Below
is a selection of open-ended responses that relate to the question:
'If you had a choice,
would you prefer to live in a neighbourhood with people of only your
own religion, or in a mixed-religion neighbourhood?''
Although I answered "own religion only"
to [questions] 61 + 62 I wish I didn't feel that way. Why do we have
to be so different. If everyone would move on from their history we
wouldn't be stuck in this stalemate and life would be easier for everyone.
I don't care about religions in Northern
Ireland but if someone is ignorant to me about my religion I will
bite back.
I don't find it important to know whether
people are Protestants or Catholics as it doesn't make a difference
to me.
I don't mind any religion as long as
they don't mind me. Every one should forget their differences, it
would be an easier life.
I myself would prefer to live in a mixed
community but other people's views and opinions I think it would be
safer to live in a community of my own religion.
I prefer associating with my own religion
as it is safer especially around 17th March and 12th July and also
there would be less controversy on matters such as unification of
Ireland, etc.
I prefer for now to be with my own religion
even though I wouldn't mind being with another, because they may not
feel the same way I do and cause harm to me or others close to me.
I would like it if there were more wider
groups of people in N[orthern] I[reland], especially [in] my community
(e.g., Black people, etc.)
I would like them mixed (schools + estates),
because I like mixing and knowing about other religions, but would
fear for violence between groups.
In the area I live in, people would
not like me mixing with Protestants - I could even get beaten up +
assaulted.
Personally I don't care what religion
people are. But there are people with very selfish and old-fashioned
opinions.
Segregation limits peoples understanding.
Sectarianism is their excuse for this.
The reason I wouldn't like to live in
mixed community is in case trouble would start.
There needs to be more mixed relations
in Northern Ireland to bring more peace; e.g.: schools, housing communities,
community groups, at the work place.
We need to learn to live together as
most people don't have a choice of the religion they are brought up
with. We need to listen and talk and accept each other for who we
are and our values not the church we attend.
