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I hear a lot about 'diversity' and 'intigration'...diversified cities, workplaces, schools, etc

My experience is that the 'diversity' and 'intigration' is more perceived than real. I think schools (higher learning) do have more diversity though the intigration still lags behing.

One of the cities where I live is quite diversified yet segregated...the others less so (on both counts).

What's your experience (from your personal opinion/observation not just links to 'studies')...curious.

Firstly, could you correct the 3 instances of mis-spelling of integration please. The pedant in my (instilled by British schooling system) is most disturbed.

(Apologies, I didn't have time to write a shorter post - but I've given you some personal examples as that's what you've asked for. If you want me to talk about studies.. I can give you some words about that too. )

Diversity and integration are just part and parcel of the UK where I was born and raised. The language is from diverse sources - German, Latin, French, Arabic, Celt and a myriad of other languages - for example.

There's no contradiction for most Brits with diversity and integration of various communities - there's diversity in the integration.

What we think of as traditional British food includes many that are from immigrant communities that have been integrated into the culture - from fish and chips from Jewish immigrants to the British curries. (The most popular dish in Scotland is the curry apparently).

There have been waves of immigrants that have come and prospered and integrated, from Hugenots, to Jewish, to Irish, to Italians to Bangladeshis - and that's just looking at one part of East London. Liverpool has Yemenis, Poles and West Indians from many generations - all 'scousers' and yet proud of their heritage.

I grew up close to Southall in Ealing in the West of London, that is like a little India (I lived in Northolt). I have lived in North London in a predominantly Jewish community, and stone's throw away from Turkish and Greek areas - but all were English and British. I have a house in Surrey now, and there I was close to areas that were predominantly Korean, and also was experiencing and influx of Poles (with even Polish shops opening up). It was funny that the Korean Brits were complaining about 'these immigrants' (Poles) coming over and lowering the tone of the area.. whilst queueing up for some really, really good kebabs in the area (Brits, but of Turkish descent).

I've socialised with people from around the world and rubbed shoulders with members of the House of Lord and indeed some minor Royals, as well has having shared cups of tea with builders etc. All were British - diverse and integrated. I've gone on posh shoots (game shooting) and been to football matches on the terraces, been on yachts and watched banger car racing.

I've been sent photos of the street parties that were held over the Jubilee weekend - from Bristol, London and Surrey - all Brits, all of different colours and heritage, all celebrating the Queen's jubilee.

I currently live in Mauritius - and here we have white, black, brown and yellow Mauritians - all speaking the same language and pretty much eating the same food (a mixture of different dishes that are chinese, African, Indian and European - we have baguettes, noodles, rice, red curries, yellow curries, grilled sea food, etc etc)

Diversity and integration. Working in practice in two places I've had the pleasure of living. I'll let others cover Dubai - another place where there's certainly a lot of diversity, IMO.

The British thing to do is to roll our eyes, , at the minority of ne'er-do-wells that we have in every community and country. Some 'little englanders' are racist and xenophobic, but the nice thing to note is that they are in a minority and live in a fug of denial and hate. I feel sorry for them. The majority of my fellow Brits are proud of the diversity and integration.

Cheers,
Shafique

I thought it was misspelled (or pelt) but... That is my experience, diversity in cities (i.e. people from many places) but segregation when it comes to living and working...Mauritius (spent time there as a child - on the way -...)

Ambassador wrote:diversity in cities (i.e. people from many places) but segregation when it comes to living and working

That is true, because I guess it is easier to segregate on language and nationality. But what can be done to make it better?

Nucleus wrote:

Ambassador wrote:diversity in cities (i.e. people from many places) but segregation when it comes to living and working

That is true, because I guess it is easier to segregate on language and nationality. But what can be done to make it better?

Oh, it is easy... Befriend people from a diffent race, religion, culture, etc. - through learning about each other we become better...it may not be easy at first (or rather, it my be easier not to even try). Just be an 'ambassador' to your race, nationality, gende, culture, religion, etc. and it all will be good...

It is not that easy, normally I see lack of trust, hence people are not that forthcoming to becoming friends. Normally, people trust more from their own language or nationality, hence segregation happens in the first place.

Nucleus wrote:It is not that easy, normally I see lack of trust, hence people are not that forthcoming to becoming friends. Normally, people trust more from their own language or nationality, hence segregation happens in the first place.

Someone has to make a change - it could be you. One by one, by one, by one...

Ambassador wrote:Someone has to make a change - it could be you.

Personally speaking I've lot of friends from different nationalities, language, race, and religion.