London is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities on the planet - Assignment Example

London and Multiculturalism I. Introduction Diversity is already an inherent feature of modern and liberal societies. It is widely recognized as a major contributor in revitalizing all aspects of a particular community. This is the reason why the United Kingdom has actively encouraged migration since the 1970s that London became one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Statistics show that 30% of residents of the city are born out of England, which translates into 2.2 million people.

(Benedictus 2005) This report will outline the benefits as well as the risks of diversity for the city of London.II. BenefitsEssentially, multiculturalism enhances a community. It regenerates cities that are on the verge of decay. This is demonstrated in the case of the staging of the Olympics in London this year. With the event, there is an expectation of a positive effect in the population movement both inwards and outwards. Britain maintains it will create a stable, progressive and sizable community that is multi-ethnic in composition.

The Olympics is expected to bring in people, wealth and diversity with all the developments that will take place.The positive consequence can be specifically illustrated in an aspect of life in London affected by the influx of foreign migrants. Benedictus revealed how the diversity gave life to the food industry in the city. It was explained that culinary tradition is one of the things that the British way of life lacks and as the new immigrants crave for a taste of home, many restaurants offering foreign food open in new immigrant communities.

Native Londoners were quick to welcome the changes, which led to a vibrant food industry that provides for the needs of both the migrants and the Londoners alike. This example represents how immigrants contribute new ideas, new changes and new dimension to a community. According to Parekh, multiculturalism “is not about shutting oneself up in a communal or cultural ghetto and leading a segregated and self-contained life” because it is all “about opening oneself to others, learning from their insights and criticisms, and growing as a result.” III. RisksMulticulturalism is not without risks.

The spate of riots that plagued London in recent years is evidence to this point. When social integration fails, there is always the danger of conflict. There are several reasons for this. First, there is ignorance, which according to Benedictus, breeds intolerance. Unfortunately, it happens most of the time. Then, there is also the media. It feeds ignorance and encourages discrimination by stereotyping people and antagonizing immigration in its reportage. This is illustrated in how terrorism is treated.

Lurid falsehoods, wrote Benedictus, “are still the best way of getting Londoners to take any interest in the qat-chewing, dog-eating, drug-running family of terrorists next door. Somehow, it is only when foreigners are problematic that we want to read about them.” Prejudice persists because it is embedded in institutions such as the media. This is why Pakenham (2004) noted that multiculturalism is still a divisive issue. (p80) IV. ConclusionUnarguably, multiculturalism is beneficial for the city of London.

The intercultural exchange allows for a wide range of ideas, emotions, visions, skills and a host of other enabling variables that collectively make a community richer in its cultural, economic and political life. Understandably, there are still pitfalls to multicultural societies. Prejudice and intolerance still persist. However, these factors are far outweighed by the advantages and could be navigated over time. After two decades issues of discrimination, inequality and intolerance can be eliminated, resulting in a more harmonious London.

ReferencesBenedictus, L, 2005. Every race, colour, nation and religion on earth, The Guardian, [online] Available at< http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2005/jan/21/britishidentity1/print?fb=native> [Accessed 07 December 2011].Pakenham, K.J.(2004). Making Connections High Intermediate: A Strategic Approach to Academic Reading. Second Edition (Student Book). 2nd Edition. Cambridge University Press.Parekh,B.,2005. Multiculturalism is a civilised dialogue, The Guardian, [online] Available at [Accessed 07 December 2011].