Black Adjustment To British Culture And Society : The History Of Afro-caribean People In The Uk From The Post World War Ii Onwards.

Résumé: The fact that Britain is nowadays a multi cultural and a multi racial society is an undisputable reality. This is mainly the outcome of successive waves of immigrants from the New Commonwealth countries. History has witnessed the extraordinary changes and development that black British people have undergone from slaves and mere 'accessories' and 'chattel' to full British citizens. Their extraordinary journey in Britain has been full of sufferings and hardship. Contrary to their alleged inferiority, their everlasting struggle against persisting white racism has been the proof of their courage and greatness. In addition to old settled communities of black people who came as a result of the slave trade, other Caribbean and African people came to Britain during the wars to help for the war effort and to fight for their mother country. They were joined by greater waves of immigrants after the war to help Britain reconstruct its economy and to fill the acute labour shortage that it was facing. All of them came hoping for better lives and recognition, yet all they found was huge racism and hatred. Their disillusionment had been great indeed. They were given low paid jobs with menial functions and night shifts that white people did not want. They faced daily discrimination in housing, education and work. They were frequently confronted to colour bars in public places and were harassed in the streets. At different occasions, they had been the target of the racist attack committed by white youths during various violent riots. Today, black people are an integrant part of the British society. They have completely changed the face of Britain changing it from an exclusively white society to a multiracial one. Over time, their communities have largely expanded. The successive waves of afro Caribbean people have brought about irreversible changes to the British culture, geography and society. Their presence has irreversibly altered the meaning of 'Britishness'. Every aspect of British life, whether political, cultural or social, has been influenced by the black culture. In spite of the challenges they are still facing, great improvement has been made since the post war period. A number of them have managed to achieve great fame, success, but most importantly white people's recognition. They are nowadays celebrated worldwide.

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