A repost of an older post of mine…. Seeing as I brought up the EU Referendum earlier!
I’m not a great one at remembering who said what, quote wise, though, if in an argument with Hubby Dearest, I can remember the second something was said, and by whom!
Ok, only just started and already going off tangent!
So, where was I? Oh yes, I was thinking about something someone once said, about immigration, and whether we want a melting pot or a metaphorical salad bowl…
I liked that whole thought. We’re all different, and if integrated properly, all the different cultures around us, living together, make a veritable smorgasbord of flavours for us to enjoy.
I know the original quote was regarding America, but it goes for everywhere, doesn’t it? Every country where there is a large number of different cultures living together, every school where there are many different children, and even within families, because, even within cultures, there are very different types of people, and if we were all the same, how boring would it be?
When you move to another country, I believe you definitely should NOT forget where you came from, or what your background was/is.
But that you need to remember that you are moving somewhere that has different ideals and sensibilities. And this should be respected.
Where I live now, in Kent, we are part of a large Sikh population that moved here mainly in the 50’s and 60’s. At that time, I’d imagine the thoughts of the general Gravesendian population would have been thinking where have these brown faces with cloth wrapped around their heads come from?
But over the years, and with hard work, most of these people built businesses, set up home and brought their families over. We see the Sikh Gurdwara standing, side by side with churches, and over the average year, as much as Christian festivals, and days of importance in the British calendar are observed, the same importance is given to the Sikh festivals, with Vaisakhi, a festival Sikhs give a lot of importance to as it signifies the birth of the Khalsa, being celebrated in such a way, the majority of the town is shut to allow a grand procession to go through, and everyone, from all walks of life are welcome to join in, and they do!
The same at Diwali, or Bandi Chorr Diwas, where we celebrate the festival of light. It’s spectacular, the fireworks, the lighting up of the temple, then days before, or after, we all celebrate Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night with the GB population!
Yes, there are areas in town where it is a bit Indian-ified, punjabi shops catering for food and clothing needs, but who doesn’t like the restaurants, with authentic food, that have also popped up over the years?!
In the beginning, many of the men found it hard with their turbans, so many cut their hair, to fit in, much to the chagrin of their families back home, and gave themselves English names so the English tongue didn’t find it hard to say their names. Jagdeep became Jack, Satinder became Steve, and so on. And children where registered with simple names, and hair cut from the beginning so the child didn’t suffer any bullying at school. There were, however, those individuals who refused to change their exteriors to fit in, and this didn’t hinder them in the long run. Yes, it might have been a slightly harder integration, but they wanted to be accepted, and their religion respected, as well as being able to show they could do all the jobs just as well as your average hair cut individual!
But times have changed, a Sikh person is now proud to wear a turban, if they are baptised, or even if not, and many of our children go to Punjabi school alongside their normal education to keep a grasp of their roots. The majority of children have their UK born parents to impart the knowledge which will help them day to day, and grandparents who will help them with their cultural roots.
When I first moved here, I found it a bit wierd, having grown up in quite an anglicised area in Birmingham, in a predominantly white school, with lots of brown interaction through my large family. I walked into the town centre here, not long after getting married, and so many faces were brown, like mine! But there were no worries, everyone got on just fine! There were very few obvious looking Muslims and I didn’t see many Afro Caribbean people initially. But that changed too over the years.
Now we have a huge addition of Eastern Europeans in the mix. And I feel like the way everyone talks about them now is probably what the locals were saying about Indians all those years ago. There are a few differences though, not so many of these new additions finding employment, instead, being housed, and having rather a lot of children.
But going back to what I originally started thinking about, with this post in mind… It’s so nice to be able to live side by side, stand beside one another, celebrate your differences, add a different dimension to the community. But don’t try and create your own land within another… What was the point of moving, if that was all you wanted? Heck it’s not like the weather is any better here! Live by the rules of the country you move to, don’t forget your background, your culture, they make you who you are… as much as the place you move to, and the people who are from there, their beliefs and culture, make them the people they are too.
I like salad!
Shailaja V
Oct 23, 2017 @ 17:02:51
I agree with you. I spent my formative years in Kenya and I am a south Indian who blended comfortably with Native Kenyans and Gujaratis, who made up the bulk of the population in Nairobi. It was a fascinating experience. I also believe that a large part of my openness towards people was shaped by my growing up in such a diverse mix. Our school had a lot of people from different ethnic backgrounds and we just fit . We (my sis and I) wore bindis to school and followed our customs without any impingement from the school management or the faculty. It was heartening to grow up then. I hope the same is true of the world ahead.
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Ritu
Oct 23, 2017 @ 17:34:58
Love it Shailaja! My parents were born and brought up in Kenya too. Their diverse upbringing definitely coloured ours!
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Ritu
Oct 21, 2017 @ 20:26:49
Lol!
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fancypaperblog
Oct 21, 2017 @ 13:42:38
I think diversity is making the world so much better. I am doing a film study Bend it like Beckham with my class and it is unbelievable how little they knew about Sikhism but made for a few fab and informative lessons.
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Ritu
Oct 21, 2017 @ 15:17:12
Truly! That was a ground breaking film in many as. Did you see Bhaji on the beach? Another Gurinder Chadda one?
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fancypaperblog
Oct 27, 2017 @ 19:27:12
I never saw it but heard about it. Must get on it.
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Ritu
Oct 27, 2017 @ 19:33:17
😊
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thebeasley
Oct 21, 2017 @ 12:12:59
I like salad too! Having spent a bit of time in the US, I find the UK much more integrated as a country. I love how more and more we’re celebrating each others’ cultures. My daughter adores Diwali and they really celebrate it at her school. It holds such a wonderful message as does Christmas etc. It can only be a good thing, this mixed salad that is being served up 👍🏻
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Ritu
Oct 21, 2017 @ 12:17:42
And it’s healthy too!!!
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robbiesinspiration
Oct 21, 2017 @ 12:09:52
An interesting post, Ritu.
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Ritu
Oct 21, 2017 @ 12:17:22
Thanks Robbie xx
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MindOverMeta
Oct 21, 2017 @ 10:53:46
I grew up in East London where children from many different cultures and ethnicities mixed with one another. I never remember there being a ‘them and us’ feeling. Unfortunately, where I live now is a very ‘white’ community and where it does feel like a more ‘them and us’ culture. I hope to move back nearer to London one day because I loved the mixing of cultures. It makes life so much richer and more interesting 🙂
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Ritu
Oct 21, 2017 @ 10:55:39
It really does! But alas, so many don’t seem to understand the benefits of a multicultural society…
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amindfultravellerblog
Oct 21, 2017 @ 09:56:32
Great to see you at Suzis’s party Ritu!
Salad Rules! Here in Melbourne we have such a diverse mix of nationalities and religions. It’s so important and vital to our communities as we learn so much from each other. Great post Ritu. X
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Ritu
Oct 21, 2017 @ 10:52:01
Thank you so much! It is definitely a better place when we can appreciate each others cultures!
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suzyhomemakeruk
Oct 21, 2017 @ 09:39:22
I’m all for salad, much more healthy! Did I know you were a Gravesendonian, or is age getting the better of me? waves Love me (ex-Dartfordonian) via The Suzie Speaks Blog Party
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Ritu
Oct 21, 2017 @ 10:51:08
I think we spoke (wrote) about it very early on in our relationship!!!!!
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suzyhomemakeruk
Oct 21, 2017 @ 18:43:10
Age, then. Thought so! lol
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Diana Frajman
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:38:48
In Canada, salad rules! 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:39:16
Yay for salad!!!
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Jennifer
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:08:42
I’m from America, so, of course, I’m leaning towards the Melting Pot. But really, the analogy works for that as well. Each person/culture adds to and doesn’t diminish from the American culture. Each brings their own flavor, which is distinct, but at the same time adds to the new dish that’s created when all the flavors are melted together. (Unfortunately, sometimes someone comes along and sets the pot to boil when really, it should be at a nice simmer to marry the flavors.)
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:37:25
This is true too… as long as I guess we dont lose our identities!
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Lutheranliar
Jun 22, 2017 @ 13:02:23
I like salad, too. Especially with ingredients like you tossed in (!) xoxoxo
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:34:43
Lol! Thanks sweetie! 😚😚😚
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anhistorianabouttown
Jun 22, 2017 @ 12:14:48
Canada is far from perfect and we have a long way to go, but we believe in a mosaic! Everyone fits together as they are, and that is the beauty- I think it’s beautiful, and I’m proud of this policy 😊 this is a great post!!
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2017 @ 16:34:18
A mosaic sounds like a great way to think!
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barkhabale
Jun 22, 2016 @ 11:37:31
nice
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2016 @ 18:04:15
Thanks 😊
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susieshy45
Jun 22, 2016 @ 07:20:29
Loved this post, Ritu. I live in a country as an immigrant without passport of the host country. Here there are a lot like me and most of us try to create our own world within the country we live in. I agree with you that we need to integrate and mix with locals, as much as will be allowed by the local culture. I am not sure where to draw the line though or even if a line should be drawn. Should there be borders at all ? Isn’t the whole world one and aren’t we all keepers of the world we have been gifted.
Thanks for sharing your perspective and loved it.
Susie
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2016 @ 07:31:32
Thank you Susie 😊
I don’t think it is wrong at all to try and recreate a little of your own community, but what isn’t right is those who don’t have any intention of integrating.
Keeping your identity is hugely important, but you don’t have to lose it to integrate.
As long as there is respect from both sides, we can live like a delicious salad forever!!!!
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susieshy45
Jun 22, 2016 @ 10:34:41
I agree- did you find out about the preview option for your book- please let me know.
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2016 @ 18:03:42
I haven’t found out yet! 😮 I will do!!
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Erika Kind
Jun 22, 2016 @ 07:04:43
I remember this post very well and it couldn’t be more fitting this week and these times in general!
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2016 @ 07:05:55
Thanks sis! That’s what I thought!!! 😘
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Erika Kind
Jun 22, 2016 @ 07:14:02
So we will see tomorrow…😘 😘 😘
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2016 @ 07:28:08
We will indeed!!!
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amommasview
Jun 22, 2016 @ 06:34:07
I love salad! What a great post. Excellent (in Linda’s words) indeed. You are so right. It’s not about giving up on who you are. It’s about re-inventing yourself without giving up on anything. It’s adding more layers, more flavors. The word “more” stands out. Maybe in mixing everything you actually become more…
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2016 @ 06:54:15
I do believe that Sandra. But those that come over to a new country or place need to realize that too… Compromise or adaptability … Important things! You don’t need to lose your identity, but you may need to adapt! 😊
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amommasview
Jun 22, 2016 @ 07:50:25
I know!
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joey
Jun 22, 2016 @ 02:53:55
I like salad too. I really require diversity.
I first read about that when I was in Multi-Cultural Education. Man, I loved that class.
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2016 @ 06:50:08
It so important to be able to mix, without diluting… If you know what I mean 😊
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joey
Jun 22, 2016 @ 12:09:29
I do 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2016 @ 18:04:34
😀
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vanbytheriver
Jun 21, 2016 @ 23:09:03
I love this. Excellent. 💖
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Ritu
Jun 22, 2016 @ 06:45:40
Thank you Van! ❤️
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Josh Wrenn
Jun 21, 2016 @ 20:03:33
I agree! Every culture brings something unique and positive to the table. So let’s put it all in a salad instead of melting it down to form something unrecognizable.
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Ritu
Jun 21, 2016 @ 20:55:13
Yay! Salad rules! !!!!!!!
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ladyleemanila
Jun 21, 2016 @ 19:47:34
Reblogged this on ladyleemanila and commented:
I like salad, too! Thanks, Ritu for the lovely post ❤
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Bare Naked in Public
Nov 18, 2015 @ 02:16:07
I work at a school with a very diverse population. I love it! I feel as though I experience cultures from all over the world every single day.
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Ritu
Nov 18, 2015 @ 07:53:22
It’s a great opportunity to learn, yourself, as well as educate too!
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dray0308
Nov 16, 2015 @ 05:27:21
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
Meet But I Smile Anyway…!!
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Ritu
Nov 16, 2015 @ 07:57:17
Thank you!
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dray0308
Nov 16, 2015 @ 14:12:28
It is my pleasure!
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Erika Kind
Nov 15, 2015 @ 20:27:30
Fantastic, sis! This is exactly what I think too. We must should never feel the neey to deny or ignore our roots and origin. But moving to a different culture means that we have to accept their rules and integrate (learning the language for example). I am glad when different cultures mix in order to learn more about the other culture as well! Nobody gets hurt but everybody benefits a lot. That is what makes everyhing whole. There is so much color on this planet. Only living in green gets frustrating after a while. Wonderful, wonderful post!!! 💖
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Ritu
Nov 15, 2015 @ 20:43:27
Thank,you sis. It was an olde post which I had scheduled for tonight… And how appropriate, considering all that is going on right now…
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Erika Kind
Nov 15, 2015 @ 20:58:41
That is so amazing! It was meant to be! I experienced that so often too with my quotes, which I always schedule more than a week ahead. We are all within this one energy and driven by it without even noticing. Wonderful!
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Ritu
Nov 15, 2015 @ 21:58:02
It is amazing indeed! 🙂
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Erika Kind
Nov 15, 2015 @ 22:11:52
😊 👍
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Nardia
Feb 25, 2015 @ 00:05:23
Such a great perspective! We’re having this debate a lot in Australia at the moment in the aftermath of a terrorist siege in Sydney (where two hostages, plus the terrorist gunman were killed). Sadly it has been bringing the ignorant and racist out of the woodwork. You know the ones, they yelp uninformed views at every opportunity and condemn anyone who isn’t white anglo-saxon to return to their ancestral homes. Bit ironic really given we’re a country founded on convict immigration methinks!
One positive thing though is that the voices of reason are also stepping up and yelling out too and we’re slowing starting to see a shift in the demonstration of our ability to embrace cultural diversity in our Country and not just paying lip service to it (google #illridewithyou to see what I mean). We live in a very confusing and challenging time and with social media at our finger tips, it’s easy for keyboard warriors to disseminate their vile hatred-filled views… but I think the tide is changing. I hope the tide is changing, coz I like salad too!
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Ritu
Feb 25, 2015 @ 07:24:37
I hope so too hun! 😊 thanks for reading!!
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sunsetdragon
Feb 24, 2015 @ 04:00:03
I love sad, especially crab salad.
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Ritu
Feb 24, 2015 @ 07:12:02
Not a big seafood fan… But hey salads great! 😁
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Ritu
Feb 23, 2015 @ 23:11:00
Reblogged this on But I Smile Anyway… and commented:
Just another early post I was reading, and was really happy with! 😊
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free speaking
Dec 30, 2014 @ 14:36:56
I used to live in Gravesend back in 97′ I then moved to Northfleet before medway towns and somehow ended up in Essex. We looked at a house at the beginning of the year to buy down there but the prices seem to have gone up a huge amount. The indian community were never an issue when I lived there. I actually preferred living among them than a lot of the white English I have lived among.
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Ritu
Dec 30, 2014 @ 14:39:54
Well hello to a practical neighbour!
And thanks, we’re ok, us Indians! (well, most of us! ;P)
thank you for commenting!
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TvKapherr, CatsattheBar & BackHomeinBromont
Dec 30, 2014 @ 14:09:26
I like salad too. I live in Quebec were the major cultural difference is language, strangely enough. The diversity of culture has, for the most part, altered without much notice. As long as you can speak both English and French it’s pretty much a non-issue. However for all of the opportunity to explore different cultures I still can’t make a decent curry. 😉
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Ritu
Dec 30, 2014 @ 14:15:29
I’ll have to post a recipe for you! The base we use for ALL indian home made curries! That’ll have to be one of my next posts, just for you!
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TvKapherr, CatsattheBar & BackHomeinBromont
Dec 30, 2014 @ 14:32:11
Thank you so much, I would love to have your recipe. 😀
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Nardia
Feb 25, 2015 @ 00:06:47
Please do! I can’t make a curry either… actually, I can’t cook well at all… but still, I’d love to try!!!
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Ritu
Feb 25, 2015 @ 07:25:18
I did! Check out my recipe tab… There are only two in there so it won’t be hard to find lol!! 😁
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Nardia
Feb 25, 2015 @ 00:07:02
PS. make it an easy one lol!
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Ritu
Feb 25, 2015 @ 07:25:50
And it is! My friend used the recipe on the weekend with lamb and said it was great! 😊
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lbeth1950
Dec 30, 2014 @ 13:55:14
Excellent
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