Beyond your World

Since the human species left Africa around 60.000 years ago, the urge to push beyond what’s known, to discover new lands and opportunities has shaped human culture. Since then, mankind has undertaken a restless exploration of the world, conquering new territories and giving rise to new and more advanced societies thanks to a process of knowledge and skill exchange. Our journey has never stopped and nowadays mass immigration has given birth to the phenomenon of multiculturalism.

England has a long history of immigration, making it one of the most multicultural societies in the world. As a more diverse society, it offers greater choices for food, clothing and faith, allowing people to live the life they choose. You can feel its multiculturalism in the flow of your everyday life, walking in a overcrowded shopping centre full of exotic take away restaurants or, in ethnic quarters where, an odd harmony between western architecture and eastern culture will make you wonder if you are still in the same country.

Despite what might seem only a reflection of a migratory flow, multiculturalism has deeper implications for the whole community of a country. It is a force that shapes the urban landscape and the society through a process of, cultural exchange and coexistence, breaking down boundaries stereotypes. As the society becomes more diverse, more choices are available and people want the opportunity to experience them.

A multicultural society is more dynamic, diverse and creative, for example, in London districts such as Camden Town and China Town have become one of the main tourist attraction of the city. Furthermore, multiculturalism gives prove of great civility, it fosters dialogue and tolerance between different communities, races and faiths, it represents the importance of differences but at the same time common national identity.

Nevertheless, apart from what could be extent to multiculturalism, what are the implications for the whole community?

Do the foreigner communities loose gradually their cultural identities? How do they integrated in the society?

Is coexistence among different communities possible?

Through my work I would like to answer to these questions and, at the same time describe the phenomenon that characterizes most the English society today.