Like many people, the death of Professor Jason Arday (41) deeply unsettled me.

My doom scrolling abruptly stalled on a Saturday afternoon. A brief Sky notification popped up on my phone, “Jason Arday had died”

I quickly clicked the link. My immediate morbid thoughts: ‘Suicide.’ The info was scant.

Saturday I checked established media outlets. His death was “unexpected and not suspicious.” That word ‘unexpected’ really made me think.

The beginning of the end started with Jason Groves the Political Editor of the Daily Mail. He investigated claims that Jason Arday a professor at the prestigious Cambridge University had plagiarised on a monumental scale. Note Jason Arday was eventually cleared of plagiarism.

The death of Professor Jason Arday was (in part) due to racism, the media and us-the ravenous consumers of the next ‘big story.

Jason Grove submitted “97 pages of evidence to both Cambridge and Arday’s awarding institution, Liverpool John Moores University, for their investigation.” His subsequent investigation led to the involvement of the Metropolitan Police, but they backed out noting they overstepped the mark.

From that moment on, Jason Arday was the focal point for the media (alongside the war in Iran). The baying media hyenas collectively lifted their noses, they captured his scent, and the pack made their way-they were ravenous.

From, radio to broad sheets and more-they searched for information to further discredit him: It worked extremely well.

Did he lie (he may have done), was his work lacking in proper rigorous application (it may have done), did he fabricate some of his back story to accentuate his achievements (it’s likely). Am I condoning his behaviour (if true)-of course not. Blacks, whites, Asians, Oriental, and all in between must be held by the same standards. Ideologically it should simply be about equal treatment.

But did he deserve the constant hounding by the media and any Joe Bloggs wanting to vent-I don’t think so.

The glaring and unmistakable subtext in the Professor Arday story seems to be racism.

“How dare this nigga get into our esteemed institution……FUCK HIM UP”

Racism has morphed and changed with times. I lived in a different time. A period where on a lovely sunny day I could be accosted by the loud long drawl of the word nigggaaaa. Drawing out the letter ‘a’ adds further menace. It was quite clear this person was racist.

Today racism can be found camouflaged and lurking in ‘diversity’, quotas to ensure organisation’s don’t fall prey to ‘white peaks’ with positive discrimination (I am not sure if it is a good or bad practice) , lovely glossy anti-racism policies, four worded vacuous ‘Values’, celebrating Black History Month, acquaintances who are the first to let you know they’ve been to Africa, the Caribbean or some place with a majority of blacks, or an ad showing a black family eating good old Shepherd’s pie while their golden retriever licks its balls.

When all is said and done purely on a human level, I really, really wish Jason Arday had just waited, perhaps found a confidant.

Don’t get me wrong I agree with the diversity push and tackling racism. If they did ‘nothing’ I would absolutely complain. We need systems to enact change otherwise nothing will happen and there have been changes. It’s just we must be careful and avoid compliancy. Racism hasn’t suddenly disappeared.

The death of Professor Jason Arday was (in part) due to racism, the media and us-the ravenous consumers of the next ‘big story.’ But if you do a small bit of research, he did make mistakes (he states it himself), potentially lie and fabricate stories about his background. Do read the piece by the brilliant award-winning writer, Afua Hirsch.

Ultimately and purely on a human level, I really, really wish Jason Arday had just waited, perhaps found a confidant. We all make mistakes. In most cases (as is life) we learn and can come back better. My heart really does ache for such a young man.

It’s easy for me to say (and I am sorry) but history shows the hyenas will eventually move on if they cannot consume you. The interest will die down. Sometimes you can even change bad publicity into good publicity. I point you to the story of the macabre Issei Sagawa.

In a stark reminder I was driving my car post his death listening to the radio. It was the 2.30 news bulletin. The penultimate story: Jason Arday’s death. The broadcaster succinctly summed it up in three sentences. The news broadcaster swiftly moved to the last story-he finished on time.

Media hounding has devastating precedence-Caroline Flack. The media do have to report but when does the media say it is too much. It will be interesting to see how those vociferous media outlets and Joe Bloggs react post his death.

RIP Professor Arday and condolences to his family and friends.

Words do cause such a great deal of harm.

If you are struggling, please always contact your GP or contact your local mental health services. Remember there are people out there to help you.