Reel versus Real: Interracial Relationships within the South Asian Diaspora

This study analyzes the reactions of interracial relationships within the South
Asian Diaspora via film and literature focused on the United States and England. The
films examined are Mississippi Masala (1992) and Bend It Like Beckham (2002), and the
literature-utilized focuses on cultural identity, interracial dating, the importance of
marriage, the Indian community, and gender roles focused on women within the diaspora.
The films used encourage the idea of interracial relationships as acceptable and give
South Asian women the confidence to be more independent. The intention of this
research is to analyze the importance of cultural blending, independence, heritage, and
traditional values. The focus behind this research is to understand the battle of traditional
versus modern roles for women in the South Asian diaspora, and how independence can
be viewed as a form of dishonoring and humiliating their families when they step outside
of the cultural box.