Give an account of the incidents of racial discrimination that Braithwaite has described in the novel ‘To Sir with Love’?

Braithwaite was travelling on a bus to Aldgate. A smartly dressed woman got up on the bus. She refused to sit next to Braithwaite because he was a negro. Only when Braithwaite got off the bus did the woman sit down.

Braithwaite had a science degree and experience in engineering technology. The Appointments Officer assured him that he will get a good civilian job. He received a letter listing three firms each of which had vacancies suitable for him. He wrote to each one and received very encouraging replies along with invitations for interviews.

The first firm he visited had a high international reputation. The receptionist was surprised to see a black candidate for the interview. She directed him to the office. Her manner was stiff with disapproval and anger. She maintained silent hostility and avoided looking at Braithwaite.

He was interviewed extensively by four men. They asked him a range of questions that he answered easily. The interview went off very well. However, when the interview was over he was informed that the firm will not be able to hire him. If he was hired he would be placed in a superior position than some of the English employees, and they would be offended by a black person having a position of authority.

He realised that the whole interview had been a waste of time. They had agreed on their decision before he had walked into that office. They had not realised he was black when they saw his name on the application.

Braithwaite went to a telephone booth and called the two remaining firms. He told them he was a Negro and in each case he was politely told that the vacancy was already filled. To many in Britain a negro is a ‘darky’ or a ‘nigger’ or a ‘black’.

Braitwaite found it impossible to get a job. He even advertised, mentioning his qualifications and the colour of his skin, but there were no takers. Once he was called for an interview to an electrical firm. There too he was told that he was overqualified and would not fit in there.

When he started dating Gillian he often faced disapproving glances at the sight of a white woman in the company of a black man. The staff at a restaurant they went to was deliberately discourteous with him.

We hope ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper Solution 2016 must have provided an insight into the 2016 Question paper and their solutions. Going through this paper solution will surely help students in their exam preparation. Students can also find the answers of other papers of ICSE Class 10 Previous Years Questions by clicking here. Happy Learning and stay tuned to BYJU’S for the latest update on ICSE/CBSE/State Boards/Competitive exams. Also, don’t forget to download the BYJU’S App.