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The Cosmopolitan Community
In this essay, I am keen to set out my beliefs and attitude towards inter-ethnic
relations and my radical alternative to multiculturalism. In it I highlight:
• Why there is no proper discussion of ethnic relations in Britain
• My call to end political correctness
• My new approach to ethnicity through the Cosmopolitan Community
• How the Cosmopolitan Community will work and benefit everyone.
The dynamics of human society
Human society perpetually involves tensions, both positive and negative. Not
only that, these tensions are in a constant state of flux.
Even if the make-up of a community were to stay constant for while, you could
appreciate the effect of a factor such as a growing or shrinking economy
would have. Different elements would be affected in different ways, resulting
in the quality of life diverging between different groups.
If on the other hand, instead of constancy, the make up of a community is
altering all the time - with an in- and out-flow of people from different cultures -
a matrix of very different effects develops across the different elements. The
net effect of which is very hard to read and more difficult to predict.
Some things, though, are predictable. If an obvious divergence opens up
between certain groups and is left unchecked for any length of time, social
tensions inevitably arise.
I want to highlight exactly this dynamic within the fabric of our community in
London. For hundreds of years, but particularly over the last six decades and
especially since 1997, the rate of influx to London from very different
international groups has been extraordinary. London is a phenomenally rich
assortment of peoples, colours, races, religions, faiths and traditions - a
heterogeneous mix to be proud of.
But I would like you to think about your answer to these questions for me:
• Do you believe that every citizen of London is an equal stakeholder in this
great city of ours?
• Do you believe that the remarkable opportunities available in this city are
unconditionally open to all?
• Do you believe that the fabric and structure of London should be preserved
completely unchanged?
If you answer No to any of these questions then I urge you to join me. Let us
advocate and lead a change in attitude, thinking and practice.
Why, though, has such a simple objective not been attempted to induce action
before now? From my perspective, the answer is simple.
Why does Britain have issues with inter-group relations?
Since the 1960s in Britain, the entire subject of inter-group relations has been
taboo - stigmatized. The over-sensitive left and elements of the media have
rendered any discussion about this subject utterly radioactive.
But just because no one has been allowed to talk about inter-group relations
has not made any of the associated issues go away. Far from it.
Unaddressed, they have actually festered and grown to be far, far worse than
before.
Moreover, the radioactivity conferred on this subject has created an additional
evil of its own. Had there not been a taboo on talking about inter-group
relations and race, political correctness would never have come into being.
Rational, considered debate would never have allowed such irrationality,
innate inequality and paranoia to be tolerated.
Political correctness is morally wrong. It is unequal and it is unfair. It expects
some groups to be disproportionately tolerant while it encourages others to
hide their intolerance behind totally unreasonable sensitivity.
I say it is time to end the tyranny of political correctness - right now!
The alternative
Instead of radioactivity and the lunacy of political correctness, I want to talk
about inter-group relations - I want to advocate a celebration of similarities.
How does this come about?
It comes about through a radical new approach: the Cosmopolitan
Community. The Cosmopolitan Community excites participation, it rebalances
tolerance and it creates expectations for all. At its heart, the
Cosmopolitan Community is an open meritocracy.
The Cosmopolitan Community
The word Cosmopolitan beautifully describes the existing make-up of London
- as it is truly made up of people with backgrounds from all over the world.
Unlike multiculturalism, though, Cosmopolitan does not imply separation - it
revels in and glorifies the collective diversity of culture, groupings and
backgrounds.
Moreover, in an external context, London as Cosmopolitan - in the sense of
worldly - absolutely encapsulates the international excitement and status of
our Capital in the world.
Above all, Cosmopolitan is an aspirational state that is positive; is inclusive;
and is an emotionally intelligent approach to discussing and glorifying
diversity.
How does the Cosmopolitan Community come about?
The Cosmopolitan Community is not a call for legislation. It is not a call for
taxation. It is not a call for government spending. The Cosmopolitan
Community is a call for a change in attitude and behaviour by us all.
For instance, there are no laws in this country governing fairness while we
wait for something. But everyone in Britain diligently forms queues every day
of life. Everyone feels this is right. Moreover the practice is self-policed. The
reason we queue is that we all see that it is innately fair and more efficient for all.
I am advocating the same dynamic for the Cosmopolitan Community. This
will not be underpinned by the paranoid tyranny of highly subjective political
correctness but by the uncomplicated maxim of: "Do as you would be done
by" and the Test of Role Reversal. It simply asks people to be considerate,
thoughtful of others, open-minded and driven by the thought of how people in
any situation would feel if the roles were reversed.
The benefits of the Cosmopolitan Community
The social, psychological, and economic benefits of celebrating the
Cosmopolitan Community in this way could be enormous. Moreover, the
benefits play to everyone's self-interest.
Professionally and economically it would explode our skills base, cultural and
artistic creativity - the creative equivalent of 'hybrid vigour'. London's
economy and employment prospects would be enriched. And socially, given
the hideous symptoms manifested by 7/7, it would aim to create a feeling of
social inclusion and, thereby, nurture tender shoots of social harmony.
Pursuing anything that aims to reduce or remove the sense of exclusion - said
to motivate some of our own citizens to do harm to their fellow citizens or their
property - has to be worthwhile and to the benefit of all.
Leading the establishment of the Cosmopolitan Community
Establishing the Cosmopolitan Community will take leadership. Charismatic,
emotionally-intelligent leadership. It will take someone with the ability to build
bridges and connectivity between people currently deeply suspicious of
others. Institutional or governmental posts certainly would provide appropriate
platforms from which to offer this leadership and help speed up the
emergence of better community relations.
So much of politics is about impression and perception. If advocated by the
wrong person, the Cosmopolitan Community could be rendered still born -
worse, it could be seen as patronizing, condescending or tokenistic.
I believe that I have the unique combination of background, attitude and
experience to begin the process of building these bridges and connectivity.
I am asking for a mandate to establish the Cosmopolitan Community here in
London and to build a community for all its citizens that will be the envy of the
world and a model for other cities everywhere.
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