Is 'multiculturalism' failing in England? Does it impact your views on assimilation?

Question

"The stark evidence of growing fear and suspicion aimed at Britain's Muslims underlines fears that the country is becoming more polarised, with many young Muslims feeling alienated from mainstream society and the white majority feeling more fearful.

The fact that more than half the respondents felt threatened by Islam itself - despite mainstream Muslim leaders publicly condemning terrorists and extremists - suggests that many now see the issue in terms of a "clash of civilisations."

"The poll results came as Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly admitted that the doctrine of multi-culturalism - the cornerstone of left wing immigration and race policies for the past 20 years - may have been wrong, and contributed to isolation and alienation between communities."

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23364627-details/Most%20Britons%20feel%20threatened%20by%20Islam/article.do

I've long thought assimilation rather than multiculturalism was the only way to a united country.

What do you think?

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23364627-details/Most%20Britons%20feel%20threatened%20by%20Islam/article.do

Answer 1

I think you're absolutely right. Assimilation implies becoming part of something, multiculturalism kind of sets this stage for having special rules for special people, everyone's got 'special' status or whatever and frankly, they aren't THAT special, to begin with.

Answer 2

Multiculturalism doesn't work. The same thing is happening in Australia. If people emigrate to another country they must assimilate and accept their laws. Doesn't mean they have to lose their culture. The Chinese and Italians have been here since way back and are true Aussies and have brought a richness to the Country. But they are Aussies first. I was born in England and my family are thinking about moving to another part because of the violence which is happening around them. Why should they have to move!!!

Answer 3

I completely agree with you on assimilation....

England has for many years been very diverse and multicultural....They have embraced different cultures and ideas and have flourished from it....

However, now with recent events going on in the middle east it has brought out a lot of the extremists and radicals to unite, against western ideals.....

There tolerance of such groups is cause a backlash among radicals and perhaps they should have promoted assimilation instead of multiculturalism....I fear for the people there....I hope they get control of the situation before another 9/11 happens occurs....

Answer 4

You are absolutely correct. Compare the pre-1960 United States, where assimilation was a norm to Canada, where preservation of the French culture in Quebec resulted in an unstable situation.

Multiculturalism, by definition does not unite. Rather, it preserves bases for separateness.

If we want to unite in any given country., the best move is to adopt an official language, then require its use exclusively in schools and public service. Commonalities unite.

Answer 5

of course it has,we in australia have a bad problem as well,we have all these different races living in their own little coclaves,why you dont even have to speak english anymore ,why bother when even the government supply interpreters for everything ,assimilation is not what they are about, in latest episode when israel went into lebanon to seek out the hezbollah terrorist we had a demonstration here with arabs flying the hezbollah flag,and burning the australian and israeli flags,there is no such thing as multiculturalism its multi racial,i fear for my grandchildren as most of these so called peacefull muslims have no honour and have no value for human life,,if they commit crime then send them and their families back to wherever they come from,that law should be entrenched in our laws.

Answer 6

i find "multiculturalism" to be inaccurately applied here since england, france, and usa will be comprised of multiple cultural backgrounds FOREVER. no doctrine will change that. Assimilation is really not important if everyone has OPPORTUNITY. britain, france, and usa must find a way to allow it's minority populations to have opportunity otherwise you will continue to get disgruntled fringe groups.

Answer 7

Yes, send them back to Pakistan.

Answer 8

I wish that instead of points, we would get cookies.

Answer 9

Yes, it is..
Deport, Deport Deport..