A council banned filming of a television drama about drug crime and gangs on an east London housing estate - because it stigmatised black people.Whoops!
Hackney mayor Jules Pipe vetoed filming after the council considered if the series would have a 'detrimental' effect on the area's reputation.Trust me, Jules, everyone already knows the place is a cesspool.
He said: 'Estates aren't film sets - they are people's homes.What’s ‘not fair’ on the residents is having their neighbourhoods actually riddled with guns and drugs, Jules…
'In this case, it was not fair on residents... having their neighbourhood stigmatised on national television as riddled with drugs and gangs.'
Toyin Agbetu, whose organisation Ligali campaigns against negative stereotypes of black people, told the Independent On Sunday: 'You don't have to always portray the African community as drug-dealing, gun-toting criminals.So, the fact that the tv company is
'This isn't the time to be going backwards and focusing on these stereotypes. We don't need to perpetuate more reasons for civil unrest; there are many great stories that don't need to focus on the boy in the hood.'
Do you idiots ever listen to what comes out of your own mouths?
It’s not like this is the work of some Islington ivory-tower dweller, either:
Bennett has lived in Hackney for 25 years and was inspired to write the series when he saw a child dealing drugs near his home.Indeed!
Director, Yann Demange, defended the drama. 'Whether one likes it or not, we're shining a light on a particular part of London and it is truthful,' he said.And of course, there’s nothing like a little bit of controversy to fuel publicity for a new tv series, is there..?
I love the "African community" bit.
ReplyDeleteThere has to be a reason why these and other groups aren't part of "the community" as a whole. Could it be they see themselves as separate because it excites them to do so, and allows them to whine more loudly?
"Toyin Agbetu, whose organisation Ligali campaigns against negative stereotypes of black people, told the Independent On Sunday: 'You don't have to always portray the African community as drug-dealing, gun-toting criminals" ...
ReplyDelete"This isn't the time to be going backwards and focusing on these stereotypes. We don't need to perpetuate more reasons for civil unrest; there are many great stories that don't need to focus on the boy in the hood " ..
The last five words say it all for me ...
It seems some 'kommonitee leaders' don't have much faith in them if they thinbk they will riot at the drop of a hat? Oh, right, duuuh!
ReplyDeleteToyin Agbetu, whose organisation Ligali...
ReplyDeleteIs this is how he spells 'legally' or does it mean something noble and uplifting (not to mention pretentious and risibly inappropriate) in Swahili?
Gentlemen, we must compensate all to silence all....with immediate effect. Bring me the emergency wad of uncrossed Civic cheques and yes, the gold Parker pen reserved election rigging.
ReplyDeleteThat would be the same campaigning-against-racial-stereotypes Ligali that once claimed that Asian men (as opposed to Blacks) are predisposed to rape.
ReplyDeleteDSD
These people make Dolly Kiffin look OK! Only joking!
ReplyDeleteTheir website is a heady mix of pseudo victimhood and gibberish:
ReplyDelete"We produce progressive Africentric media and education programmes that actively work for self determination, socio-political freedom, physical health and spiritual wealth."
Just run that through my Babelfish :
None of us wants to live in that war-torn, fly-blown, shit-hole anymore, waiting for the UN feeding truck to turn up.
OK, we've got it.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteI think you need a new keyboard. The one you are using appears to jumble random letters into gobbledegook every time you write someone's name.
Thanks for that, Julia. I had quite forgotten about the wonderful Mr Toyin Agbetu and his Ligali website. I used to especially enjoy browsing the Racially Insensitive Offenders section. It has long been my ambition to be listed there with a category A rating. I really must try harder.
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful link Edwin. Added to my favourites - thanks.
ReplyDeleteAmongst the many wonders to be laughed at is this jewel of a threat to Jeremy Clarkson :
We suggest you stick to doing what you know best, lest someone using “the West Indian [sic] technique of balled fists and knuckles touching” decides to shut you up by connecting with your jaw.
They should be reporting themselves for outrageous stereotyping of the not-at-all violent darkie folk.
"Could it be they see themselves as separate because it excites them to do so, and allows them to whine more loudly?"
ReplyDeleteSpot on!
"The last five words say it all for me ..."
And me...
"Is this is how he spells 'legally' or does it mean something noble and uplifting (not to mention pretentious and risibly inappropriate) in Swahili?"
If only! It's actually porridge, or rather tasteless mush. How appropriate.
"That would be the same campaigning-against-racial-stereotypes Ligali that once claimed that Asian men (as opposed to Blacks) are predisposed to rape."
Quite! I thought I remembered the name from some old posts at the 'Pub Philosopher'.
"I think you need a new keyboard. The one you are using appears to jumble random letters into gobbledegook every time you write someone's name."
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm not even into the 'Crime' section of the newspaper either!
"It has long been my ambition to be listed there with a category A rating."
Truly, an award worthy of achievement! :)
"They should be reporting themselves for outrageous stereotyping of the not-at-all violent darkie folk."
There is not a smidgen of self-awareness to be found in that forum, is there?