OK so the 6 o'clock news is buzzing with the news...yes, you read correctly, news that big brother contestants have been bullying and name calling! It's taken people how many series to wake up to this?!
It's even going all the way to the commons...the BBC website reports this
'A row over remarks made to Celebrity Big Brother's Shilpa Shetty will be raised in Parliament after thousands of viewers complained to the TV watchdog. Leicester East MP Keith Vaz said he tabled the Early Day Motion after being contacted by his constituents. Almost 10,000 complaints have been received by both regulator Ofcom and Channel 4, which broadcasts the show. Mr Vaz said the motion, designed to raise matters of concern, emphasises the influence the show has on viewers'.
Now don't get me wrong racism of any kind is out of order, and I don't watch the show so I don't know what's been said but I did see Shilpa's agent interviewed and saying it wasn't racism, just bullying and Channel 4 says she hasn't (yet) complained about anything herself. It seems really sad that racism would be out of order, yet the appalling disrespect and disregard for any kind of common humanity frequently exhibited on the show is just fine.
I agree any racism should be taken very seriously indeed (and fear it won't be as it's great for ratings) but if we're talking about concern over the influence the show has on viewers, well Mr Vaz nothing like shutting the door after the horse has bolted...
1 comment:
Good point Lillie. Is oppression acceptable if it does not come under a specific banner.
My course has made me sharp-eyed for oppressions based on race, gender, ability, age, sexuality and religion but what about plain old bullying. It certainly doesn't carry the same political weight.
Why not?
You've really got me thinking.
Thanks
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