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I consider my city, Edinburgh, to be fairly multi cultural.
Less so than some others, more so than many.
Increasingly so too, might I add.
I came back to Edinburgh late last year, having really been away from the place for two or three years.
I was actually quite taken aback at the change, the larger numbers of people from Eastern Europe, and Asians, predominatly Pakistani people, and Indians.
Now, while fully appreciating that there are good and bad among all people, no matter their race or religion, my experience with the asian community is less than positive.
I find them to be aloof and often rude.
I try to be polite to everyone, no matter their origin, however, many Pakistani's come here, and they establish a small business, esp small shops that sell tobacco and newspapers.
Since I am giving them my business, all I ask in return are my goods and a little politeness, but I find them arupt and rude in their manner.
I am not saying that there aren't any friendly Pakistani and Asian people in the UK, it is just that in my experience, they are not easy to get to know, and engage with.
Could it be a cultural thing, on their part?
Maybe acts that we consider 'polite' are not seen as important in their own country?
Just a thought, there.
That said, if the scenario were reversed, and I hoped to go to a nation, and make a living out of the locals, then I would educate myself to their customs, and accomodate them.
I would do that out of respect, and that is what I am driving at, it seems a disproptionate number don't are not predisposed to that obligation of respect, I sometimes even feel that many Pakistani's that come here almost look down their noses at the native Brits, and feel they are better than them.
Does it make me a racist to say such things, or might there be a kernel of truth to what I write?
Less so than some others, more so than many.
Increasingly so too, might I add.
I came back to Edinburgh late last year, having really been away from the place for two or three years.
I was actually quite taken aback at the change, the larger numbers of people from Eastern Europe, and Asians, predominatly Pakistani people, and Indians.
Now, while fully appreciating that there are good and bad among all people, no matter their race or religion, my experience with the asian community is less than positive.
I find them to be aloof and often rude.
I try to be polite to everyone, no matter their origin, however, many Pakistani's come here, and they establish a small business, esp small shops that sell tobacco and newspapers.
Since I am giving them my business, all I ask in return are my goods and a little politeness, but I find them arupt and rude in their manner.
I am not saying that there aren't any friendly Pakistani and Asian people in the UK, it is just that in my experience, they are not easy to get to know, and engage with.
Could it be a cultural thing, on their part?
Maybe acts that we consider 'polite' are not seen as important in their own country?
Just a thought, there.
That said, if the scenario were reversed, and I hoped to go to a nation, and make a living out of the locals, then I would educate myself to their customs, and accomodate them.
I would do that out of respect, and that is what I am driving at, it seems a disproptionate number don't are not predisposed to that obligation of respect, I sometimes even feel that many Pakistani's that come here almost look down their noses at the native Brits, and feel they are better than them.
Does it make me a racist to say such things, or might there be a kernel of truth to what I write?
