English Discontent With Foreigners
Growing Frustration in England with Different Cultures and Languages
Oct 3, 2008
In almost any country in Europe, even in the world, an attempt to learn the language reaps rewards. People become friendlier, prices can be slashed, and more accurate help can be sought if needed. Even if only a few words, with an atrocious accent, are spoken, this can be enough to evoke an appreciative response. It is this sort of situation where the old cliché that it’s the thought that counts is true – the effort is realised and is enough. Apart from England.
In England there exists still an innate disconent and disapproval of foreigners. The question is whether this remains in spite of or because of the cultural melting pot many English cities have become. It is a rare occurrence to walk down the street in London, Birmingham, Manchester or similar and hear only English voices speaking English. Even if no foreign languages are spoken, the range of accents on display is a broad one.
English discontent with foreigners
The influx of foreign cultures over the past 50 years or so has created discontent in many English homes. A growing number of English-born citizens believe that they are watching their rights disintegrate in favour of immigrants amongst a wave of political correctness and positive discrimination. This can build from vague discontentment into more solid xenophobia, which can then be unleashed in the face of a hapless tourist. Although much of the time this dislike of foreign cultures is fuelled by little to no evidence, it is no less strong for it. This, combined with the following factors, can explain many of the reasons behind xenophobia in England.
World events fuel mistrust of foreigners
World events over the past few years have done little to aid this state of affairs. Terrorist attacks such as 9/11, the London 7/7 bombings, and the furore over Denmark’s Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons have helped to further a culture of fear amongst many English people. The last of those caused more anger than fear however, as unflattering images of other religions (and religious leaders) are frequently printed, without such bloodshed and controversy. Thus some circles see Islam as a subject that is unable to be targeted, for fear of the reprisals. This can then convince more people to dislike the culture and create friction between English-based Muslims and those of other cultures within England.
Fear of the unknown and too many foreigners
A further reason for the English discontent with foreigners stems from a primeval fear of the unknown. Those of another culture, another tribe, were not to be trusted as they could spell danger for one’s own group. This most basic form of xenophobia could well set the base for much of modern day racism.
One last possible explanation for the growing frustration in England with different cultures and languages could well be due to overload. English citizens, especially those living in London or other big cities experience a plethora of different accents and languages over the course of their lives. That this leads to support for slogans such as "England for the English" is hardly surprising as the English discontent with foreigners builds.
England is not a big country, and many think that high numbers of immigrants will lead to less and less space for "pure" English people. The fact that "pure" English is a fallacy doesn’t seem to be considered. Whilst the traditional English culture may be diluted by immigration, it can also be enriched by it. England is unlikely to be solely for the English in the future, but that won’t stop some people hoping.
