The most critical of our government’s handling of the situation would be the British media. Any fault results in widespread newspaper coverage. All of the negative press over immigrants, whether it is a dispute within our Parliament or a story covering a daring illegal entrance into England by refugees, must all contribute to the blame laid on immigrants in our society.
Much of the anger towards immigrants in the past has been provoked by the system of immigration working almost too well. Examples of vandalism and prejudice have been experienced by wealthier immigrants; those who have set up successful businesses in foreign countries, only to suffer from the wrath of jealous inhabitants. It is my view that this sort of abuse should not be tolerated, just because someone comes from a different part of the very same world as another person.
Although our government receives much of the criticism if the system of immigration fails, it is realistically down to the public to take responsibility for the ill treatment of immigrants in our society. For years to come foreigners will apply to live in Britain seeking refuge and a better life. However our society needs to change if our country is to continue to be seen as a symbol of sanctuary. Racism, discrimination and prejudice make turning the situation around difficult as they will always exist in some form, but changing the general public attitude towards immigrants would be a progressive start. As with changing the views of any narrow mind, this would prove to be an uphill battle, but it is important for people to realise just why others immigrate. To escape violence, war and inhuman restrictions are a few just reasons. Not to feed the taxpayers’ money off of our established government like so many are blind in believing.
Furthermore our very multi-cultural society today can provoke views that too many immigrants are provided with easy access to citizenships, jobs and dwelling that should be going to underprivileged British people instead. There should be more of an effort made to stamp out this very ‘British National Party’ view, as I believe that our multi-cultured society can only broaden our future generations minds’ to the cause.
Clearly this uneducated view is becoming increasingly rare as we move in to the twenty-first century. Whilst it is important to keep traditions and cultures, a multi-cultural society free from prejudice looks promising for the future. However, this will never be achieved whilst people keep alive old and unfashionable views of superior races. I find it worryingly amazing how our society today can adopt the same method of pointing the blame at immigrants for our mis-fortunes, as ignorant civilians blamed ‘witches’ for failing crops in the Medieval Times. Unfortunately it is part of our nature to point the blame, but I however feel it is time to move on. No longer should our society dis-regard immigrants as fellow inhabitants. No longer should victims such as Damilola Taylor make the headlines simply for belonging to an immigrant family. No longer should our society pass the responsibility of the ill treatment of immigrants.
