Neil Biswas, the writer of Second Generation, a television series for Channel 4 in Britain riffs on all things British Asian in this interview with The Guardian.
Two years ago I started writing a two-part serial called Second Generation for Channel Four. I set it in east London around the Bengali community where I grew up. Inevitably, it has flashes of autobiography, but perhaps more importantly, it has stories – stories that I have seen, stories that I have heard, stories that I know and stories that I have made up knowing they could happen
Biswas seems scarred from watching too much Mind Your Language. He lashes out against the norm and the stereotypes, racisim and politics of modern England. His points, perhaps are a pointer for all global South Asians.
In the same way that politicians can’t bludgeon people into being more “British” by making them speak English at home, broadcasters can’t define “Asian-ness” by sticking to the same tabloid storylines that sensationalise Asian people. The truth is that there are many Asian communities, all of which have thousands of stories. None of them on their own can explain or encapsulate what it is to be Asian in Britain. There is no one answer. The definition, like us, is constantly evolving.
The show airs on September 14 and 15th. Perhaps you can watch it if you are in UK.
after reading an article by neil biswas on asian identiy in the second generation and the injustice of the bradford riot i was interested in contacting mr biswas on an idea i had for a either a documentary or a feature film, i am only 17 so this probably won’t go far but i’d just like the idea to be considered for a bit if you could e mail me back at turn_them_to_wings@hotmail.com with either information on how to contact mr biswas or feedback from mr biswaas himself it would be much appreciated
many thanks
andrew van campenhout