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British Muslims Proud to be British
A recent study by research company Ipsos UK among British Muslims has cast new light on the importance of British identity for this group. Many of the Muslims surveyed preferred the term 'British Muslim' to the out-of-fashion 'British Asian', as it gave appropriate emphasis to the role of their faith in defining who they are.
What surprised the researchers was the very strong attachment which all showed to British symbols and institutions. What's more, their sense of belonging and national pride did not depend upon being accepted by white compatriots. While they felt that the UK had become a more hostile place for them since 9/11, this had not affected their Britishness in the least.
They valued British identity for its sense of security - evoking the inalienable rights attached to British citizenship - rather than for the idea of Britain as an 'ethnic melting pot'. With Islam uppermost in their priorities, being free to practise their religion was valued above all. They respected the British State strongly for allowing individual ethnic groups the freedom to practise their different ways of life.
Interestingly, Englishness was regarded very differently to Britishness. Even though many are passionate in their support for the England football team, many Muslims regarded Englishness itself as a white preserve. But at the same time, they reported that their own children were taking a different approach and claiming a 'new' English identity.
As Simon Riley, the author of the study says, 'What we are seeing is a change in what it means to be English. Current adult generations of British Muslims barely connect with Englishness at all, but it seems many of today's kids are growing up with different expectations. 'English' may have to become as inclusive a term in the future as 'British' is now'.
Ipsos UK conducted the qualitative research at the end of August 2004 among British Muslims, as part of wider study into feelings of national identity among UK citizens with family backgrounds from South Asia.
Ipsos can be found at www.ipsos.com
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