Why does this forum have a disproportionately high number of ethnic minorities?

Aggregate figures are misleading. If you look at that data closer then its basically just what everyone would expect - Indian and Chinese students do very well (as everyone knows - these groups tend to be high performing immigrant populations throughout the world). But the stereotypical “problem groups’ (blacks, and Pakistani+Bangladeshi Muslims) do substanitally worse than native Brits.

Figures 4 and 6 in that report are the key ones - black and Muslim performance is low once you look at the raw data rather than trying to fudge it using "expected results" and FSM, etc. Additionally, these statistics are always contaminated by the fact they use such a low definitoin of achievement - 5 or more C-A* grades at GSCE, which realistically a sufficiently bright chimpanzee should be able to achieve with enough training. If you take a more sensible definiotn of achievement (eg at least BBB at A Level, or getting an A in either maths or Enligsh) then the ethnic gap becomes much wider.

Remember that schools actively try to fudge their figures for the purpose of gaming league tables - pupils who sit on the C/D borderline get a disprorportionate amount of attention in order to push them up to a C (which is what counts in league tables). Less intelligent students are encouraged to pick "easy" GSCEs/A Levels so they have more chance of getting a good grade. Etc etc etc. When you use "Getting 5 or more C-A* grades at GCSE" as the only criterion of achivement, the results are close to meaningless.

That casual racism towards white people.

I agree with you to be honest. As un-politically correct as it is, it seems to be true. However, it's obviously not the case for everyone. I, as a white British girl, care a lot about my work.

I agree. Perhaps this is much more useful. 12.2% of White British students get AAB in 2+ facilitating subjects compared to 18.3% Indian, 29.4% Chinese etc.

I have no idea about the first question.

So you've just admitted that the entire premise of your thread is wrong.

You have absolutely no idea whether there are more minorities here at all.

So why ask?

Well I have an idea because I can read statistics. Obviously I can't know and I'm not as confident about my knowing this as I am that the sun will rise tomorrow or such.

Given that's it's a UK forum that is. It's pretty weird, but it's quite obvious that there are a disproportionate number. In actuality only just over 10% of people in the UK are an ethnic minority. That is not the case with TSR.

Not the most torpid racist are you. How the hell do you even know there's a majority ethnic minority? Go back to being torpid on this one. Nonsense.

I edited my first post. My mistake was not being aware of the fact that the student population is demographically very different from the ordinary one.

You're being ridiculous with claims of "racism" though. I'm simply mis-using statistics, I'm not exhibiting or creating prejudices.

The way you brought it up wasn't exactly to only open discussion. There was a tone of annoyance at the fact that there might be more ethnic minorities on here. But hey you seem like you don't want to exhibit or create prejudice from your reply so it's fine just maybe think next time before you go at something from a dodgy angle.

('Racism' was just a nice little overstatement to stick in with my comments)

Re-reading it I can see why some people might interpret the "why" as offensive as if I was implying there should be no reason for there to be as many non-whites here.

I genuinely just found it odd as I encounter a lot more ethnic minorities here than IRL and I don't particular live in a non-ethnic area. I'm a curious person and I wanted to know why. It seems the main reason is that the demographic of students is far more populated with ethnic minorities than the overall demographic in the UK.

So where did you get this information about ethnic minorities on here? Or are you just making an estimation based on what you've seen?

I taught English in China. I also did a Chinese exchange at my university.

The idea of "grade machines" is a serious issue currently being debated in Chinese educational policy.

Because white British students are generally less inclined to work for their education, compared to ethnic minorities who generally understand the importance of a good education. They also have more pressure from their families.

Therefore ethnic minorities will utilise resources (such as TSR) more so than the natives.

Posted from TSR Mobile

If this is the case, it might be because the internet is more open than real life social situations, and you're seeing the contributions of people you wouldn't usually, in your daily life or in the media. Anyone can become a member and participate in the conversation on TSR despite the toxic atmosphere that sometimes exists if you aren't of a particular demographic. We all know that in real life, people self-select their social circles, or are ostracised and excluded from social circles, and so the white majority, can choose not to engage with, or simply just not come across, ethnic minorities.

So maybe TSR, twitter, tumblr, youtube etc. are conspicuous in this way, to people not used to hearing ethnic minority voices?

White British: 7.4%
Indian: 13.1%
Pakistani: 6.3%
Bangladeshi: 4.8%
Black Carribean: 1.6%
Black African: 3.7%
Chinese: 23.5%