BOBBY FRICTION: GENERATION 7/7

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

00:00 – 03:10

Bobby Friction explains the reason for making this programme.

03:11 – 05:20

Bobby is surprised at the frosty reception he gets in Beeston, where two of the four London bombers came from. The community is in shut-down because of the intense media interest and it's impossible to get interviews with anybody.

05:21 – 09:48

We see Bobby airing a controversial song on Radio 1 called 'Post 9/11 Blues' by Riz MC (Rizwan Ahmed).

09:49 – 15:48

Bobby travels to Dewsbury, which is also linked to 7/7, as one of the bombers came from there. There is a discussion about the difficulties of being a young British Muslim at the moment. Islam is a peaceful religion yet there are problems caused by so-called radical clerics who preach hatred. Sughra Ahmed of the Islamic Foundation explains the term 'Sheikh' as being a revered older man, a man of stature and learning. As Sughra Ahmed says, it is a very respectful term.

15:49 – 18:55

At an Islamic snooker club, there is further discussion about identity and how the media is to blame for the alienation felt by many young Asians. Sughra Ahmed talks about the relentless portrayal of Asians as suspect.

18:56 – 20:05

There are many conspiracy theories going around.

20:06 – 24:49

A Sikh is interviewed at the Festival of Vaisakhi in Leeds and Bobby speaks to a young Muslim who knew one of the Beeston suicide bombers. Afterwards he tries to make sense of his discussions.

24:50 – 30:05

Bobby visits a Muslim family in Yorkshire to discuss all of the issues he has covered so far.

30:06 – 33:00

Bobby uncovers more conspiracy theories.

33:01 – 34:09

The young Muslim people in the snooker club continue to explain that they are regularly made to feel like a threat. Newspapers constantly remind us we're under threat from Islamic militants.

34:10 – 37:21

Bobby reminds us of the 'weapons of mass destruction' stories in the press – that the West was facing imminent attack from a Muslim nation. We hear about the increase in racist attacks since 7/7.

37:22 – 39:42

Bobby shares his memories of being caught up in Sikh fighting at the age of 13 while visiting his uncle in India. He tells how Anne Frank, at the same age, was persecuted because of her race.

39:43 – 44:55

Bobby finally gets to play football in Beeston, but is saddened to realise that he is no longer seen as an Asian brother but rather as a journalist.

44:56 – 47:32

Bobby sums up his findings.