KA Dilday on how immigrants' descendants reinforce Europe's national identities

KA Dilday of the Institute of Current World Affairs considers "1st or 2nd generation immigrants are among the most vociferous champions of national values in their respective European nations." She refers among others to Sweden's integration minister Nyamko Sabuni, the Somalia-born former Dutch MP Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Pakistan-born UK MP Shahid Malik ."When people invoke national character in more fundamental ways, especially in contrasting established social norms to what they perceive as imported mores, discussions become fraught with the memory of past transgressions in the name of preserving cultural purity. If the defence of the national character comes from the mouths of those who fit the ancient phenotype of the nation, it can be subject to accusations of xenophobia or racism. Yet when voiced by an immigrant or the child of immigrants, it rings of promise fulfilled and the triumph of the new country's ideals and mores."

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