Amalie Nielsen 2.

A Immigration, national identity and multiculturalism Afleveringsdato: 07/09/2012

What is the price for a clear conscience?

Indeed the question sounds simple! Much unlike the possible consequences of obtaining the so-called clear conscience. Are we actually playing Russian roulette and staking our safe and well-functioning society by being this accepting towards immigrants and cultures with so great differences to our own? Millions of millions of pounds are each year making its way out to the pockets of the still increasing number of immigrants. Money, often hiding behind charity sounding names such as social security and many others. In excess of this, there is to add all the expenses in connection with integration of these immigrants to make them feel a part of a unity and strengthen their quality of life. All of this is done, because we feel obligated and responsible to support the less fortunate, and is an attempt to make them feel part of our unity. To make them feel British! At this point we face a problem. Do we even know what the axioms of becoming true British are? Many authors have through the years tried to define Britishness, but have all been deflated under the cynicism of a country whose conviction is based on an aversion to be defined by any one persons sentences. Despite this, Danny Boyle is giving us a point in the right direction, by concluding that in order to fully understand the nation it requires an acceptance of the traditions as well as an acceptance and understanding of the conflicts and resolutions in the islands long historical tail. Another problem, pointed out by Mr. Cameron is about the decades old multicultural policy based on the principle of the right of all groups in Britain to live by their own traditional values is failing in clarifying a sense of common identity. This passive tolerance is encouraging segregation between native Britons and immigrants, and can be a problematic factor in the fight against terrorism as it allows Islamic extremists to radicalize young Muslims. Britain is one of the most active bases for terrorist plots. As many as 2,000 Muslims in Britain are involved in terrorists cells and are making a threat to the British population, as well as to the rest of the world. To put a real effort in defeating terrorism, the British nation has to get to the root of the problem by focusing on intensifying their effort inside the borders, and not just outside. This is where the crowd is divided. On the one hand we have the opinion saying we should try to make them feel home in order to convert their loyalty towards our country. Through that we can hope for the numbers of terrorist plots to decrease along with their increasing feeling of belonging to this nation compared to their native country. On the other hand we have the more cynical view on the situation, which support the idea of a more or less mainstream society and along with that, tightening of the refugee policy.

Amalie Nielsen 2.A Immigration, national identity and multiculturalism Afleveringsdato: 07/09/2012 Off course, there are both pros and cons for having a multicultural country as well as there are costs and benefits, and therefor arguments supporting each of the two points of view. There is no doubt that the ultimate society is not only build on values and experiences from one culture alone, but is a unification of the positive fundamental ideas from each of all the cultures existing. Multiculturalism cannot only work as a source for inspiration but help us achieve a far more nuanced outlook on matters, than if we were only under influence by people with the same mind-set as ourselves. When taking a look at multiculturalism from another view, there is as made clear in the introduction, one particular counterargument for preferring a more or less mainstream society. Greater diversity equals greater potential for conflicts. As seen all over the world, through all history, the main ingredient in obstinacy leading to war is cultural differences. This is something our country must prevent, no matter the affection on the conscience of our nation. In the end, I can be convinced that a successful integration particularly depends on the mind of the population, in great contrast to the contemporary way off integrating immigrants. By having an open mind, immigrants will feel welcome and not just fed with money, because it is the easiest way for the government. The population must be convinced, that progress is impossible if things will be done, and if people think, the way they always have.