| I think that attitudes vary with the frequency of exposure to other cultures. In the UK nowhere is more than 75 miles from the coast. And the coast is where you meet people of different cultures. An american can travel 1500 miles and not meet anyone other than americans.
Our american friends, from the deep south, have travelled the world on military service. They reckon that the big problem is suspicion of the unknown, and that meeting people from different cultures and finding them to be friendly helps. Traditionally those places to meet were near seaports, but would now also be at airports and holiday resorts.
I'm on holiday in Italy at the moment, I'm 1000 miles from home. I've driven through eight different countries and had to communicate in three different languages. Everyone has been friendly and helpful. Trying to speak a few words in the local language helps too. It's amazing the number of people who cannot speak English until you have tried a "good morning" in their language first!!
In Venice we met a Nigerian, who says that London was the least racist place he has ever been to. Most other places he found less tolerant of people who are "different", and he has been travelling and working in Europe for five years.  |