Muslims Like US - BBC2

[Aruntraveller]

Hi all

Not sure if this should be on the Muslim thread or on the entertainment thread but I'll post it here and if the great and the good (moderators to you and I) feel like moving it I'm sure they will!

Anyway a programme with a group of diverse Muslims thrown together in one house is being shown next week (Mon 12th & Tues 13th BBC2):

http://www.bbc.co.uk/corporate2/mediacentre/proginfo/2016/50/muslims-like-us

It could be a bit Big Brother-ish, or it might just inform us of what a diverse group of people Muslims are - as opposed to the usual  stereotypical, monolithic image portrayed by some in the media.

Whichever it turns out to be it should be an interesting watch.

[john]

I have 2 close Muslim friends and an acquaintance with quite a few more. Their attitudes to a whole range of stuff seems just a diverse as those who call themselves Christian.

There is no such thing as a typical or normal Muslim.   

[Hope]

Having worked with Christians, Muslims, Jains, atheists and Hindus (sometimes more than one group at a time), I can vouch for the fact that there is nothing like an 'average' example of any of them!!

[Brownie]

Quite agree Hope and John.  Though there are some who only see stereotypes unfortunately.

I watched some of the first programme and found it a bit boring, tbh.  Disappointing, I expected more but I suppose that's down to me.

They are a brave lot, being prepared to live together in a house with television scrutiny.  I wonder how many bathrooms there are?   Perhaps they are being quite well paid by the Beeb, I'd hope so.

[Brownie]

I watched the first programme which was repeated at 1245 this morning, paid more attention this time and found it quite engaging.

They are a disparate group and very likeable;  the women seem to have stronger opinions than the blokes and are more argumentative but with no unpleasantness, albeit  definitely louder!  It was entertaining, the characters obviously chosen for being television friendly but quite natural.

The regular prayers chanted, or read, aloud by some of them had beautiful rhythm.  Naturally there were some who refused to join in, preferring to communicate privately with God in their own way.  One girl said she "wrote letters to Allah" (presumably in her head as I didn't see any scribbling), before retiring, another preferred meditation.   

Amongst the young adults was an elderly lady who fitted in well.  They appeared to like eachother - so far.  All sorts of things were discussed, opinions aired.  A lot of humour, maybe not always intentional.

The food looked great!

I'm glad I saw it and look forward to the next episode by which time they might be fed up with living together in such close proximity.  I'd be interested to know what Gabriella thinks of the programme.

[Brownie]

I am about three quarters of the way through the second episode on iplayer - couldn't wait for next week.

Well, everyone is coming out in true colours now!  They read the results of questionnaires which asked opinions of British people on Islam and Muslims.

The elderly lady, who is 76 and an English Muslim, got out of her pram!   There is a young chap called Abdul, who spent time in Belmarsh, who has very strong, black and white, unpopular views, the others think he doesn't really understand what he is talking about;  one said he lacked emotional intelligence.

A Shi'a girl who got quite upset by Abdul.

Lovely chap called Nabil, a black man married to an Asian girl, who is something of a peacemaker.

Four English people were introduced to the house and they were far more stereotypically "English" than any of the Muslims!  One chap even wore a boater and a bow tie.  They took the housemates around York but some didn't want to go to the 2nd world war memorial.

It's tense at times but there are a couple of jokers (including a gay one from Scotland!), who lighten the atmosphere.

More gorgeous food!   Making me hungry.  I'll watch the rest later but won't say any more in case I spoil it for potential viewers.   

If you haven't already seen the programme, I recommend it.  It's an eye opener for any people who believe all Muslims think the same.  That is far from the truth.

[trippymonkey]

Did the gay one survive the programmes?