Channel 4's much anticipated cultural documentary 'Make Leicester British' took 8 denizens of different backgrounds and asked them to spend a week in a group setting, but the show has sparked controversy as it asserted 'the city was divided' from its findings.
Suleman Nagdi, spokesman for the Leicestershire Federation of Muslim Organisations said: “Leicester is not a divided city (…) not everything is perfect of course, but it is regarded across Europe as a successful multicultural city.”
The show featured four British citizens, Sukiy, Kit, John and Jen, two of whom were of Asian origin a Somali Sagal and three Eastern Europeans Kamil, Ola and Eduardas.
Interestingly, there was a notable anti-immigration sentiment amongst Sukiy and Kit, where the latter's family came over from India. The two said they did not see the hard-working ethic which had helped their families settle and grow in the current immigration populace. This opinion was echoed by the Leicester public, though many believe it gave an inaccurate account to the viewers. For example one interview was conducted during an Asian religious parade but looked as if it was in the middle of an everyday bustling street.
Other white British interviewees were shown sporting such statements as it is like playing a game 'of spot the white face' in Leicester city.
Channel 4 have stated that the documentary is a crucial source of information for the upcoming general election.
