Racism and the diaspora
A definite pattern emerges from the responses given to the poll questions put to our surfers, indicating how the Asian diaspora lives in the land they have adopted.
Over the past 12 months, our poll questions have shown that Racism ranks high in the list of issues that matter most to the diaspora. Unfortunately, many always say a huge "yes" when asked if the racist attitude in Britain in very high.
Here is what the community generally feels: Racist attitude is on the rise in Britain, they are not confident that the Metropolitan Police will handle their complaints against racism adequately, schools in Britain are largely racist, the Britishness tests are discriminatory and significantly, that the media has been largely adopting a racist tone against the migrants and it generally focuses on negative issues related to the ethnic minority.
Are steps taken by the British government to deal with racism adequate?
Have you been a victim of racism in Britain. Share your experience with us and let us and all the surfers learn more about the issue.
Culture Clash
The polls also reveal the diaspora as a community which has preserved its ethnic culture and takes pride in the fact that many things Asian are in vogue in Britian and have been adopted by the Briton. The diaspora strives to preserve its identity and hangs its head in shame when cases of crime in its community rise.
Culture Clash
The polls also reveal the diaspora as a community which has preserved its ethnic culture and takes pride in the fact that many things Asian are in vogue in Britian and have been adopted by the Briton. The diaspora strives to preserve its identity and hangs its head in shame when cases of crime in its community rise.
While the Indian community has contributed well to Britain and its people have stepped beyond ethnic lines to be widely accepted by the whites also, there have been shocking instances which have embarrassed the community.
Questions probing whether cases like the Lakhani case, missing Indian women cricketers have shamed the community elicited a strong "yes". But the acknowledgement is a sign of hope. Mistakes can be corrected only when there is a recognition of the fault. That the steadily improving lifestyle is also leading to more crime and aggression is a fact borne out by our stories from the UK Bureau, also.
The issue of lifestyle is closely related to another dilemma which has manifest itself in a rash of honour killings. Friction arises when the comparatively conservative immigrant culture comes into contact with the liberal western culture leading also to a generational clash. The second generation immigrant's want to tread the path of the liberal west but their family sees it a loss of honour and feels they are straying. The community is seen as still as wary of forging relationships outside the community.
Do you think marrying outside the community will lead to a loss of ethnic identity and culture?
Do you have an instance to share which shows that culture can be kept intact even if one has relationships outside the community? Do you feel the Asian community needs to adopt a broader outlook and linking cultures does not mean dissolving your identity? Write to us and share your story with the Asian community at large.
An eye on India
Indians have indeed kept their eyes and ears peeled to the political scene in India and have actively agitated to decry instances of communal violence back home. The Gujarat riots led to british asians protesting Modi's visit to the UK and an active campaign for his arrest. The BJP-led Govt wins high points from the NRI community who feel its policies have been friendly to them. Here's more: They would like to see a BJP-led government at the Centre again, thanks to PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's image as a statesman who has enhanced India's image on the international fora and skillfully handled dealings with Pak.
Do you think the BJP-led Govt will win the Lok Sabha polls?
Is the BJP all about Vajpayee? Will the party still be a big force without Vajpayee at the helm? Who do you think has given better governance and dealt well with the diaspora - the Congress or the BJP? Speak out your mind on the political situation in India.
Bollywood is badshah
Can diaspora dealings end ever without a mention of Bollywood? A huge majority agreed that away from home, Bollywood is a uniting factor for the diaspora. Three cheers to the Mumbai matinees which drown differences of caste and colour in its riot of song and dance.
So, now how about a poll on the poll tales.
Do you think the picture drawn from the poll tales is largely true?
We have touched on just a few issues in poll tales. Let us know what other issues affect you most as an Asian diaspora in Britain.