Sir, - It is now well beyond time to stop deceiving ourselves about the situation in the North by using the word "sectarianism" to describe the crucial element of it. The word "sectarianism" implies the division of one body into two sects of equal status - hardly a description of the historical relation between Protestants and Catholics.
The historical reality was best captured by that banner in the field at Drumcree which said "Croppies lie down". That reality is one for which the word "racism", not sectarianism", is correct. The notion of race is a social construct, a division made for the purpose of oppression and control of a designated body of people. It provides justification for the assignment of second-class housing and jobs as well as harassments of all kinds.
The word "sectarianism" allows the Orange Order and others not to see their marches for what they are - namely, acts of intimidation designed to keep that oppressive division intact.
The British government also hides behind that word in order to avoid seeing the Orange marches as the social and political equivalent of a neo-Nazi march through a Jewish neighbourhood, or a KKK demonstration in a black one. The only difference, though it is a striking one, is that the latter two organisations do not have political power. If the British government could allow itself to see that reality, it could drop its ambiguous and ineffectual Parades Commission and could ban the marches under the Public Order Act.
For the moment, using the word "sectarianism" suits the British government, the Orange Order and many others. So it is likely to be with us for some while yet, unfortunately. - Yours, etc., Guy Robinson,
Sorrento Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin.