Belonging Essay

Bend it like beckham portrays the story of a young indian women named Jasminder Nagra who is caught between the barriers of both her own culture and the western culture. Her sense of belonging is then distorted when Football (soccer) comes into play during the film. Frequent close ups of both the traditional household and the clothing her family wears instantly distinguishes her from white western culture, she feels that in order to become a soccer player she must give up her culture of a traditional wedding and life. The tension created by her mother and her dislike for par minders views are recognised at the start of the movie where her mother says “what is it with you and this bald man?” (referring to David Beckham poster.)

Romulus, My Father creates a textualised effect of adversity and the circumstances that can be created during ones lifetime. Romulus often recalls meeting Christine and remembering her as a smart, joyful, beautiful women who he shared love with to create Raimond. But the reality of this is deemed untrue later when it is known Christine develops a mental condition enabling her fit to take care of Raimond, the quote “ Most of all I remember was his strong, bare, sun darkened arms on either side of me… the sight of his muscular arms protected me against their terrible meaning”. it creates an ever lasting bond that creates symbolism of love and symbolism of Romulus’ culture (sun darkened arms)

Jules an English girl sees Jess and immediately invites Jess to join the football practice of the local girls team. Jess feels honoured and is eager to practice with the team. Her religious (Muslim) parents, on the other hand, oppose the idea of their daughter playing football, and especially that she is showing her bare legs in public. However, this doesn’t keep Jess from missing practice and so she secretly continues playing football. The situation escalates when Jess has to decide between her passion and her family, because her sister’s...