(some) British Muslims
December 9, 2001 11:37 AM Subscribe
(some) British Muslims - an interesting article from Prospect describes how different generations (and classes) of British Muslims view the conflict in Afghanistan (starts as personal history; the political meat of the article is in the second half).
Thanks - I only heard about Blunkett's comments this morning (I read this article last night on the train - print edition - and was so impressed that I searched for it on-line to post here once I got home).
I agree with your take on their attitude - they seemed to be more integrated than they were ready to admit.
Could you characterise Blunkett's approach to citizenship as being "American", while these kids (heh, they'd hate that) are "British"? Maybe that's too much, but my own feelings (white, male, middle class) about my country are pretty much like theirs, in that I have no great pride or patriotic fervour, but silently assume basic freedoms are permanent and worthwhile.
PS I read this coming back from London, where I just got to see the Turner prize exhibition before it was judged. I have to say that the winner raised no new questions in my mind - just the same old list that conceptual art has been worrying over for years. In contrast, Julien's cowboy film was at least witty, which must be worth something, while Nelson's installation was the best thing I've seen for years. I feel sorry for Billingham, though, who I suspect has only been successful because of bourgeoise curiousity about the working classes, something it looks like he never intended, and which now leaves him caught between conscious exploitation and being just another photographer.
posted by andrew cooke at 1:27 AM on December 10, 2001
I agree with your take on their attitude - they seemed to be more integrated than they were ready to admit.
Could you characterise Blunkett's approach to citizenship as being "American", while these kids (heh, they'd hate that) are "British"? Maybe that's too much, but my own feelings (white, male, middle class) about my country are pretty much like theirs, in that I have no great pride or patriotic fervour, but silently assume basic freedoms are permanent and worthwhile.
PS I read this coming back from London, where I just got to see the Turner prize exhibition before it was judged. I have to say that the winner raised no new questions in my mind - just the same old list that conceptual art has been worrying over for years. In contrast, Julien's cowboy film was at least witty, which must be worth something, while Nelson's installation was the best thing I've seen for years. I feel sorry for Billingham, though, who I suspect has only been successful because of bourgeoise curiousity about the working classes, something it looks like he never intended, and which now leaves him caught between conscious exploitation and being just another photographer.
posted by andrew cooke at 1:27 AM on December 10, 2001
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As for the article, it's not surprising asian teenagers are asserting their differences from wider society. That's what teenagers do. Like all sixth formers they sound like they're being incredibly prissy and self-righteous about it.
posted by Summer at 2:05 PM on December 9, 2001