Thanks for this brilliant commentary, Hanif. In 1976, my young filmmaker-fiance, David Hancock, was given a Ford Foundation grant to follow a young Algerian making his way to Europe to find work and start a new life. Sadly, David died of cancer that year and the film was never made. But I know he would have explored all that you say here. Thanks so much. My heart goes out to you. I've loved all your work and these dispatches are evermore poignant and necessary for all to read. Gretel Ehrlich
This essay is hallmark Hanif. Sensitive, alert and tender, but unflinching and full of balanced clarity, relating the human heart to society and how the dark impulse of intolerance and persecution cuts through us all, and in a social sense, within minorities as well as majorities, communities and societies, and families too.
Remember, Hanif aroused some intolerance because of My Beautiful Launderette, and its beautiful and brilliant and fearless eye upon British Asian culture and gay culture in nascent multicultural England.
Thank you for this, Hanif. You have drawn my attention to a film I hadn't heard about before. I look forward to seeing this - and often watch a film on a Saturday night after my week as theatre usher and tutor reaches its exhausting close.
Heavy duty stuff this Hanif. And really interesting about integration too. Is it possible without the human condition getting in the way - and. Could religion be a factor for blending in rather than separating? How long does it take for the stranger to become not. Finally in what sense are we equal - is it all about protecting our territory. You have set off a chain of thought but I do stick to one essential and that there has to be an absolute somewhere in all of it - a constant an ancient thread and this binds us. I hope you are ok and have met up with your beloved hound dog. From my ever dreaming self in North Yorkshire love Maddi x
When I was a student of English at university in Romania, in the early 90s, I decided to read The Satanic Verses (as far as I remember, I didn't know anything about what had happened to its writer) and our English lecturer (a white, British man) who was also the "librarian" told me not to borrow it because it was a very bad book. I guess he didn't like the idea of Rushdie being a successful writer. Of course, I borrowed it, read it and loved it.
Does racism really ‘come from the bottom up’? I don’t know, are the poorest, the most marginalised in our society also the most racist? I would say the divisiveness is constructed by those with power, it’s in their interest. Having just read ‘Faith, Hope and Carnage’ I find myself agreeing with Nick Cave that people are essentially good, though they’re all suffering. I see small acts of kindness every single day through London on my way to work between strangers. It makes me want to cry sometimes
Thank you for this analysis, Hanif! I'm watching the film right now, wouldn't have known about it otherwise. Hope you're recovering well back in London.
Thank you Hanif. I saw this film at some point in the 20th century and your analysis has added to my appreciation of what Fassbinder did in Fear Eats the Soul. Adding Rushdie's work gives even more to contemplate.
I can’t wait to watch this film - it’s sounds complex, painful yet so much about the strength of human spirit in times of adversity x Wishing you well - hope today is a good day x Kate x
Fassbinder was one of my favourite film directors and you are one of my favourite contemporary writers, so this has been sheer luxury for me. A clear, refined, profound essay... Thanks so much! Hope going back to London is bringing some comfort and respite to your soul. Good vibes from Portugal
Brilliant & succinct. Where one might be tempted to elaborate, you held back & let it stand:
“The immigrant should work but not belong; he mustn't forget his place as an outsider. If he 'integrates' too much he is accused of taking over, or of fracturing the organic unity of the existing society. If he keeps his distance he is living in a ghetto, thus creating social disintegration. In the end he is indigestible, and Ali represents in his sick body the contradictions of the society he now inhabits.”
I watched the film and loved its characters and themes. Thank you Hanif, for your illuminations and putting it into a more recent context - worth noting that Ali is played by El Hedi ben Salem, who was Fassbinder's partner at the time...
Fascinating article to debate. The film is now on my watch list. Thanks Hanif. Looking forward to reading your next chapter of life in London. Best Kathryn
Modern virtual reality head sets should be adaptable to execute simple command like ‘scroll down’. They maybe set up already to do so, as with Stephen Hawking’ . They work by following your eye’s movements and activating commands when you look at them…
Thanks for this brilliant commentary, Hanif. In 1976, my young filmmaker-fiance, David Hancock, was given a Ford Foundation grant to follow a young Algerian making his way to Europe to find work and start a new life. Sadly, David died of cancer that year and the film was never made. But I know he would have explored all that you say here. Thanks so much. My heart goes out to you. I've loved all your work and these dispatches are evermore poignant and necessary for all to read. Gretel Ehrlich
This essay is hallmark Hanif. Sensitive, alert and tender, but unflinching and full of balanced clarity, relating the human heart to society and how the dark impulse of intolerance and persecution cuts through us all, and in a social sense, within minorities as well as majorities, communities and societies, and families too.
Remember, Hanif aroused some intolerance because of My Beautiful Launderette, and its beautiful and brilliant and fearless eye upon British Asian culture and gay culture in nascent multicultural England.
Thank you for this, Hanif. You have drawn my attention to a film I hadn't heard about before. I look forward to seeing this - and often watch a film on a Saturday night after my week as theatre usher and tutor reaches its exhausting close.
Wishing you the best x
Heavy duty stuff this Hanif. And really interesting about integration too. Is it possible without the human condition getting in the way - and. Could religion be a factor for blending in rather than separating? How long does it take for the stranger to become not. Finally in what sense are we equal - is it all about protecting our territory. You have set off a chain of thought but I do stick to one essential and that there has to be an absolute somewhere in all of it - a constant an ancient thread and this binds us. I hope you are ok and have met up with your beloved hound dog. From my ever dreaming self in North Yorkshire love Maddi x
When I was a student of English at university in Romania, in the early 90s, I decided to read The Satanic Verses (as far as I remember, I didn't know anything about what had happened to its writer) and our English lecturer (a white, British man) who was also the "librarian" told me not to borrow it because it was a very bad book. I guess he didn't like the idea of Rushdie being a successful writer. Of course, I borrowed it, read it and loved it.
Does racism really ‘come from the bottom up’? I don’t know, are the poorest, the most marginalised in our society also the most racist? I would say the divisiveness is constructed by those with power, it’s in their interest. Having just read ‘Faith, Hope and Carnage’ I find myself agreeing with Nick Cave that people are essentially good, though they’re all suffering. I see small acts of kindness every single day through London on my way to work between strangers. It makes me want to cry sometimes
Thank you for this analysis, Hanif! I'm watching the film right now, wouldn't have known about it otherwise. Hope you're recovering well back in London.
Hola, Hanif. Yo vivo en España, pero mi hermana vive en Londres, ¿podría hacerte una visita -breve- de mi parte? Tus lectores estamos contigo
Abrazos.
Thank you Hanif. I saw this film at some point in the 20th century and your analysis has added to my appreciation of what Fassbinder did in Fear Eats the Soul. Adding Rushdie's work gives even more to contemplate.
I love your writing bte
I can’t wait to watch this film - it’s sounds complex, painful yet so much about the strength of human spirit in times of adversity x Wishing you well - hope today is a good day x Kate x
Fassbinder was one of my favourite film directors and you are one of my favourite contemporary writers, so this has been sheer luxury for me. A clear, refined, profound essay... Thanks so much! Hope going back to London is bringing some comfort and respite to your soul. Good vibes from Portugal
Brilliant & succinct. Where one might be tempted to elaborate, you held back & let it stand:
“The immigrant should work but not belong; he mustn't forget his place as an outsider. If he 'integrates' too much he is accused of taking over, or of fracturing the organic unity of the existing society. If he keeps his distance he is living in a ghetto, thus creating social disintegration. In the end he is indigestible, and Ali represents in his sick body the contradictions of the society he now inhabits.”
I watched the film and loved its characters and themes. Thank you Hanif, for your illuminations and putting it into a more recent context - worth noting that Ali is played by El Hedi ben Salem, who was Fassbinder's partner at the time...
Fascinating article to debate. The film is now on my watch list. Thanks Hanif. Looking forward to reading your next chapter of life in London. Best Kathryn
Modern virtual reality head sets should be adaptable to execute simple command like ‘scroll down’. They maybe set up already to do so, as with Stephen Hawking’ . They work by following your eye’s movements and activating commands when you look at them…