What living among diverse UK communities can teach you
The UK has a long history of immigration and diversity that continues to consolidate to this very day. Boasting as one of the most culturally diverse nations in Europe, the UK has huge diaspora communities from around the world in its major cities. London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and smaller cities such as Bradford and Leicester all have huge communities of immigrants and diverse communities. Whilst often this melting pot of different backgrounds and people creates a chance for increased cultural experiences, it also allows people to foster open-mindedness, acceptance, adaptability, and empathy for others.
Experiencing different things and engaging with people who have completely different backgrounds can reshape thinking and change your outlook on the world. Various lessons can be learned when living in this sort of environment that can ultimately change how you engage with society and how you understand yourself.
In communities that have diversity, people start to become exposed to an array of varying beliefs, faiths, customs, languages and traditions. This exposure allows people to learn and accept that there are different ways of living life. These diverse communities could be made up of Scots, Polish, Nigerians, Jamaicans, Argentinians and Filipinos. Every single person in a diverse community brings their way of viewing the world. They have developed their worldviews according to their life experience and history, which has shaped the way they think and what they believe in.
Living in communities that are full of diversity naturally will encourage tolerance within individuals. You see this with huge community spirit being evoked in London, one of the most diverse places in the world, who come together to celebrate occasions together, grieve in tragedy together, and collectively join the daily commute to work together.
Not everyone can be the same, and there is beauty in this. Being able to share this with other humans can not only benefit the community but can also introspectively allow growth for individuals. Different people like different things. Different people do different things. Being exposed to this diversity also helps you understand rather than assume.
It becomes second nature to accept and become tolerant of differences rather than ostracise or persecute. It is widely accepted in the world that not everyone is going to like a single given product or service; that is why there are so many out there trying to cater to all needs. Taking time to research could possibly cause a change of heart in many cases, or simply help to gather more information. For instance, a review of Mr Punter provides access to information about bonuses and gaming options, all of which may interest people enough to make them join a gaming community.
Other people’s reviews on the website where you are purchasing the latest robot vacuum cleaner can be beneficial in letting you know how it would suit you. A friend or family member may get in touch with you to recommend a new coffee shop you should try. Gaining perspective and reviews from others helps people make their decision on what they want to purchase, but ultimately, everyone likes different things. The same is true of humans. People are diverse, multifaceted, and made up of different backgrounds. As such, tolerance is key. And living within diversity breeds tolerance and further diversity. Recognising differences and celebrating them without trying to erase them is useful and a key thing many in the UK learn when living in diverse communities.
A diverse community tends to be much more vibrant and creative than a uniform one. In the UK, diaspora communities offer differing food, festivals and art. Walking down the streets such as the Curry Mile in Manchester offers endless Indian food for individuals, whilst the oldest Chinatown in Europe, based in Liverpool, offers cuisine that has slowly become embedded in Britain but adds a flavour far from the domestic traditional cuisine that would otherwise be on offer without diversity. Carnival in London, Diwali Celebrations, annual Pride Marches and the Celtic Beltane Festival all bring spark to cities across the UK, bridging gaps between communities, enriching all those who take part. This gives people a chance to enjoy themselves whilst celebrating different cultures or taking part in their own.
In turn, the economic impacts of diversity can be both innovative and promote growth. Diverse communities see the rise of unique businesses that intrigue both the local community and wider footfall. Not only do these restaurants, shops and services support the people they serve, they also offer employment options and continue to encourage those who are not traditionally part of such communities to understand and become involved.
Modern Britain is now a proudly diverse community and this has shifted the national identity goalposts. The diversity that is apparent in UK communities has ultimately changed what it means to be British, for the better.
There are now generational identities of British people who identify as dual nationals. You can be British and proud, but also be Syrian and proud, or Romanian and proud. This dual identity reflects modern Britain and offers growth for the country, whereby the diversity can create opportunity. It offers a chance to learn.
Living in diverse UK communities can be extremely powerful. It can be informative and educational. It can be thought-provoking and open you up to compassion for others. It teaches you to listen to people’s stories, appreciate other people’s norms or customs, and offers a chance to learn to respect others. In a world that is so often divided, diversity offers a chance for people to learn from others, grow together and use it as a strength.
The editorial unit
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