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No Blacks, No Irish…now No Migrants?

There was once a time when sentiments like these were commonplace and the attitudes to go along with it were there too! Now we live in a time when we are part of the establishment and there is a new breed of migrant in town.

Our older generation, who were once the victims of bigoted and ignorant stereotypes, are now repeating these same comments and views on the new migrant communities. But are we falling into the same trap too? Are comments such as "they're too lazy", "coming here to get housing and social security", "don't know how to queue", "dem don' 'ave any manners weh dem com from" justified?

The press have done a really good job at making migrants villains and a burden on our economy. However, endless data and opinion begs to differ. Some regions and sectors in the UK rely on migrant workers to address labour shortages and often the migrant worker will do the jobs that no one else wants to do. Sound familiar?

So when these comments are made is it our responsibility to tackle it? Or do you agree them? Are we also affecting the views of our younger generation, who will inevitably be influenced by our opinions?

Are you views based on fact or fiction?




What's your secret?

If you're at home during the day it is highly likely that you have seen the Oprah Show (or similar) discussing "The Secret". The Secret is a popular DVD and book based on the "the Law of Attraction". In summary, the Law of Attraction is based upon the theory that what you put out there, you get back and your thoughts somehow determine your destiny. So for instance, if you think you're poor you will always attract poverty and therefore, if you think you're successful you will attract success.

You may have heard of Noel Edmonds and his "Cosmic Ordering" - it's not too dissimilar to this philosophy. The press really ridiculed him for this belief, but in America this type of thinking is becoming commonplace.

There are a number of successful and influential believers in the Law of Attraction, such as Oprah, Richard Branson and Russell Simmons to name but a few. Is there something in this theory? Could the Law of Attraction work for you? Is this just positive mental attitude repackaged for the 21st century and if so, is there anything wrong with that? Is this another money-maker for someone, somewhere? What is the price of positive thought? How do you navigate your way through the hype to see the true benefits? Maybe the following links will help you make up your mind!

We would love to hear your views. Email us at: features@sheroes.co.uk

 

# Hey fatty bum bum?…#

Today it has never been easier to be healthy. Our food is labelled, our calories are counted and all we have to do is take some exercise. Easier said than done we hear you say - but it's true! We are all busy, but if your car needed fixing or your hair needed doing you would find the time, right? So why do we make excuses for not keeping fit? This is not about being a Size 0 it is about being healthy.

There is plenty of evidence to show that ethnic minorities are more prone to diabetes and high blood pressure and this can affect you at anytime! Also, with obesity levels in this country on the increase (especially in young people) it is important not just to eat well but to do this along with a healthy lifestyle. So isn't it about time you took your health into your own hands? Could you join a gym, get off the bus one stop earlier and walk or take up jogging? Maybe even join a dance class? Got back pains? Ever thought about yoga or pilates? Or, for those more energetic - what about roller-skating with a buddy? There are many simple ways to keep healthy whilst having fun.

In that vein (pardon the pun), visit the following websites to check out your BMI (Body Mass Index), health information and some inspirational ideas... p.s. don't forget to check out what's available at your local leisure centre!!!