Below are the responses
to the open-ended question:
'Is there anything else
you would like to say about community relations in Northern Ireland?'
Note: Responses were
only edited for grammatical reasons, if necessary. Square brackets
indicate where editing occurred..
1. A lot of sectarian
views are passed from parents to children, and I doubt this will ever
change
2. Anything that
gets people of different ethnic groups together is a good scheme,
because you don't like or dislike someone based on religion
3. As a community
we need to try harder to improve relations in NI
4. As a sixteen
year old, I have a part time job in a mixed culture and religion setting.
I feel this has given me an opportunity to meet people of different
religions and cultures. I am enjoying this experience. Only for this
part time job I don't think I would get this opportunity in other
aspects of my life.
5. As a whole,
in relation to different religions in NI, I don't think it is causing
as many problems as it once did. I do think the cross community programmes
help bring everybody together, it gives young people, who are easily
influenced, the chance to see how other religions and people from
a different ethnic background aren't so different at all. It helps
people integrate and make friends with people they may not have had
a chance to before. Therefore I think more cross community schemes
and events should be organised.
6. As much as
I would like the two communities to get along and work together more,
a part of me feels there will always be a small hint of resentment
for the other community because it will be passed down the generations
7. Bigots need
to be excluded. Parents need to be taken to classes to prevent them
teaching their children to prefer their community without even knowing
why they have been taught this rubbish
8. Catholics and
Protestants do not mix well enough, there is not enough activities
for both religions to come together e.g. sport. Gaelic is a mainly
Catholic sport and more Protestants should play too, and friendships
may be formed.
9. Catholics get
everything and that's not fair
10. Community
relations can be improved but those who are raised to be prejudice
will always feel opposed to cross community projects. No amount of
projects, time or teaching will change it. Also, many people in NI,
much like other cultures, find it difficult to accept other groups,
minority or not. Perhaps we could help people see - we're all human
11. Community
relations in NI are no different to community relations, if not better,
that other countries. An organisation called the IRA have bombed us
in the past, no different to the Muslim extremists in the holy lands.
Paramilitaries have been using patriotism to cover up for drug schemes,
no different to America's own mafia. We in NI have been described
by many tourists as a friendly society, mainly because of our ability
to laugh at ourselves. Personally I have a problem with do-gooders
and politically correct people using the so-called "troubles" as a
means of bettering themselves
12. Community
relations in NI are still bad. People have not realised that people
from other religions, countries, or ethnic origin are no different
from us, but cross-community projects will not work if people are
forced to attend. People must want to attend and be open minded enough
to give it a chance to work.
13. Community
relations in NI aren't a problem unless single minded people make
it one. I despise sectarianism and all discrimination because throughout
my life my friends and I have been subjected to this prejudice ever
though we are a mixed religion
14. Community
relations in NI aren't as good as they could be because of old arguments
causing new ones. Parents of kids who don't like other religions or
different races give that message to their kids, and with youths today
being more rowdy and out spoken than others before them, the rifts
between communities grow every day
15. Community
relations in NI deteriorates around the 12th July. This is because
Protestants usually have a tri-colour on top of their bonfires or
they have a tri-colour with a Catholics name who had been murdered.
This makes Catholics very annoyed.
16. Community
relations projects are very positive, but I feel that they are only
a small step in solving the problem of sectarianism, more has to be
done as well.
17. Community
relations will never get better in NI if the two main religions live
in different societies and are always apart. As a Catholic I know
hardly anything about other religions and I would like this to change.
18. Community
spirit has gone. No one cares about each other which is disgraceful.
People on the dole should be made to work, at least part time.
19. Ethnic minorities
seem to be left out and not accepted by either Catholics or Protestants
20. Even though
relationships between the main religious groups has improved over
the years there should be concern about the growing number of problems
between local people and immigrants. These issues should be dealt
with before they grow into a serious problem so that NI doesn't have
to go through the troubles years again.
21. Everybody
is all the same so why can't they all try and get along. It doesn't
matter whether you are Protestant or Catholic we are all human. Some
people get too caught up on their religion. I don't think being a
Catholic or Protestant should be focused on so much. It only causes
problems.
22. Everyone hates
each other and that's not going to change
23. Everyone in
NI needs to wise up and stop this silly fighting because these is
a lot more serious things to worry about. We all need to unite and
fight for our rights and to make sure that our voices are heard. We
need to show people that NI is united and it's stronger than ever
24. Fix it soon.
Please
25. General opinion
of most people think they are fine, although in hard-line areas such
as east Belfast the relationship is poor
26. Get all the
foreigners out of my country back to where they come from
27. Get the Polish
out
28. Having a son
who has autism has given me chances to meet people from other religions
and we have worked together as a group to highlight our children's
needs. These children have in my opinion done more for this country
and bridging barriers that once separated us than any of our highly
overpaid politicians have
29. I am involved
in a cross-community project and I feel that it has helped me to break
any stereotypes I have of people from different community groups.
Therefore I feel that cross community projects are successful and
there should definitely be more opportunities for both young and old
to be involved in such projects. However I feel that there is a severe
lack of funding for cross community projects and this is an issue
that the new NI executive should deal with
30. I believe
bringing in other ethnic people to NI is not good to do at the present
time with there still being much hatred between Catholics and Protestants.
These people will get hurt in the crossfire
31. I believe
community relations will always be part of living in NI. Although
many people still have a problem with different religious backgrounds,
many others are proud that they have experienced these problems, but
overcame them. Issues like sectarianism are now materials used by
comedians and advertisers, showing that our troubled history is slowly
but surely ending, and becoming less a problem and more something
to be proud that has ended
32. I believe
if children were taught about different races and religions then there
wouldn't be as much bullying and fighting in school. They would learn
to see they are all like one another and share similar opinions and
interests on things. Also it is how children are brought up by their
parents, because if the parents are bad mouthing different races or
religions, children are just going to think it is right for them to
do it as well.
33. I believe
that in some areas, young people are so bored they stir trouble just
for something to do. For a "kick". If the government provided more
for them to do, I believe such problems could be avoided. For instance,
if I were to see a new play park being built, my first reaction would
be "in no time thugs would have it destroyed" which is based on past
experiences. More logical distractions from violence such as grants
for cinemas etc. should be thought about. I also believe that there
are more problems than religious ones for teenagers to the concerned
about. Being a victim of stereotype can be stressful. Getting labelled
as an "ema" or a "jock" or a "Barbie" can cause stress when really
I believe those teens only conform to such images to get a sense of
belonging and worth
34. I believe
that my generation are more open to the fact that new religions are
coming over to NI.
35. I believe
that people should be judged on personality not colour, appearance
or religion. As people from one community can be just as "bad" as
people from another we shouldn't be so blind in the sense that most
people believe that their religion is "best" as no one has any greater
status than someone else
36. I believe
that there should be more focus on the community relations between
young people today, as they are the future, and the more they learn
about other communities and religions, the more they can provide for
their children in the future. Parents contribute immensely to the
attitude their child/children can have about other ethnic origins,
so this attitude needs to be acted on immediately or else relations
between communities may never get better than they are right now.
37. I believe
that they are better now than say, 20 years ago but there will always
be that underlying tension between the two sides. It's as if the tension
is genetic, we can't help it
38. I believe
that we should put our differences aside and become friends across
the religious barrier so that we can focus our energies more positively
on making NI a better place for ourselves and for tourists who come
to visit
39. I believe
that with time NI will become a better place to live in, however sectarianism
will always be an issue to some extent
40. I don't care
what religion or colour people are. I would like to live round "my
own kind" because it is easier and there is less chance of trouble
if you go to school with them. NI is always going to be split between
Prods and Catholics. It's just how it is. I've grown up in it and
I'm fine. I go to the twelve every year and yet one of my closest
friends is Catholic, goes to a Catholic girls school. I marched with
the orange men yet at the time I had a boyfriend who was Catholic.
And you also said about colour, I have a close friend who is black.
We are who we are.
41. I don't go
by what religion someone is, I go by what the actual person is like.
You shouldn't have to not like someone just because of what religion
they are.
42. I don't mind
working alongside people of different race and religions but I don't
want to work with people that are racist or sectarian
43. I don't think
it matters what religion we are. Sometimes it is the way in which
a family has been brought up over the years. If different religions
were brought together I think people wouldn't care any more. Religion
doesn't matter. We are all people. We all share the same feelings.
People should give one another a chance. That's what I did
44. I don't think
race or religion make any difference to me. As far as I see everyone
should be treated the same. All of the arguments that happen in my
town are due to religion. Personally I think it is stupid. People
should just learn to accept people as they are and not judge them
if they don't know them
45. I don't think
religion is becoming the biggest worry, I think the fact that if you're
gay or not is becoming an issue. As a friend of mine is and he gets
constant abuse from the community for it.
46. I don't think
that enough is being done to improve community relations in NI. There
has been a large increase recently of Eastern Europeans coming to
work in NI. I welcome them and feel that they are needed to work here
but I don't think they have been given enough help to integrate into
our society. I also think that people from NI should be better educated
on what they bring to NI and how necessary they are to become a more
prosperous place. I feel that this would help reduce any tensions
that exist towards people from ethnic minorities. Regarding sectarianism
between Catholics and Protestants, I believe that many young people
simply adopt their parents' views instead of making their own and
so the hatred between the two sides throughout the troubles have filtered
through to the next generation. Until more is done in schools etc.
in the form of cross-community projects I don't think we will see
an end to sectarianism. I feel that most people only have friends
of the same creed as they haven't had the opportunity to socialise
with people from other backgrounds because of single faith schools,
neighbourhoods and few cross-community projects.
47. I feel community
relations in NI are better but I also feel there is plenty of room
for improvement. I also think that there is quite a lot of bitter,
narrow minded people here who tend to focus on each others differences
rather than our similarities. In order for NI to improve a lot of
tensions and past events need to be forgiven (on both sides) for people
to be able to move on, towards a healthier society
8. I feel that
as I have said Protestant and Catholic community relations need to
improve greatly, so that we could all try and get on with no sectarian
abuse or separation. If this was to improve I would feel better about
walking to my school in my uniform without getting looks or remarks
from other children going to different schools.
49. I feel that
clubs such as sports clubs or youth clubs help build cross community
relations and so more youth clubs in the Armagh area could help break
barriers between the two communities. There have been some in the
past but publicity was extremely poor
50. I feel that
community relations in NI are not improving as rapidly as they could
due to the politicians inability to form a united front and to dismiss
the consequences of past actions.
51. I feel that
if cross community projects in schools took place at an earlier age
and more often, community relations would have more effect on those
involved.
52. I feel that
it is better to mix with people from different backgrounds to yours
so that you can learn from each other instead of thinking that people
are different because of their religion or colour.
53. I feel that
people should learn to accept different races and religions and to
work together. This could lead to a better NI.
54. I feel that
some people's views are changed or decided by their friends and that
not enough people stick up for what they believe in
55. I feel that
there is too much of a divide between Catholics and Protestants and
more cross-community projects for young people should be available
to help eliminate prejudice
56. I feel that
there should be more opportunities for young people to take part in
cross-community projects
57. I feel the
relations in NI are very much influenced in our age groups and 16
year olds experience a lot more these days and see very damaging images.
There will always be conflict in NI between religions
58. I feel the
relationships between different religious groups depends on where
you live. In small towns, there is still tension, however in large
cities, there is more violence and abuse
59. I felt I could
not answer questions 59-61 because I would like to judge people on
their individual merits and not their religion. Questions like these
can only serve to create further boundaries. I think that sectarian
hatred can only be combated through more mixing of religions. People
need to learn to judge each other upon their merits
60. I have found
that community relations in NI between the Protestant and Catholics
have greatly improved recently however, I feel in some areas there
are still tensions which could be combated by mixed neighbourhood
and less one-religion areas. I have found that a lot of discrimination
has now been directed to members of immigrant and ethnic minority
communities such as the Polish and travelling communities.
61. I live in
the countryside in an all Protestant area but my nearest town has
slightly more Catholics than Protestants and there is definite hostility
between the two, especially in my general age group. We can't get
the same bus as there are arguments and abuse every day when we do,
so we have separate buses but even then there is occasionally trouble
getting off the buses walking up the street. I would like to see us
getting on better even though I don't like a lot of them but I can't
see this ever happening as there is such a big divide but I would
like to see our new government try to address this issue.
62. I love living
in NI, despite everything that's gone on here. Things are gradually
getting better amongst the older generation but sometimes I feel that
with people my age or younger they are getting worse. That some people
are just picking up where our parents left off. I think the majority
of this isn't actually out of a genuine dislike for people from a
different community group (although this may be some of a factor)
but out of boredom and just lack of understanding of the other people
and also because that's just the way things were done in the past.
I think a lot of people need to let go of the past to make a better
future.
63. I personally
believe that community relations in NI will not be strong for at least
another 5 to 10 years. It is up to our generation to change our divided
communities into one united nation
64. I personally
believe that if there were more organised opportunities through schools
and outside schools to meet other people who are not from the same
race/religion then I believe that relations would definitely improve.
I also believe that families have a very important role in moulding
and indeed influencing the beliefs of their children and so if children
are educated now, more so than ever an equality between race/religion
then in generations to come community relations would most likely
improve
65. I personally
think that it is a disgrace to the people of NI the way that we are
being seen but on the same point it is no-one else's fault but our
own. We are portraying ourselves as evil, vindictive people, who don't
understand that whether someone is either Catholic or Protestant it
doesn't matter. Our religion does not make us, it builds up our identity
not our lives and not many of us know that. The young people of NI
are the real victims. They are not learning properly about this point
in conversation. It is not just schools and the media that need to
help us understand this serious and disruptive point on hand but also
our families. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, they
can all play an important role in this. It isn't just a 10 minute
speech after you have got in a row with that boy from that Catholic
or Protestant school up the road. No. This is our lives and the world's
future. We all need to make an effort to understand that religion
and skin colour really doesn't matter in the slightest.
66. I simply
hope for peace between different religions
67. I strongly
think that because fighting between Catholics and Protestants has
stopped, most prejudice hate is now directed to minority ethnic communities.
68. I think all
schools should be mixed religion. Separating Catholics and Protestant
only confirms to young people that they should not mix. If, from a
young age, children from all backgrounds were put together then they
would see that they all have similarities and the differences they
do have can be positive. Children are just accepting the views they
are taught.
69. I think Catholic
and Protestants should be brought together and stop fighting. The
way I see it religion doesn't pay for your rent
70. I think community
relations are becoming stronger, even in mixed communities
71. I think community
relations can be further improved as long as the people behind these
cross-community projects ignore any negative feedback but focus on
the positive outcomes that these projects cause and use this feedback
to improve and further the success of cross-community relations
72. I think it
has got a lot better. I am neither Catholic or Protestant, I do believe
in God, go to church and went to an integrated school. I have nothing
against people's sexuality, colour, beliefs etc. I think NI would
be a lot better if all people went to integrated schools and mixed
with all religions
73. I think it
is stupid that we can be judged on our religious beliefs by other
members of our own community
74. I think it's
a great shame that the youth of today are still feeling sectarian
towards other young people when they don't actually understand what
they are doing and how their actions affect and hurt others. People
need to grow up and move up
75. I think it's
important as at the end of the day we are all still people and cross
community events can improve relations with other communities
76. I think its
ridiculous in this day and age that people still find pointless reasons
to hate each other. Sad things is, there's very little you can do
to change people's minds short of stealing their children, which I'm
not suggesting is a good idea. Community relations in NI will probably,
eventually, catch up with the rest of the modern world but for now
we'll just have to do our best to help the new generations.
77. I think my
high school doesn't do enough cross-community. If they did the pupils
at my school wouldn't be as sectarian as they are, they'd realise
people of a different religion or ethnic group are the same as us.
78. I think NI
and Ireland should be brought as one country. I hope it does in the
future
79. I think NI
has a long way to go before Catholic and Protestant become totally
integrated but I think it'll be a good thing when it happens
80. I think people
in NI are dwelling too much on stuff that happened in the past, instead
of looking towards the future. I think that everyone has a right to
be proud of their religion and history but many people take things
too far. They should leave the past in the past.
81. I think people
should be able to get on, no matter what religion/race they are. Life
is too short
82. I think people
should be able to live in peace with others of different religion
and ethnic origin, with no divisions or tension
83. I think people
would mix more with the other community if they were in mixed schools
and communities because that is where you make friends
84. I think that
all the sectarian fighting should stop, as if you kill someone and
you say it is because of religion, that just doesn't make sense as
whether you are Protestant or Catholic you worship the same God and
one of 10 commandments is "thou shalt not kill". So what kind of Christians
kill other Christians?
85. I think that
even if the community relations between Catholics and Protestants
does improve, all the hatred between these two groups will move to
other groups such as the Polish
86. I think that
if there were more mixed housing estates, schools and even workplaces
it would be a lot easier for different religions and people with different
ethnic backgrounds to get on and understand that we're all humans
and have the same colour blood
87. I think that
in "trouble" areas people should support community centres etc and
government should help fund. Also for cross community centres place
them on the border regions so its not just in a Protestant area or
just a Catholic area but will attract more people from both sides
because its neutral. Also Christian organisations can be a help to
forgetting differences.
88. I think that
many of the views of the adults are passed onto the children which
means why the teenagers are fighting and with the adults always passing
their views onto their children, I believe the violence will never
stop
89. I think that
there is too much fighting over religions and that flashing the different
flags at events for each sides causes most trouble. I believe that
both religions should be able to enjoy whatever events they enjoy
but keep it on the down low or do it within reason of no trouble.
Also I think that anybody should be able to walk through any areas
no matter if only one religion does live in the area and the other
does not and more schemes should be arranged for young people to take
part in. I also think people of different colour and race should get
treated equally and be given equal opportunity
90. I think that
there should be more opportunities for young people to engage in cross-community
activities to improve relations at a young age, and therefore there
will be better relations in generations to come.
91. I think the
main barrier between young people of different religious backgrounds
is the fear of your friends mocking you or worse because you are involved
with people of different backgrounds
92. I think the
relationship between Catholics and Protestants has become closer over
the past few years. I believe people are beginning to see there is
no real difference and everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.
I also think people are making more of an effort to include those
from ethnic minorities and foreign countries. Personally I think NI
is changing slowly but surely and with the new government at Stormont
things can only get better for us.
93. I think the
rising number of attacks on ethnic minority groups in the past couple
of years is a sad testament to the results of the troubles. It is
almost carved into some Northern Irish people's nature that they must
have a cause to fight for even if it is irrational, as it gives them
an identity
94. I think there
are a lot of people from Poland, China etc coming into the country
that shouldn't be. They have their own country and should stay there.
95. I think there
should be more cross community schemes in schools because the people
who attend those types of schemes outside of school obviously are
not the people who need to attend them
96. I think there
should be more cross-community projects as I feel I benefited a lot
from the project I am participating in.
97. I think there
should be more opportunities for young people of different races and
religions to socialise, because at the moment I feel there is little
chance of being able to become friends with these people unless they
attend you school. I also believe that sectarianism still exists within
our communities and I often feel that the police services are at least
slightly sectarian. I think that adults should be encouraged to reconsider
their views as well as young people.
98. I think we
should treat all children equally
99. I think with
the right aims and funding the assembly can improve religious relations
but there needs to be less talk and more action. More should be carried
out with young children. If area's appearances were improved, relations
would be better (like banishing murals and flags which I believe are
more to mark territory and to warn other religions than to look good.)
100. I would just
like to say that everyone, no matter what race, religion or disability,
should be treated as equals and with respect. In NI sadly this is
not always the case
101. I would like
for children to grow up and not care about religion and be able to
have friends of all religions
102. I would like
mixed community relations in NI and people to respect everyone and
treat everyone as equal
103. I would like
to be able to go into the town and go shopping with my Lisneal college
uniform or my Rangers football top without thinking that I will get
beaten up. I don't like people to stereotype me just because of the
way I dress and because of my culture. I see a lot of people walking
around the Waterside wearing Celtic tops or GAA tops and no one cares.
So why does it bother people? I don't think it's right
104. I would like
to get to know more about the people in my community. We never really
get the opportunity
105. I would like
to say that with an increase of cross community programmes involving
young people from all sorts of ethnic groups, the bond between all
the groups will become much stronger and within 7-10 years from now
any signs of prejudice or discrimination could be wiped out entirely
106. I would like
to see a day when bigotry and hatred is not engrained from one generation
into the next. Until that happens, we will never have a society where
people live contentedly beside each other valuing each others differences
and learning from them. People should learn to realise that their
God is someone they worship in their own heart and that where we go
to church shouldn't affect other aspects of our life.
107. If different
communities weren't announced or explored as much "in the media",
I think community relations would be better
108. If more communities
were mixed with other races, religions etc. our communities wouldn't
be so judgemental towards each other and more people would feel less
awkward around people from different religions etc.
109. If the people
were allowed to continue and live together without the media stirring
up and creating "so called" tension between the community in NI it
would not create such a problem
110. If there
was less discrimination and hatred between all religions in NI it
would be a far better place to live in
111. In a community
where people are of the same religion they get on very well and have
a relatively peaceful environment with each other, but this peace
is often disturbed by someone/people from a completely opposite community
looking to cause trouble. I live in a mixed community with different
races and religions. We all respect each others beliefs and all get
on very well with each other and we all live in relative peace. Our
peace is never disturbed by people looking to cause trouble which
emphasises my point that there should be more areas or estates that
are mixed.
112. In answer
to Qu. 81, most people prefer to stick with people of their own religion
but I prefer to mix
113. In general
I would say that in certain areas community relations in NI are improving
but in other areas there is still an air of ignorance because of bitterness
caused by the troubles, which is understandable but unfair. For myself,
I think that there should be more cross-community schemes outside
of school. The only reason I have Protestant friends are because I
met people who became my friends before we discovered each others
religions. Also, where I work I am the only Catholic so all my friends
there are Protestant.
114. In my school
we are taught to get on with everyone. When meeting someone for the
first time, religion would definitely not change our views on them.
In fact, it isn't even a detail that enters our heads. Although my
school is mostly Protestant due to the area in which it is situated,
some of the Catholic pupils are among the most liked pupils. Generally,
I believe that religious disputes only apply to a small portion of
our community. I feel that it is not a wide spread problem due to
the growing education we receive on the subjects in our schools and
by our families
115. In my work
place there are six workers, two of which are Polish. Before I worked
there I was quite suspicious of foreigners coming into NI for jobs
and this was mainly because of views from my friends and school friends.
From talking to the Polish people at work, I now realise how hard
life is for them here but how essential it is for them because they
earn a great deal more. I think that it is important for other people
in NI to understand how important it is for foreign workers to feel
accepted in our community and to welcome them here.
116. In NI most
neighbourhoods tend to stick to the same religion. I was reared up
not knowing much about the different religions, nor caring either.
Because of this I have a wide range of friends and I would like my
future children to have this opportunity as well. My mum was Catholic
and my dad was Protestant and no-one seemed to really care. I think
this is one of the reasons I never judged someone because of their
religion. Not many children are given the choice of which religion
they want to be as their parents decide for them when they are born.
So how can you judge someone if they never had the freedom of choice?
I believe if more people agreed with this then the community relations
would be better in NI
117. In NI you
should let people get used to the idea of immigrants coming in because
the Catholic and Protestant bickering will always be in somebody but
what is a good idea when you go to university you should mix the people
in the university houses and let everyone get to know the different
religions and let them cook different exotic meals and socialise and
get to know each other better. It will also make Catholics and Protestants
realise that there is no need for quarrelling. We're all human. Also
make more people learn their religion. Then there might by less quarrelling
and more forgiving, more associations for people of different races
and ethnic minorities to socialise. Less poverty. No abortions - ruins
a family and a lady. More facilities for young people.
118. In the end
people will realise we are all the same. It is happening as we speak.
However, in some areas it will take much longer. People who are bitter
and sectarian won't get as far as people with an open mind. I have
friends that are Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, atheist and
agnostic and we all get on brilliantly. It's the personality I get
on with not the religion, so I think policing etc should be strict
with sectarian behaviour, however, people will need to discover that
there is no difference between Catholics or Protestants etc.
119. It depends
where you live, people in towns have a better chance to get to know
people of different religions. For young people it is hard to socialise
with different groups and especially for ones who live in a totally
Catholic or Protestant area.
120. It is poor
and needs to be worked upon
121. It isn't
the young people that have the "religion problem", it is the adults
that have grown up during the height of the violence. Young people
mix with other religions all the time now but there is still a small
minority that don't. This is mostly because their parents don't and
won't let them be free to mix with different religions. It is adults
that these cross community schemes should be set up for
122. It requires
people of greater wisdom than I know of to find a stable midpoint
to bring about peace here
123. It there
were more cross community projects formed I think different religions
would get on. If there is any, I never hear about them and miss out
on the opportunity to take part in them. I also think that there should
be a short time, maybe a few days, before any projects to get to know
the people you will be with, so it wouldn't be so awkward.
124. It will take
more than glossy speeches to fix our problems and nowadays, just because
your family is Catholic/nationalist, you don't have to be Catholic/nationalist.
Boundaries and rules are changing.
125. It would
be good if more young people of both sides could mix more and to let
the older generation retire. Young people today don't live in the
past. We just want live, work and have fun. Now!
126. It's people's
attitudes towards one and other that can make a different
127. It's stupid
how something like religion separates people. As Marx said, religion
is the opium of the people. I strongly agree with this. That is why
I am of no religion and get frustrated why people fight over a f**king
book
128. Just that
whenever there is a cross-community project there always seems to
be a large representation of one community and I feel that there should
be the same amount of people there from both communities.
129. Leave it
be and let it sort itself out. It is the easiest way
130. Many people
in NI are picked on due to their colour and/or religion. I think this
is very unfair because everyone is the same. We are all equal. Just
because people are of a different religion does not make them any
different. They practise different beliefs and that is it. Colour
also does not make any difference. I wish there was less racism and
sectarianism, nationalist attacks and violence of any kind. It angers
me that some people think they are better than others.
131. More and
more people are showing hatred towards each others religious beliefs.
I think this should be dealt with more reasonably, such as non-violently.
That seems to be the only way people know how to sort out their problems.
132. More Catholics
should be encouraged to play rugby and cricket and Protestants should
be encouraged to play gaelic and hurling. Youth interact best through
sport. I play for a mainly Protestant rugby team and mutual respect
and then friendship was easily achieved. You don't care who you pass
the ball to on the field as long as they won't drop it.
133. More facilities
for youths - absolutely nothing for children and young people to do
which increases drinking, drugs and violence
134. More outreach
events should be organised for young people so as the differences
between race and religion can be cast aside. I think that community
relations are improving as the younger generation seem to put aside
religious differences. However, some children are brought up with
a negative attitude towards the other religious community. I think
that politicians should show a greater sense of enthusiasm and encouragement
towards cross community events and anti-sectarianism. Politicians
ought to be mature leaders whom we, as young people, can look up to
and respect, and whose views we can admire and share. We ought to
be more accepting of different races and those of other religions.
However, I feel the government ought to increase our knowledge of
others' religions and ethnic groups so as we are better informed and
do not have misconceptions about other religions and races
135. More should
be done in schools to endorse the concept of mixed communities/relationships,
not just in group events, but individually as it is usually the individual
that is easiest to co-operate with and make the biggest difference
when it comes down to real life situations.
136. Most places
they are fine. I don't even think of my friends being different religions.
They are just my mates. Most people who are brought up by good parents
don't care what religion anyone is.
137. NI is known
primarily for its past troubles, however I believe that although that
was a number of years ago the troubles and divisions will always be
there. One way to overcome this is to send future children to mixed
schools where they can bond with people outside their own community.
Living in a mixed estate could cause fights and riots but that may
be better than divided estates e.g.. the Falls Road and Shankill in
Belfast. I have been brought up to relate only to people in the same
community as myself, however, this is not the way forward and integration
is a necessity.
138. No matter
what happens NI will always find something to fight about. That is
what people in NI have always done and they will keep doing it no
matter what and that is why I hate NI.
139. On the whole
I don't think many people care about religion or ethnicity, we only
believe this because we see examples of it on the news. We do not,
however, see the people who don't care about religion or ethnic groups.
Community relations have greatly improved over the years.
140. Only that
no differences should be made between any of the religious groups,
in my opinion everyone is the same
141. People are
ignorant and this ignorance turns to bigotry, which becomes violent.
The hatred has to stop and not just between Catholics and Protestants.
People from different beliefs and backgrounds should be treated with
dignity and respect. There should be more integrated schools and cross-community
projects to end prejudice in NI.
142. People find
it hard to stop believing in the prejudices that they have been raised
with, as were their family members before them. We need to focus on
changing the attitude of the young and remove them from the atmosphere
that they have been so used to - to show them that it's not normal
to judge someone by which religious house they attend.
143. People like
myself need more of a chance to mix with different religions
144. People need
to abolish prejudice and begin bridging the gap or it's never going
to work
145. People seem
to have a hatred of tanned people. Tourists from countries along the
Mediterranean are often mistaken for Arabs. Eastern European people
are also picked on and abused because they may not speak good English.
So the Eastern Europeans tend to become cautious when in a mostly
Anglo/Irish area.
146. People should
not be asked what religion they are when they meet someone. You should
concentrate on what the person's personality and qualities are like
instead of judging them on their religion. There are only a few people
who ruin the cross community relations.
147. People use
religion here as an excuse to use violence on someone. They don't
understand that if there is someone we don't particularly like it
is because of their personality (those of our own religion), so why
is it any different with those of other religions? Where I live there
was no trouble between religions until the marches occur. It seems
to me that these marches are a trigger into the past violence in NI
148. People will
always be bitter towards Protestants and Catholics especially people
who have been seriously affected by the troubles, for example if someone
died, but we can't expect them to forgive the other religion or whatever
but my generation should be more open minded to other religions because
realistically the troubles, or whatever, can't have affected them
and if they are bitter they are easy influenced by people. People
should be able to choose for themselves.
149. Policemen
doing their jobs
150. Politicians
and the PSNI have more control over the relationships than us. As
we are brainwashed by politicians and controlled by the PSNI or other
more democratic organisations
151. Relations
between different religions are only frowned upon by the parents.
A child while growing up will not dislike people who are different
unless their parents make it so. I believe all ethnic religions should
get along because we are one world and by getting along we are making
the world a safer more fun place to be.
152. Safety issues
- there is a major problem in this country when I don't feel safe
to walk down the street at night myself
153. Sectarianism
will not end until the leaders of political parties who take part
in sectarian views and beliefs stop trying to get what's best for
their community only, rather than what's best for everyone (e.g. Sinn
Fein - Gerry Adams, DUP - Ian Paisley). As for different races, people
are very wary of other races because of the terrorism in mainland
UK. I think sectarian behaviour should be treated as severely as racial
behaviour is - to both sides. Fairly.
154. Simply not
enough, schools play no role in them but should. Children should be
taught not to treat or discriminate against others.
155. That all
religious groups should be able to get along
156. The government
needs to do more to help those being assaulted due to their beliefs
and to educate those who are causing these problems.
157. The only
way in which NI will prosper in the future and overcome the difficulties
in today's society is if we work together as one, as a community.
We are slowly but surely getting there but we all need more education
on each other's religion, race and ethnical origins, even if it has
to be forced into us. Schools, regardless of whether they are strictly
based within one religion, have to be made to enforce a principle
of "all in one community" and not "one in a community"
158. The opinions
of other religions that people develop are nearly all inherited from
family and friends. If people set a better example, and didn't attempt
to pressurise others, then I think that cross-community relations
would improve: people would form an independent genuine opinion of
others which would no doubt be a better opinion than any other
159. The situation
in NI will stay the same until schools become united with an equal
balance of Catholics and Protestants with other ethnic groups. We
need to learn religious education together, socialise and work together
for a better, fairer future.
160. The two sides
will always have a problem with each other, no amount of activities
can change that
161. The whole
thing is farcical and will unfortunately most likely never be resolved.
People need to learn that it doesn't matter. Advertising and cross-community
projects are only effective on a small scale, this fact just needs
to be drilled into kids by their parents and teachers at a young age.
162. There are
much better relations between Catholics and Protestants than there
was 10 years ago but there is still more effort needed from both sides
to improve the peace process
163. There has
never been enough community relations in NI. The community, I believe,
has a parish in which people do not organise enough events for young
people. In the last community I lived in there were only two clubs
that brought people together; drama and football. There is not a place
where young people can go out. Other races of people who move in to
our community were never welcomed enough and there was no real community
spirit. In our community now there is an issue of rubbish disposal
as our road is paying taxes and our road is only now getting fixed
even though it was needed years ago. Also there are no major schemes
for promoting recycling. Our house has still not received a recycling
bin, even when the rest of the road has.
164. There is
a lot of discrimination to the race and ethnic group of different
people more so I think than religion now a days and I feel it's because
people think that we all have to dress the same and act the same to
get along with that person. I have a friend who was with a group of
friends the same kind as them but she decided she wanted to be different
so they all left her because she changed her ethnic group; she is
still the same person inside, therefore I feel she or anyone else
should not be discriminated against.
165. There is
a lot of projects that NI do with community relations but there doesn't
seem to be a positive outcome from the hard work going into the projects.
There doesn't seem to be a focus on what should happen after projects
are finished and how they should put what they have learnt into action
and change NI for the better.
166. There needs
to be something done. If not the future will look bleak for NI. People
will be afraid of who they talk to in case something will "happen"
to them. Communities will become even more divided
167. There really
should be more cross community youth clubs and schools and neighbourhoods
in Derry. There is only on cross community club called REACH Across
and there is only 2 cross community schools
168. There will
always be problems about community relations in NI. It used to be
Catholics and Protestants fighting each other. Now the foreign workers
are the subject of abuse.
169. They are
getting better but I think it will take a lot longer for things to
be resolved. It seems like when one problem goes away another one
arises.
170. They are
improving - people are becoming less prejudiced
171. They are
slowly improving but more needs to be done by the government and adults
need to set a good example.
172. They are
very poor and NI will always be divided by religion. Not very many
people mix with other religions and so stay away from them, leaving
two communities with "their own kind" and not thinking of why
173. They're improving
immensely
174. This generation
of young people in NI feel a lot less sectarian prejudice than others,
the relations are getting better it will just take time and be down
to parents to teach their children better than past generations.
175. To continue
to deliver projects that focus on different cultures and single identity
groups to abolish ignorance that exists in our communities
176. Used to be
bad, have got better, not as much prejudice
177. We don't
see a huge mix of ethnic minorities in NI and I think it would be
more interesting and better for people if we did. Therefore, we could
be educated about different religions and learn how to mix and get
on better with people of different "colour" or race without it being
awkward.
178. Where I live
and go to school, there is no segregation or racial problems. Although
I do know of happenings and places near me and in NI where these discriminations
have occurred. I think more work needs to be done to mix future generations
from an earlier age and that where problems occur the people involved
should be introduced to programmes which mix people of different religion/ethnic
group etc.
179. Who cares
anyway. It's not like people are going to change because of some questions.
You were better to send this to someone who cares
180. Why do Catholics/Protestants
still have hatred for each other about issues that were relevant in
the past? Why are Catholics discriminated against more than Protestants?
Why is the government funding the 12th July bonfires and still they
complain about greenhouse gases and pollutions when these bonfires
give out lots of chemicals? Why are 16 yearr olds classed as adults
when it comes to paying for things such as buses, cinema etc but we
are not old enough to drink and go out to clubs but we are classed
as adults for everything else?
181. Yes they
have been improving between the different religions, however an awful
lot more work is needed to be done before there is widespread satisfaction
throughout the country. An awful lot of work is needed on relationships
between the people of NI and the migrant workers
182. Yes truthfully
I don't mind Catholics. They are just like Protestants except they
believe something different but I don't like the foreign workers for
the simple fact they're taking jobs and blowing stuff up. I really
do wonder where their loyalties lie in our country or their own
