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Conference Report: One Society Many Cultures
Friday, 05 February 2010 11:36
This was one of the largest morning seminars at the conference, with well over 100 attendants from different backgrounds, ages and walks of life.
Charing the session, Murziline Parchment spoke of how London has long welcomed all communities and has been at the forefront of defending freedom of thought and cultural expression for people of all faiths and none. She described how this basic message of tolerance and freedom is being undermined with the growth of racism and the far-right.
Mike Barnard, organiser of the forthcoming UpRise festival spoke of the importance of cultural events that reflect the view of 83% of londoners who prize the city's diversity as one of its best attributes. He outlined the importance of a concerted effort to both challenge racism and celebrate diversity, which the previous GLA administration had championed, resulting in a fall in racist attacks when they were rising nationally. He called on everyone to support the UpRise festival, which has grown out of a petition of thousands of Londoners, lobbying Boris Johnson to reinstate it.
Professor Tariq Ramadan outlined the need for a pluralistic society which fully integrates all cultures. He criticised the moves across Europe which have singled out Muslims, through the banning of the veil, and the minaret, and which have resulted in the isolation of these communities, and therefore has led to a barrier to enabling these communities to integrate into society. He also outlined that freedom comes out of knowledge about others, not ignorance, and that the current debate is dominated by issues of class and racial inequality.
Bruce Kent, Vice Chair of CND said that London is a great city but reminded us of its history - that Jewish and Catholic people had faced persecution and now the Muslim community is facing the same problem. He outlined the need for people of all faiths and none to come together to defend and promote the basic human right to freedom of expression. He said that whilst he did not approve of the wearing of the Burka, banning it is wrong and totally counterproductive.
Dr. Edie Friedman, Executive Director of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality outlined the historic experience of the Jewish community in Britain, which has included massacres in the middle ages, banning, isolation and stigmatisation as migrants fleeing persecution in the 20th century. She also described how anti-Semitic incidents continue today, and how the Holocaust continues to have an impact on the Jewish community. She highlighted the need to stand up for those who are being subjected to persecution, outlining the experience of migrant and asylum seeker communities who are often targeted in contemporary society.
The session included a lively debate from members of the audience who were keen to contribute on this topical debate. For more information please visit www.onesocietymanycultures.org
