As the war of words and finger-pointing between Faryal Makhdoom and Amir Khan’s families escalate, could this outpouring of emotion actually be a good thing?

The scenario being played out so publicly is all too common in many families, across cultures and backgrounds. As an Asian woman, it's certainly one I recognise. Marrying into a partner’s family usually means to some degree accepting and tolerating a new set of rules and ideas that can feel alien.

Faryal’s interview on ITV’s This Morning, in which she described being teased by Khan’s family, felt strangely reminiscent of Princess Diana’s famous conversation on camera with Martin Bashir.

When an outspoken wife or daughter-in-law speaks out in this manner it ruffles the family feathers. But these women, perceived as thorns in the side of the in-laws, are catalysts for changing cultures and societies for the better. As Diana said in that interview: “She won’t go quietly, that’s the problem.”

Despite the rose-tinted image of how the Asian community lives – many generations living under one roof, eating together, looking after the elderly at home and babysitters provided on tap – the reality can often be different. Cultural programming dictates that it is the responsibility of the elderly son to provide financial, emotional and practical support to his even more elderly parents. Even if they don’t need his money, he has a sword of Damocles hanging over him.

In keeping with his deference, even if there is genuine affection between husband and wife it is quite common for the son to plead with his wife to be patient and to tolerate his parents. He will promise her a future where things sort themselves out – but they rarely do. Or he might take the cowardly head-in-the-sand approach. This works for a while, until there is eventually an explosion of emotions.

Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Khan arrives in the ring at the T-Mobile Arena for his WBC Middleweight title fight with Alvarez. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Reigning champions Alvarez walks out among a partisan Mexican crowd. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Alvarez was visibly much bigger than Khan. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Khan enjoyed early success in rounds one and two as his speed caused Canelo problems. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez As Alvarez grew into the fight though, he began to dictate matters and stop Khan's attack. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez The meaningful punches from Khan had dried up by the fifth as Canelo began to dominate. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez The fight was ended by one devastating punch as Alvarez knocked Khan out cold. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez A faint with the left hand opened Khan up to allow Alvarez to land a heavy overhand right. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Canelo was unsure whether to celebrate after seeing Khan hurt by the punch. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Referee Kenny Bayliss immediately called the fight off and waved in help for Khan. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Alvarez enjoyed his victory once Khan had got back to his feet after retaining his WBC Middleweight title. Getty Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in pictures Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Canelo wasted little time in calling out Gennady Golovkin, Getty

The Khan clan is heading for a collision on values and lifestyle choices. Faryal’s description of Amir’s family as “Paindoo”, which translated means “backwards village mentality”, is harsh – but these are the words of an angry young woman who feels wronged and is striking out.

So what could possibly be positive about all this?

Faryal has a two-year-old girl who is watching her mother fight the system and finding her voice to speak out. And if her father supports her mother through this, she too will grow up to expect more from all men that come into her life. Unlike previous generations of Asian women, she won’t tolerate what she perceives as bullying, keeping quiet for the sake of the wider family at the cost of her own personal happiness.