Programme NotesAims:
To raise awareness of:
Synopsis:
00.00-03.48
Steve and Nasreen met at University. Now think they've a future. Meeting respective parents at Nasreen's home. Steve to behave - she'll do the talking.
03.49-11.23
Mother wishes daughter was less independent. Should marry Muslim - Karim? Father realistic - Steve won't disappear. Steve's parents ignorant about Islamic culture. Nasreen's father solicitor - Steve's dad, used car dealer. Concern over Steve's career.
11.24-16.30
Nasreen's mother says behaviour unacceptable to their culture. Wants to know exact nature of relationship. Karim's wedding off. His father thinks he should consider Nasreen. Steve has to know where they stand - would like to get engaged in future. Goes too far for Nasreen. Her mother says what she thinks.
16.31-19.56
Steve and Nasreen argue. Can't ignore father; but Steve has changed her world. Way out - for Steve to become Muslim?
19.57-24.10
Mixed reaction from her family. Nasreen never going to marry Karim - announces Steve to become a Muslim. Does he really mean it?
Curriculum Relevance:
Major PSHE and Citizenship focus. Cross-curricular: English and drama, media, psychology, religious and moral education, careers
England & Wales Key Stage 4
PSHE
Citizenship
Northern Ireland
Learning for Life and Work Area (14-18):
Personal Development Strand (Including PSHE and Home Economics):
Scotland
Scottish Executive: Guidance on PSD, Citizenship - middle to upper secondary stages.
Background Information:
Islam - a complete guide to life
Islam is a religion whose followers are called Muslims. It is a very practical religion in that the holy book, the Koran, states very precisely how Muslims should behave in all aspects of their lives. The Islamic faith is therefore a complete guide to life.
Islam, the Koran and women
Muslims believe the Koran was revealed to the prophet Mohammed by God through the angel Gabriel. Within the Koran there are many instances of where Mohammed preached the importance of women in society. In true Islamic culture, no one is treated with more respect than a mother. In countries where women are not treated as equals it is not through Islamic teachings but the law of the land.
The fundamentalist problem
So-called Muslim fundamentalists wage wars, carry out acts of terror and issue death threats under the banner of Islam. Ironically they are acting contrary to the tolerance and forgiveness taught by the Koran and by the prophet Mohammed. This can result in ideas about Islam in the west often being confused with political agendas in the Middle East.
Mixing it in the West
Ethnic minority young people living in Western countries often receive conflicting messages from families and wider society as to what constitutes proper behaviour. They may also have to cope with racial prejudice at school and in the neighbourhood. Asian girls may have to cope with their parents’ orthodox views which traditionally favour boys. Many second-and third-generation young people are seeking integration with Western traditions and ideas which can cause tension within traditional family units. Some integrate successfully and are proud to have a foot in both cultures; others don’t find it so easy.
A question of language
Racism can be found among people in any group differentiated by race. Terms such as race, racism, mixed race, and interracial have arisen out of specific social and economic circumstances. Such terms are rightly subject to debate. Race used to refer to a group of people with specific and clearly identifiable common characteristics. There is a growing belief that such views should be challenged as inaccurate and inadequate and that human beings cannot, and should not, be classified as being in clear-cut categories.
Inclusion and culture
Britain currently has one of the highest rates of interracial relationships in the Western world, producing a society that is culturally rich and varied. A question often asked is do mixed-race relationships show how multi cultural Britain and other parts of the world are becoming or do interracial relationships erode cultures.
Activities:
Before viewing
When two people are in a relationship away from home, and decide their parents should meet, it would be natural for everyone to be tense. What might be contributing factors? Are they specific to mixed race relationships?
Depending on context, teachers may wish to focus viewing on areas below, or use list to guide discussion afterwards. In pairs or small groups it may also be useful to have students track each of the major characters.
Key areas of focus (see outline for timings).
After viewing
Key Questions In what ways would life change for Steve, now and in the future, if he became a Muslim? Discuss the power balance in the relationship between Nasreen and Steve during the film.
Links:
This web page contains links to other websites that are not under the control of and are not maintained by Channel 4 Television. Channel 4 Television is not responsible for the content of these sites and does not necessarily endorse the material on them.
People in Harmony offers advice, support information and friendship to mixed-race couples, families and individuals. Explores issues and empowers people to challenge racism and racial stereotypes.
http://www.pih.org.uk/aims.html
Commission for Racial Equality. Legal advice, making a complaint, case studies, Race Relations Act (1976) and Amendment Act (2001) Links. Good practice in ethnic diversity.
http://www.cre.gov.uk
Interactive site. Racism and life through the eyes of nine young people from different cultures - family, language, religion, food, hassles, and peers. Other useful sections: Help, Serious Issues, Teacher Stuff.
http://www.britkid.org
Credits:
Series
Camera: PAUL OTTER
Sound Recording: CHRIS GIBBIONS
Producer: GARRY LYONS
Executive Producer: ALLEN JEWHURST
Webnotes: IAIN RAMSAY
Ben's Patient
Music: JOHN MILES
Editor: BARRY REYNOLDS
Director: JO SHOOP
Steve's Heartache
Written by GARRY LYONS
Music: W. INDIAN CO.
Editor: TIM RITSON
Director: GERRY TROYNA
Leah's Trial
Music: EDWIN PRESTON, JASON WILLIAMS
Editor: BARRY REYNOLDS
Director: JO SHOOP
CHAMELEON TV 4
