my serious contribution
ok guys, bored of the money debate, so time for some of the thoughts in my head.Living and especially working in a very multicultural area, I have been thinking about the new urgency, or so it seems, to get everyone living together in one big cultural melting point understanding and loving one another in a lovely nirvanic way.
this strikes me as a bit silly. sure in an ideal world we could all live together without racism without misunderstanding and in neighbourly love. but does the government seriously think thats gonna happen? and is that even what people want?
People of similar cultures gather together in communities because they have a shared culture and a shared understanding of life, just like clubs or even churches. when people from england move overseas they often congregate together, in ex-pat groups etc.
Rather than try to break-up these groups, surely we should be teaching about cultural diversity in nurserys and primary schools to embrace the differences we have. greater understanding is what is needed not separation. or this another case of the nanny state trying to divide and conquer?
posted by jodes da princess @ 11:49 AM
10 Comments:
I agree! I heard it once described like appreciating foreign foods. Going and tasting what other cultures have to offer is brilliant, everywhere produces different tastes. The last thing you want to do is shove it all in a blender and drink.
Although, the flip side is that with increased segregation, dialogue does not occur between different cultural communities leading to suspicion and eventually intolerance. A difficult one to balance but I am definitely on your side.
Well, this IS a serious contribution isn't it...
It seems to me that one of the key problems that we are facing at the moment is Muslims. Now of course I'm not turning in to some crazy assed National Front fan, hear me out. When this country had its first wave of immigrants, in the 50's and 60's, they largely came from the West Indies. Almost all of these people spoke English, they were also largely Christian. Although there have of course been HUGE problems that the black population has/is facing in terms of racism, I think that they have integrated more in to the culture that we live in. Not in a passive way, but an active way. Just think about youth culture for example, so much of the language, fashion and music that is popular comes directly from the black population.
With the Muslim community though, I think that it is taking longer for the two communities to get used to each other. This is probably partly to do with the language, religion, and customs. There hasn't been the same sort of mixing of cultures that there has been with 'black culture'.
But it is beginning to change, young people in inner cities, especially in the Midlands are starting to use slang from Asian communities, and as there are more Asian academics, personalities etc, I think that the mixing of cultures will mean that there will be less problems with cultural differences.
I've got loads to say about this, I did a whole freaking dissertation on it, but I'll shut up now. Also, I hope it hasn't come across at all anti Muslim or anything. Tell me if it has.
Don't worry, the racist radar has passed you by.
think you are right about language being the problem. we have endless problems with people admitted to hospital who cannot speak english, try explaining anything, my urdu is very limited!
should we maybe have citizwnship classes like they do for immigrants in USA?
Andy mate, its like being back in Black Theology again isn't it? Not that Bobby Beckfords in the Theology dept any more (the racists), he moved to American and Canadian studies I think.
I don't think that people from different countries living in peace and harmony is at all impossible. I grew up in a really ethnically diverse part of London, and people seemed to mix really well. I don't think that we should try to assimilate people in to this culture (whatever that is- its certainly not a British culture, its already a big mix), but there have to be certain values that people coming here should want to hold. Like Jodie was saying about sort of citizenship classes, which I think may have started. I know it sounds cheesy, but I think its probably the only way.
dont do anything by halves do you andy?!
As a side issue, and totally running away from our communist ideals, if you aare near a shop that sells records, go and buy Ray Lamontagne - Trouble. I heard it in a shop today and bought it on the spot. it has the same quality that damien rice had when he first came out. buy it! its beautiful (and probably fair trade)
Okay, I retract my earlier comments. Just blended a mexican, a chinese and four curries together and it tastes delicious
Where were the jellied eels and leeks in that. Don't deny your roots boy.
Hey Jodes. I tried to post a comment about your job thing, but it wouldn't let me. Might be worth republishing it or somethin. Also your 2 new links (Jus and Joel) are broken. I think you've just got too many http's on the url, so it shouldn't be a problem to fix.
most worthy Jodie, I tried to post a comment on your job thing, had some thoughts for you - but had same problems as Tim. Well, actually Tim probably has many problems - my only one would be the lack of ability to post a response message ;)
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