The Impact of Immigration on UK Culture

Since the 1950s, immigrants have been met with open arms in the United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom has become a multiethnic melting pot in the decades after World War II. Compare the UK’s treatment of immigrants with the pointless racist rhetoric that is all too common elsewhere today. 

The British public is beginning to understand that immigrants offer more than simply expertise; they also bring new perspectives and norms to the country. They contribute to the betterment of society in more ways than one. So, let’s unravel all about the immigration journey and contribution to the culture of the UK in the following paragraphs.

Some Examples of British Culture

England has the largest population in the United Kingdom, followed by Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In general, British people place a high value on being able to control their emotions. Overly demonstrative behavior may be seen as awkward. People from Scotland and Wales are known for their fierce nationalism.

Communication 

The British are known for their oblique manner of speech. Generally speaking, they steer clear of conflict and speak politely at all times. In an effort to preserve friendly relations, their words may be ambiguous. Adjectives like “possibly” and “maybe” are frequently used. The use of absolutes can raise suspicions.

The British tend to play down their level of enthusiasm for things. On the whole, people tend to keep their feelings to themselves. Self-deprecation is a common type of humor among Britons because it allows them to project an appearance of simplicity and confidence. Bitter humor is highly valued by many.

Family

Typically, a British family consists of two parents and a maximum of two children. However, this pattern is shifting as fewer people are getting married. Each family has its own unique dynamic with their extended relatives. 

It’s unusual for three generations of a British family to share a house together. Some grandparents in the UK provide financial and practical support to single parents, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than caring for their grandchildren.

Teenagers in the United Kingdom typically stay at their parent’s house until they either go out for college or find gainful employment. They are dependent on their parents for financial support till they are in their early twenties. 

Food

In the United Kingdom, a complete traditional breakfast consists primarily of bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled or fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms, and eggs, as well as bread that has been fried in fat or oil. Steak-and-kidney pie and roast beef with Yorkshire pudding are two popular English dishes.

Cawl (a soup) and bara brith (a bread pudding) are two typical Welsh foods (currant cake). Haggis, made of minced sheep organs, grains, and spices and traditionally cooked in the guts of a sheep, is the national dish of Scotland. Irish stew, homemade tarts, and pastries (little meat pies) are common dishes in Northern Ireland.

The Genesis

Even as far back as the early 18th century, black communities existed in coastal cities like Liverpool. Following the abolition of slavery in 1833, they became a recognized part of Britain’s community. It’s interesting to think that the colonial era is responsible for much of the cultural diversity that exists in the UK today. 

All 53 of the present-day nations that make up the Commonwealth of Nations were once colonies of the British Empire. All around the Commonwealth, the English language is extensively spoken. Because of this, a substantial influx of talented immigrants was made available. At the end of World WII, when the United Kingdom was experiencing a labor shortage, this proved to be an invaluable resource. As a result, the United Kingdom has long appreciated the contributions of immigrants.

Brief Synopsis

Britain is home to a thriving cultural scene that includes a wide range of artistic expressions and industries. Animals are likewise highly valued in British culture; it is commonly stated that the queen is only truly content when she is surrounded by her corgis and horses.

Up until 1948, immigration was relatively limited; nevertheless, in the years following World War II, the United Kingdom had trouble recruiting enough workers from other European nations to help with the reconstruction of a war-torn country. The 22nd of June 1948 is considered the first day of massive immigration to the United Kingdom, as it was when the Empire Windrush arrived in London carrying hundreds of men from the West Indies.

There has been a steady rise in immigration to the UK over the past few decades. Most immigrants come to the United States in search of employment or family connections. In recent years, the UK, like numerous other European countries, has seen an increase in the influx of refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented immigrants.

These tendencies, in conjunction with the somewhat sluggish rebound of the economy and the current cuts in public expenditure, gradually led to immigration being viewed by the majority as a concern, and they have contributed to the growth in anti-immigrant views. Britain faces a big immigration problem and many unhappy Britons reject the immigration policy and the steady entry of foreigners into the country.

Different Cultures in Britain

People from all around the world relocate to Britain. Some come from nations that are culturally similar to Britain, making it simpler for them to settle in. Nevertheless, there are numerous people whose backgrounds are vastly different from that of the British.

British citizens and those from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have a shared language, religious background, and fundamental understanding of Western society; nevertheless, those from Asia may find fewer points of connection with the country.

Ireland, India, and Pakistan were the top three countries of origin for new arrivals prior to 2005, while South Africa, Italy, and Kenya accounted for the fewest. With the addition of several new European countries to the European Union in the past few years, this picture has drastically shifted (European Union). 

Now, the Polish make up the largest immigration group. This will shift after Brexit is finalized. Despite popular opinion to the contrary, the share of non-English-speaking immigrants is actually quite minimal.

How Did Immigration Affect Music In The UK?

Ethnic minorities’ contributions to Britain’s cultural development cannot be overstated. Migrant populations make a “significant contribution to British life in commerce, medicine, research, the arts, academics, politics, and sports,” according to the Minority Rights Group.

Musical culture in Britain was profoundly altered by the advent of the Empire Windrush.

The music of the Caribbean had long before combined elements from several continents. At a time when London was dominated by swing and dance bands, the arrival of Caribbean performers and music fans produced an explosion of jazz, blues, gospel, Latin, and Calypso.

Different genres of music have blended into one another over time. Drum, Bass, and Dubstep developed from a fusion of Jamaican reggae and British club music. New musical styles such as Garage, Jungle, and Grime can trace their roots in Jamaica. The offspring of the Windrush generation make up a sizable portion of today’s grime and garage scenes.

The Influence Of Immigration On Cuisine

The cuisines of migrants have been adapted and welcomed in this country, from chicken masala to doner kebabs and to spaghetti bolognese, baguettes, bagels, and pierogi. Some examples of ethnic food establishments that have opened in recent years in places with no historically significant minority populations include North African and Eastern European pastries and cafes, as well as Italian and Bengali takeout joints.

Immigrant’s Contribution to Arts and Amusement

The 2014 Best Picture Oscar went to “12 Years a Slave,” directed by Steve McQueen, a black British artist, and filmmaker. Anish Kapoor, a British Indian sculptor, created the Arcelor Mittal Orbit, a landmark monument in London’s Olympic Park in 2012.

The Great British Bake-Off was the most popular television show in the United Kingdom in 2015, and it was won by British Muslim Bangladeshi Nadiya Hussain, who adorned a traditional English lemon drizzle cake with a sari. The cultural variety of Britain is reflected in these three instances of folks we see representing the country.