Final Revision for CC2 - 2011

Multicultural Britain

Notting Hill Carnival grew out of Caribbean traditions. Today, it is an event where all cultures come together. As Nick’s been finding out, the UK truly is multicultural.

This is Southall Broadway in West London. This area has one of the largest Asian populations in London. The United Kingdom is an ethnically diverse country with many different communities that reflects the multicultural nature of Britain. Many British people’s families originally come from overseas. Over the centuries, people from around the world have come to live here.

The first significant wave of immigrants arrived by ship from Jamaica in 1948. The Notting Hill Carnival celebrates this Caribbean culture.

In the 1950s and 60s, Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani families made Britain their home. Asian Ugandan refugees fled here in the 1970s. Followed by Somalis in the 90s. And in recent years, Eastern European citizens have arrived in search of work.

This cultural variety makes Britain a vibrant place to be, but it’s not without its problems. Conflicts can arise between cultures and generations. Young people whose parents or grandparents settled here have a very different experience of growing up to their parents.

.....

Sunny Grewel and his father Avinda live in Southall. Avinda came here from Kenya in the 70’s. Sunny was born here.

Nick: Avinda, what was life like when you first came here?

Avinda: It was hard. There was no jobs for, for people like us.

Nick: And what’s life like now, for young people, Sunny?

Avinda: I think we’re very much a part of the communities and government and everything, so it’s a lot more equal for everyone.

Nick: What are the main arguments between the younger and older generations?

Avinda: When they were small, I wouldn’t let him wear these earrings and have a long ponytail. They have to look smart.

Nick: And what’s the best thing about living here, Sunny?

Sunny: The food, the different cultures that come in and bring their spices, their experiences and even their rituals, so you get a taste of the world within this small community.

.....

In the past, differences between communities have led to violence. But new community-based projects have brought different generations and cultures together.

Here at St Mary’s School in Cardiff in Wales, more than 20 languages are spoken. It’s one of the most multicultural schools in Wales. The school was involved with a project called 'Open Cities'. It helps migrants, people from other countries, become part of the community. The school children took pictures of people and places to show what it's like to live in Cardiff.

Some of the kids are featured in an exhibition called Open Cities Faces.

.....

Mercy and Joy and their father Derek are originally from Zambia. They have lived here for six years.

Nick: Derek, tell me why you came to Cardiff and why you took part in this project.

Derek: I am an Engineering Consultant. I came to Cardiff because I was offered a job here. This project was a good thing because it was trying to show something positive about migration and integration.

Nick: Why is Mercy photographed by a window?

Derek: Because the photographer wanted to find a way to show the hopes for our future – the better life that we look towards.

Nick: But there’s a lot of shadow in that photograph, as well.

Derek: Yes, the shadow is deliberate to try to show our past, where we’ve come from.

Nick: And do you consider Cardiff to be your home now?

Derek: Yes. We are part of the local community, we have settled down and we think Cardiff is great.

Projects like ‘Open Cities’ can bring people in the community together and give young people hope for the future.

Notting Hill - Part 2

VIDEO 1

Ashlie: Come on, this way. We need to get to the start of the parade before they set off.
Stephen: OK! OK! We've got plenty of time though. I want to have a look around. It all looks great.
Ashlie: We’re here at the Notting Hill Carnival; one of Europe’s most famous street parties.
Stephen: Where every year thousands of people come to take part in the parade and wear fabulous costumes.
Ashlie: And it’s also a chance to watch some amazing shows and see some pretty strange sights... I know I’m really looking forward to it.
Stephen: Me, too. Come on then. Let’s see what’s out there.

.....

Stephen: Ah - I love it, Ash. And there’s such a good atmosphere, isn’t there.
Ashlie: Oh, come on though - we haven’t got all day.
Stephen: Oh, wait a minute, I want to look up there.
Ashlie: Oh Stephen, I really don’t want to miss the start of the parade. We haven’t got time.
Stephen: Oh, it’ll only take a minute. I'll catch you up.
Ashlie: You know where it is? By the car park.
Stephen: Yeah yeah, go on ahead, I’ll catch you up in a minute.
Ashlie: See you later.

.....

Ashlie: Hi girls.
Dancers: Hiya.
Ashlie: So have you done this before?
Dancer: No, this is my first year actually.
Ashlie: Wow.
Dancer: Yeah, I done it yesterday though, for the children’s carnival.
Ashlie: What was it like?
Dancer: It rained for a bit, but other than that, it was really fun.
Ashlie: Yeah? Oh, it's beautiful weather today. So how long will we be dancing for?
Dancer: Sometimes we can be dancing for like, two or three hours - we, like walk around, but sometimes you can stand in one place for, like ten minutes and be dancing to, like the same kind of music. It's really difficult.
Ashlie: Yeah, we’re going to need some energy for that.
Dancer: That’s right.

.....

Ashlie: Stephen! Where have you been?
Stephen: It took me ages to find you. All of you dancers look the same in those costumes. Ah, phew, just in time; the parade’s about to start.
Ashlie: You go to the front – I’m going to meet the rest of the group, OK? See you later.
Stephen: Oh, hang on, where are we going to meet afterwards in case we get split up?
Ashlie: Well, I’ll ring you when we finish. Oh, Stephen I haven’t got my phone.
Stephen: Me, neither. Where do we finish?
Ashlie: Erm… next to the tube station, I'll meet you there. Oh and don’t get lost again!
Stephen: OK, sounds good.
Ashlie: See you later! Bye.

.....

Stephen: Wow, that was fantastic. Did you see me dancing?
Ashlie: Yes, I saw you. It was amazing, but I didn’t expect to be so tired. We must have been dancing for hours.
Stephen: Now, we need to sit down and get something to eat.
Ashlie: Good idea. So what do you suggest?
Stephen: Something over there?

.....

Stephen: Right, come on you, it’s time for home.
Ashlie: Stephen – how are we going to get home? All the buses are going to be full and I am not taking the underground wearing this costume.
Stephen: Err... taxi?
Ashlie: Stephen. Can you see any taxis? All the roads are closed for the carnival. C’mon, let’s start walking!
Stephen: Walking? No way! Why walk when you can dance?

VIDEO 2