By Hemisha Morarji.
Touted as a series exploring what it means to be ‘British’, Make Bradford British certainly was an eye-opener.
The two-part series saw eight participants, who have all failed the UK citizenship test, live together in a house for a week, before being paired off with each other Wife Swap style.
It may not have been splashed across front pages of national newspapers, or provoked any online hate campaigns in the same vein as the Jade Goody and Shilpa Shetty row; but it did reveal how easy it was to squash ignorance, as well as how racially intolerant certain people were.
One person who experienced this first hand was Sabiyya Perves. Not only did she find a friend in landlord Audrey, who often described Asians as ‘P***’s prior to the series, but she was also belittled in the barmaid’s pub.
The 23-year-old Philosophy and Politics graduate was subjected to racist abuse by Audrey’s customers, who questioned her about her Hijab and traditional dress. One customer even approached her and told her she would look lovely in a mini skirt, and then went as far as patting her knee.
Not one to hold onto grudges, the wife and mother has since told publications that she forgives the customers and understands that they were simple asking questions.
We caught up with Sabbiya, who discusses the importance of communication to not only to eradicate intolerance, but also social issues in the Muslim community.
Some journalists have said that Make Bradford British was an unfair portrayal of the city. What do you think about that?
I don’t think it’s an unfair portrayal, nor do I think it’s an accurate portrayal. The programme uses aspects of segregation and social issues to highlight growing problems in UK
Many say that those who refuse to mix with other communities are scared of cultures they don’t understand and in some cases, this evolves into hate. Why do you think some people ‘fear the unknown’?
The fear of the unknown is caused by ignorance. People read sensationalised stories that misrepresent communities, thus those misconceptions are then seen and regarded as fact when actually in most cases they are either minority instances or sensationalised stories. But people won’t realise this until they come into contact with a member of that particular community and starting asking questions. It is education then, eradicates the fear.
Reality TV shows have a habit of taking what participants do and say out of context. Were you worried that taking part in Make Bradford British would exaggerate your behaviour in a negative way?
Yes absolutely, I have studied politics for five years and I did my dissertation on the media and politics, so I was worried but thankfully the production company looked after us well.
You were very upset when Audrey’s customers began questioning you about your dress, particularly the man who touched your leg. Was it a nasty shock that there were people like them, or did you expect it?
I didn’t expect it and at the same time I know such people exist. I think the shock came with the fact that he wasn’t scared to say what he did so publicly.
Do you feel you’ve portrayed Muslim women in a positive light after your participation in the show?
Yes, I have received so many messages of support from Muslim women telling me they are grateful for [me] portraying a normal Muslim and non Muslims have messaged me, saying they never knew Muslim women were so educated and opinionated, so the response has been inspiring.
The 9/11 and other terrorist incidents have created a sense of Islamaphobia in the UK and in the West in general, and like you’ve written in one of your blogs, many have questioned the loyalty of Muslims to the UK. Have you experienced any trepidation from non-Muslims prior to your involvement in the show?
Yes, I think people see the hijab as a symbol of oppression, when to me it is a symbol of pride and a badge of honour. I noticed people wouldn’t approach me until I smiled or made an effort. But again that comes down to the fear of the unknown. Once you start talking to people they understand and are respectful.
As a mother, do you worry that your children may be victims to Islamaphobia? Yes, absolutely, it’s a worry I have every day, hence why I am striving to put an end to it.
What do you think Make Bradford British has helped overcoming Islamaphobia, and do you feel more should be done?
It has helped in the sense that finally Islam has been portrayed in a more positive light. I think more, much more needs to be done. Islampaphobia has been rampant in the press; it will take time to rectify that.
There are a lot of issues in the Muslim community that some prefer to turn a blind eye to such as divorced women, abused children, honour killings and teenage pregnancy and the subjugation of women (the list goes on!). Why do you think ignorance has become accepted in some parts of the community?
I don’t think it is accepted, I think it is denied. Because to deny it is easier then trying to solve it. People don’t like talking about issues they are uncomfortable with, its human nature for us to ignore stuff we don’t like, but we can’t do that as a community as it means so many people get hurt in the process.
There is a lot of stories about women and girls being murdered and beaten because they’ve dishonoured the family by dating a non-Muslim or falling pregnant outside of wedlock. Do you think enough is being done to protect vulnerable women?
I think a lot is being done, and a lot has been done through various organisations and through new legislation passed by government but, no enough hasn’t been done.
Do you think that this sexism and oppression in the community will fade out, particularly as generation after generation are more likely to become tolerant?
I would be naïve if I said yes. The idealist in me says I can only hope, but the realist in me knows for that as long as man exists and has existed there has always been cases of oppression and subjugation.
Do you feel these stories in the media are contributing the negative feelings towards the Muslim community?
Yes it doesn’t help, and I am not saying don’t tell these stories, because I believe that they need to be told. But at the same time, so do positive stories of Muslims working in the community etc.
Do you think there will ever be a society that is 100% free from racism?
No, because they’re will always be a minority of people who regard themselves as superior.
