Race And Ethnicity

Race and ethnicity play a large role in self-identity. One’s race is biological in nature; it is identity by color of skin that provides a sense of belonging in society. Ethnicity, like race, does define where someone comes from, but it can also describe where one belongs. Ethnicity is defined as a group who shares the same set of cultural attitudes and behaviors. In Purdah to Piccadilly: A Muslim Woman’s Struggle for Identity, Zarina Bhatty recounts her life journey and how her experiences help shape her. Racially she describes herself as Indian. She was born in a British-controlled India to a Muslim family. So, it is no wonder that ethnically she defines herself as Muslim. Even though Bhatty says she belongs to these groups, she does struggle

Many Indian Muslims decided to stay in India because they thought they would be cultural misfits in Pakistan. Many young men migrated to Pakistan for better career prospects while the girls stayed behind with their parents. This also meant that the amount marriageable young men were cut down for girls to marry, leaving a lot of women unmarried. It was considered preferable for a woman to remain unmarried rather than to be married to someone who was below her caste and class. In addition to the importance of gender roles in the Indian-Muslim community, the caste system ruled over society. Each caste is a different social rank and there are four castes all together: It was highly frowned upon to marry outside of your caste and even considered normal to marry a first cousin. There was
Zarina Bhatty’s first husband, Hayat was a large influence on her overall life because of the power men hold in this culture. His poor adjustment to England hindered her experience there. Bhatty refers to her husband as being in a shell, refusing to come out and embrace the western world. Although despite Hayat’s difficulties with his education or therefore lack of one, earning no degrees. Bhatty thrived at university and earned her General Certificate of Education and learned

She sacrifices her time and education to make enough money to make elaborate meals and cater to Hyatt who refuses to let go of Eastern culture. She had to take manual labor jobs like washing dishes which caused her to miss her morning lectures occasionally, but she did not let these blockages get in her way of pursuing her education. She worked throughout the holidays and took advantage of these opportunities to make money while the Christians were home with their families celebrating.
Zarina’s first husband also attempted to control her education and opportunities when he forcibly impregnated her because she was succeeding and he was not. Although this sounds very disturbing in this culture, it was not frowned upon because males were ultimately in charge of their wives. India has not outlawed marital rape, despite these circumstances and tribulations, she was able to take and pass her exams while she was six months pregnant, and continued on with her career. Her husband tried to hinder her success, but even with a baby she was successful and let nothing stand in her