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British Bengladeshi Muslim youths shop in supermarket in Oldham

Bengladeshi youths shop in Oldham, a poor mill town in northern England where Muslims and Christians live in virtual apartheid...Oldham is scene of heavy rioting by Asians in the summer of 2001...Young muslims grow up separated from the indigenous society. They go to predominantly Asian schools and hang out with Asian friends. Often the only contact between the two communities is through uncertain glances on the street or in local tabloids. Although the atmosphere on the streets seems friendly, few people dare to step out of their own territory for fear of assault. Stuck in a Western society but feeling unwelcome and without many chances to escape from the ghetto, many youngsters seek identity in Islam...Many say they do not feel part of the British community, and the war in Afghanistan only confirmed the West's animosity. In this highly segregated pocket of Islam, the old and young, good and bad are pushed to the same fold by a shared sense of alienation in a Western society that they feel is oppressive - both locally and around the world. ..Photo by Justin Jin/Agentur Focus. Northern England, November 2001.

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Muslims in Britain 38.jpg
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Copyright 2001 by Justin Jin. All rights reserved.
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Muslims in Britain
Bengladeshi youths shop in Oldham, a poor mill town in northern England where Muslims and Christians live in virtual apartheid...Oldham is scene of heavy rioting by Asians in the summer of 2001...Young muslims grow up separated from the indigenous society. They go to predominantly Asian schools and hang out with Asian friends. Often the only contact between the two communities is through uncertain glances on the street or in local tabloids. Although the atmosphere on the streets seems friendly, few people dare to step out of their own territory for fear of assault. Stuck in a Western society but feeling unwelcome and without many chances to escape from the ghetto, many youngsters seek identity in Islam...Many say they do not feel part of the British community, and the war in Afghanistan only confirmed the West's animosity. In this highly segregated pocket of Islam, the old and young, good and bad are pushed to the same fold by a shared sense of alienation in a Western society that they feel is oppressive - both locally and around the world. ..Photo by Justin Jin/Agentur Focus. Northern England, November 2001.