The above quote was expressed by presenter and DJ, Adil Ray, in a recent BBC radio feature looking into what it is to be a British Asian in the UK today. The feature was inspiring. It reminded me how things are changing and got me to reflect on how I feel to be a young British Asian, born and bred here in Sheffield.

The term ‘British Asian’ is commonly used to describe a person from the Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi communities living in Britain. These three countries make up most of South Asia, but until 1947 they were collectively known as India.
I am from a Pakistani background as both my parents were born and grew up in Pakistan. They came to England when they were in their late twenties. Their upbringing in Pakistan was very different to mine here in England. This is sometimes hard as I can’t relate to their experiences as a young person.

"Lack of communication kept Asians isolated"

It’s hard to understand that my mum’s seven siblings had to share one bed and how three of my dad’s brothers and sisters died young because of lack of medical attention. These stories remind me that the problems I am faced with are not half as bad as what my parents went through. I have learnt a lot from their experiences in Pakistan, mostly to appreciate everything that I’ve got. My education, food, home and family, and the fact that there are a lot more opportunities for what I might want to do with my life than there were for my parents.

When older generations of Asians came to the UK around the 1960s, things in Britain were a lot different. Most worked in manual work situations such as in steel and clothing factories for endless hours living in poor conditions. The money they earned was often used to support family back home. Language was initially a barrier which also provoked racism. Lack of communication kept Asians isolated from British society and many British people felt threatened by their presence.

The Britain I know is different. Integration has taken place in schools, work, sport, and all areas of British life. We are taught English in schools so better communication allows us to interact in British society. As a result there is not as much racism and we are geenerally accepted as part of a multicultural Britain. We are more familiar with British life and both Asians and non Asians are becoming more tolerant of culture difference and value its presence.

There are many young British Asians like me who have grown up in the UK. It is our home. I like a lot of things about my life here, mainly the fact that I have more opportunities than my parents had, such as in work and education.

All cultures have stereotypes. If we look at the traditional stereotypes of British Asians we see taxi drivers, corner shop owners, over protective parents (always pushing kids to become doctors etc.) and arranged marriages. But all stereotypes tell a story. The reason behind over-protective parents wanting their kids to do well is simply the fact that they never had the chance themselves and they want to give them the best possible future. As for taxi drivers and corner shop owners, many people lost their original jobs in manual work due to factories closing down. Many were uneducated and the only fields that they were familiar with were trade and those in the service industry.

But stereotypes are changing. One thing that Britain is known for is its great entertainment industry and this is an area where we are starting to see more representation of British Asians on our own terms. Shows like Little Britain and Only Fools and Horses are classic examples of the observational humour that British comedy is well respected for. Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumar’s at No. 42 also reflect Britan from an Asian perspective.

Films such as Bend it like Beckham and East is East also highlight changing views of Asians in the UK and how the generations are finding ways to meet in the middle. Towards the end of Bend in like Beckham, Jess’s parents allow her to play football despite the fact this is not the typical role of an Asian female. In East is East the sons are not forced to marry the wives chosen for them. My parents and others I know are becoming more understanding of the issues that we face and older generations are becoming more aware of the fact that their children are growing up in a different world. A world of two cultures.

I think many of us young British Asians worry that people will focus on the negative stereotypes that still exist in today’s Britain. We often feel defensive and worried we are being judged on them. For example a popular stereotype is the ‘arranged marriage’. Some think that young British Asians are forced to get married.

This is rarely the case and the terms ‘forced marriage’ and ‘arranged marriage’ get confused as the same thing. In many families, young Asians are happy with their parents arranging a marriage they get a say in it or choosing a partner that their family approve of. Forced marriage is very much condemned by the majority of Asians living in Britain today.

It would be hard to talk about stereotyping as a British Asian and not mention recent world events that have caused a lot of fear and mistrust in the UK and worldwide. The reality that British Asians have to face as a result can be both positive and negative. My sister for example was once taunted with, ‘Saddam Hussein’s sister’. Some British Asians feel that many people think that they share the same views as terrorists, which is so far from the truth and what our religions teach us. Fortunately though, British society is at a point now where people do come together and discuss the factors that affect all British people and coming together over these issues is what keeps multicultural Britain strong.

Although films like Bend it like Beckham can help bridge barriers from an entertainment point of view, for me they do not highlight enough. I feel that the media should draw attention to the positive things British Asians have achieved more and not just concentrate on changing stereotypes. British Asians have made an excellent contribution to the economy in Britain through business and culture abd this should not be ignored. I don’t think that racism will go away completely but I do think that British people in general are becoming more aware of the issues that all cultures face in Britain and the world today. Recent world events have brought more communication between societies and people are becoming less afraid to ask questions. You can only get answers if you ask questions, so don’t be afraid! The future is bright. The future is definitely chicken tikka masala.

By Hina Farooq

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