Bend it like beckham essay

The film ‘ Bend it like Beckham’ main character is an Indian girl, Jess whose dream is to play professional football. However, Jess’s parents are Indians and their culture does not accept Indian girls playing football.

The difference of beliefs causes conflict between Jess and her parents and the other characters in the film and highlights the cross-cultural interactions. Culture is a system of values beliefs, assumption and norms shared among a group of people (country, region, religion, profession, organization even a generation or a social or sporting club. Jess’ parents believe her children should be brought up the traditional way. Marriages are arranged and Indians are not allowed to marry black, white or Muslim only Indian. Jess’s mother revealed that she wore make-up after she was married which was at Jess’s age. Also, when an Indian girl desires to travel overseas it is expected that should be married. The Indian community have a closely knit society so that when Jess’s mother has a decision to make it is normal to consult other Indians. Other Indian traditions are that girls are not allowed to expose their legs since it brings shame to the family and kissing each other on the lips and hugging seems to be widely practiced.

The Indians are also very religious and they open speak to a picture on the wall which represent their God. There were generation and age differences and similarities between Jess’s parents and the children. The children accepted the UK culture in terms of their make-up and wearing traditional clothes like jeans and eye contact lens. One couple was also seen kissing in the public bathroom. The older women were not familiar with some words such as lesbian as they thought it was Lebanese. Another difference relates to Jess’s father who was not accepted when he wanted to play cricket because of his turban, however Jess’ desire to play football is accepted by her teammates. Jess’s father was visibly upset when he saw her hugging a man and he did not speak with her after they arrived at home. Jess friend admitted to her that he was gay, a life which does fit into the Indian culture.

Some similarities between the old and young generation are their appreciation of the tradition at celebrations like weddings and happiness they show to celebrate the fact that Jess’s sister was getting married. Also, it was interesting to see that the older women owned cell phones. Jess’s father was more willing to be supportive of her decision to play football and he went to the game to watch her play even though her mother did not approve of her playing football. Jess’s mother did not know of her daughter’s football skills, therefore she could not recognize her tremendous potential. Communication was poor Jess’s between Jess and her family because they did not listen to her when she spoke with them.

Jess’s mother usually had the ‘ final say’ with matters concerning how and what Jess was allowed to do. After some instances of sneaking out of the house and pretending to be working, Jess finally decided to make her parents happy she would give up her dream of playing football. However, Jess’s father realized she was unhappy and at the wedding and he allowed her to play in the final football match. His decision was based on his own personal experiences as he recognised her potential in the end. The English and Irish culture is different and similar in some ways. Both Jess and Juliette’s parents did not want them to play football they preferred them to being courting boys.

Juliette’s parents assumed that she was a lesbian because of how she dressed and her desire to play football. Their over reaction was based on a conversation Juliette’s mother overheard. Friendships also developed between the characters of different nationalities in the film.

Jess and Juliette are Indian and English; Jess and the coach are Indian and Irish formed friendships through football. The English and Indians were united in sports, they played football and cricket together. When Jess got into a scuffle on the football field the coach scolded her because he wanted to be fair. Jess’ English team mates respected her culture and helped her put on her outfit so that she could go back to her sister’s wedding.

Young Indian girls are supposed to learn to cook traditional Indian meals. At official functions the old and the young wear traditional Indian wear of jewellery and sari which is colourful. When the team went to the club Juliette was more ‘ forward’ and asked Joe for a dance. The Indian culture is one of compromise and peace therefore they do not complain like the English.