user56565 said:
........ according to 40% of the 500 Muslims polled. Almost the same number, 41%, opposed the move.
So, this leaves 19% who abstained - perhaps unable to complete the poll due to amputation
On a more serious note I think there are many un-answered problems and issues faced by countries that encourage multi-cultural societies. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against this, and I actually think that it is a good thing - anything that allows people to 'expand their knowledge' and learn about other ways of life will allow them to be more accepting of others. (of course, I am not talking of the extremists, etc who are intent on doing harm to others because of their beliefs).
Anyway, other cultures have their religions and beliefs that are often against our laws and society's acceptance. If the country expects the person from the other culture to abide with the laws of that country, then really that country has not accepted that other person. If a person feels unaccepted, they are very likely to become defensive as they have been 'alienated' in some way. If you then 'group' alienated people together, you have in effect created a 'little army'.
In the case of the UK, for many years it has opened its doors to the world and encouraged people from other cultures to come. We have learnt many wonderful things from this and although I am sure lots of people will dispute this, we have developed as a country through this knowledge. (would we be where we are today if the Roman's hadn't invaded?
)
I think that it is right that if you visit or live in another country, you must abide by their laws but what this means that in reality is that it is never possible to have a truely 'multi-cultural' society - only a country where people from other cultures live.
So, in the case of the UK - we are trying to encourage something that is not possible to achieve - it defies logic, and is one sure way of causing animosity
We unfortunately live in a country and society that tends to look more at the negative aspects of life - i.e anything we fear is a problem rather than a 'learning experience'. This is greatly enhanced by the media. For example, when was the last time you read anything in the newspapers about something wonderful a person with mental health issues did? Much more likely to read about the 'paranoid schizophrenic' who went on a murder spree. It is the same with the reporting of 'cultural' issues - I have never read about the wonderful things done by the millions of immigrants who work hard, live to our society's rules and regulations and contribute greatly to their community
If people are afraid, they are easily controlled
Sorry for the long rant and for going off on a tangent
Also, what I have written is very generalised, so please don't take anything personally