Londoners - how has diversity enriched your life?
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Original post by Swindle
As a Londoner, I'm aware that phrases such as "cultural melting pot", "multicultural","cosmopolitan" and "diversity" are often associated with the capital.
People I've come across tend speak of London's diverse population in a postive manner and are quick to highlight it as one of the capital's strengths. But they rarely say how specifically living in such a diverse environment has enriched their lives.
I don't really see the cultural and social advantages of living in such an environment anymore.I feel that London's increased diversity has lead to society becoming fragmented and less trustworthy. Yes, I am surrounded by many different types of people, but I've also noticed that ethnic groups (this includes white groups) tend to congregrate in insular communities which nullifies the supposed benefits of living among different people.
I also feel the varying degrees of difference leads to a level of friction among people that you simply wouldn't see in a less diverse environment. This usually results in flashpoints of violence and confrontation - fuelled by the vast cultural differences that emerge from London's high levels of diversity.
When you have such a broad gamut of cultural difference, there's less social cohesion. There's less respect for your fellow man or woman. And I see the effects of that frequently in London.
I believe the actual cultural benefits of living in London's multicultural society are an illusion. I live in a borough where they is a high population of black (west African and Carribbean) people and oriental (Chinese and Vietnamese) people and yet I feel like I have gained very little (culturally) from living among them.
Now, I'm not saying that I'd rather live in a a small rural village where everyone sports an English pudding face - I think diversity is good to a point, but I feel the high level of diversity that exists within London has lead to a society that feels incredibly culturally segregated and untrustworthy.
How has London's diversity enriched your life?
Maybe it hasn't and you can identify with the thoughts above.
Share your opinions.
People I've come across tend speak of London's diverse population in a postive manner and are quick to highlight it as one of the capital's strengths. But they rarely say how specifically living in such a diverse environment has enriched their lives.
I don't really see the cultural and social advantages of living in such an environment anymore.I feel that London's increased diversity has lead to society becoming fragmented and less trustworthy. Yes, I am surrounded by many different types of people, but I've also noticed that ethnic groups (this includes white groups) tend to congregrate in insular communities which nullifies the supposed benefits of living among different people.
I also feel the varying degrees of difference leads to a level of friction among people that you simply wouldn't see in a less diverse environment. This usually results in flashpoints of violence and confrontation - fuelled by the vast cultural differences that emerge from London's high levels of diversity.
When you have such a broad gamut of cultural difference, there's less social cohesion. There's less respect for your fellow man or woman. And I see the effects of that frequently in London.
I believe the actual cultural benefits of living in London's multicultural society are an illusion. I live in a borough where they is a high population of black (west African and Carribbean) people and oriental (Chinese and Vietnamese) people and yet I feel like I have gained very little (culturally) from living among them.
Now, I'm not saying that I'd rather live in a a small rural village where everyone sports an English pudding face - I think diversity is good to a point, but I feel the high level of diversity that exists within London has lead to a society that feels incredibly culturally segregated and untrustworthy.
How has London's diversity enriched your life?
Maybe it hasn't and you can identify with the thoughts above.
Share your opinions.
Lets not beat around the Bush here OP. What your're really saying is that you would prefer a city with no black people...
Why is this? Are you threatened by their presence or do you just not like them ?
Posted from TSR Mobile
Im black and went to a school where you could count the amount of black people on one hand. White dominated, although there were a few more asians than us blacks.
Id noticed that we were seen as threats for no Apparent reason which caused many of the whites to treat us differntly or hold back a lot in general. So we all decided to stick with eachother, because with eachother we could be ourselves and feel safe...not that i didnt feel safe as i wouldve knocked any mother****er out lol..off topic.
But yeah this is basically what you see happening in london everyone is sticking with their own. Just like weve always done. I do have a lot of white friends though lol im not going to lie you guys host the best parties
Posted from TSR Mobile
Id noticed that we were seen as threats for no Apparent reason which caused many of the whites to treat us differntly or hold back a lot in general. So we all decided to stick with eachother, because with eachother we could be ourselves and feel safe...not that i didnt feel safe as i wouldve knocked any mother****er out lol..off topic.
But yeah this is basically what you see happening in london everyone is sticking with their own. Just like weve always done. I do have a lot of white friends though lol im not going to lie you guys host the best parties
Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by Saint-Saens
****ing hell, you have been brainwashed by the Guardian
It has been one of the most important cities on earth since the 1600s, if not earlier.
And it isn't over, other countries are just improving which is a good thing
It has been one of the most important cities on earth since the 1600s, if not earlier.
And it isn't over, other countries are just improving which is a good thing
Of course every city has been important for a LONG time but has it been the best? hardly.
Other countries are improving thanks to diversity. London is only for the elite foreigners now.
Original post by Michael_Real
Lets not beat around the Bush here OP. What your're really saying is that you would prefer a city with no black people...
Why is this? Are you threatened by their presence or do you just not like them ?
Posted from TSR Mobile
Why is this? Are you threatened by their presence or do you just not like them ?
Posted from TSR Mobile
When did the OP at any point say that he would prefer a city with no black people? Looking for an argument when there isn't one smh
I am French, and lived in a variety of world cities, including European cities across France and Germany.
I lived and worked 5 years in London, before that I lived in Germany and before that in the USA.
So I believe I am well qualified to judge London life.
I think London is a love it or hate it kind of place for many people. The diversity is not really a problem.
The big problems for me are threefolds:
1. Crime.
2. Price of real estate in London.
3. Amount of people in London.
Although London is an amazing place to WORK in, many people could say its a stressful place to live in. And for me, the cost of living, driven high by real estate, is the biggest cause of unhappiness I see.
For example in other European cities in Germany and France, we do have some diversity (although its not as extreme as in London), but I think because the cities are liveable rent-wise, we are able to live relatively peacefully.
London is a city which is extremely divided between the extremely wealthy, and the 99% who "live the grind" (as Ive lived), and I can see that for the 99%, you can end up blaming things like the weather or diversity for the problems. But looking back, I really think the real estate costs are the biggest problem.
Living in flatshares with 5 people, in decent area (you have to), paying over 1000Euros per month, is insanity.
Especially since the salaries will not be amazingly higher than the rest of Europe, unless you secure a high level gig.
But again...This is the view I think of the average European, who wants a comfortable living.
Many people love the gritty London lifestyle, living in overcrowded flatshares, in low cost areas (which are often also edgy and hip), taking the tube back and forth, etc....I can understand that. I miss that sometimes.
But...I prefer the calm normal European cities, where living is more "Normal" so to speak.
London is brilliant if you have a high level purpose there.
If you dont, I wouldnt recommend as average living place.
I lived and worked 5 years in London, before that I lived in Germany and before that in the USA.
So I believe I am well qualified to judge London life.
I think London is a love it or hate it kind of place for many people. The diversity is not really a problem.
The big problems for me are threefolds:
1. Crime.
2. Price of real estate in London.
3. Amount of people in London.
Although London is an amazing place to WORK in, many people could say its a stressful place to live in. And for me, the cost of living, driven high by real estate, is the biggest cause of unhappiness I see.
For example in other European cities in Germany and France, we do have some diversity (although its not as extreme as in London), but I think because the cities are liveable rent-wise, we are able to live relatively peacefully.
London is a city which is extremely divided between the extremely wealthy, and the 99% who "live the grind" (as Ive lived), and I can see that for the 99%, you can end up blaming things like the weather or diversity for the problems. But looking back, I really think the real estate costs are the biggest problem.
Living in flatshares with 5 people, in decent area (you have to), paying over 1000Euros per month, is insanity.
Especially since the salaries will not be amazingly higher than the rest of Europe, unless you secure a high level gig.
But again...This is the view I think of the average European, who wants a comfortable living.
Many people love the gritty London lifestyle, living in overcrowded flatshares, in low cost areas (which are often also edgy and hip), taking the tube back and forth, etc....I can understand that. I miss that sometimes.
But...I prefer the calm normal European cities, where living is more "Normal" so to speak.
London is brilliant if you have a high level purpose there.
If you dont, I wouldnt recommend as average living place.
Original post by Bill_Gates
Of course every city has been important for a LONG time but has it been the best? hardly.
Other countries are improving thanks to diversity. London is only for the elite foreigners now.
Other countries are improving thanks to diversity. London is only for the elite foreigners now.
No they aren't. Europe isn't improving. The United States isn't.
Brainwashed
Original post by Saint-Saens
No they aren't. Europe isn't improving. The United States isn't.
Brainwashed
Brainwashed
yeah ok. Sounds like another loser from globalisation. Enjoy poverty.
Britains bottom 10%.
Original post by Bill_Gates
yeah ok. Sounds like another loser from globalisation. Enjoy poverty.
Britains bottom 10%.
Britains bottom 10%.
No I'm in the top 1% of the country. How do third world immigrants improve it?
Trump will sort this mess out
Original post by Saint-Saens
No I'm in the top 1% of the country. How do third world immigrants improve it?
Trump will sort this mess out
Trump will sort this mess out
I bet you are. Enjoy being there. You are the new third world citizen of the world LOL racist and backwards. That was always the plan of the elite. We don't care for patriotic peasant ways.
Enjoy the council areas and benefits.
Original post by Bill_Gates
I bet you are. Enjoy being there. You are the new third world citizen of the world LOL racist and backwards. That was always the plan of the elite. We don't care for patriotic peasant ways.
Enjoy the council areas and benefits.
Enjoy the council areas and benefits.
You are in the anarchist society and the 'anti-racism' society *snork*
A pitiful beta male if I ever saw one. Let me guess.... you 'need feminism' because x
People like you fear Trump, because he represents the kids who bullied you in school
Original post by Saint-Saens
You are in the anarchist society and the 'anti-racism' society *snork*
A pitiful beta male if I ever saw one. Let me guess.... you 'need feminism' because x
People like you fear Trump, because he represents the kids who bullied you in school
A pitiful beta male if I ever saw one. Let me guess.... you 'need feminism' because x
People like you fear Trump, because he represents the kids who bullied you in school
lost? sorry don't infatuate your working class ways on me. I'm sorry you can't get girls, they go for resources. Enjoy racism.
Original post by Bill_Gates
lost? sorry don't infatuate your working class ways on me. I'm sorry you can't get girls, they go for resources. Enjoy racism.
I currently study at an ivy league uni and have wealthy parents both sides of the atlantic.
Working class ways? you are an anarchist. How old are you... 12?
Capitalism will always win. Get used to it
And by the way; incorrect use of infatuate. Not sure what you were going for there
Better restaurants.
It's the norm to me as I have lived in London all of my life. To someone who hasn't lived in London, I can understand how odd (in a positive or negative way) such a diverse place can seem. But to me I like it and I don't really look at it too much because I live on a road where all of my neighbours are from different ethnicities.
Original post by Michael_Real
Lets not beat around the Bush here OP. What your're really saying is that you would prefer a city with no black people...
Why is this? Are you threatened by their presence or do you just not like them ?
Posted from TSR Mobile
Why is this? Are you threatened by their presence or do you just not like them ?
Posted from TSR Mobile
No is the answer to both of your questions.
Despite quoting my post, you still failed to see that I take aim at all ethnic groups. I also made it clear that I didn't want to live in an area where everyone is (white) English. Gotta brush up on that reading.
Questioning the social and cultural effects of (London's) growing diversity isn't racist as you're trying to suggest.
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by Swindle
No is the answer to both of your questions.
Despite quoting my post, you still failed to see that I take aim at all ethnic groups. I also made it clear that I didn't want to live in an area where everyone is (white) English. Gotta brush up on that reading.
Questioning the social and cultural effects of (London's) growing diversity isn't racist as you're trying to suggest.
Despite quoting my post, you still failed to see that I take aim at all ethnic groups. I also made it clear that I didn't want to live in an area where everyone is (white) English. Gotta brush up on that reading.
Questioning the social and cultural effects of (London's) growing diversity isn't racist as you're trying to suggest.
It is racist. Why are you questioning the natural demographics of the earth? It's made up mostly of Asians now. 25% are muslim, 30% are christian. It is very diverse. Either get with the programme or fall behind.
I'm South Asian and I'd much rather prefer to live in London where's its diverse, rather than a place outside of London that's not as diverse.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by Bill_Gates
It is racist. Why are you questioning the natural demographics of the earth? It's made up mostly of Asians now. 25% are muslim, 30% are christian. It is very diverse. Either get with the programme or fall behind.
Why can't I question it? You don't get to decide what people can or cannot discuss.
Original post by bubblegumcat
I'm South Asian and I'd much rather prefer to live in London where's its diverse, rather than a place outside of London that's not as diverse.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Posted from TSR Mobile
Do you live in an area where the population is predominately South Asian?
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by Swindle
enriched their lives
Not at all, as you may know many people tend to mix with alike and thus there is no increased diversity or benefits. Probably disadvantages as people don;t socialise with their communities as much, could be due to a lack of common heritage, say going to the same school etc... who knows? Equally I feel that it has created great tensions in terms of putting pressures on places for great local schools, houses and I dare say jobs.
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