If you need urgent support, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. To contact our Crisis Messenger (open 24/7) text THEMIX to 85258.
Read the community guidelines before posting ✨
Options
Why should I be a citizen?
BillieTheBot
Posts: 8,721 Bot
I understand the advantage of people being active members of their communities.
But why should immigrants or anyone else be forced into being citizens?
What do we gain from it?
For example, I move from Bangladesh to Brick Lane in the East End of London. I dont speak english and I dont attempt to, I live and work as part of the community there abiding by the laws. Whats the problem?
Why should we force people to integrate when they probably will by themselves?
It only creates tension.
But why should immigrants or anyone else be forced into being citizens?
What do we gain from it?
For example, I move from Bangladesh to Brick Lane in the East End of London. I dont speak english and I dont attempt to, I live and work as part of the community there abiding by the laws. Whats the problem?
Why should we force people to integrate when they probably will by themselves?
It only creates tension.
Beep boop. I'm a bot.
0
Comments
It's been successful in many areas so I don't understand why people would flee their own country in order to recreate it here.
They can't work or do anything without speaking English so it makes me wonder why they remain if they can't interact with society.
Well you could argue that immigrants who come here benefit from this country (healthcare, employment, education), therefore they have a responsiblity to give something back to the community: learning their language, culture etc.
And you could argue tension is also created when groups refuse to intergrate, then you get mini-communities, which may lead to rivalry and fear.
Yes people move here, but its far from surprising that they want to make it feel homely to them. I think thats great. Brick Lane, or China Town are fantastic examples of that.
I wasnt saying they shouldnt give to the community, they do, but why force them to be citizens.
What does it add?
Many English people get by not knowing how to read or communicate effectively. Theres no talk of press ganging them into classes.
Ok, what would you define as being a "citizen?"
Most immigrants do want to learn English, we shouldnt force them.
And what makes our culture so much better than theirs?
Plus, immigrants have to now swear an oath to the Queen etc. Why? Us Brits dont have to.
I think the fact that thousands of people choose ours over their own speaks volumes, don't you?
And I think immigrants should be made to speak English.
But it is such a barrier to live in any country and not know the language, it's almost impossible, it's like a disability, I know a lot of English people can't read and write, but they can speak it.
I mean, we try and coerce most children here to learn to read don't we? That is because not being literate is such a big hindrance in life, therefore not knowing the language at all is such a big stumbling block.
I don't think British culture is better than any other at all, but if you are going to live in a country you need the language, it's just as stupid as when English people go to Spain and don't learn Spanish.
The swearing the oath to the queen though, that is bullshit, i would refuse to do it.
Do they really though? But we cherry-pick loads of things from other cultures.
Ours is a melting pot of loads of things, and it isnt a set thing people can just adopt.
As for the oath, you cant refuse, no oath, no citizenship which means no vote.
When in Rome do as the Romans do..........my opinion for what its worth.
If I move abroad then I should do as they do. If I am not prepared to change then I should stay where I am.
When you go abroad, the locals find it very pleasant to have you at least try to speak the language, even if you're not very good. It shows you're actually enjoying where you are and aren't just trying to replicate your home but with better weather.
I think this is as applicable, if not more so, with immigrants. Why shouldn't we expect immigrants to at least try to learn English? We're not a stupid island, we can manage to converse with people by means of gesticulation, but it's so much more pleasant if people try to integrate, considering they've accepted our nationality over their own and hence have been immersed in our culture over their own.
I like different people moving into my area, it adds something not takes away.
I completely agree, I love the fact that London has so many diff cultures, people shouldn't have to change their essence if they move here, but a prerequisite for coming here should be at least basic knowledge of the English language or the willingness to learn it.
My mind is, you've got two options. You can either learn English and integrate with our society, which on the whole welcomes immigrants with open arms for the cultural contribution, or you can stick with your own language, your own customs and only ever see your own people.
It's up to individual people, but in France and Spain, the most annoying people are the expat Brit communities who want to create their own little bit of Britain and only socialise with each other, expect local stores to provide British papers etc. There are two groups of these I had have noticed, the ones that are working class and want a better life, and the Hooray Henries who are generally so far up their own arses you can roll them along roads.
It's up to individuals to decide, but there's nothing to say that by learning English you have to drop your own culture. I'm happy for people to do what they want, but surely half of joining a new country is to be accepted amongst the locals, and a lot of that comes from learning the language.
Obviously, there are certain aspects like arranged marriages in Asian families and so on, but is this not a different subject altogether since that boils down to morality? In terms of arranged marriages, western morality condemns it so should immigrants adher to this or give up on their own morals themselves?
of course they don't have to be exactly like us but they have to adapt in some ways to get along in a new society and if they couldn't speak English they couldn't become one of your mates could they? (I'm presuming that you dont speak any other languages).
I just think there is no need for this. People will mix over time anyway. It creates an 'us and them' situation which I believe to be damaging.
Yes, provide English classes to those who want them.
But, no, dont force anything else. Just let people get on with whatever they want.
Regardless or race, religion, colour etc there will always be people who feel that they dont fit in.
Why should people not speak the language of the country they are going to ? That in my opinion is wrong......you move somewhere you dont take your language with you......speak their language.
Lets assume people move here and dont intend speaking our language what effect will that have on children ? They wont be able to have schooling because they wont know the language....or are you expecting us to open schools for each different language?
Is that at his post or mine?
I feel sorry for people like you.
Hi. Please don't make up "quotes" about me as I have not done anything wrong to you. I have not even posted in this thread untill now. Have I done something to you for you to make me look as so I have posted something silly?
Pitty seems a bit generous.
He's so narrow minded he isn't going to see how much this world has and can offer, i find that sad.
I'm not making up quotes about you, I am just voicing my opinion on comments you have made, that is what people in this post do. You haven't posted something silly, i think what you posted was sad.
I think you should go to chool and learn about life some more or maybe get out and stop being a recluse.
The way you argue shows what sort of person you are, so i can't be bothered as there is no point attempting to discuss anything with you.