IN response to the letters you printed after the exposed occurrences of racism at Malvern Link CE Primary School, I must say that the reality is of a very potent ideology of race.

This fuels the racism that pours out of institutions and individuals within our society. Stereotypes surrounding 'blacks' and 'blackness' have been rooted into white psyche for generations.

The attitude displayed within the responses is typical. I believe that such rhetorical defences and self-deceits have blatantly degraded the black struggle.

Presumptions are made that the complainants must be mixed race or non-Caucasian, and saying that those with 'ill will can always make their voices heard' is a fine example of racist stereotyping. Ethnic minorities are usually deterred from standing up to these attitudes due to the disbelief and ostracisation that they will often experience as a result.

The denial of the existence of racism shows an implicit ignorance towards the complex way in which the ethnic minority can be affected. So many will deny the black experience, because at heart they are contemptuous of Asians, afraid of Afro-Caribbean's and have too many interests to protect, to face the consequences.

To change attitudes within any institution involves more than naming and confronting the oppressors. This is an issue encompassing society and national life that goes much deeper than the basic struggle for racial justice within institutions; the struggle is not just for a better deal for black people but also for a better society.

R SWORD, Worcester Road, Malvern Link.