On the edge of Scotland’s North Coast lies the town of Wick, one-stop away from John o’ Groats, almost at the end of the ‘Land’s End to John o’Groats’. Yet even in this remote town, nestled in the stark beauty of Caithness, there is a kebab shop, an Indian restaurant, and a Turkish barber coexisting alongside The River House pub and other traditional Scottish shops.
The town’s gift shop and furniture store are owned and run by a young man of mixed Scottish and Syrian heritage who grew up in England and has now returned to his mother’s hometown. One of the modern-day icons here is the late Dr. Datta, originally from India and a keen squash player. Primarily known for his kindness to both staff and patients alike at the Caithness General Hospital, he is also fondly remembered for his enthusiasm to teach local youth the game that was his passion. Today, because of his enthusiasm, there is a rich squash culture in the region.
People from Wick have migrated all over the world and there is a pillar at the east end of town, on a cliff overlooking the harbour, bearing the names of the cities in which they have eventually settled. I was touched to see someone had travelled to Lucknow, my father’s birthplace, and my friend Eswyl’s father lived in my hometown of Karachi, many years ago. People have also come to Wick from all over the world, and these comings and goings are part of a rich tapestry, woven into the story of the town.
‘Preserving culture’
Far away, on the other side of the world, in Pakistan, I see women wearing headscarves and burkas talking to me about preserving their culture. But what culture is this? My childhood memories in Karachi are of women wearing bright colours with their hair swinging loose, listening to ghazals and dancing to a chaotic mixture of Eastern and Western music. This new culture is not one I recognise.
Indeed, why should any culture be preserved like a brittle, fragile thing, easily broken if it comes into contact with reality? Surely what one wears should be a matter of personal will? Whether to wear a headscarf or not, should be an independent choice and, moreover, should not define who that person is. My sister-in-law is one of the most vociferous defenders of women’s rights I know. The fact that she chooses to wear a headscarf should not undermine her feminist values.
So, when I hear talk of ‘culture’ – especially, ‘preserving culture’ – as if it were a static thing to be stored in a vacuum, sealed behind glass, I wonder what the hell they are talking about!
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Culture is dynamic
Culture, by its very nature is dynamic, and is enriched the more colours it absorbs. It inspires and is inspired by the diversity of life itself. It is not a dull monotone but a riotous kaleidoscope of many-hued influences. And it refuses to be labelled. When someone mentions ‘French culture’, I wonder which one they mean. The Mediterranean-influenced, boisterous one from Marseille? The sophisticated Parisian one, Left Bank or Right? Or the austere, Protestant culture found in Alsace? Are they talking about French culture of today, with its African and Arab influences proudly displayed? Or the rebellious, post-1968 version? Or the aristocratic culture that predates the French Revolution?
When people talk of preserving culture, they are really talking about preserving values. And yes, values of human – specifically minority – rights, democracy, equality and the rights of all living things are in need of protection because they are constantly under attack.
Yet those who shout the loudest about preserving culture are often the ones who are most reluctant to talk about preserving values. Is this because they pose the greatest threat to these values? It is easy, and conveniently deflective to talk about culture in these terms – rendering sterile, isolated and monotonous that is, by its very nature, vibrant, porous and all-encompassing. Waving flags and defending one’s right to eat Marmite, untainted by the dangers of biryani and pizza, allows one to focus on the symbols without ever considering what these icons represent.
National flag: represents compromise and integration
The national flag is the greatest of these symbols. Often co-opted by the far right and burdened by the history of colonialism, slavery and exploitation, the Union Jack, at the very core of its conception, also represents compromise and integration in a spirit of mutuality. Yet its significance is often ignored by those who appropriate it as an instrument to advance a xenophobic agenda.
When will we start talking publicly about preserving our values, not our culture? When will we truly unite to protect and defend what we teach in schools as the fundamental pillars of British society,“democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs” – principles designed to foster unity and responsible citizenship by balancing rights with responsibilities within a diverse society‘?
Culture needs no protection, borders or barriers. It is our values that are under threat by those who claim to preserve them – while simultaneously working to undermine the same by refusing to take responsibility for their words and accept accountability for their actions. We cannot let them succeed.
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