BBC Radio 4’s long-running rural drama The Archers has come beneath fireplace for its current exploration of Ramadan, with many listeners criticising the choice to function a Christian character, Lynda Snell, fasting within the run-up to Lent.
The controversial storyline has ignited debate, with followers accusing the BBC of being “woke” and disregarding conventional Christian observances in favour of selling Islamic practices.
Snell, a well-established character in Ambridge, has lengthy been recognized for her controlling nature and powerful opinions, typically pushing others into uncomfortable conditions together with her moralising angle.
This newest plot twist has left many longtime followers of the present baffled and upset. The mattress and breakfast proprietor, performed by Carole Boyd, introduced her intention to look at the Islamic custom of fasting for Ramadan out of respect for her Muslim neighbours, Dr Azra Malik and her household. In an episode aired on 24 February, Lynda defined her resolution to her husband, Robert, and even anticipated him to affix her in fasting, a lot to his bemusement.
One devoted listener, who has been following The Archers for over six many years, expressed his disbelief on the storyline, saying, “I by no means thought the BBC would impose their new woke coverage on Ambridge. Final week’s episode, with Lynda sitting down with the Maliks for a Ramadan meal and prayers, was an actual low for me.” One other critic added, “The concept that Lynda Snell would quick is nonsense, it is one factor to introduce them [the Malik family] to the village. Nobody may object to that. However the prayers and doctrine haven’t any place in an on a regular basis story of nation people.”
Within the following episode, aired on 2 March, Lynda’s curiosity about Ramadan deepened as she participated in a meal with the Maliks to interrupt the quick, asking them about their prayer rituals. One listener remarked on the absurdity of Lynda’s character abruptly changing into so concerned in one other tradition’s traditions, questioning the believability of the state of affairs. “Lynda would by no means be this excited about fasting for Ramadan,” mentioned one fan. “Her character has all the time been extra about imposing her personal values, not adopting others’ practices.”
Whereas the portrayal of Lynda’s interplay with the Maliks has been seen by some as a constructive reflection of the rising cultural variety inside rural communities, many followers really feel that it undermines the normal spiritual observances of Ambridge. A number of listeners have voiced their frustration that the storyline appears to sideline Lent, the Christian season of fasting and reflection, which coincides with Ramadan.
One notably vocal critic of the plotline mentioned, “I’m all in favour of variety and explaining about Ramadan on this context however what about mentioning it is usually Lent?” One other listener remarked, “Whereas I’m not offended by the Muslim characters observing Ramadan, I do discover it offensive that two Christian characters are being woke by fasting alongside them. That is supposedly a narrative of on a regular basis nation people who stay in a farming neighborhood and should not there to advertise the BBC’s woke identification.”
This lack of consideration to Lent has led to accusations of bias from some Christian teams, who really feel that their religion is being sidelined. Ann Widdecombe, a former Residence Workplace minister and practising Christian, additionally expressed her considerations, stating, “I haven’t bought any objections to a Muslim household shifting into Ambridge, however this storyline is simply the BBC being achingly politically right. After all, they gained’t do Christian prayers. After all, they gained’t embrace Lent in the identical means. That is the BBC throughout.”
Historian and creator Jeremy Black additionally weighed in, claiming that the give attention to Ramadan in The Archers misrepresents rural life within the UK. “Whereas thousands and thousands of British Muslims have fun Ramadan, such exercise is scarcely typical of rural life in agricultural areas,” he mentioned. “To indicate in any other case is to misrepresent British society and specifically to downplay the salience of Christianity in these areas.” Black’s feedback spotlight the view that such storylines might not replicate the truth of rural life, the place Christian practices like Lent are historically extra prevalent.
Criticism of The Archers isn’t confined to viewers of a Christian background. Frank Furedi, an emeritus professor of sociology, criticised the collection for changing into enveloped by a “multicultural ideology”, which, based on him, marginalises Christianity. “It’s a disgrace that The Archers has grow to be so targeted on Ramadan whereas brushing apart Lent as culturally insignificant. How lengthy earlier than one of many Archers comes out as a trans activist?” he quipped.
Tim Dieppe, Head of Public Coverage at Christian Concern, additionally weighed in, stating, “It’s fascinating that the Archers story has chosen to give attention to Islamic fasting in Ramadan at exactly the time when the Christian season of Lent is being noticed. This seems to be an instance of the BBC going out of its solution to respect and promote Islamic observe in a well-liked drama. The BBC was arrange with a imaginative and prescient of selling Christian values. Islamic values are fairly completely different, as could be very evident within the therapy of Christians in Islamic nations. Would the BBC ever dare to advertise Christianity as objectively higher than Islam immediately?”
In response to the backlash, the BBC defended the storyline, emphasising that the present has an extended historical past of reflecting the range of faiths inside British communities. A spokesperson mentioned, “The Archers has recurrently featured storylines centred on Christian religion, together with annual carol providers, Palm Sunday, and Lent. The current episodes that includes Ramadan replicate the various beliefs and practices inside Ambridge, highlighting the creating friendships between the characters.”
