After analyzing some interpretations in "Anita & Me" I agree with Meera Syal's opinion that if you judge people in groups; you don't understand humanity. I think Syal used typical stereotypes so that viewers can identify with issues and prejudices that affect them too. Being Asian herself, Syal interpreted old-fashioned traditional views of Asian families into her Indian characters in Anita & Me. In Anita & Me, Meena seems to experience a clash between Eastern and Western cultures. She is a young girl trapped in the Western culture she was born and raised in, yet her parents still want her to adapt to her Eastern culture even though she is British Asian and expect her to follow their way of life. I believe Syal rightly highlighted this factor as most British Asians have experienced this cultural identity confusion at some point in their lives. Syal even described Aunt Sheila as a typical Asian stereotype, domineering and boastful. Aunt Sheila is a city woman who struts around with a lot of pride. He snubs Meena because she doesn't wear Indian clothes and speaks Punjabi. I think at one point in the film he even refers to Meena as a "coconut", which means white on the inside and brown on the outside. For a white European audience watching Anita & Me, they might think that Meena's parents and aunt are simply dictating and giving too much input into Meena's life. For example; Meena has to take entrance exams for a posh primary school in the city. Meena's mother also seems to be unaware that her daughter wants to become a writer as she wants her to become something more traditional like a doctor or a lawyer. Once again, this stereotype of ...... middle of paper ...... of a Punjabi couple settled in Tollington village. She dreams of becoming a "blonde writer". Meena then feels immediately attracted to her new neighbor, the daughter of a single-parent family who moves in next door; the courageous, blonde and beautiful Anita Rutter. From the moment Anita bursts onto the screen; Meena knows that she wants to be her friend. (Meena sings "What's your name? Be my friend!") Meena is immediately attracted to Anita's attitude and the way she carries her personality forward. Meena longs to be part of Anita's gang "the girls", so she catches Anita's attention when she steals sweets from the local shop. After helping Anita escape from the shop, Meena joins her gang. Metaphorically, I think Meena only became friends with Anita because she "proved" that she was worthy of becoming a Wench as she would be a loyal member of the gang..