(UK) How should an immigrant behave to avoid getting a black eye on the street?

Suzita

I feel concerned that you have to ask this question. You should not have to worry about getting a black eye or any other harm.

Sadly, if you are really concerned that this might happen, I guess the best thing is to keep a low profile. If you can find work, do your best at it, build up some money and find yourself a safe and comfortable home where you can relax and start to enjoy positive aspects of Britain.

The vast majority of British people would be appalled to think that new members of the community feel at risk. There will be people who will welcome you, as well as those who are hostile and ignorant.

Welcome to Britain, I hope things soon improve for you.

gemma_florida

People should be respectful of one another, be polite and helpful if required, and never seem hostile. To be honest, "immigrants" are always going to be treated differently because of apparently "stealing our jobs", but I don't see why this happens. There are hundreds of jobs in this country, and those lazy bums who just can't be bothered to get off their backsides are just looking for an excuse. Racism should not be tolerated nowadays, I find it ridiculous.

shevek_v

Same way the rest of us avoid violence in everyday life: act confidently, don't think or look like a victim, and run like hell if you can't take out your attacker in the first three seconds of a confrontation.

Jonathan

Not walk into lamp posts.

tongue in cheek

obey the law and be polite and respectful like anyone else should

eastern_eu

For your information: 'Wladek' is actually not Polish, hoewever, for some strange reason he pretends he is. Some Q&A, where he tries to write in Polish, indicate that clearly, also some 'mistakes' he makes are not typical for Polish users of English language.

I am not racist, although some of my compatriots are, just as some Brits, 'Wladek' himself included. Some examples of his xenophoby:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AleI1cT9wN.Yfn2Gz_0xReohBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20071010212717AA717ya&show=7#profile-info-tTFzqFFWaa

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuYyAgzjMTl3v_EtGBRKXVUhBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20071009120104AAGXxOa

and also his knowledge of the language he pretends it is his native tongue:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=All4uxaB4_g11GPa5qqS388hBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20071006121547AA059Pk&show=7#profile-info-770y9Thcaa

Nat

be yourself, have self confidence

Darlingthatsfabulous

Steer clear of racists who have a chip on their shoulder about immigrants.

Lucky Man 2

Be yourself and try to avoid the racist idiots who pick on you.

Trbld1

just try to keep in mind that you are in another country and respect the locals ect. In britain a smile goes a long way.

x-kat-x

I would act as you normally would, just be nice to people :]

But afew key words that may be helpful:
Respect, polite, kind, confident, reliable.

Good luck with life...
xxx

The Rugby Player

Normally

herr fugelmeister

wear a bowler hat and carry a copy of the FT stopping by local cider swigging youths make small talk about the trains being late and about the weather "bloody trains ran on time when thatcher was in power, and it rained every tuesday". just dont cry when you hear pope john paul II being mentioned you'll fit right in.

edit :mam 2 above what the hell has the irish got to do with britain? we are not british just the same as polish are not russians or czechs or hungarian. its yahoo IRELAND and uk. you'll be at the back of the queue when were handing out irish passports.

Ahwell

Normally.

rainman

If you can't speak English try not to speak too much in your home language. Avoid eye contact. Dress decently, wear clean clothing, get a haircut and shave your face.

Otherwise act normally.

Alletery

Just be courteous (say please and thank you).

For directions, don't say "WHERE is Smith Street?" A man once yelled it at me like if I don't answer he will slap me. I ignored him. I thought he was so rude and demanding.
Say in a respectful tone: "Can you please tell me how I can get to Smith Street?"

It is best not to describe a person when you are grateful but rather the act of kindness.
Example when expressing gratitude: Do not say "You are a sweetheart." as either the lady or her husband may think you are trying to go out with her.
Just say: "Thank you" or "Thank you for taking the time to help me."

Jimmy F

Dont come to the UK at all and if they are already here just leave. : )

Illegal Eagle

Just try to fit in, and don't foist your culture on the native population.

Kurt V

Stop jumping queues and spitting in the street.

Alison G

Look where you're going don't walk into lamp post.

Wiffyman

England is not made up of people wanting to fight with immigrants.

If you 'dislike' the UK then I suggest you do not live there.

Oh Crud!

british.

asimenia

stay in own country

happy family

what type of racist question is this,what are you trying to say about the british people?
this is why immigrants get harrased in the first place,they come over hear leach of our health service,housing service and benifits service then asked an un educated question like that...my addvice to you is if the uk is as bad as you are making it out to be hear,DONT COME HEAR IN THE FIRST PLACE.i am proud to be english,im not a racist and can not stand people who are but what you are suggesting makes people belive that we the british on the whole are racist...EDUCATION,WESTERNISE YOUR SELF,GET A JOB AND PAY YOUR WAY LIKE THE REST OF US AND YOU WILL HAVE NO PROBLEMS IN THIS OUR GREAT COUNTRY

trigga1uk

dont come here, i hate to say it as i love travelling to other places and cultures, but im kind of at the end of my patience. Why is it you want to come here, money? We (the brits) have made our economy what it is by our own work, why should we start letting all the outsiders have a slice of it. Do you go to the big house at the end of your street with the nice cars and start asking for money -no!!

Apparently the polish government are getting concerned as all the young people are leaving and it is starting to effect the economy, if things get worse over there will any of you go back and work for 20p and hour, i doubt it.

Mama~peapod

Have you got something against the British? Your comment would suggest you have something against the English, the Scots, the Irish and the Welsh and that we all behave like hooligans, which I can assure you is not the case.

My suggestion on 'how to not get a black eye' is do not drink so much at the pub on a Friday night, so when you walk down the street you will not fall over flat on your face! (This is English sarcasm)

I think both 'Suzita" and "happy family' both have good points in their answers to your question.

JP32

Avoid wearing a leather jacket (standard uniform for male immigrants) it's a dead give away.

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