Should the UK insist that all immigrants adopt "Britishness"?

Question

First off, Im not racist in any way. I travel frequently and embrace all cultures - I respect traditions and adhere to values in other countries. I would, of course, take my shoes off when entering a temple in tibet and if I was female, I'd cover myself up if I were in Morocco. But here in the UK I fear we have a problem. It seems that we have promoted diversity so much that it is dividing the nation more than it is uniting it. In the UK, it is compulsory to wear a helmet on a motorbike, yet if you are a Sihk, you can simply wear your turban (a random example). Surely if the UK government stated that anyone, from any country wishing to reside in the UK had to comform, not only to British Law, but culture, the ongoing racial tension would diminish?

Agree/disagree?

Colorado - Im not apologising, merely pointing out that I do not wish to offend.

Answer 1

I have long thought we could learn something from the United States in the way it attempts to weld all its immigrants into a sense of citizenship and pride in their country of residence. In most cases it seems to work admirably. This is done without subordination or destruction of their basic religious and cultural beliefs, but people are taught that their first loyalty is to the United States and its laws. A sense of national pride is imbued. The British somehow have missed out on that. We have assimilated a number of different cultures without any machinery for bonding them into citizenship. David Blunkett is right. People will not become 'British' over time unless there is a focal point to make them so. We don't give immigrants a very good lead, I'm afraid, as we seem to shun any sense of overt patriotism as passé. Consequently a perverse sense of patriotism is left to the likes of the BNP and other right wing parties, which is a tragedy.
Brian Fargher, United Kingdom

Answer 2

Oh, please! Why should we impose our own culture on anyone? What does it matter if Sihks wear turbans instead of motorcycle or policeman's helmets? Next you'll be wanting us all to have Sunday lunch with gelatinous, overcooked brussel sprouts or beans on toast for our tea!

Any way, what is "britishness"? Is it Range Rovers, wellies, pearls and a stiff upper lip or is it Union Jack t-shirts, shaven heads and blue tatoos? I think the UK is the most wonderful place in the world because, generally, people are allowed to be how they want to be. Noone in London would bat an eyelid if I walked out of my home and to the newagents in my PJs (that's why I love it!). Imposing our traditions on others smacks of third world country.

Answer 3

The idea of democracy is freedom of self expression. The government cannot force someone to change faiths.

The random example you cited does make sense, but the government has to respect the faith. I think France also had to succumb on that.

The only way racial tension can diminish is if we all are welcoming of each other. If you and I start looking at other religions with suspicion or cynicism this will go on. The way to get them to stop or reduce is by taking the first step forward. They will sooner or later follow suit.

Answer 4

Forcing others to conform to culture does not work very well. Having everyone conform to law is a different matter. It's too bad that some will take a law as an affront to their religion. My feeling is that if you want to immigrate it means that you want to leave at least some of the traditions behind and should be more open to fitting into your new country - not want your new country to change to fit you.

Answer 5

When in Rome, do as the romans...but these days the romans would already have a Lexus and MP3 players etc. Nonetheless, if you're going to move to some other country, try and learn the language, that'd be a great start, try learning some of the history.
Every little bit helps, attitude is everything...

Answer 6

Why do you feel the need to apologize and explain? Why would you cover up if a female in Morocco? Diversity is the root of stupidness around the world. It also purposefully excludes white males, how is that for diversity.

Answer 7

No, because governments should not legislate culture. The government should have no stake in ensuring cultural conformity or reducing legal minority behavior. Laws exist to protect the minority, not ot enhance the majority.

As an example, If everyone agreed on every subject, there'd be no need for free-speech laws, because nop one would want to restrict anyone's speech, since they all agreed. Free speech exists to protect unpopular speech, because that is what people want to restrict.

Answer 8

Bro, I hope you're polling on behalf of Tony Blair and this message goes right to the top. Of course immigrants ought adopt Britishness, but short of that immigrants who do not acculturate should be deported immediately to whereever it is that they hail or wherever their affinity lies. Poor Britian is drowning in political correctness and it's no fun to sit here in the USA and watch our best ally stick it's head in the sand (not that we're doing much better here, in some cases it's worse).

Pick your country up and shake out that garbage--namely muslim criminals who worship death and who identify primarily as Pakis or Indians or Muslims or anything else rather than British. It's your last chance. Want to end up like the Francistan caliphate?

Answer 9

Yep, majority rules.

Britain didn't become the largest empire (at the time) in the world by being 'tolerant' and multi-cultural, they did it by being themselves, the rest of the world be _____.

Not that I think Blair or you Brits will actually do this, mind you.

Answer 10

I don't think they should be here anyway but if they have to stay then yes I've had enough of rag heads walking around