Asians in Norfolk

[BigEyes2020]

Hi, I have a wonderful opportunity to relocate with my family to Norfolk. My job would involve visiting mostly elderly patient in their homes to provide healthcare. Ive seen some threads saying Norfolk can be a bit racist. Seeing as were asian I am a bit worried how we will be treated. Am I worrying unnecessarily or will we find it difficult to adjust seeing as we are currently living in a very diverse multicultural city. Does anyone have any experience?

[Babdoc]

I have a black African BIL who lives in rural north Norfolk. He says he encounters “reverse racism” - the local white people are unnaturally overwelcoming to him, in their rush to demonstrate that they are not racist!
As an example, a queue getting on to the bus will mostly say hello to the driver. The driver sullenly ignores all the white ones, but when BIL says hello to him, he will suddenly beam and respond effusively - “Hi! How you doing, you all right?” etc.
While that may be insincere and a bit irritating, I suppose it’s less worrying than verbal abuse or physical violence.
One caveat - if your elderly patients are demented, they may have no filter, and come out with some very unpleasant remarks that were standard in their far off youth. But that can occur in any area, even multicultural ones.

[watcherintherye]

if your elderly patients are demented

Maybe ‘suffer from dementia’ would be better?

[Babdoc]

watcherintherye, not all patients with dementia “suffer” from it - many are perfectly happy in their own world and it is their relatives and or carers who bear the brunt of it. Why do you feel that including a reference to suffering is somehow more acceptable than simply naming the condition?

[cheapskatemum]

I believe "living with dementia" is the pc terminology, but let's not derail the thread. My friend from Zimbabwe worked as a domiciliary care worker in Norfolk and said some of her clients were overtly racist towards her. However, she worked through it and went on to develop good relationships.

[alexdgr8]

it's the word demented that sounds offensive.
mentioning dementia is ok.

[Singleandproud]

Norfolk is very white, racism is probably more from ignorance than malicious intent or anything else not that that makes it any better. Although Norwich and areas near to the hospitals tends to be more diverse as many staff are recruited from a range of countries.

[meowgoeswho]

Hi OP, I'm Asian and live in an all white town. I would not recommend it. The racism I've faced is subtle- cafes etc speaking to my white DH but ignoring me. People asking me where Im originally from - not in a curious way if you know what I mean. Quite normal to be talked down to. Do not do it if you can help it.

[watcherintherye]

@Babdoc

watcherintherye, not all patients with dementia “suffer” from it - many are perfectly happy in their own world and it is their relatives and or carers who bear the brunt of it. Why do you feel that including a reference to suffering is somehow more acceptable than simply naming the condition?

The condition is not called ‘being demented’ though, is it? The condition is called dementia. To call someone demented is traditionally an insult as you well know.

[Babdoc]

watcherintherye, as a retired hospital doctor, I take exception to your remark. My colleagues and I would often refer to a patient as mildly or severely demented - it’s merely a description of a medical condition. The idea that it constitutes an insult is bizarre.

[Lallyga]

You won’t stand out if you are living in Norwich, which is reasonably diverse. You will in rural Norfolk but communities vary a lot. Ime the people in rural Norfolk tend to be insular (ie they’ve lived there all their lives) but not judgemental. There is also more diversity in terms of Eastern Europeans and Portuguese people in some areas. But it’s a great place - why not visit and see what you think?

[Ostryga]

Norwich is definitely diverse and you’d be fine. DD’s yr1 class is 50% English not as a first language. You might find it different in say Cley or Reepham.

Norfolk is a lovely county, but can be funny with outsiders, no matter where they’re from. My Londoner dad has lived here for 45 years and is still classed as a Londoner much to his annoyance 😂

[BigEyes2020]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I suspect it is more of an issue due to a lack of diversity rather than active racism. I think I will take a trip down and see how it feels. I'm able to win most people over, but don't want to uproot happy children to somewhere where they are subjected to something they've never had to experience. Saying that, Norwich sounds like there is a good mix of people. Does anyone know which areas in Norwich have the best schools?

[momoli]

As an Asian living in a large town on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders, I initially had concerns before moving. However, my experience has been lovely so far. While I do occasionally think about my children not being exposed to the same level of diversity as in London, I believe that the advantages of our current location outweigh any drawbacks.

[BigEyes2020]

thank you for your comment, glad to hear youre all happy