The former Loose Women panellist Saira Khan has claimed that her Pakistani culture has been more of a hindrance in her life than any form of racism she has encountered as an Asian woman in the United Kingdom. Saira Khan was born in Derbyshire, has lived in the UK all of her life and gained a degree from the University of Brighton.
Ms Khan has insisted that she encountered no noticeable social boundaries while growing up on a council estate and has credited British society for helping her achieve what she has done. In a lengthy Instagram post Saira Khan wrote: ‘As an Asian woman born in this country to immigrant parents, I am proud to be British, grateful for this country helping my parents to help me to recognise and realise my potential. If I’m honest, as an Asian woman it’s my Asian culture that has tried to hold me back more than any racism I have faced. That’s my truth’.
Saira has also insisted that racism goes both ways. She used her mixed heritage marriage to husband Steven Hyde, to emphasise her point. She said: ‘We all have to play our part in tackling racism, so many of us are ignorant of each other’s cultural background and religious beliefs which leads to misunderstandings and division. As a woman in a mixed marriage with a mixed-race child, I can say from first-hand experience, there is prejudice on both sides – it is not just White people hating on those of colour. The colour of my skin has not hindered my progress in this country. In fact, right now, the world we live in, it’s an advantage to be a woman of colour, because there is a need from all institutions for better representation of our society. The focus on white people and their unconscious bias has been documented well’.
She also urged those in minority groups in the UK to assess how tolerant they are of other groups. She said: ‘I think it is also time for many Asian and Black communities to look deep at their own prejudices and admit that they too need to make changes in order to take advantage of all the opportunities this country had to offer. I grew up on a council estate. I know the socio /economic barriers- but this country does help those who want to help themselves. It was the British culture not the Asian one that was more encouraging for me to make the most of myself. It’s hard to admit that I know the backlash I will get. But that’s my truth. Being a victim is easy. Getting off you’re a**e and making it happen with the right attitude is bloody hard. But that’s what it takes’.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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