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As with gender reporting, the issue is rather crudely overbaked, although the general point sought to be made is legitimate. However, ethnicity is more subtle than is usually portrayed. For example, in my local GP practice about one-third of the GPs are of Asian (mainly Indian sub-continent) origin, far in excess of the ratio in the general population; in hospital visits (I have reached that time of life when these are routine) half the time the doctors are of Chinese/SE Asia ethnic origin.

Black professionals (meaning those of African heritage) remain unusual in my experience, but not unheard of. I do not know why this is, but given the discordance with Asian ratios it is not simply that they are an 'ethnic minority'. So are Asians. Something else is at work, whether it be more discriminatory racism (at any level - from primary school to university selection and beyond), or some cultural element at play meaning those of African heritage are less likely to aim at professional roles. And if this is the answer, is it because of culture, poverty, racism, family pressure etc, or what?

My general point is that the answer to why people of different ethnic backgrounds don't succeed is more subtle and complicated than simple race. To turn the question round (cheekily), why are there so few white rap artistes, given the overall white preponderance?

Ideally race shouldn't matter a hang, and the current (and to my mind right) approach is to work to that end; but I can't help feeling that aiming for prefect ratios in every compartment of professional life is a bit too prescriptive.

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