ETHNIC IDENTITIES

By Tirza Ashruf

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Black Caribbeans

Asian Indians

Eastern Europeans

A Multicultural Society

BLACK CARIBBEANS The immigration of Jamaicans and Trinidadians, who fought for Britain

in the Second World War, began in 1940.

Cultural similarities to those of the white majority – Most are also Christian or non-religious.

The Caribbeans brought their music, reggae, and their traditions, carnival, with them to the United Kingdom.

ASIAN INDIANS The other major grouping consists of those whose cultural

roots lie in and around the Indian subcontinent.

The Asian Indians immigration took place at about the same time as that from the Black Caribbeans.

The Asian Indians brought their language, Hindu/Punjabi, and their national holidays, Divali and Holi Phagwa, with them to the UK.

EASTERN EUROPEANS

Britain’s growing economy and a stronger pound have triggered a new wave of labour migration from Poland and other east European countries.

The eastern Europeans did not bring any traditions with them. The only problem was, and still is, they barely speak the English language.

Most of them came to the United Kingdom for work and for a better life.

There is no typical Russian or typical Polish tradition celebrated in the United

Kingdom.

A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The cultural backgrounds of people living in Britain changes fast and becomes increasingly varied.

The ‘new British’ have made their own contribution to British life and attitudes.

Multiculturalism is a hot topic of debate in Britain these days. Some see cultural diversity as a positive thing, the other can only see the negative side of it.

The End