Citizen Khan provokes 200 complaints as BBC accused of insulting Muslims

Daily Mail ^ | 28 August 2012 | Paul Revoir

[Cronos]

in the region of 200 complaints were made to the BBC yesterday after it broadcast the first episode of Citizen Khan.

It was claimed that the programme ‘takes the mickey out of Islam’,...

..One scene that particularly provoked anger was where a heavily-made up girl, Mr Khan’s daughter, rushed to put on a hijab and pretended to be reading the Koran when her father entered...

..Critics have complained that it repeats many stereotypes about British Muslims, with the first episode all about the troubled wedding plans of one of Mr Khan’s daughters, Shazia.

In a recent interview with BBC Breakfast, Mr Ray said the show was allowing the Muslim community to laugh at itself. He said: 'I think it is a great opportunity, with Mr Khan as a Pakistani Muslim and the character, to take that kind of really rich content and laugh at ourselves and I am a firm believer in that.'

[Cronos]

For those who haven't seen it -- watch the program "Goodness Gracious me" -- it's funny, especially the Going for an english episode which is mocking the English habit of getting drunk on a Friday and then "going for an India" meaning going for an Indian hot curry :)

It talks about "get me the blandest thing on the menu"

[Cronos]

And a link to the first episode

[MaxMax]

Kowtowing to Islam is a death sentence. They'll play along
until the marching orders come, then it's game over.

So-called Moderate Islam does not exist.

[VanShuyten]

For later

[El Cid]

Self ping

[moose07]

It talks about "get me the blandest thing on the menu"
LOL
I’ll raise you….Chicken tikka masala: what’s your favourite? :)
With pilau rice and poppadoms of course.

[Cronos]

did you know that Chicken tikka masala is actually an English invention? :)

[moose07]

Yep, my Indian friend at work told me that, I was distraught.
Nepalese is my favourite, but as we are talking about ‘Indian’, I’ll stick with the tikka masala.
As your here...thats two Cobras as well then! :)

[fieldmarshaldj]

The daughter is not guilty.

[tet68]

Wow, someone else who likes poppadums. Yum.

Say, isn’t that really Robin Williams?
looks like him.

[dfwgator]

One scene that particularly provoked anger was where a heavily-made up girl, Mr Khan’s daughter, rushed to put on a hijab and pretended to be reading the Koran when her father entered...

In the real world, the father would wind up beheading the daughter in an honor killing.

[moose07]

Wow, someone else who likes poppadums. Yum.

A curry without poppadums is just a night out with food.

LOL , you lost me for a moment there, the likeness is uncanny now you’ve pointed it out!

[hal ogen]

Has there ever been a moment in the history of moozlums when they haven’t been “insulted” by one thing or another?????

[the scotsman]

I was offended.

But because it was crap. As you say, Goodness Gracious Me WAS funny, and poked fun at both Indian and British culture and people.

[Cronos]

I saw the first episode on youtube. It was reasonably funny — not GGM level, but funny nonetheless..at least that’s my opinion :) what are the good shows in the UK now?

[the scotsman]

Depends on the genre. Comedy, drama, docs etc....

Give me the genre, and I will try and recommend some programmes.

[the scotsman]

I was harsh, poor imo, average in bits.

There was a recent PC comedy with a disabled kid and an interracial (white-indian) family that made this show look like Bilko, The Simpsons and Frasier rolled into one.

Ironically, in British comedy for the last 10-12 years, there has been an ironic, post-PC movement (Ali G, Ricky Gervais, Little Britain). Dull PC comedies stand out and die quickly.

[Cronos]

I’d say comedies. “my family” irritates me, but the last Brit comedy that I saw that was good was coupling. Miranda is ok (seen a few episodes on HBO). But none seem to be in the Yes Minister level or even Coupling (first 3 seasons) level.

[dfwgator]

I grew up with British comedies, Python (of course), Doctor In the House, Dave Allen at Large, Are You Being Served?, Fawlty Towers, Morecambe and Wise, The Two Ronnies, and of course, Benny Hill.

[decal]

“...in the region of 200 complaints were made to the BBC yesterday after it broadcast the first episode of Citizen Khan.”

So.....how many didn’t complain?

[the scotsman]

Nothing spectacular

My Family is written in the US mass-writer style, and tries to ape US styles and its awful, a complete waste of the talents of Robert Lindsay and Zoe Wanamaker. Most British comedies have been written by a duo or even a single writer.

Looking at BBC America, I’d highly recommend Luther (great show), the new series of Dr Who, Law and Order UK, Graham Norton, Torchwood and Planet Earth.

[the scotsman]

Most of what is part of BBC America’s ‘Dramaville’ section is good or very good as well. ‘Whitechapel’, ‘Inside Man’ etc.

[the scotsman]

Most Americans think AYBS and Benny Hill are the epitome of British comedy.

As admired and liked as they are, in fact in the UK, they are way down the list of what most British people consider the greatest comedy show or sitcom or comedian.

THE comedy kings in the UK were and remain Morecambe and Wise. Eric Morecambe is still nearly 30 years after his death THE most loved comedian we have ever produced.

Others not known to Americans include Frankie Howerd, Tommy Cooper. And The Two Ronnies (Barker and Corbett).

The ‘Carry On’ films and its stars like Sid James and Kenneth Williams and Charles Hawtrey are also the biggest comedy icons in Britain. The Carry Ons are loved by most British people.

Dave Allen and Python/Fawlty/Cleese are of course still massively popular.

Sitcoms?. Porridge, Hancock, Blackadder, Dads Army, Reggie Perrin, Only Fools and Horses, those and a few others are the gems of Britcoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britain%27s_Best_Sitcom

[Cronos]

Nah, scottie — i’m in Poland now (been here for the past 2years) so only get BBC entertainment and can buy dvds