LLW Revision

An ethnic group is a group of people whose members identify with each other because they share something in common, such as their religion or country of origin. Cultural identity is the sense of belonging to this group. Cultural identity is not exclusive and people may identify with more than one ethnic group. Ethnicity can be defined by race, language, food, music and traditions. An ethnic minority is any ethnic group which are relatively small in number in the area where they are living. A society where the people come from many ethnic groups is describes as having 'cultural diversity'.

Examples of different ethnic minorities living in Northern Ireland:

• Chinese
• Hindu
• Jewish
• Muslim
• Polish
• Traveller

The Chinese Welfare Association:

• Voluntary organisation offering help and advice in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
• Established in 1986.
• Aim to provide support for Chinese people who have problems accessing health or public services.
• In April 2009, the association built the first multi-purpose Chinese community centre in the UK, the Chinese Resource Centre.

The Indian Community Centre:

• Opened in 1981.
• Located at Carlisle Circus in Belfast in a building that used to be a Methodist Church.
• It aims to provide a space for social and religious activities, maintaining the culture and traditions of India.
• The centre is a place of worship, and it also has a number of halls and meeting rooms for community activities.
• Important aspect of the centre's work is building good relationships with the wider Northern Irish community, through cultural activities and celebrations that are open to everyone.

The Belfast Islamic Centre:

• Established in 1978 by a local group of Muslims.
• It provides services and offers advice.
• The Northern Ireland Muslim Family Association also gives support to local Muslims.
• Other groups in Ballymena, Coleraine and Lurgan helps local Muslims practice their faith and integrate into the community.

Northern Ireland has been traditionally seen as divided into two distinct groups defined by religion and politics. One group's members consider themselves Protestant and British, either 'Unionist' or 'Loyalist' and the other group's members consider themselves as Catholic and Irish, either 'Nationalist' or 'Republican'.

The cultural identities of these two main groups are often shown through politics, language, music, traditions and sport- even which football team is supported.

However, in Northern Ireland, showing cultural identity has not always been seen as something positive. Particularly during the 'troubles', displays of cultural identity by either Catholic or Protestant groups often caused conflict in the community. Sometimes they were used as a way to threaten and intimidate others.

The troubles in Northern Ireland refers to the three decades of violence that took place in the late 20th century. This was largely between Catholics and Protestants.

Examples of displays of cultural identity in Northern Ireland:

Flags - Many communities are not 'mixed' but are either predominantly Catholic or Protestant. Residents may use the Irish Tricolour or Union Jack as a way of showing this, particularly at certain times of the year, e.g. 12th of July, St Patrick's Day.

Paintings and murals - Kerb stones are sometimes painted to correspond with the colours of a particular flag, again as a way of showing who is the predominant group in a neighbourhood. Murals are sometimes painted on walls or at the end of a terrace, and often show symbols, local heroes or names of paramilitary organisations.

Marching and Bands - Parades and marches organised by Loyal Orders have played a part in Northern Irish society since the 18th century. For some they are regarded as an important tradition, having a political and religious role. Others see the parades as intimidating, and associated with anti-social behaviour.

Graffiti - Political slogans, sometimes in Irish, or names of paramilitary organisations are another way of showing the cultural identity of a particular community. Some people think this is intimidating and a way to cause conflict.

If people show their cultural identity in a positive way, it can create a strong sense of belonging with a particular group. It can also be an effective way of showing others in the community something of your background and traditions. It is also a good way to break down barriers and increase understanding.

Here are some examples of how cultural identity can be celebrated in a positive way:

Festivals and Celebrations:
Féile an Phobail - One of Ireland's most popular community festivals. Held each year in August. Celebration of Ireland's culture and coincides a with the Maiden City Festival which celebrates Ulster-Scots heritage.

Holi - Hindu festival of colours, celebrated each spring. Event held where everyone can join in the fun with the local Hindu community.

Belfast Mela - Unique summer festival. Indian celebration which is has become a large multi-cultural event.

Chinese Welfare Association- Promotes the largest Chinese New Year celebrations annually, the Dragonboat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These events are enjoyed by all communities.

Music and dance:
Many people in Northern Ireland enjoy traditional Irish music and dance as a way of showing cultural identity. Dance is important for people of many different ethnic backgrounds.

ArtsEkta - Promotes and celebrates cultural diversity through the arts. Promotes all cultures.

Food:
All ethnic groups have their own traditional foods, perhaps because they are associated with their country of origin.

Hindus - Food is an important part of temple worship and sweet treats called Prasad(meaning 'edible gift') are given to worshippers at festival times.

Clothes:

Hijab - For some Mulsim women, wearing a hijab is more than just a sign of cultural identity; it is an important religious obligation. Others do not feel that it is important.

Language:
For many people, language is an important way of showing cultural identity, even if they do not use this language for everyday communication.

Irish - First language for a small minority. Growing number use Irish as a second language. Many see the Irish language as an important part of their identity.

Ulster-Scots - The Ulster-Scots Agency is working to promote the use of Ulster-Scots as a living language. It runs various summer schools, courses and workshops.

Lifestyle
All families have different ways of doing things and this is especially true when considering families from different ethnic backgrounds. Differences in lifestyle can include food that is eaten, languages that are spoken at home and family activities.

A census is an official counting of the population, carried out by the government every ten years.

The population of Northern Ireland is changing as the number of people from ethnic minority groups increases.

Opportunities
If cultural diversity is being celebrated in a positive way, then this will create many opportunities and benefits for the whole of society. Here are some examples:

Promoting mutual understanding - Learning about other people's beliefs equals tolerant attitudes. Also, they learn things from you.

Understanding other cultures - Developing a genuine understanding from other cultures. Helps us become more tolerant to others.

A sense of community spirit - Sharing cultural experiences can be an effective way of creating community spirit which helps a community come together rather than being separated.

Community is varied and interesting - Much more variety with food, entertainment and shops from ethnic groups makes life more interesting and makes the country more culturally diverse.

The economy receives a boost - Many people coming into Northern Ireland set up successful businesses which gives money to the economy and creates jobs.

Work skills and shortages are eased - Many people leave Northern Ireland which can leave a shortage of skills. However, people coming into the country fill in in their place.

Challenges
Immediate challenges/things you may have to adjust to:

Way of life and culture - These might seem strange and confusing.

Food - The ingredients for your favourite meal may not be available.

Climate -.This can be difficult to get used to, and will also effect what you where.

Language - At first, you may not be able to read notices or understand what people are saying to you.

Challenges to be faced later:

Language barriers - Some people might arrive with only a little English, which can make it very difficult to cope with daily life.

Access to resources and public services - Some simple and essential things such as registering with a doctor, enrolling children into a local school or finding a place to live can be very daunting for a person who is new to the country and trying to cope with language barriers at the same time.

Myths and prejudiced attitudes - Many people from ethnic minority groups have to face the challenge of other people's ignorance and prejudice towards their culture, lifestyle or religion. This can take the form of name-calling, discrimination, or violence.

Community Tension - Problems may arise due to language barriers or a misunderstanding.

How conflict can arise:
1. Expression of cultural identity is seen negatively.
2. Division in the community; lack of mutual understanding.
3. Breakdown in community relationships and increase in tension.
4. Conflict, hostility and mistrust.
5. Prejudice, stereotyping, racism and sectarianism.

Definitions - Prejudice
The word 'prejudice' literally means to 'pre-judge' someone. This means that you have already made your mind up about a person, or group of people before you really know anything about them. Prejudice is a judgement based on ignorance.

Where does prejudice come from?
It is a natural instinct - People may feel that anyone that isn't of a similar background can appear strange or threatening.

It is learnt from an early age - Many children grow up with racist or sectarian views because they learn them from their parents or the community they live in.

It is the result of experience - A person may have experienced bad treatment from someone of a different race, religion or ethnic group. This may lead them to think negatively of other people from the same background.

Discrimination
Discrimination occurs when a person puts their prejudiced thoughts into action. Discrimination involves treating a person or group less favourably because of culture, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Stereotyping
A stereotype is a crude metal picture that a person might have of someone from another group. Like prejudice, stereotypes are usually based on ignorance.

Scapegoat
A scapegoat is someone who is blamed for the wrongs someone else has committed. People often fins it easier to blame others for their problems, and it is often members of ethnic groups who end up being the scapegoats.

Racism

Racism involves both prejudice and discrimination. Racism is the belief that one race of people is superior to another. As a person's race might influence skin colour, language, nationality and culture, racism can involve discrimination because of any of these factors.

The Law on Racism

Race Relations Order(1997) - Makes it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of race. Prohibits people inciting racial hatred.

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act(1998) - Upholds equally for all. Government authorities must actively promote equality.

Sectarianism

Sectarianism is prejudice or discrimination directed towards someone who is a member of a smaller group within the same race or nationality. For example, sectarian tensions can be between Catholics and Protestants in Nortern Ireland.

The Law on Sectarianism
Fair Employment and Treatment Order(1998) - Unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of religious belief/political opinion.

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act(1998) - Promotes equality between certain groups eg. those of different religious beliefs/political opinions.

Sources of conflict
Conflict simply means a disagreement or difference - When the outcomes don't have the same values - especially if one group feels they have been overlooked.

Conflict can have a positive outcome - Can be positive if a problem or misunderstanding is sorted out which could improve relations.

Conflict can lead to violence - Violence may be a first reaction for some people if conflict is based on fear of the other person's difference. Violence has a negative impact on individuals and the community.

Mediation - Informal negotiation with an independent, neutral 3rd party.
Advantages: It is an opportunity for each group to explain its views and listen to the other group's views.
Disadvantages: Mediator may be biased/One group may refuse to attend the discussion

Judicial System- Matters that are dealt with through the law courts.
Advantages: Can carry a harsh penalty/May prevent reoccurrence.
Disadvantages: Expensive/Time consuming/No guarantee of solution.

Boycotts - A complete refusal to buy a product or take part in an activity as a way of registering a protest.
Advantages: Put pressure on government to change in a non-violent way.
Disadvantages: May be ineffective if another country buy/supply products.

Sanctions- An official action taken against a country to force it to obey international law.
Advantages: Peaceful method of changing a government's behaviour
Disadvantages: Citizens of the country may suffer in result(innocent victims of conflict)

The United Nations: Aims to maintain national peace, develop friendly relations and promote human rights.
Advantages: Can implement real change immediately/Focuses on long term issues such as disarmament.
Disadvantages: Countries may be inaccessible/Government may not want emergency assistance and not allow help through/Loss of lives of innocent civilians of soldiers/Peace keeping may be unwanted by civilians

International Human Rights Instruments: Governments sign these to protect human rights. Declarations(not legally binding) and conventions(legally binding).
Advantages: Conventions enshrined in law/Victim can seek compensation
Disadvantages: Expensive/Time consuming/ Countries may ignore human rights laws.

Family - Family values in home. Musical influences from siblings.

School - School values and mottos. The sports played at that school.

Peer group - Friends wearing similar fashion styles. Going out to eat certain foods.

Religion- Beliefs and morals from religion. Traditional practices.

Media - Fashion trends shown in magazines. Tremding music/bands on TV

Community - Sharing with people in same area the same political/religious beliefs.p

Why immigrants may move to Northern Ireland:

Good health care and education system

They might come for jobs and opportunities.

Something like domestic violence or war could've made them flee their own country and come here as there is less conflict.

Causes of prejudice, stereotyping, sectarianism and racism:
Lack of understanding and respect; ignorance and lack of education - lead to people having unfounded views.

Segregated housing and education - very few opportunities for the two sides to mix/prevents them from getting to know each other and break down barriers.

The effects of the past - may have the same view due to past experiences e.g. the Troubles

Influence of family and friends- attitude/behaviour may be learned from generations of family or from a person's group of friends.

Consequences:
Hatred of different cultural and ethnic groups.

Can fuel violent criminal attacks on people and property - vandalism, severe injury and death.

Intimidated victims

Victims can be discriminated against - can feel excluded or unwelcome in areas of society - can feel lonely and depressed.

Local economy can be affected - tourists may not want to visit.

Puts pressure on services e.g. police health sector - pressure to look victins of discriminatory attacks.

Combating racism:
Encourage friends and family not to be racist/sectarian - challenge inappropriate behaviour(What an individual can do).

Organise cultural celebration events in the local community(What society can do).

Bring racism/sectarianism on to the curriculum so that schools have to teach issues to their young people(What the government can do).