On the muslim issue: I believe a big part of the issue is one of perception - the fact that the 'pockets' of muslim communities that exist throughout the UK seem to exclude non-muslims tends to breed fear in their neighbours. And who's fault is that? The muslims, for following their faith and traditions, or their neighbours for wanting to live in an integrated society?
I don't have any Muslim friends. I only have one black friend (and he *is* black - when it's dark he has to smile or we'll lose him
). His nickname is 'Token' and he revels in it. The problem is when people start to take things too seriously. I'm quite loud, and I'm constantly mocked with 'Foghorn' etc comments. People need to lighten up and ditch their preconceptions. And not be so eager to shout 'racist'. Or 'sexist' or 'fattist' or any other kind of ist.