South Asian Women in Britain
by
Amrit Wilson
Just finished reading this book. It has opened my eyes towards many things which even though I was aware of, I couldn't fully understand or appreciate.
I would say this is one book which should be read by EVERYONE. Male or female. Especially those who are planning to marry someone in UK or thinking of settling down here.
This book takes you behind the scenes of modern British society and the role of the South Asian community. It touches the life of the people whos stories will never be told in a movie because their cases are just too common and happen almost every day.
From the issues faced by south asian women from their family members to the total lack of support (from the State) for their special needs.
The contrast between South Asian women and their western counterparts is also quite shocking.
The main question this book asks is:
"When your family is against you, society either hates or ignores you and the State just sits by and does nothing then what do you do?"
This is one question I would really like an answer to. It has been the theme of my discussions with Kalpalata and fillial connections.
2 comments:
Is it really a good book?
I saw a documentary on BBC on this and it was any eyeopener in many ways.
Now, it is on my list of books to read.
underneath the swirlin skies..
thank you for your comment. I often get criticized for being a bit 'romantic' in my thought process so it is good to get some encouragement.
:)
The author didnt have to try very hard to convince me. Most of her data is from trusted sources and very well referenced.
You are right there are no absolutes. But the problem is that while there are people willing to help out often either their hands are tied (due to lack of funding/current law/lack of civic support etc) or the victims just don't get a chance to approach them.
I agree with you that one day you are bound to run across someone who will help you. In fact many times the only reason on doesn't find someone like this is because one doesn't have the courage to take the first step of actually seeking help.
Kindness is like you say a VERY important factor. But kindness must come with empathy.
Even if we forget for a second the real bad cases, kindness and care shown to our friends can often have surprising results even though they maybe used to it.
For example say your friend/spouse/sibling etc comes home in a bad mood. You can either hide and allow the bad mood to blow over. Or you can face the storm and not be offended if the person tries to push you away / takes out some anger on you.
Engage an angry/frustrated person with kindness and help them get rid of all negative emotions.
Also you never know what a random act of kindness means to the person who receives it. Maybe it would give someone who is really depressed and isolated in the world confidence that there are people who can and will help them out and encourage them to seek help.
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