Bend It Like Beckham Culture

The film ‘Bend it like Beckham’ main character is an Indian girl, Jess whose dream is to play professional football. However, Jess’s parents are Indians and their culture does not accept Indian girls playing football. The difference of beliefs causes conflict between Jess and her parents and the other characters in the film and highlights the cross-cultural interactions. Culture is a system of values beliefs, assumption and norms shared among a group of people (country, region, religion, profession, organization even a generation or a social or sporting club.

Jess’ parents believe her children should be brought up the traditional way. Marriages are arranged and Indians are not allowed to marry black, white or Muslim only Indian. Jess’s mother revealed that she wore make-up after she was married which was at Jess’s age. Also, when an Indian girl desires to travel overseas it is expected that should be married. The Indian community have a closely knit society so that when Jess’s mother has a decision to make it is normal to consult other
Jess’s mother did not know of her daughter’s football skills, therefore she could not recognize her tremendous potential. Communication was poor Jess’s between Jess and her family because they did not listen to her when she spoke with them. Jess’s mother usually had the ‘final say’ with matters concerning how and what Jess was allowed to do. After some instances of sneaking out of the house and pretending to be working, Jess finally decided to make her parents happy she would give up her dream of playing football. However, Jess’s father realized she was unhappy and at the wedding and he allowed her to play in the final football match. His decision was based on his own personal experiences as he recognised her potential in the