Media, Integration: A Muslim Speaks His Mind
June 7th, 2007
“Anything connected to Islam is reported in a bad way," says John Jewell, professor of journalism at Cardiff University.
He spoke to the London Project about how the issue of veiled women in the UK was covered by the media.
This news story highlights the bias of the media according to Jewell. "Race is being brought without need to the front-page."
Indeed, the coverage of Muslims still brings up the issue of fair reporting by the UK media.
"Muslims probably feel targeted by the media," says Martin Asser, BBC Middle East expert. "They want to assert their identity yet they are intimidated by the wider British society and the negative portrayal of Islam in the media."
To find out the feelings of one Muslim, London Project talked to Hassen Basil Al-Sader, a doctor at Kingston hospital. He is an asylum seeker who came to the UK with his family in 1999. Since then he has studied medicine and graduated in 2006.
LondonProject: What were the main difficulties you faced when you first arrived?
Hassen Basil Al-Sader: We left Iraq due to the terrible situation of human rights, and the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. When I first arrived I faced minor difficulties with the language, but it was quickly overcome by studying and working part time. The major difficulties were the financial support. In order for me to continue my studies I had to pay the university fees as well as trying to live. Also I wasn't eligible to have a loan from the government like all the other students.
LP: Have you experienced problems integrating into the community?
Al-Sader: I had no problems integrating into the British society. Studying and working meant there were many channels to interact and integrate. The only issue that restricted my integration to a certain extent was that the social interaction outside studying and working hours revolved around clubbing and going to the pub. Both options meant that I couldn't be with my friends outside university or work. This meant I had to make extra effort during the day to show that my limited leisure time with them wasn't due to a personal issue.
LP: What do you think about the UK and British people? Are you happy here and do you want to stay?
Al-Sader: I think the British people are amongst the best in Europe, in terms of interaction and respect of others. What makes me stay here is the level of tolerance I see from the British, more than any other people. To be given an equal chance to everyone else, when applying to university, showed me the level of equality and tolerance. These are principles that make me want to stay in this country.
The high level of awareness amongst the educated people of Britain makes them immune to the biased media, the worst thing in Britain. Which is why I like the British people, they don't judge you by what they hear in the media, it's by how you act, or at least the educated people that I have met. I pray that their views will correct the wrong impressions that others have as a result of the media coverage.
LP: What’s different about living in the UK that makes you miss your home?
Al-Sader: Biased media against the Muslims is the worst thing in Britain. They never mention the religion of the individual when he makes a significant contribution to society, but it's the first thing they mention when it's a crime.
But as I explained before, educated British individuals remind me that these impressions don't really represent the British society.
Also, the lack of moral values. I believe religion is a great source of inspiration and moral values. But since there's a general trend to stay away from religion, society is now deprived from any moral education.
The fact that no one should be forced to practice a religion or adhere to any religious practises doesn't mean that the society should be cut off the moral values of religion. This deterioration in morality and ethics is a worrying sign for Britain.
LP: How do you feel your community is represented in London?
Al-Sader: I have to say the Muslim community is not well represented, but this is partially due to the Muslims' lack of initiative.
LP: How do you deal with your dual culture, do you feel British in your everyday life, or do you feel that the British way of life doesn't suit your culture, tradition, and religion?
Al-Sader: I believe the British culture has more to offer than just clubbing and drinking.
My religion has set me great goals to reach in life. It has recommended for me the best ways to achieve them, and some aspects of the English way of life fit nicely into these ways. Things like politeness, self-control, tolerance, open-mindedness, justice, respect of others, appreciating variety, and caring for others are all part of what modern British society is trying to apply. I feel part of this society in this sense.
LP: How much time do you spend with British people?
Al-Sader: More than I spend with my own family! I work 11 hours a day, come back home and spend only four hours with my family.
Image: Hassen Basil Al-Sader speaking in a seminar about the existence of God.
