
To be honest PLAVT, there is no such thing as intergration, it's just an idolistic dream, but not reality! Back in the 80's I worked with refugees, in Denmark.Plavt wrote:GordonGekko,GordonGekko wrote:
What is your take on that we have an ongoing discussion about assimilation/integration in Europe and the US for newcomers, while many expats are viewed in a negative fashion by many Singaporeans as a group who do not want to assimilate/integrate to the Singaporean society?
In your opinion, is it harder to this in Singapore, than say, Australia?
I do not think foreigner can integrate fully into Singaporean society. The simple fact most have there roots elsewhere. As a friend ( a geography teacher whose first trip abroad was to Malaysia and Singapore) said: 'it is alright going abroad and having a look even spending a few years there but you can never really live there simply because you do not belong there'. I am in no doubt this is true. True some marry but marriage is between two people and not two cultures which can never meet. I am not sure I can believe Singaoreans view foreigners the way you have described above, is that your perception or do you have any evidence that is true?
Plavt.
Nice post, ksl. Funny you should say that, that was exactly how I found the Brits when I lived there - not very outgoing! So I can only imagine what Danes are like if Brits feel that way about them.ksl wrote:After 23 years in Denmark, I felt integrated, but lonely, why, because the Danes are not as outgoing as the Brits, So in 23 years, I could count the danish friends on one hand,
I agree with you!! After leaving the forces, I decided not to return home to my own City in UK, but remained in a village in the south of England, A place called Stockbridge on the winchester rd, a quaint, nice village.Wind In My Hair wrote:Nice post, ksl. Funny you should say that, that was exactly how I found the Brits when I lived there - not very outgoing! So I can only imagine what Danes are like if Brits feel that way about them.ksl wrote:After 23 years in Denmark, I felt integrated, but lonely, why, because the Danes are not as outgoing as the Brits, So in 23 years, I could count the danish friends on one hand,
Don't get me wrong, I have several dear Brit friends whom I'm still in touch with and visit every few years in England. But it took some time to get to know them. Unlike in many parts of the world where people make an effort to talk to foreigners, it was not my experience in Britain.
Yes I remember the cold wet winters. Dreary, but somehow seeing my own breath made me feel more alive than I'd ever felt in my life and I miss that now. No gloves though, back then I was young and invincible and okay, perhaps lazy and stubborn, but no gloves even when cycling. Of course now if I go to winter climes I bring the thickest woollen ones I can find. Comfort has overtaken gungho-ness, sign of age...Plavt wrote:Regarding what Ksl says about the secular nature of Britons particularly those living in rural communities is only too true. Since this is my own country I can say sure the climate has a good deal to do with the lack of out-going. I am sure both Ksl and WIMH remember those frosty winter mornings when the cold bites right into your skin (bet you had to wear your little gloves windy), those foggy and damp mornings and ice from packed snow.
In the more northerly countries in Europe that is mostly true but in Spain, Italy and the more southern countries you no doubt will have noticed people are more 'out-doorish'. The reason is simply the climate although curiously the French are similar in nature even though they are only next door in geographical terms and Spain can be quite cold in winter.Wind In My Hair wrote:But most social situations are indoors where I would have thought huddling together for warmth would promote socializing.
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