A City Divided

Birmingham is rich in culture. Its vibrancy and vivaciousness has made it in to one of the most recognisable cities in the World. However, this will not be the case if things carry on fears grow that the city is becoming more “ghettoised.”

The claims were made by one of Birmingham’s most prolific celebrities. Jasper Carrot has called on ethnic minorities to put the city and the country ahead of their community, before it is too late.

The comedian, who was born in Acocks Green and still lives on the outskirts of the city, explained how he could see a distinctive change in the city he grew up in. 

“No longer is it a place where all minorities get on, but one where the Trojan Horse schools row is an example of how there has been a cultural shift.”

The 69-year-old said, “Ten years ago we didn’t have racial problems in Birmingham because different communities have always got on.”

“The racial harmony in Birmingham has always been remarkable. I am starting to see that change now, which is very sad.”

“Communities are becoming more enclosed in themselves.”

“Muslims are going into Muslim areas; Hindus into Hindu areas; Sikhs into Sikh areas and Somalians into Somali areas.”

“If we are not careful, the city might start to get ghettoised. That’s the great danger.”

” I believe that this is a thorny issue that must be nipped in the bud.”

“We have to work so hard to prevent that, and have only good relationships in communities,” he said.

“Otherwise, you have the hesitancy of people worrying where they are going, and who they are.”

“The Trojan Horse thing has been around, but has never come to the fore until recently.”

“It’s human nature to want to be with your own kind, but 16 to 20-year-olds can be very passionate.”

“If children are taught different values, there will be problems later in life.”

“Your education has to start with the values of the country.”

Recalling how he had his stag do many years ago at the old Padmar restaurant on Broad Street, Jasper said, “Before I was married, I always used to go there if I’d driven back from a gig in Liverpool or somewhere.”

“I used to eat with the staff in the kitchen and learned about the formation of Bangladesh and Pakistan.”

“That was the first time I got involved with the Asian community. It was a privilege.”