Transcript for: Where home is for Asghar
Interviewee: Asghar Ali
Subject: Home
I was born in Pakistan, so my roots would be in Pakistan, although when I now go back it's become a totally alien place to me. I've become out of touch with it. Although, it's a nice enjoyable place for a holiday, but that's it. If I were to go and live there I don't think I could cope, because I've become so accustomed to the British way of life that, although I regard myself as an Asian, but I'm a British Asian, part of the British way of life. It's difficult to go back and adapt. If my father hadn't made that sacrifice of selling everything and taking the risk of coming here, I might not be in a position where I'm able to give the best to my children. My children have grown up and they have all become successful in their careers, and I think thats basically down to my parents, taking that sacrifice and bringing us here, and then giving us the best opportunity that they could. Its definitely been worth it. I think it's a good thing to have variety. Having differently cultures and different ways of life, its not one thing- it'd probably be a very boring place if everybody did the same thing, ate the same food. Variety is a good thing, and I think that it has enriched the life of everyone in this country, not just the Asians but also the British. The Asian community realise themselves that there is not going back, and they have made a big effort to integrate into this society.