This is Leicester

As of 2021, Leicester is the most densely populated of the East Midlands' 35 local authority areas, Leicester is one of the most diverse cities in the UK.Only 45% describe themselves as White British.

I am the only ‘whitey’ on the bus,

but it doesn’t feel unusual,

it doesn’t concern me,

in fact, in this city,

in this part of this city,

it is normal.

 

I don’t feel like a minority,

even though I am travelling past

Asian homes, Asian shops and

many women dressed

in traditional hijab or burka.

 

The fact I am writing about it

probably says I feel it, perceive

difference, but my sentiments are

not about white supremacy,

not about feeling dominated

or overwhelmed,

rather an acceptance of

the multicultural nature,

the diversity of this place. The rich

ethnic blend that percolates its

cultures through the indigenous

membrane by way of osmotic

exchange.

 

DNA salt strands in a helix of

heredity, diluting the gene pool

in the great big melting pot. Here

I feel rich with tastes and flavours,

with sights and aromas, here

I feel blessed with the ambiguity

of difference and the uncertainty

of ethnic diffusion.

 

And yet there are many from each

and every culture who simply see

threat and division and continue

to exist in their silos.

 

12/09/23

Reviews

[Perdition]

Powerful description of people as people when you get up close and personal. It's always brilliant what a smile will or will not bring in strange ways or comfortable towns depending. I grew up a military brat in America so we lived in tons of strange towns before the age of eight and a bully in every town, but the plethora of change was there and people were always people. We always lived "off base" so it made it a little worse but better as well. "the uncertainty of ethnic diffusion" in even ourselves... a great way to put it. This town is very much the same I'd imagine and yet completely different. wonderful read. Thanks John!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I think in America there is a tendancy to deny class and social differences even more than in other western countries. America IS the original 'melting pot' as it was born out of difference and has developed out of difference. many thanks for reading.

[Perdition]

A pleasure...Appreciated!

[Sami Khalil]

One of your best with a most outstanding message; I do like diversity, the spice of life. God, in my opinion, willed diversity of race, color, creed and so forth.
Not preaching sir, but if you allow me to mention a verse in the Koran that states: (translating loosely) I have created you into tribes, people and nations to interact and know each other . Verily, the most favored amongst of you as individuals or groups are the most righteous.
So, God looks from above and within at the content of your spirit; no regard to color, race or origin.
America is highly diverse( except the rural places as Zoe mentioned). It is a source of strength and contribution.
I believe we should be proud of our identity, but not exclude others from their rights and privileges.
The US founders were smart; they took the best of the old world, many religions, magna Carta and came up with the US constitution. Britain was the first to come up with the Magna Carta.
You are amazing, sir.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Sami, we ordinary folk are simply pawns and most of us agree with the Koran 100% no matter our own 'religion. Many thank yous for your visit.

[Sami Khalil]

Yes siiiirrrrr. You are welcome.

[John the Baptist]

The last verse is telling. Tribalism was originally a survival mechanism that let every member of the tribe know they were safe as long as they stayed with the group. The downside is the distrust of those of other tribes.Wars have been fought because of this tendency.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed John and last year there were running battles between Muslims and Hindus after an international cricket match! Thanks for stoping by.

[Zoe Richardson]

You express a couple of very important things here. One is a feeling of isolation, of being aware that those around you do not share your culture and experiences. The other is an appreciation of the exposure to other cultures. This is a distinctly Western trait. We believe we can incorporate all cultures and beliefs into one big happy family. It must surely be interesting to live in Leicester!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I don't think incorporate is the message I hoped to give. Where I live we have five distinct cultures, all pursuing thier own beliefs but living side by side. In many parts of Leicester a particular culture will saturate the area and others with be 'disuaded' from living in that area. soon they become entirely Muslim or Hindu or Sikh. Silos. Thank you for reading, good to meet you.

[Zoe Richardson]

And thank you for clarifying! I live in a mostly homegenous culture. Very rural and often insular. I wouldn't say we exclude or 'disuade' others from living here. This just isn't the most desirable location to settle into. Although, we are getting a Satrbucks soon so that might change ;)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Lol!...........

[Matthew Kult]

Culturally inclusivity. Rich in it's own right by words of wisdom and understanding. Good read.

With love,

Matthew

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Wish it could be so Matthew but too many live in community silos. Many thanks for the visit.

[Chris Shaw]

I have no problem with diversity at all. Live and let live. Our NHS reflects the rich diversity we have in the UK. The problem occurs when certain groups aren’t tolerant of the beliefs of others and will not live and let live and wish to inflict their ways on others. If everyone had your views John, we would be living in a very much happier place. I believe if you look for the good in people, you usually find it. Good to read you again John. Tolerance is key.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hi Chris, good to see you again. Just came back hoping the troll had departed but he has already tried to invade lol. We are in Sharm el Sheikh just now and the culture and customs are really heart warming. Many thanks for reading.

[Chris Shaw]

Enjoy where you are. Sounds wonderful.

[Gee]

So many areas of cities and towns now "colonised"
Back around the time Rushdie released Satanic Verses I was running a small carpet shop in Luton, an area called Bury Park, which was an all Asian occupied area, an area seen by many non Asian as a no go place. I was there for 18 months, played for a Saturday footie side called Crescent Stars, trained with the big boys in Britannia Gym and was treated with nothing but friendly respect. Good people with good hearts.
Enjoyed reading you John, hope you are keeping well.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hi Gee, Yes I know Leicester is not the only place except it does have a high concentration in the city of ethnic populations. Parts of the city are entirely Muslin or Hindu. There was recently rioting betwen the two but otherwise it a richly culturally diverse place to live. We live in a small development of 10 properties in a semi rural plot of converted farm buildings. Out of the ten there are two Muslim families, one Sikh, one Hindu and one African. We are currently in Egypt and I am trying to garner local opinion about East/West relations, Irael/Gazza etc. We went out last night accompanied by one hotel employee who offered to take us and show us the sights. Everyone has been fantastic, warm and welcoming and there are diverse views on the Gazza situation. Hope you are well.

[Arundass TP]

hijab or burka ; I was thinking when it appeared in this world. It shows diffei. Beautiful poem. Loved and enjoyed reading 👍

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you ATP