Multicultural Islington (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Multicultural Islington

September 5, 2006 12:00 AM

Dear Editor,

In the week leading up to Peace Week I've thinking a lot about multiculturalism and what it means.

In the national papers recently I've been reading derogatory tales about immigrants and their effect on the country. I've learnt of Asian people being thrown off planes and out of tourist attractions based on their language and the colour of their skin. Its sad. And it does not reflect my experience of London.

As the first Asian mayor of Islington multiculturalism means something very real to me. It means growing up here on a council estate and never feeling judged by the colour of my skin. Having an equal opportunity to become Mayor, without it mattering that I can speak a foreign language at home.

I am a part of this society, the UK is my country, Islington is my home. This is my culture and part of my identity, I am British and I am Asian. Part of that British culture and that identity for me is tolerance and respect. My own faith is tolerated and respected just as I respect the faiths and beliefs of others.

In my time as Mayor I have met children and people from every race and background. And whenever a child asks me could they be Mayor? I can answer "yes if you work hard" because all of them have the same opportunity I did. That's what it means to have equality.

The pictures of children from every culture celebrating their success in Islington Schools together in the last few weeks confirms for me that this is a multicultural society, that it will not be hijacked by minority concerns, nor I hope will it turn to intolerance, segregation and fear.

Regards

Jyoti Vaja

Mayor of Islington