Is there racism in Leeds city?

Question

I'm looking to start at the Leeds met university in September 2007, i have had my doubts as it is very far away. Something else I'm concerned about is racism; as i have heard there are many many (so called) Chavs in Leeds. although many have told me that it is a 24 hour city and is reasonable safe, is it safe for Asians (more specifically indians).

Having said this i my self live in W-ton and have many white friends who are all friendly people and enjoy having a laugh together.

Answer 1

As a whole Leeds is very multi-cultural but different ethnic groups tend to live in the same areas as each other with the result being that some areas are predominantly Asian (parts of Beeston and Harehills), some are primarily black (Chapeltown and parts of Harehills), some are Jewish (Alwoodley) etc.

There is some racial tension but I guess you're going to get this anywhere and a few years ago there was rioting on the streets of Harehills which flared up following the arrest of an Asian man. On this occasion the rioting was primarily Asians, about 25 years ago there were worse riots primarily involving the black community.

Indians are dispersed throughout Leeds, you'll find Indian families living in all parts of the city and there are various Sikh and Hindi temples including the large and modern Ramgharia Sikh Temple.

If you're at the Uni chances are you'll be in halls, the biggest is Bodington Hall to the north of the city and this is more or less self contained. There are many smaller halls more or less in a mile wide corridor extending from the Uni and heading north out of town through the districts of Hyde Park and Headingley, both areas with a very high student population living in rented and shared accommodation.

The vast majority of people in Leeds are very friendly and I have many friends from different ethnic backgrounds and other than one isolated incident when a freind's child was bullied at school they've not encountered any hostility that I'm aware of.

I would have though that any unpleasant incident is likely to occur in a Friday or Saturday night in the City Centre when people have had too much to drink, but even then,I think you'd be unlucky to incur anything more than the occasional racist remark from a drunken person.

Any hostility that exists seems to be directed towards the sizeable Eastern European community and usually centres on claims of them taking peoples jobs, sponging off the system etc and also towards Muslims who can sometimes fall victim to the assumption that they're Muslim therefore they're a terrorist.

All in all, Leeds is a pretty good place to be and there's lots to do. The Uni is excellent and Bodington Hall is a good place to stay (even though the rooms are minute).