British Asian-icity

By: Sanjay Jobanputra

I think reflecting on being British Asian is both interesting and at the same time quite challenging to put into a comprehensive statement.....but anyway I'll give you my current thought:

My parents moved to the UK from Uganda in the mid to late sixties. Over time, most of the family from both sides have either settled here or in friendly Canada. I sometime hear tales (both uplifting and saddening) on life for them when they reached these shores without much cash but full of drive and ambition. They consciously tried and desperately wanted to fit in as you rightly would. Natives, I understand, were a mixed bag - stories of prejudice but at the same time opportunites were in abundance then.

So now there's me; all grown up with a capitalistic job. My strength since school has certainly been the ability to "fit in" and the most name calling has ironically come from people of my own colour - but I don't think I ever 'sold-out'.

If and when I have children, they'll be taught, just as I was, that there are objective rules of life which apply no matter of your social/ecomoic/religious background or colour. Although, historical ancestory is relevant to identity there are other present day factors at least equally as important and most definitely shouldn't be ignored.

Indian - East African - British, I suppose I'm a mix of a people that are familiar with migration and really wouldn't want to be considered more Bristish than Asian or vice versa.

So, to end, I agree that I suppose I am a "British Asian" and very proud of it.