It’s hard to miss because it’s everywhere in London. Multiculturalism, I mean. On every street corner, there’s a new language and in every building, there’s a new cultural discovery waiting to be uncovered.
Although London may not be a fair representation of the whole of the UK, the diversity in this city is truly remarkable. I think there is beauty to such an accumulation, where a Portuguese family and an old Japanese couple sit together on a bus, where an Italian man and a South African woman walk with each other in a park, all on a daily basis.
A typical Thursday view near Spitalfields, East London
Just yesterday, we took a trip to an Islamic mosque called London Jamme Mashid on the east end, which was once a Jewish synagogue, which was once a Methodist chapel, which was originally a Protestant church. I don’t think I could find anything like it in any other city.
London Jamme Mashid depicts the history of immigration in East London
However, paying attention to the differences that come with diversity may lead to legal problems, ethical problems and so many other difficulties that have played the course in history.
Still, I find cultural sensitivity here to be unique and interesting. There is also a great awareness of American and tradition here, too. Independence Day was yesterday and surprisingly, even Londoners celebrated with various events in parks across the city and even a few fireworks. I could hear them from my room.
If nothing else, it is refreshing and enlightening to be in a city where more languages are spoken than any other in the world. It has given me the opportunity to bring out my rusty French and brought me a new understanding of eastern culture as well. When it comes to multiculturalism, London is lovely.
No comments:
Post a Comment