Rachel Chinouriri expresses her desire to reclaim the England flag, which is featured on her album artwork, emphasizing that England is her home despite feeling unwelcome at times.
Rachel Chinouriri says she wants to reclaim the England flag, which features on her album artwork.
She expresses, “For someone who’s black, their initial response upon seeing that might be, ‘What is she doing?'” The singer refers to the prominent inclusion of the England flag on the cover.
Rachel aligns herself with individuals from minority backgrounds who harbor complex sentiments toward the St. George’s Cross. While some view it as a symbol of oppression or racism, Rachel asserts her resolve to reclaim it.
Raised in London by Zimbabwean parents, the 25-year-old shares with Newsbeat that her upbringing has been marked by challenges.
“I’ve encountered racism and discrimination in the UK, yet I still consider it my home,” she expresses. “There were moments where I felt unwelcome.”
Rachel has been steadily releasing singles and EPs since 2018. Her forthcoming debut album, “What A Devastating Turn of Events,” delves into the concept of home.
Rachel describes the location for her album shoot as a reflection of her upbringing, her home, and her life. Standing in front of a London estate reminiscent of her childhood home, she believes the photos capture her entire life in a snapshot. She speaks of an emotional connection to the memories associated with the house, suggesting there’s a haunting presence within its walls.
With elements of Y2K fashion, a bike, and a trampoline, Rachel aimed to evoke nostalgia for a time when she felt “young and carefree” while writing the album. However, it was the inclusion of bunting, particularly the England flag, that sparked attention. Rachel anticipated the controversy surrounding its inclusion and knowingly incorporated it into the artwork.
“I believe there’s a certain symbolism attached to that flag, particularly when black individuals are associated with it,” she remarks.
Professor Kehinde Andrews, a Black Studies professor at Birmingham City University, contends that the St George’s Cross carries connotations of peril, often symbolizing a “no-go area” for minorities, as he highlighted during a 2018 confrontation with Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan and Brexit advocate Nigel Farage. Andrews asserts that the flag has been appropriated by the far-right and now serves as a emblem of racism.
He mentions, “This flag has turned into a representation. If it’s displayed on a pub or elsewhere, it signals a place to avoid.” Discussing Rachel’s album artwork, he questions the desire to reclaim something so closely tied to whiteness. “Why are we striving to associate ourselves with something that rejects us?” he asks, highlighting disparities in health and pay that continue to impact black and minority communities.
Rachel was ready to face challenges regarding her decision to include the flag.
“I didn’t hesitate at all when I chose to reference it,” she explains. “My team did express some concern, asking, ‘Are you sure about this?’ But after I explained it, they grasped the significance, and when everything fell into place, it had a powerful and meaningful impact.”
Rachel emphasizes the findings of a 2018 BBC study, highlighting a significant gap between white and minority communities in terms of pride in their English identity. “Black and POC individuals have made immense contributions to our culture,” she affirms.
“It presents a challenge because we receive praise when excelling in activities such as football, the Olympics, or sports. However, on different occasions, those flags symbolize something entirely distinct.”
Professor Andrews highlights the stark instance of racist abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka subsequent to their missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final for men. “While we often portray the flag as a symbol of unity and other positive ideals, the reality diverges,” he contends.
“When three black players fail to score penalties, racism becomes glaringly evident.
“Do not proudly represent a country that does not prioritize your well-being.
“This is a significant concern for me.”
Rachel acknowledges the criticism but asserts that if art has the power to make you take a second look, then it’s fulfilling its purpose correctly.
“When you engage with the music and grasp the message, it prompts a shift in perspective,” she explains.
She highlights the “challenges and hardships that come with growing up as a black individual in the UK”.
“However, amidst those struggles, there are also aspects of black British identity worth celebrating.”
Rachel characterizes her album, which debuted on May 3rd, as a “sort of cathartic release” as she addresses this legacy.
“Towards the conclusion, there’s certainly a sense of healing woven into it,” she adds.
Despite feeling unwelcome at times, I’ve come to appreciate the unique charm and character of this country. The rich history, the diverse culture, and the beautiful landscapes have all contributed to shaping my sense of belonging. There’s something special about walking along the cobblestone streets of a historic town or enjoying a pint in a cozy pub. These simple yet profound experiences have helped me forge a connection to England that runs deep. While the journey may have had its challenges, I’ve found a home here and that’s something truly special.
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