RealityLicks
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Joined: 10/23/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: LadyEllen
But, it is a cultural problem which is not solely originated in those groups who have come here - part of it has its origins in the native culture and above all in the foolish approach we have taken to managing the inevitable clashes known as "multi-culturalism", which holds that each culture should remain distinct whilst desperately trying to accomodate them all in one model.
While I agree with your aims, I take issue with this reductionist interpretation of multiculturalism. Multiculturalism should really be viewed as a number of initiatives and approaches, evolved over decades in response to a range of issues, not as a single, defined doctrine.
The term has been hijacked, firstly by the BNP, then by some Tories and applied to any incidence of friction between ethnic communities with the end result that the term itself becomes tarnished with its' failures only, never praised for its' successes.
One of the key tenets of multiculturalism -and one I think we should treasure - is awareness of language and ensuring its inclusivity.
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Of course we cannot have any incoming culture dictating their values upon the other cultures found here - but neither can we have the native culture dictating its values upon any of the other cultures which have come here.
I've never known any incoming culture to dictate their values, or to have the power to do so, even when consultation with them is sought by the wider culture. I have known white British people to willingly adopt aspects of the culture of new communities, which is something different entirely.
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Instead I propose we (all of us) seriously look into what it means to be British and as a nation come to an accomodation to which all groups can subscribe - an accomodation which comprises not only a common identity which is superior to all other identities but a common culture which is superior to all other cultures. Each may choose his own identity and culture within this framework, but it is the common framework which comes first. And if someone cant subscribe to that greater common identity and culture, then they should leave.
E
I think we have done that and where I go, most people live it every day. I'm not saying it is without problems but the key is keeping problems in perspective. Culture is not something that can really be preserved in aspic or agreed in advance, it develops and changes as our communities mature in greater understanding of each other.
I could give a fuck whether someone of another background likes black people or not. If people want to believe Islam is one monolithic, fundamentalist mass without differentiation, that's their loss - what a crappy world view. I have little interest in phony attempts to make it seem like we are more integrated than we are. (Or less integrated, as some do.)
I care about those who care for me, I respect those who respect me - just as you do. I avoid idiots and I seek out those who are worthwhile. I treat everyone as an individual, not as some representative of their group.
It's not so much multiculturalism as one multi-faceted culture that is evolving. The key is to ensure that the law and the state do not discriminate unfairly and the rest will take care of itself. Those who remain in their enclaves, will die in them and hopefully the rest of us can just get on with it.
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RE: does the balance need redress? - 
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