Discover Hertford Online Forum

Archived Topic

Topic ID 2006

20/09/2006 by New Hert

Hertford - Multicultural?

I'm thinking of moving to the hertford area, but want to get some views of how muliticultural it is. Any posts would be helpful to me. Thanks.


0 replies

Archived Replies

Reply ID 26267

20/09/2006 by Avarice

Are you a Jewish football supporter, gay or a traveller? [:D]


Reply ID 26268

20/09/2006 by Ewoowar

quote:
Originally posted by New Hert
I'm thinking of moving to the hertford area, but want to get some views of how muliticultural it is. Any posts would be helpful to me. Thanks.
The largest ethnic minority groups are the Polish and Portuguese.


Reply ID 26270

20/09/2006 by Avarice

Seriously though – I don’t think Hertford is a hot bed of ethnic and cultural diversity, you will not experience a wealth of different cultures in Hertford (this is just my opinion, and perhaps other people will post and help broaden this opinion). Many of the residents are white Brits and are round or about middle-class(ish). Just like most county towns around the UK. However, I don’t think it’s a narrow minded place and I think most people are fairly accepting of others whatever their background. Now, if it is Indian restaurant culture you are after then Hertford does seem to have far more than its fair share of these.


Reply ID 26273

20/09/2006 by Kate

For a purely statistical answer to that question see: [url]http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/profiles/26UD-A.asp[/url] Which I guess demonstrates that Hertford (or East Herts at any rate) is not particularly multicultural, although the general area it's in, taking in other parts of Hertfordshire and London 25 miles away, is very diverse.


Reply ID 26275

20/09/2006 by Victor Meldrew

Its more Horticultural[:)]


Reply ID 26279

20/09/2006 by SMT

I think the important thing is that everyone is welcome!! The population is less diverse than local towns such as St Albans, but then it's significantly smaller. You'll find places to eat indian, chinese, thai, italian food, etc, but you won't find a mosque or hindu temple. However, I think that the local Muslim population use the Quakers building for prayer on a Saturday.


Reply ID 26280

20/09/2006 by farrowandfarrow

The majority of Hertford is white middle class etc though we have found a significant number of Australians, Kiwis, Chinese, Italians, South Africans and Scots (scaled in that order) pass through our door. There's also been the occasional American, French & Welshman but we got chatting and dicovered they were on holiday, so dare I count them?[:)] Having grown up in a variety of cultures/far flung lands I have always found "all white" towns/areas slightly odd and uncomfortable to live in. Though the majority of faces are white (like mine) I have found Hertford is welcoming and relaxed to all no matter what background, faith or ethnicity etc the individual hails from.


Reply ID 26286

20/09/2006 by carlos fandango

I remember reading somewhere that the 2nd largest nationality in east Herts is German (if you lump the English, Scots, Welsh and Irish into 1 amorphous lump).


Reply ID 26289

20/09/2006 by Marilyn

quote:
Originally posted by Victor Meldrew
Its more Horticultural[:)]
I think that is def true, plus lots of local families like mine have been in hertford since the 1700's so not very adventurous, although Gt Gt Gt Grandfather did marry a girl from Bayford!


Reply ID 26298

20/09/2006 by shunt

Curiously, I've found racial tension to be more widespread where there is cultural diversity. In Hertford, robbed of any easily identifiable scapegoat, we just bicker, blame and condemn each other equally and in rotation.[:)]


Reply ID 26301

20/09/2006 by Paul

quote:
Originally posted by shunt
Curiously, I've found racial tension to be more widespread where there is cultural diversity. In Hertford, robbed of any easily identifiable scapegoat, we just bicker, blame and condemn each other equally and in rotation.[:)]
I have only two experiences in Hertford with Black friends. The first with an American friend in a pub in the town. The landlord came over uninvited and sat down and talked to us about his experiences with Black people in America making my friend uncomfortable. then my friend got comments from men at the bar as he went to the loo. my friend said that after Martin Luther King in the 1960s this treatment had stopped in the States. The second friend was a Black British lady from London who went to our nearest pub in the suburbs of Hertford to buy cigarettes She said "It was like High Noon" everybody in the pub stopped talking and stared at her. That's two out of two unpleasant experiences. Black people would not enjoy living in Hertford if having to experience such constant stress, that is why "Black British life is City life" Paul


Reply ID 26302

20/09/2006 by Victor Meldrew

That is utter rubbish, there may still be a few racist in Hertford, but not to the extent you would like to have people believe.


Reply ID 26303

20/09/2006 by shunt

There's a bit of that everywhere Paul. I've had bad reactions to a very beautiful black girlfriend of mine here in Hertford and in Datchworth, but also some very good experiences too. Some people, in fighting against their prejudice, were embarrassing in their attempts to compensate, though with good intent. Others were downright rude, failing to treat a lady as a lady, making lewd comments etc. which left me always on the edge of fisticuffs. Amongst my own friends, I had no problem, thankfully. I guess I chose the right friends. Conversely, when I lived in a predominantly black society, I found much the same in reverse. Some people will always judge on colour, nationality, sexual orientation, or background and others prefer not to restrict their lives in that way.


Reply ID 26304

20/09/2006 by Victor Meldrew

Maybe not utter rubbish then, if someone else has been subject to it. I have never witnessed it with my friends.


Reply ID 26308

20/09/2006 by Berbatov

quote:
Originally posted by Avarice
Are you a Jewish football supporter, gay or a traveller? [:D]
As you can see New Hert, there is a warped sense of humour here at least (only joking Avarice - made me smile) ! [:)]


Reply ID 26312

20/09/2006 by 2929paul

Statistically, as Kate has indicated, Hertford is not very multiculturally diverse. However, this is a relatively wealthy and correspondingly well educated area that understands and respects all aspects of a modern multicultural society. Many of the population are now younger commuters, or people moving out of London, looking for slightly cheaper alternative accommodation to the trendy London communities they have been enjoying. As such, the stereotype of Hertford as part of the Lucas/Walliams "Little Britain", which could have been levelled at us 10 to 20 years ago, is no longer valid.


Reply ID 26320

20/09/2006 by Herbert Lemons

Did somebody say well educated? Innit!


Reply ID 26321

20/09/2006 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by 2929paul
Statistically, as Kate has indicated, Hertford is not very multiculturally diverse. However, this is a relatively wealthy and correspondingly well educated area that understands and respects all aspects of a modern multicultural society. Many of the population are now younger commuters, or people moving out of London, looking for slightly cheaper alternative accommodation to the trendy London communities they have been enjoying. As such, the stereotype of Hertford as part of the Lucas/Walliams "Little Britain", which could have been levelled at us 10 to 20 years ago, is no longer valid.
I agree in part. Despite my own experience, Hertford does try, on limited experience, much better than many other places. The good attitudes easily outweighed the bad. On the whole though, I found the older members and younger members less bigotted than the 30-40 somethings in the middle. Influenced by a different political climate perhaps?


Reply ID 26329

20/09/2006 by Berbatov

Does it all reall matter whether we are multicultural in Hertford? As long as people show respect, cultural backgrounds have nothing to do with it. My answer to the poster is to come and live in Hertford, you will be welcomed. Just be nice, don't commit crimes, support the town traders and educate your kids to do the same.


Reply ID 26330

20/09/2006 by Berbatov

And smile, there isn't that much of it around town these days. [:D]


Reply ID 26337

20/09/2006 by Ewoowar

I agree. I believe that the people of Hertford are open-minded, tollerant and welcoming.


Reply ID 26339

20/09/2006 by gregb

Personally I don't find Hertford very multicultural at all. I've lived in Enfield, Uxbridge and Ealing and Hertford is by far the least multicultural of them all. This is probably to be expected as all 3 aforementioned towns are all within London and London is certainly very multicultural. I miss the cultural diversity of these towns and find cultural variety brings a lot. You can learn a hell of a lot from people with different backgrounds - it's very eye-opening and preferable in my opinion to living with people of the same race from the same background. It's hard to put yourself in the shoes of someone who is say black and thrown into a very white community but I would imagine that being black for example and living in Hertford could feel uncomfortable. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable. I've got a mate who is black and echoes the comments of Paul and will gladly come visit me but is not overly keen to go out in Hertford for the reasons cited already on here. It's quite embarrassing really. I hope my comments do not put off people from coming to live in Hertford and I think that with rising house prices in London more Londoners will be moving further out and hopefully this will make towns such as Hertford more racially diverse. One thing I find hilarious is that some peoples idea of Hertford being racially diverse is the number of Indian restaurants we have! Please. Berbatov, I think it does matter whether we are multicultural in Hertford or not. You mention about educating your kids - well, surely they should be educated on such things as different religion, race colour and creed? You can’t necessarily teach these things from books or TV. It's good to meet and live amongst people from other races/religions.


Reply ID 26348

21/09/2006 by Herbert Lemons

We're all little boys and girls. On individual terms, I can't begin to imagine what could have come between me & those who are sold to me as enemies. In my experience, peoples capacity for tolerance is overwhelming. Being pals with most folk, however, doesn't contribute to the tiresome mill that is 24hr news and our proscribed current affairs agenda. What am I talking about? That said, 5000 people gathered in Australia today to mark the karmic payback of a geezer who annoyed crocodiles and stuff. A word to his insurers - all the clues were there....


Reply ID 26353

21/09/2006 by Avarice

quote:
One thing I find hilarious is that some peoples idea of Hertford being racially diverse is the number of Indian restaurants we have! Please.
I find it hilarious you thought I was serious...purlease.


Reply ID 26355

21/09/2006 by SMT

quote:
Originally posted by gregb
One thing I find hilarious is that some peoples idea of Hertford being racially diverse is the number of Indian restaurants we have! Please.
Greg, you've missed the point of what I was trying to say. I did not try to describe racially diversity based on the number of restaurants. I was trying to explain that Hertford has different eateries but that's about it in terms of a variation from the "white" norm. If Hertford was truely multicultural, then there would be more visible places of worship for non-Christian faithes, thus demonstrating that Hertford was NOT multicultural. I had hoped that Hertford was welcoming and accepting of all cultures, but it would appear from other posts that it is not always the case.


Reply ID 26358

21/09/2006 by sloopjohnb

I wish Hertford was a lot more multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi coloures Swap Shop because as anyone who has ever tried to get funding for the town will know, Hertford is still widely considered safe, white, middle class and rich. More to come on this one later but the target audience i have to reach on a surprising successful bid is certain percentage female, certain amount ethnic, certain amount disabled, certain amount members of the UK UFO Society. Not wishing to ofend anyone but I did ask if an asian disabled female counted as one or three. Everybody laughed - serious question.


Reply ID 26360

21/09/2006 by carlos fandango

Can I ask what some may consider a controversial question? Just what is wrong with Hertford being safe,white and middle class? Even if in reality we all know that it isn't completely white, completely safe or completely middle class.


Reply ID 26361

21/09/2006 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by sloopjohnb
I wish Hertford was a lot more multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi coloures Swap Shop because as anyone who has ever tried to get funding for the town will know, Hertford is still widely considered safe, white, middle class and rich. More to come on this one later but the target audience i have to reach on a surprising successful bid is certain percentage female, certain amount ethnic, certain amount disabled, certain amount members of the UK UFO Society. Not wishing to ofend anyone but I did ask if an asian disabled female counted as one or three. Everybody laughed - serious question.
Ah, now there's the rub, John. By trying to ensure we encompass minorities, we often create identities. I sympathise with your problem. Anyway, what is the definition of ethnic? The lady I was talking about, when it was suggested she was "sent back to Jamaica" replied, "Great! I've never been there, the last four generations of my family having lived in Coventry." Would she count on the ethnic score you've been given or is she just "British"? One may as well count by all the different shades of pink or hair colour as being ethnic differences!


Reply ID 26363

21/09/2006 by Paul

quote:
Originally posted by sloopjohnb
I wish Hertford was a lot more multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi coloures Swap Shop because as anyone who has ever tried to get funding for the town will know, Hertford is still widely considered safe, white, middle class and rich. More to come on this one later but the target audience i have to reach on a surprising successful bid is certain percentage female, certain amount ethnic, certain amount disabled, certain amount members of the UK UFO Society. Not wishing to ofend anyone but I did ask if an asian disabled female counted as one or three. Everybody laughed - serious question.
If the funding bodies (who they?) consider the Hertford community in the way you describe "White, middle-class, rich and therefore safe", might one assume their prejudices can be extrapolated to describe Black communities as "Black, working class, poor and therefore dangerous"? Dangerous to whom? We have just read two posts suggesting that Hertford's "White, middle class, rich" community has been considered by Black people - scary . Also I wonder how female, ethnic and disabled people in need might feel to be grouped with the UK UFO society - belittled? Seems to be a lot of work needs to be done here (in Hertford) to enable a multicultural society to flourish. The first being to remove the stereotyping of our community, by our establishment. Paul


Reply ID 26364

21/09/2006 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by carlos fandango
Can I ask what some may consider a controversial question? Just what is wrong with Hertford being safe,white and middle class? Even if in reality we all know that it isn't completely white, completely safe or completely middle class.
There isn't anything wrong with it or right with it. Nor is it something to be proud or ashamed of. It just is. "Safe" is a good thing. Are you implying that is only true because it is "white" and "middle-class"? I hope not.


Reply ID 26365

21/09/2006 by JohnSmith

quote:
Originally posted by Paul
Seems to be a lot of work needs to be done here (in Hertford) to enable a multicultural society to flourish. The first being to remove the stereotyping of our community, by our establishment. Paul
Are you saying Hertford has to become multicultural?


Reply ID 26366

21/09/2006 by carlos fandango

Not at all....but the tone of many of the posts seems to suggest that it is a bad thing. Then again, I do belong to the only section of society that one can be racist, sexist, ageist (and most other -ists) about.


Reply ID 26375

21/09/2006 by Paul

quote:
Originally posted by JohnSmith
quote:
Originally posted by Paul
Seems to be a lot of work needs to be done here (in Hertford) to enable a multicultural society to flourish. The first being to remove the stereotyping of our community, by our establishment. Paul
Are you saying Hertford has to become multicultural?
Since the end of Second World War, all European Governments are striving to destroy the concept of "national ethnic purity" - as that sort of nationalism caused the death of so many people. Immigration generates commerce between states, which in turn generates wealth and creates the "glue" which gives governments pause when contemplating aggression on other states. Also it is great for strengthening the gene pool. If you believe this (as every government in this country has since 1949) then the answer is - yes. To make this ideology work comfortably is another problem To succeed, I believe all people should be judged by their actions, and the content of their character. To succeed, I believe our councils and our community must support all people in their fight against racism (negative attitudes generated by prejudice in the existing community). To succeed, I believe we all need an education which includes a multicultural element, and all minorities require some positive discrimination in their struggle to live a fulfilling life. Hmmm... Hey Paul - lighten up :-) Paul


Reply ID 26379

21/09/2006 by shunt

Hertford is pretty good. There is little seriously offensive descrimination, but what there is is all the more unforgivable, because we are suposedly an educated and affluent community with all the tools to keep us up to date. My assumption was that we should know better and my experience was that those who were racially prejudiced, were also judgemental on class, religion, income, style of dress, career, age and you name it. These people exist everywhere and in every ethnicity. Thankfully they are a minority themselves.


Reply ID 26384

21/09/2006 by Paul

quote:
Originally posted by shunt
Hertford is pretty good. There is little seriously offensive descrimination, but what there is is all the more unforgivable, because we are suposedly an educated and affluent community with all the tools to keep us up to date. My assumption was that we should know better and my experience was that those who were racially prejudiced, were also judgemental on class, religion, income, style of dress, career, age and you name it. These people exist everywhere and in every ethnicity. Thankfully they are a minority themselves.
So why ain't they here - if it's so good?


Reply ID 26388

21/09/2006 by shunt

Luton is far worse on racial tension than Hertford, but property is cheaper, hence they have a muticultural population and we don't. New immigrants take a while to reach the level of affluence required for Hertford and established ethnic groups are traditionally settled around industrial areas. In time, that will change and it will even out. There is no more of an obstacle to settling in Hertford than anywhere else. My comments were simply to indicate that we are not devoid of prejudice in this town.


Reply ID 26399

21/09/2006 by Paul

quote:
Originally posted by shunt
Luton is far worse on racial tension than Hertford, but property is cheaper, hence they have a muticultural population and we don't. New immigrants take a while to reach the level of affluence required for Hertford and established ethnic groups are traditionally settled around industrial areas. In time, that will change and it will even out. There is no more of an obstacle to settling in Hertford than anywhere else. My comments were simply to indicate that we are not devoid of prejudice in this town.
Ethnic minorities choose not to come here because there is not much work for them. They braved Luton because there was work. There is racial tension in Luton because there are large ethnic minorities there. Racism is endemic in White British society. Hertford is a commuter town, it serves London. London is now predominantly Black (interestingly more African than West Indian now). As a commuter town it should reflect the Ethnic mix. But no Black person in his right mind would risk leaving London in order to to live here (some from Enfield have in the past commuted to work at Hertford Tesco). Paul


Reply ID 26409

21/09/2006 by Paul

Well Shunt, I have done what Tony Benn advocates "Dare to be a Daniel. Dare to stand alone, Dare to have a cause that's just Dare to make it known" I am signing off now, on this subject Good fun Thanks Paul


Reply ID 26419

21/09/2006 by JohnSmith

Why come and live here when they can live in Hackney and come and visit us? http://www.herts.police.uk/crimedatabase/site/content.php?article_id=1456


Reply ID 26423

21/09/2006 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Why come and live here when they can live in Hackney and come and visit us? http://www.herts.police.uk/crimedatabase/site/content.php?article_id=1456
Where is the boys ethnicity mentioned, or are you assuming that because they are criminal and from hackney?


Reply ID 26425

21/09/2006 by JohnSmith

Several of my friends' children were victims.


Reply ID 26426

21/09/2006 by Berbatov

quote:
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Why come and live here when they can live in Hackney and come and visit us? http://www.herts.police.uk/crimedatabase/site/content.php?article_id=1456
Ridiculosus JohnSmith!! They just tend to meet my friendly bat with no eyes that lives in the loft, on it's own, but happens to know where it's going. I haven't got a clue what you are going on about.


Reply ID 26428

21/09/2006 by Berbatov

quote:
Originally posted by shunt
quote:
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Why come and live here when they can live in Hackney and come and visit us? http://www.herts.police.uk/crimedatabase/site/content.php?article_id=1456
Where is the boys ethnicity mentioned, or are you assuming that because they are criminal and from hackney?
Shunt. I love your posts but have you travelled on One lately?


Reply ID 26432

21/09/2006 by JohnSmith

I just get fed up with being a WASP at times. So many people telling me how oppressive I am.


Reply ID 26452

21/09/2006 by IainC

Well, New Hert, I'm sure the remarks from JohnSmith and Berbatov have told you all you need to know. Sadly, it doesn't take long for this sort of thing to bubble to the surface.


Reply ID 26456

21/09/2006 by JohnSmith

Let's get back to the matter in hand. The fact is that Hertford is not multi-cultural. However, that does not mean that it is a bad place for people from diverse cultures to live. I find the people who live in Hertford to be very tolerant compared to other places that I have lived in or visited. I don't see not being multi-cultural to be a disadvantage and most certainly not in the case of Hertford.


Reply ID 26458

21/09/2006 by Paul

quote:
Originally posted by IainC
Well, New Hert, I'm sure the remarks from JohnSmith and Berbatov have told you all you need to know. Sadly, it doesn't take long for this sort of thing to bubble to the surface.
Nice Damn i've already signed off! Paul


Reply ID 26461

21/09/2006 by JohnSmith

quote:
Originally posted by Paul
Hertford is a commuter town, it serves London. London is now predominantly Black (interestingly more African than West Indian now). As a commuter town it should reflect the Ethnic mix. But no Black person in his right mind would risk leaving London in order to to live here (some from Enfield have in the past commuted to work at Hertford Tesco). Paul
Not so nice. And factually incorrect.


Reply ID 26469

21/09/2006 by Leo Densian

quote:
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Let's get back to the matter in hand. The fact is that Hertford is not multi-cultural. However, that does not mean that it is a bad place for people from diverse cultures to live. I find the people who live in Hertford to be very tolerant compared to other places that I have lived in or visited. I don't see not being multi-cultural to be a disadvantage and most certainly not in the case of Hertford.
Well put John


Reply ID 26472

21/09/2006 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by Berbatov
quote:
Originally posted by shunt
quote:
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Why come and live here when they can live in Hackney and come and visit us? http://www.herts.police.uk/crimedatabase/site/content.php?article_id=1456
Where is the boys ethnicity mentioned, or are you assuming that because they are criminal and from hackney?
Shunt. I love your posts but have you travelled on One lately?
Sorry Berb, I don't understand your question? John posted a link to a report of criminal activity in a thread about the multicultural nature of Hertford. The report made no mention of the activity being racially motivated or perpetrated by members of any particular ethnic group. I was asking why he thought it relevant.


Reply ID 26475

21/09/2006 by JohnSmith

The post was in response to Paul's one saying that no black person in their right mind would leave London to live in Hertford. I read this as Hertford being white and middle class would not welcome black people from London. I took great exception to this. Especially when we have an incident like this (and at least two other similar incidents). I couldn't find any reports of a gang of white teenagers from Hertfod going into Hackney and robbing the locals - I did try. It's like the situation with the Pope earlier this week. One group of people seems it is their right to take offence at what another group of people say but not vice versa.


Reply ID 26476

21/09/2006 by shunt

John I'm sorry if your own family were involved in this incident. However, it does not reflect badly on any particular racial group, in the same way that being Muslim doesn't a terrorist make. The Pope did not speak for anyone I know in his recent speech.


Reply ID 26479

21/09/2006 by JohnSmith

shunt, what are your views on Paul's statement: Hertford is a commuter town, it serves London. London is now predominantly Black (interestingly more African than West Indian now). As a commuter town it should reflect the Ethnic mix. But no Black person in his right mind would risk leaving London in order to to live here (some from Enfield have in the past commuted to work at Hertford Tesco). It seems strange that you choose to pick up on my reponse to Paul's post rather than his original post which does a disservice to the residents of Hertford and is factualy incorrect.


Reply ID 26480

21/09/2006 by Paul

quote:
Originally posted by JohnSmith
The post was in response to Paul's one saying that no black person in their right mind would leave London to live in Hertford. I read this as Hertford being white and middle class would not welcome black people from London. I took great exception to this. Especially when we have an incident like this (and at least two other similar incidents). I couldn't find any reports of a gang of white teenagers from Hertfod going into Hackney and robbing the locals - I did try. It's like the situation with the Pope earlier this week. One group of people seems it is their right to take offence at what another group of people say but not vice versa.
So you took exception to me saying White people in Hertford would not welcome Black people. What has that to do with Black people from London attacking White Hertfordians or White Hertfordians not attacking Black folk from London? Are you saying Black Londeners are bad and White Hertfordians are good? Paul


Reply ID 26482

21/09/2006 by JohnSmith

You started it by saying that black people would not be welcome in Hertford. I showed that they were welcome but a number of groups of black people haven't exactly set a good example to the people of Hertford. I stand to be corrected about gangs of White Hertfordians doing likewise. And your original post is factually incorrect.


Reply ID 26483

21/09/2006 by shunt

Though I know what Paul's post was aiming at, I don't think it was well supported which is why he may have withdrawn from the conversation. Once he had done so, I deleted the reply which I was writing to it, assuming others would also see the gaping holes for themselves. I'm pro-intregration myself, but to be so and effectively, requires great self-control. Your link is entirely irrelevant to Pauls post or the subject of this thread and for that reason, is, perhaps inadvertantly, racist by inference. Search your heart John. Did you notice that the report didn't mention what race the chidren involved belonged to or that they were of any one race?


Reply ID 26484

21/09/2006 by JohnSmith

I found Paul's post particularly offensive and wasn't prepared to sit back and let his comments stand without a response. Paul's post heavily implied that Hertford is a racist town. Admittedly, the link I posted was somewhat antagonistic but it was in response to a highy offensive post. Irrespective of what was reported, the truth is that it was a gang of black kids. That is a fact. It has also happened on more than one occassion and that is another fact. Sorry if the truth hurts. Anyone coming to this forum for the first time and reading the posts of two particular posters would be led to believe that Hertford is run by a bunch of right wing facists who round up a lynch mob every time someone with anything more than a mild tan or who walks with a slightly peculiar gait enters town. I like the way that once again you have failed to respond to Paul's post and continue to criticse me. Get this, if you are white, you are allowed to be offended by something that a black person posts and not actually be racist. In fact I think you are too scared to criticise Paul's post for fear of being labelled a racist.


Reply ID 26485

21/09/2006 by shunt

Ok John. You must remember the reporting of the nine-year-old black boy beaten to death by a gang of white youths. If you take this incident in Hertford as representative of black people, you must also accept that this murder is representative of your own. Are you prepared to do that? No one I know would support the actions of the children in the Hertford incident, including those friends who are black. They would, however be saddened to think someone might tar them with the same brush because of skin pigment. Is Paul black?


Reply ID 26487

22/09/2006 by jayzee

so here we go again why is it that a question so innocent starts this kind of row please refer to the original question and stop this bickering is this how you want people to see us in hertford


Reply ID 26490

22/09/2006 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by jayzee
so here we go again why is it that a question so innocent starts this kind of row please refer to the original question and stop this bickering is this how you want people to see us in hertford
Thank you Jayzee, I will take that advice [:)] Hertford is not very multicultural. That is not because of racism. It is, however not devoid of racism, anymore than any other town is. It is a nice place to live.


Reply ID 26498

22/09/2006 by Mr P

quote:
Originally posted by jayzee
so here we go again why is it that a question so innocent starts this kind of row please refer to the original question and stop this bickering is this how you want people to see us in hertford
Agreed. Multicultural does not mean Black and White. The written word can be esily misinterpreted as there is no voice tone or facial expression. Visitor's to this site will get a great idea of only a section of Hertford's opinion and will hopefully take the views with a pinch of salt. As for Hackney: it's culturally diverse so those youths may have been from any background/colour. That article is, I'm afraid, an inappropriate example in response to an incident that has obviously had direct negative consequences for JohnSmith - and this is not a direct attack on you JS, it is an observation. Personally, I'd never go back to Hackney again. Driving through the place was obviously offensive enough to two white women to warrant my car getting egged! On the strength of this thread, I don't think New Hert will be moving here any time soon! [:)]


Reply ID 26501

22/09/2006 by shunt

I hope New Hert won't be put off. Indeed, multicultural does have a different meaning to black/white and my responses were on a point of principle, which led me into a debate I felt I could not morally concede. I repeat:- Hertford is a nice place to live for anyone and its residents are varied and diverse in attitude and opinion, as demonstrated. Maybe that diversity on how we should behave as a community is a form of multicultural expression, even though we would be classified largely as one cultural group by traditional means.


Reply ID 26533

23/09/2006 by Dude

quote:
Originally posted by New Hert
I'm thinking of moving to the hertford area, but want to get some views of how muliticultural it is. Any posts would be helpful to me. Thanks.
Its no more or less multicultural than most country towns.


63 replies