General Chat

If I despised a nation for attacking my country, and for killing thousands of innocent people, the very last thing I would do is emigrate to that country.

I don't think that we Brits integrate in other Countries too well, take Spain for instance, loads of Brits choose to live in villages where there are mostly Brits, so they don't have to bother to learn the language, they have British themed pubs, restaurants, shops, and lots don't bother to learn the language. Of course this isn't all Brits, lots do learn the language and do mix with locals. I don't think us Brits can praise ourselves for being better at integrating.

As for what people wear, maybe if you live in a place where those choosing to cover there face is an unusual thing for you to see, maybe you feel uncomfortable because it's alien to you. If you live in Knightsbridge and shop at Harrods, it's not unusual at all. I'd rather see ladies with there face covered, than I would a sweaty man with no shirt on shopping in Tesco's, very unpleasant that is :-S

Going to other countries and changing their way of life was exactly how we built an empire :-(

AnnCardiff you said that "we don't go to other countries and try to change their way of life"

Taking your comment in a different context, I think that many of those who promote the events such as the terrible incident that we witnessed last week and those that we have previously witnessed, is precisely because Western nations have invaded countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, aimed at not only bringing about regime change but also to deal with terrorist groups in those countries, that anyway is reason our leaders would like us to believe.

Unfortunately wars are very bloody, in the process of trying to achieve their goals, Western forces have killed thousands of innocent people including children.

These actions by Western nations have opened up very deep wounds and these wounds have turned septic, the poison from them is being poured out in the events we have witnessed over several years, and will I fear, witness for may years to come :-(

How these wounds will ever be healed, I don't know the answer and I don't think I will see them healed in my lifetime. I also don't think Western governments know the answer, even as I type Western governments are attempting to force regime change in several other countries :-|

When I have lived in other countries for "Economic reasons" example no suitable jobs in the UK, then although I was only in those countries for a limited time I did try at least to mix with the locals and learn the language,

I have friends "BRITS" who have moved to other countries and their first priority was to learn the language of that country, all learnt some from visiting these places and also in preparation for the upcoming move, One friend who moved to France said that although he thought his French was very good before he moved it soon became apparent once the move was permanent that he had much to learn and that is also true of a friend who moved to Italy the main difference is the understanding of the language in the different cultural context as opposed to just the basic translation

Roy

Here Here Ann........ :-D

I wouldn't dare preach my beliefs or culture abroad ...when ever I book a holiday We always look up rules of that country.

I do holiday safe though and go to USA mainly, but respect all country's that I visit.

But sadly it does not happen here ...UK

I don't get it either Marilyn - we don't go to other countries and try to change their way of life or thrust our views on others, so why on earth do they have a need to do it to us

I know that back in history we did foist ourselves on other countries but I'm talking about the here and now

Oh John I'm quite aware of folk moving around for economic reasons ......I'm really not that stupid....


There are those that are here in the UK wanting to live but in need of their culture .....but love their country back home so much that they choose to live it HERE ....... that's what I don't understand .. :-S :-S

They haven't ALL come for Economic reasons ...... :-S

Language certainly helps to break down differences. Very difficult to chat to somebody in the dentists who is wearing a burkha, particularly when they have no idea what "Nice morning?" actually means. It may be a simple language problem, or they may think you are a wicked western man who wants his wicked western way.

It must be the same everywhere. And I truthfully think the English are the best at not trying to use the language of where they are living. ;-)

I have no problem with people keeping their religion I just wish they would bother to learn English

I don't think it's entirely necessary to 'assimilate' or to change your religion or culture, what's vital is respect for the law of the country you have chosen to live in ( or work in),or if you won't or can't do that then find somewhere else more suited to your outlook.

Maggie, One finger slow typist hear, and I was typing my post when you added your post

It being a cultural choice rather than religious,

My thoughts are still the same as in my post above

Roy

It is their choice, cultural or otherwise, to cover their faces. I am so accustomed to this in my area that it doesn't cost me a thought. Better to cover your face than show the world your breasts, as seems to be our latest fashion! Yuck!:-D

GRMarilyn. We move about for economic and religious reasons - mainly economic. Hence we have cousins all over the world, and many grannies now speak to their grandchildren in far-off places.

And religious persecution. Welsh went to Patagonia to follow their religion. Kurds from north of Iraq flooded out when Hussein was in charge, Huguenots were killed or fled in 17th century, Jews had several pogroms against their communities in Poland and Russia.

And America and Britain contain all sorts of traditions and cultures. And are all the stronger for that, imo. And I was living in Wolverhampton where we had first race riots in late 1950's.

Roy, read my post - wearing a hijab is NOT a religious issue :-|

I even quote chapter & verse from the Qu'ran!

Yes, I wore one when I was in Riyadh - but only when I went to the Souq - out of respect to THEIR culture.
I also covered my shoulders and legs the rest of the time I was there, but I do that anyway

If they don't want to integrate then why have they come to the UK in the first place?

I don't understand the thinking behind the wearing of faces veils, I know its a religious issue to do with US MEN being lustful and not being trusted to see the flesh of a woman without getting all exited, I guess people just like to flatter themselves, or it could be jealousy on the part of the male population not wanting other men to look at their women

I know several women who could do us all a favour and wear a face veil with a gag 24/7 :-D

Roy

Simple - they want more money!

Ann/C

I sometimes wonder ....Why it is ....that so many nationality's love their Religion & Culture so much BUT..... don't want to stay in their OWN country....I don't get it !!!???????

I wouldn't want to live anywhere else other than my own country.... at least I know the rules and feel reasonably safe . ..... :-) :-)

Not just you, Ann.
Covering the face is a cultural choice, not a religious one, nomatter how many times fundamentalist males insist it is.
It is in the Qu'ran. According to five Islamic Rules of Law (in other words, the 'law' followed by the 5 main 'sects' of Islam)

Women and 'stranger': (ie how much body to be covered in the presence of a stranger):
About the extent of the body to be covered by a woman in the presence of a 'stranger' (any male apart from the mahrim), the schools concur that it is wajib for her to cover her whole body except the face and hands (up to the wrists) in accordance with the verse 31 of Surat al-Nur:

Men are also meant to dress modestly!!

As we have so many nationalities in the UK, I'm all for integration, but do the incomers want integration? How can those who cover their faces with veils want integration - you have to see a whole face to get an impression, not just the eyes, or is it just me?