Sunday 4 August 2024

"They are people"

 


Ian Durrant is an army veteran living in Lincoln and he has two flags in his garden; the St George Cross and a Union Jack; he says it's because he is proud to be English. But Ian says sometimes the flags give the wrong impression; people think he doesn't like people who are different.

In a few weeks a large Mosque will open near Ian's home, Ten years ago, Ian campaigned against the Mosque. Local Muslims knew that some people in the community didn't want a Mosque so Tanweer Ahmed, Chairman of the Lincoln Islamic Association, suggested knocking on every door in the area and talking to people. Tanweer also contacted Ian and invited him to a talk about Islam. Ian went to the talk and found it fascinating.

Ian and Tanweer are now friends. Ian attends Eid celebrations and open days at the Mosque. He says, "I took pride in being friends with, and talking to Muslim people. Other people would say, why are you doing that? And I said, They're people!"

"If I look out of the window to the left, I see the Cathedral in it's glory. if I look to the right, I see the Mosque. East has met West in Lincoln."

What do you see in the picture?
What do the flags mean?
What kind of person do you think Ian is?
Can you tell what kind of person Ian is, just by looking at this photo?

What has been in the news recently that might be connected with this story?

Explain the story

- Why does Ian have these flags in his garden?
- What does Ian think about different people belonging in Britain?
- Ian used to think different people didn't belong; what changed his mind?
- What does this show us about dialogue and ideas?
- Ian says about his Muslim friends; "They are people," what does he mean?
- Why does Ian say he has "Pride" in being friends with Muslim people?
- What does this story show us about Britain today?
- Who is Britain for? (everyone)
- What British law says people should not face discrimination because of their faith and their race? (The Equality Act 2010) Who else is protected in that law? (go through protected characteristics)
- What can we learn from Ian?
- What can we learn from Tanweer?

- Why is this story abut No Outsiders?
- Which British Value is this story about?

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