A Guide to
3.
Discussing
Immigration
in Polite Company
This year, whether at a political hustings, social event or garden fete, it will be
seemly to debate immigration with good manners and grace. Brexit, future
immigration policy, and integration could all be stumbling blocks for uncoached
politicians and journalists. If this seems daunting, never fear! Here are five crucial
points of etiquette, to assist you in approaching immigration with a very British
sense of politeness.
to
polite conversation
F
or centuries, ladies and gentlemen have
practiced the art of making thoughtful,
intelligent-sounding contributions to
public conversation. If you feel unsure
about the facts, figures or terminology on
immigration, then do not panic and say something
foolish! Pause, take another canapé, do a bit more
(rigorous and fact-checked) research, and then
make your contribution.
4.
On
Boasting
&
Imprudent
Wagers
I
n the heat of the moment, carried away by a
vivacious table and a generous cellar, it is all too
easy for politicians to make grand promises. “Of
course, Sir, if elected I will slash immigration numbers to
such and such!’” “Do not worry dear lady, I will achieve full
control over our borders and remove all the ‘illegals’!’” (see
point 3). However, it would be wise to refrain from
making such intoxicating pledges. Those who did not
partake of that final brandy will be all too happy to
remind you of your unwise commitments for many
years to come!
2.
A
Q
W
Always attempt to make
CONTRIBUTIONS
P
ords matter, and some are
simply offensive. It is
impolite and inaccurate to
refer to people in a
dehumanising manner (e.g. as “illegals”, “bogus”
or “failed” asylum seekers, or “health tourists”).
As well as being inappropriate in polite
company, inflammatory language may see you
shown the exit by your host.
1.
THOUGHTFUL
Mind your
’s & ’s
lways use
the appropriate
form of
address
To avoid embarrassing misunderstandings in
polite company, do take the time to ensure that
you use the right names for the right people.
When discussing ‘immigrants’, do you mean
everyone who has moved to the UK, or are you
talking about a particular group, such as
students or workers? Do you find yourself
mixing up ‘asylum seekers’ with ‘refugees’? Are
you getting EU nationals mixed up with
non-EU? Take a moment to reflect & respond
with accuracy.
5.
I
Don’t Talk With Your
mouth full
t is a common faux-pas to conflate any number of social issues with immigration
without a second thought. You may, surrounded by an attentive audience, wish to
entertain them with the view that long hospital waiting lists, not enough school
places, or too much traffic on the M1 are simply the fault of immigration! Prepare
for most listeners to tire of your jumbled mouthful of debate and take their leave in favour
of more stimulating company.