British (English) society from an immigrant’s (mine actually) perspective, part 3

One of the present although to some extend suppressed fears noticeable in the British society is fear of immigration. Most British acknowledge the fact that immigration is needed but many share an opinion that it should be more controlled and certain practices curbed. Sometimes I hear about Polish mums taking benefits for their children staying back in Poland (but then they would not be able to take benefits if it was not allowed, would they?), sometimes it is just realisation how many people immigrated. There are certainly jobs nobody (British) wants to but then with time some immigrants are able to find a better one and nobody should be surprised about that.

I quickly must stress that British society is very tolerant – not just to ethnic and religious but also towards sexual minorities (gays, lesbians). Also people suffering learning disabilities or other problems have, as it seems, generally a better care and are much more present in social sphere. Personally I don’t recall any instance of being a victim of discrimination. And sadly, such tolerance would not be possible in Poland at the moment. 

 

It does not mean there are no problems. From time to time some ethnic riots take place; like in 2001 in Bradford against Pakistanis, and sometimes just between ethnic minorities (like in Birmingham in 2005 between blacks and south Asians). For a list of England riots (click here).

MG