LEEDS

In Leeds, Asian Leader spoke to six white people during lunch hour in the Headrow shopping area of the city.

• Daniel Bradley, 24, an insurance worker from Leeds.
• Kate Aspell, 23, an accounts officer from Leeds.
• Olwyn Harte, 31, a psychologist, from Dublin Ireland, living in Leeds.
• Thomas Storey, 23, a gym instructor from Bradford.
• Tony Gregan, 38, a builder from Leeds
• Karen Colley, 42, a shop assistant from Leeds.

Do you or have you ever had any friends of Asian origin?

Daniel: Yeah, I've just moved jobs, but at my old place there was plenty of Asian lads who I was mates with and I'm still in touch with one.
Kate: I actually haven't really, but that's not to say I wouldn't. I just haven't met that many Asian people.
Olwyn: Loads. I did my degree at Leeds University and there's lots of Asian students going there.
Thomas: Yeah sure. I work with lots of Asian people and we started a 5-a-side football team, so I see everyone socially as well.
Tony: I don't know any Asian people because I live in a mainly white area. I love going out for a curry though.
Karen: Not really. I just never really get talking to any.

Are you comfortable living in a society where some people dress in religious clothing?

Daniel: People can dress as they want as far as I'm concerned. This whole fuss at the moment is just a load of nonsense.
Kate: I think it can be a bit of a barrier yeah, but you can't tell people how to dress, that's just stupid.
Olwyn: I'm comfortable with it. I know others who aren't though. I think if people understood why people dressed in certain ways it would help. I'm sure there's lots of Muslim MP's who think white girls should cover up a bit more, but they don't kick up a fuss.
Thomas: I find it weird. I mean I wouldn't wear long robes like some Asian blokes or a turban, but it don't bother me.
Tony: I don't get it. It's something religious. I don't care either way to be honest.
Karen: Yeah, I'm okay with it.

Does it ever cross your mind when you see an Asian person using public transport that they might be a terrorist?

Daniel: I can honestly say no, that's never even entered my head!
Kate: Not really. I mean, I notice Asian people more on the train, especially if they have a long beard that kind of thing. I don't think they're terrorists though. I mean they could be, but I don't think like that.
Olwyn: No – that's stupid, though I reckon a few people would, just because of the picture the press and media build up.
Thomas: Nah. Straight after the London bombings, you see a young Asian lad with a rucksack in town and you do wonder. But there's loads of Asian students in Leeds, so it wore off pretty quick.
Tony: I don't use public transport.
Karen: I get the bus and I've never thought that.

Do you think an Asian man with a beard is more likely to be a terrorist than one without?

Daniel: This is just getting stupid now. My dad's from Ireland and he has a beard. Nobody thought he was in the IRA!
Kate: Like I said. I notice Asian men more if they have a beard. I'm not sure why, I just do. It doesn't mean I think they're a terrorist though.
Olwyn: No, I knew lots of Asian guys at university who had beards.
Thomas: Maybe, but from what I've seen on the TV, most terrorists would have a beard.
Tony: Probably. Most terrorists have beards don't they? I'm not saying all Asian's are terrorists, but most Asian terrorists have beards.
Karen: No – what does a beard mean. If it meant they were a terrorist they'd all get arrested!

How do you feel your views on Asian people have been affected since the attacks on London and New York?

Daniel: Not a lot if at all. I don't think so.
Kate: I notice Asian people more now I'd say. But I live in Beeston and me and my mum are always saying how our best neighbours are the Asian people and Eastern Europeans. It's mostly white kids who cause trouble round here.
Olwyn: Not really. Terrorism is an issue more in the news, but I still think the same.
Thomas: Not Asian people, but terrorism, that's just awful. So yeah, I think Asian terrorists are scum, but I'm still mates with all the Asian lads at work.
Tony: They should bring back capital punishment for a terrorist that's all I have to say. I know all Asian people aren't terrorists though.
Karen: I can't say to be honest. I've never known any Asian people, although I feel like I kind of do they're on the news that much these days.
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MANCHESTER
In Manchester, Asian Leader spoke to five white people on a Saturday afternoon in the Arndale shopping centre.

• Catherine Pearce, 26, a bank assistant from Preston
• Wayne Stephens, 47, a lorry driver, from Manchester
• Jenny Nuttall, 18, a student from Oldham
• John Williams, 32, unemployed from Manchester
• Carl Bailey, 67, retired from Ashton

Do you or have you ever had friends of Asian origin?

Catherine: Yes I do have many Asian friends.
Wayne: I used to have Asians friends but not any more.
Jenny: Yes I have Asian friends
John: No I don't. You need friends who you can trust.
Carl: No

Are you comfortable living in a society where some people dress in religious clothing?

Catherine: I don't mind what people wear as long you are able to communicate with them. You would want to see the facial expressions of the person you are talking to.
Wayne: No I am not. It should only be kept for religious dates or when going to their respected place of worship.
Jenny: I really don't have a problem with people wearing what they wear.
John: Religious wear should only be worn in a place of worship.
Carl: I find it really intimidating to see people in their religious clothing especially ones with that veil on.

Does it ever cross your mind when you see an Asian person using public transport that they might be a terrorist?

Catherine: You cannot judge the majority of people for what the criminal activities of the minority.
Wayne: Yes I do. I wouldn't put it past anyone.
Jenny: You cannot single out every person who looks like a Muslim but ever since the attacks in London you do get a bit worried.
John: Yes I do. People of Asian appearance have committed all the atrocities that have happened.
Carl: Yes I do. Some Asians are out to commit mass-murder and they are making life uncomfortable for us all.

Do you think an Asian man with a beard is more likely to be a terrorist than one without?

Catherine: That has never crossed my mind at all. It is unfair to persecute people with beards and labelling them as terrorists.
Wayne: Whether is unfortunate or not I don't know but men with beard's have set a trend. The most wanted man in the world has a beard. Osama bin Laden.
Jenny: No I don't. Terrorists could look like anyone, that's the problem.
John: Oh yes definitely. I just don't like this bin-Laden like appearance.
Carl: Every Asian young and old seems to support a beard at the moment and this along with the religious clothing they are wearing seems to be a new fashion.

How do you feel your views on Asian people have been affected since the attacks in London and New York?

Catherine: As I said previously my views of Asian's has not been affected by the acts of the minority.
Wayne: Asians are a tight-knit community and as they say an attack on one is an attack on us all. I think Jack Straw was right about veils, but Muslims have taken the whole saga out of proportion.
Jenny: I have friends in college who are Asian's and it is not their fault that the minority are giving the majority a bad name.
John: They have been affected a lot. The thing is they are not willing to integrate with other communities..
Carl: They don't want to live as a community. If you are not Asian or Muslim they don't want to know you.