"Sadly, mainstream public opinion in this country is given shape by tabloid newspapers and their flavour of the month. A lot of this stuff is hyped up to sell papers. "

I agree

"What we do have in the UK is a lack of a clear self image which opens up people to worrying that they are losing it with immigrants when they were never quite sure about what it was in the first place. "

I agree here. This is also true - but not relevant to my original post. I'm firstly not saying anyone is losing it with immigrants. I'm stating that there is an intrinsic divide between immigrants and the generic British citizen. Partly due to circumstance, partly due to Government regulation.

"Firstly, with regards integration. If you're worried about the "muslims" not integrating, what are your neighbours
names and how often do you speak to them? What local activities do you take part in? The UK is drifting away from close knit communities and it's -nothing- to do with immigrants."

I agree mostly. Britain is drifting apart. As for neighbours, I could string off a few names, but would you believe that to be the truth? It's an inet forum. If you want some surnames, fair enough, as for activities, I'll admit to not doing much locally.

"Dole claimants, there's a million more scumbag uk born and bred claiming various benefits illegally (and think they have a RIGHT to do this) than there are immigrants. Yes there are a number of bad apples that have emigrated here but there's many more already here."

Completely agree about the claimants. It doesn't change the fact that some people don't resent Muslim immigrants for various reasons, not least the non-integration and benefit claims. Really, i've seen all extremes. Yhorian stating 'People aren't racist toward Muslims at all' is just wrong. At least a few people in my extended family are racist towards them. Even if these people are the exception rather than the rule it's an incorrect statement. A common tactic for spreading influence amongst the right-wing people is to start an argument with someone about taxes, money going to immigrants. Follow it up with a conversation about how much less Muslims immigrate than Indians or Afro-Carribeans - 'They don't work and respect our society', then leave your average person to entwine the two concepts in their own mind. The result is you end up with people disliking Muslims. They will draw a distinction between Indian/Afro Carribean and Muslim minorities and conclude that Muslims (Pakistani, Arab etc) minorities will claim benefits and not even attempt to integrate. It's a typical racist argument - I've heard it a lot before.

I don't believe in making sweeping statements ever - I'm not saying that Britain is a racist nation overall but I do believe there racism in Britain, just as there is in America or any other country. It is not be one sided or exclusive to any race but it does exist, even in the UK.