act on the acceptance of diversity and inclusion is now, for it is the only way the humanity of our rainbow nation can truly connect with and applaud the true beauty of life so that the RAF and wider society can progress in an effective, healthy and inclusive way for us all.
