Xmas Task 3

To what extent is the media to blame for the negative social view in Britain surrounding Black People



Historical Text

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zj6o_DZfSw

This text is known as the Black and White Minstrels, and was famous for causing vast controversy in the 1960's. The show was first aired on the BBC from June 4th 1958, and continued until 1978, making excesses of 18,000,000 viewers on average per viewing. Lenny Henry wasactually contracted to appear in the show, and as a result, it was the start of his career, although he admits to regretting his part in the show.

The contraversial aspects of the show, were the fact that white people were used to characterise and act as black people, which could instantly cause a mass ridicule of black people. Although its airing ceased due to embarassment, despite the BBC seeing it a disgrace, it still went on to become a stage show... And a sucessful one at that. It showed 6,477 times on stage in the space of 12 years, making it the most publicly watched and aired show in history.

This has relevance to my case study, as it makes reference to the ways which black people have been represented in the past. Although there seems to be no malicious quotes or 'stab' at black people, they have taken the most important aspect of the people (skin colour), and used it in a vile way. As this is the BBC additionally, it raises more public concern, as it means that they are not doing their part in staying mutual. They had aired shows which had offend people maliciously and harmed viewing exeriece, but ultimately, tarnished the view of black peoplee throughout media viewers.