Christian And Syed: Meant To Be?
Eastenders’ most recent storyline of their Pakistani family the Masoors has caused a stir and is the talk of the country.
On Christmas Day evil Archie died, but on New Year’s Day it was finally Amira and Syed's wedding. Sounds fine so far, right?
Sayed is a closeted gay Muslim living with his family, who’s been having a guilt-filled affair with a man associated with the family named Christian.
Ah, yes, a small issue there: homophobia in Islamic communities.
The official ruling on homosexual acts is outlined on this website. Homosexuality in Islam is traditionally forbidden, although more and more gay Muslims are reconciling their faith with their religion through the use of organisations such as Al Fatiha and Imaan.
These are both organisations that work with gay Muslims to address sexual orientation in Islam with Imaan’s website stating that they work to promote “the Islamic values of peace, social justice and tolerance through its work” and aspiring to “bring about a world that is free from prejudice and discrimination against all Muslims and LGBT people”.
Many famous Muslims have come out with their sexuality, such as the Canadian writer Irshad Manji.
Many people welcomed the controversial storyline, however others voiced their concern with the Muslim Public Affairs committee stating “There’s a lack of understanding of Muslims already and I think Eastenders really lost an opportunity to present a normal friendly Muslim character to the British public.”
Most families on Eastenders are sensationalised. For example, the recent storyline of Lucas killing his wife or Ian Beale sleeping with Janine Butcher. None of the families are stereotypical, so in order to believe that all Muslims are closeted gay men or women is just as absurd as thinking that it’s regular form for a daughter to be on the run from the police (Sam, Peggy’s daughter) or for whole families to be accused of the death of a man who is best described as an OAP.
So, Eastenders portray Muslims in a negative light? Eastenders portrays everyone in a negative light! However, whilst doing so brings up important issues that affect people all over the country. Mental health issues, peadophilia, miscarriage and a whole lot more have all been dealt with so far, thus perhaps it seems fitting they choose an issue in the Muslim community that is huge taboo.
I can sympathise with the views of Muslims worrying that it may cause more prejudice, but it's about time we had a programme that's as fearless and honest in its portrayal of the wider British community, Muslim or otherwise.
More information on same sex relationships here. Cardiff's LGBT Youth Provision is here.
1 Comment – Post a comment
Chelseaa
Commented 25 months ago - 16th April 2010 - 14:26pm
- i think they are but then i think syed dnt wanna belive that he is in love with christian and dnt want to upset his mother