Time for C4's Big Brother to end Celebrity 'RACISM'

As a charity that exists to extinguish racism from our workplaces, education system and streets we find it unacceptable that Channel 4's Celebrity Big Brother (CBB) is allowed to continue broadcasting racist bullying. CBB's denial that racism is taking place is also deplorable but regrettably many individuals and institutions in our country remain in denial about racism as well.

CBB shows that some TV companies are happy to tolerate racism if it means more revenues. This is not entertainment for the victim of racism and bullying - Shilpa Shetty; it's a form of psychological torture and wrong.

We would like to know who advised CBB that the behaviour of three housemates was not overt (or indirect) racism. The programme highlights the experience of many black and Asian people in this country and demonstrates that we are not as tolerant as we would like to think we are.

Jeremy Crook OBE, Director of BTEG, says:

How many more national debates do we need to have about racism before we accept it's alive and kicking in this country? The programme illustrates that our education system is failing to produce fair and tolerant citizens. And racism is not just a working class problem. We know that black and Asian people face racism all the time in our schools, colleges and universities and in all other sectors. I think most people accept these institutions are mainly administered by the middle class and not the working class.
 
It is 200 years since our Country took a stand against African slavery which was largely justified on economic grounds. It seems C4's BB is also willing to justify racism for profits in the 21st Century. Jermaine Jackson and Shilpa Shetty understand that this is racist behaviour and I hope BB and its sponsor, Carphone Warehouse, will for once listen to the victims of racism.

End

Notes

1. About BTEG

The Black Training and Enterprise Group (BTEG) is a national organisation set up over a decade ago to promote equality of opportunity in education and employment.

2. Jeremy Crook advises several government departments on race equality issues.

4. Contact Details

Jeremy Crook (OBE)
Director
Regents Wharf
8 All Saints Street
London N1 9RL
Tel: 0207 713 6161
Mob: 07766114877

date added - 18 January 2007