Most English are xenophobic towards the Polish

Thread attached on merging:
British xenephobia

Hi everyone,

I am directing a documentary on how negative media attention of immigrants in the UK effects those immigrants living in the UK in that the British expect those immigrants who live here to uphold British values and live the British life yet the media paint such a negative picture of immigration.

Would you say that the above statement is correct or not and your thoughts as to why.

Thank you very much!

Oh what a sh$tty place :)

Are you sure? I dont remembe that in history, I remember the Jamacans coming over but I dont recall the government asking Eastern block countries.

Screw them basturds.

Certain areas of the media does appear to focus negatively on immigrants, but their excuse is they are protecting the British way of life. However because of the negativity they project, there is a two fold result; the British are left feeling that they have nothing to gain and everything to lose by immigrants coming into the UK (which is not true), while the immigrants are left feeling fearful and unwelcome (which some, quite probably BNP supporters and such like, would probably say they're not welcome). Neither group then has any motivation to reach out to each other, meaning immigrants have no opportunity to learn the British way of life (increasing isolation and resentment), and the British are missing out on learning about another culture (breeding distrust and apprehension).
Overall the media is fostering an atmosphere of suspicion and fear. I feel that a lot of the media stories written about the Polish particularly would be identified as inciting racism if it was written about a 'coloured' ethnic group, but as the Polish are white, it's brushed under the carpet. It also does seem that Polish immigrants are the current popular political football.
An example of media organisations preferring to focus heavily on the negatives is the publication of recent data stating that 20% of the crime in London is perpetrated by foreigners or immigrants; several media organisations didn't mention when reporting the crime data that in London, 29% of the population are foreigners or immigrants, meaning immigrants account for more of the population but less of the crime. I feel that this type of reporting is irresponsible and helps to create a culture of panic and separation.
Friends of mine in Ireland, both Antipodean and Polish, have commented to me that they feel more welcome and more respected there compared to Britain, where they often feel like the enemy. My own partner, who is Polish, is very cautious about living here, and plans to remain in Ireland for the moment, hoping that the atmosphere in Britain will improve. Friends I have abroad tell me that the UK is a racist society, which for the most part I believe is untrue, but the stories published by the British media are being viewed overseas, with foreigners forming the opinion of racism based on these articles.
The stories published about immigrants in the media concentrate on the negatives, reinforcing the stereotypes, but we rarely (if ever) read about the positive impact immigration has upon the UK.

A personal example of how the media affects public perception of immigrants; I was standing in the queue to check in for a flight back from Krakow. An older gentleman beside me began a conversation with me, complaining that there were too many foreigners in the UK, and that immigrants are stealing jobs and gobbling up benefits.
I first of all pointed out that I'm an immigrant, but he said 'You're not really, because you're a New Zealander'. I pointed out that there are many Antipodeans who are teaching in the UK (as this man had already told me he was a head teacher), and that NHS was heavily staffed by immigrants including Filipino nurses, Indian doctors etc, so if we all left, who would fill these spots? I also let him know that statistics show the many of benefits claimants are actually asylum seekers rather than immigrants.
I was then served by the Polish attendant, and said 'Hello', 'Thank you', 'Yes' in Polish. Stuck behind the same gentleman during security clearance, he continued his diatribe on foreigners working in the UK. Then he asked me 'Why did you bother to learn any Polish while you are here (in Poland) - they all want to speak English anyway', to which I replied, 'My boyfriend is Polish', which shut him up.
Then I asked, 'Where did you get the information that foreigners are stealing all the jobs?'. His answer was 'newspapers'. And this is someone who is not only educated to a reasonable level, but is also in charge of educating others. Instead of forming his own opinion on the data available, he chooses to be fed answers by the media which shows the media has a responsibility in its reporting.

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I'd like to see more of these longer style posts. The ones that actually say something. Whether I agree or not, with the content, doesn't matter.

When any debate like this is going on always turn the situation around.

The answer usually lay pretty close to how you feel.

I dont understand what Nigerian millet has got to do with what I was talking about. You'll have to explain to me how you made that leap.


Yes, I am English-English.
I never said the Brits and the Americans were one family. I used the word 'us' to describe the English-speaking world which though not one entity does share certain values and ideals. Its difficult for 'us' not to as the sharing of information and culture etc is easier between us than it would be between for instance the French and Japanese as there is no language barrier to be overcome.
Also, rightly or wrongly, many countries do see the English speaking world as a definite entity. The French talk of certain beliefs, whether economic or social, as being 'Anglo-Saxon'. They also say the same about Americans, even though most of the USA isnt of English descent.

'Anglo-Saxon' has therefore come to mean something more than race. And language is certainly a part of it.

Yes, to rebuild the work force after WW2. The government tried to persuade anyone they could, espeically Eastern Europeans because a lot of African countries and the surrounding had emigrated to France.

A council estate near to where i grew up, was built after the war by Polish workers

Unfortunatelly that is not correct. The Brits weren't quite sure what to do with some Poles who wanted to remain in the UK after WW2. Some did remain, but most were asked/forced to go to Canada, mainly.

Thank you Liza for your comments, they are a great help in understanding this issue. I was just wondering then, when you say that the immigrants themselves feel unwelcome and the 'enemy' from the British media - do you have any idea what the English may expect from immigrants?

Do you think that the British feel that immigrants should integrate into British society more, should they speak English, should they take on British values and the British way of life? In you opinion what may be British values?

Thanks again!

An interesting article about Brits:


URL

Oh goody a competition.

Obviously the answer has to be sterotypical so here are my entries:

"Whose round is it next?"

"No but yeh but no but" (six words but being mathematically challenged is a fair call)

"Volo anaticulam cumminosam meam! (literally I want my rubber ducky)

I don't recall writing, or quoting what you attributed to my post. I don't recall stating whether I agree or disagree with the article I linked to.

Why is it that you think it's OK for you to edit my post, and then quote what I didn't write as my words?

I didn't - admin or the mods would have done this since the rules state that a link should include the first line or so of the linked article. I have no edit rights to anybody's post other than mine.

Sorry if you thought I intended to misquote you.

we begged anyone who would come. we did this in history, the posters and the press releases etc etc.

I'd be curious to see those posters and press releases. I'm not saying that didn't take place, only that Polish veterans I know here in Canada told me a different story. Most were given two options: back to Soviet occupied Poland or a trip to Canada. Perhaps it was just in regards to Poles as Brits didn't want to tick Stallin off.

Given what some areas of the media project, I think some in Britain expect a bunch of money grabbing, lazy layabouts who wish to practise their own religions and culture in the UK to the full exclusion of British culture. Fortunately this is often very far from the truth.


I think some publications give the impression that immigrants simply pick up their lives and transplant it directly into the UK, without any consideration for native Britains nor any alterations to take into account British life, which for some immigrants is true, but for others is false. There are also those who would like to integrate, but do not have the opportunity due to the culture of fear driven by some parts of the media.
From the media, native Britains could be forgiven for their views that immigrants do need to do more to play an active part in British society. However, when faced with open hostilities or even the suspicion that there is under current of 'unwelcomeness', you can understand why immigrants are often hesitant. Some may take one or two steps to try and reach out to British people, but when faced with indifference, abuse or just hostility, they often stop trying. Any doubts or fears are often reinforced by the media proclaiming they (immigrants) are not wanted and are not welcome. The sad thing is, most British are friendly but don't get the chance to show it.
I believe there is some obligation on Britain's part to provide opportunities for immigrants to interact, and to promote understanding of different cultures. I think cultural celebrations and festivals are good opportunities, for instance Diwali in Trafalgar Square and Chinese New Year. I am stunned and disappointed that there isn't a national holiday celebrating England (such as St. Georges Day), as that could possibly in turn give a platform for displaying 'Britishness'. However, one day in 365 does not make an integrated society.
There are some immigrants that do conform to the stereotype of 'My life, my way, your country, so what'. I do have Antipodean friends who come here, spend two years drinking and partying, and leave knowing no more than two or three Britons outside their Antipodean circle. That said, I know Britons and Irish people who visit Australia and New Zealand doing the same thing in reverse. I also admit, possibly due to a lack of understanding on my part, to struggle to understand why if you have such fierce religous beliefs that you wish to demonise 'Western behaviour', why someone would move to a westernised country? I think those would be more likely to struggle to successfully become part of the UK.


Britain is the home of English, so of course it is reasonable to expect immigrants to learn English. Without understanding the language, it is easy to become invisible and isolated in society.
There does need to be recognition that immigrants will make mistakes while mastering English, and possibly those who lack patience or understanding could try remembering their language attempts in French, German or whatever back in college. How to facilitate ensuring immigrants do master the language however is a challenge, and who should fund it? There is the argument that immigrants being here should pay for it out of their own pockets, but also a counter argument that immigrants pay taxes. Could the internet be harnassed in some way? A requirement for permits?


I think overall there is a requirement to understand British laws and culture, and adopt them to a standard level, coupled with an obligation to show awareness and understanding of 'Britishness', especially of the core values. The taking on of everything defined as British culture however is a tough question to answer. For example, binge drinking is a feature of British life (as in many other countries, including in parts of my own); however its not acceptable in all countries, and you could not expect someone to adopt binge drinking as an indicator British culture.
Values and how they converge is difficult to determine, whereas minimum levels of behaviour are easier to specify. For instance, wearing short skirts and non existant tops for girls can be a debatable value which some classify as acceptable while others would define as unacceptable. However, domestic violence is a behaviour which some could determine as acceptable in their country, but is unacceptable in the UK. Society also changes over a period of time, and it can be difficult to pin down the status of a culture at any one time.


I think the easiest way to sum British values up is to be a good person. For me at least, I 've possibly not changed a lot of my usual behaviour. I still offer my seat on the tube to the eldery, the disabled or pregnant women. I use please and thank you, I offer directions or assistance if someone needs help, etc One could argue that they are British good manners, but they are also the same values of my own country.

I certainly believe there is a fair expectation of British people that immigrants shouldn't come to the UK, commit crime, bludge off the government and treat people with a lack of respect.

Oh and should you be looking for an example of a British person contaminated by the media and demonstrating racist behaviour, you don't need to look any further than the posts of LennyD/German Herman /Looy/Loony on this board.

And Welsh and Scottish.
Want to take this further?


I have even more names for it.

Sorry it should have read 'English language'... not to say that Gaelic, Welsh etc are not important but England has given the world an important language for communication between many countries. Still, please accept my apologies for the typo.

Actually, I think I misread your post there.
Although, the home of English is wherever it is spoken as a first language.
The cradle of the English language is England. I won't start going into the history of the Scots tongue.
Next time I might read more carefully, but...
Where was the cradle of the phrase 'bite-sized chunks'?

I'm sure they're available on the internet. Maybe wikipedia would be a good source for information :)

Hmm not sure the English begged anyone......I think what you meant to say is that we offered people a better life!

Nooo, begged for immigrants to rebuild the work force after world war 2, because of the amount of men whose lives were lost.

I will believe that we begged when you show me the cuttings of the the adverts - up until then I will not believe that we begged anyone - we invited people from the commonwealth so I dont quite understand why we would have begged people from Eastern / Central Europe to come to work here? There were a considerable amount of Polish and Ukrains in the UK already mostly in DP camps...not to mention others than came over....

We also asked for people who weren't from the commonwealth. I don't think that the PM was too bothered about their nationality if they were skilled. I can't believe you've not seen these cuttings..they're well recognised, not a secret sort of thing. Even women were asked to work, and this is in a time where women were seen and not heard.

You are joking arent you? my grandmother worked all her life - lol....You've obviously never been to a mill town :) or are lacking slightly in English history - remember the industrial revolution - that happended slightly before the '50s

I asked you to provide me with the evidence and then I will shut up...until I will not believe that we begged people to come over - I do however remember in the '50s English people being offered cheap travel to Aus to start new lives.....

A lot of orphans from Liverpool got shipped out also.

no.



Remember the Victorian age - that happened slighty after the Industrial Revolution. Haven't you ever read a book similar to Pride and Prejudice, about the lives of women at the time? Which incidentally was also written after the Industrial Revolution.



Yep because Australia was - and still is- underpopulated.