Social services in northeastern Gothenburg were accused in spring of using racist caricatures in the treatment material 'Angry Monkeys'. A new internal report explains why the material was not stopped earlier and reveals that critical voices were ignored. Department head Alessandro Rezaei admits they did not look up.
In spring, criticism was directed at the social services department in northeastern Gothenburg for using racist monkey caricatures in the treatment material 'Angry Monkeys'. The material, used in treatment processes, provoked strong reactions due to its derogatory images.
A recently published internal report attempts to clarify why the material was not halted earlier in the process. The report states that critical voices within the department were ignored, despite warnings. 'We did not look up', says Alessandro Rezaei, department head within the services, in a comment on the report.
The report provides insight into shortcomings in the decision-making process and emphasizes the importance of heeding internal critics. It highlights how the department missed acting on early signals, leading to the public scandal. No further details on the timeline or specific instances of ignoring are specified in the report, but it points to systemic failures in handling sensitive material.
This incident raises questions about how social services manage diversity and inclusion in their methods, particularly in the Gothenburg area.