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London - An Amazing Cultural and Social Melting Pot 

I am still surprised, after more than twenty years on this turntable, that they are not more frictions amongst the various groups of people and social backgrounds. Multi-coloured skins, national costumes, hundreds of sometimes-mysterious languages, religious symbols proudly displayed add to the widely differing living conditions and magically varied cuisines. This cohabitation occurs peacefully and with surprising tolerance, at least on the surface.

Churches, mosques, synagogues, catholic, coranic schools neighbour each other; saris, boubous, chadors are brushing against one another; the veiled Muslim woman is integrated in the work force and the ambitious Indian reaches the peak of his/her profession. Medicine, journalism, finance are becoming coloured and provide the most ambitious with high-ranking jobs where all skins are tolerated. And, for the amateurs, London offers an orgy of restaurants and spicy cosmopolitan foods. Curry, sushi, tagine, mezzes, fajitas, tapas, poule au pot are on the menu...How can we resist this blending of traditions and customs and to this cultural richness? Musicals, concerts, movies also show a diversity catering for all tastes; everyone can find exotic entertainment or a film in one's own language.

Each area respects the individualism of its inhabitants. Tooting is a mini Bombay, Brixton, a miniature of a Caribbean island, Bayswater, a micro Middle East, Holland Park, a wealthy Persian enclave, South Kensington, a little corner of France for its expats...We must not forget that London is made of villages, linked together over time, but which ethnically keep their own identity. Of course, it is rare for all of these various clans to interact in an intimate way. Each one of them remains separate with the occupants living their lives as if they were still in their own country. It is only in international and socially similar circles that a total fusion can occur.

But, apart from this intermingling of people and habits, what surprises me most is the social dichotomy within even the most exclusive of areas. Unlike our French way of unifying the urban and social landscape, London has chosen to prove that a mixture of classes can live together. Therefore, it is not surprising to see, in certain privileged areas, council blocs or even estates, themselves occupied by multiracial people. All these citizens coexist peacefully within these communities without visible disregard even if there are, I am sure, some hidden tensions.

I have to admit that London sets an amazing example of tolerance, even though this now ostentatious city should have lots of reasons to witness social and cultural unrest. It remains a pacifist model and open minded; many so-called democratic countries should use it as an example copy. Today, in particular, I turn my eyes to the United States, asking myself if its people are ready to give trust to a black man and to let him rule a country still so nationalistic and protectionist. (Since this was written, the results of the US elections have come through).