Minority Entitlement and Changing Values
Authored by Andrew Ash via The Gatestone Institute,
There has been a noticeable shift in attitudes towards minority entitlement, especially in recent years. My father, who migrated from Egypt to England in the last century and met my mother, did not possess the sense of entitlement that seems prevalent today. Back then, being a Muslim was a part of his identity, but it did not define him. He, like many other Westernized Muslims at the time, sought to escape the oppressive religious norms of his home country.
His focus upon arrival in England was not on expecting special treatment or accommodations for his Muslim beliefs. He did not feel entitled to have mosques on every street or demand that British society cater specifically to his cultural background. Instead, he was content with finding work and a place to live, without the need to create unnecessary grievances.
Complaining or playing the victim was not part of his ethos. He valued freedom above all else.
He was not alone in his mindset. Many Muslim migrants of his generation shared his desire to assimilate and contribute positively to their new home.
Claiming victimhood or seeking special treatment would have been seen as inappropriate and self-centered. He and his peers were too proud to seek assistance or join support networks, even when eligible for benefits. They believed in self-sufficiency and integration, rather than standing out or demanding preferential treatment.
Unlike the current trend of identity politics and competition for recognition, my father’s generation simply wanted to live harmoniously without causing disruptions.
The shift towards multiculturalism has changed the dynamics significantly. Communities are now encouraged to compete for resources and attention, leading to tensions between different groups and the native working-class population.
The preferential treatment given to Muslim immigrants in areas such as welfare benefits and cultural accommodations has exacerbated these divisions and fostered resentment among disadvantaged communities.
British Muslims have learned to capitalize on victimhood, reaping rewards by portraying themselves as helpless. This contrasts sharply with the values of my father’s generation, who would have viewed such behavior as degrading and unwarranted.
Overall, the evolving landscape of minority entitlement and changing societal values reflect a complex interplay of cultural shifts and policy decisions that have far-reaching implications for social cohesion and harmony.
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