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AIBU?

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To think Stacey Dooley was right in her response to David Lammy

821 replies

CoolCarrie · 28/02/2019 13:12

“ Africa doesn’t need white saviours” says Lammy commenting on pictures of Stacey Dooley on a comic relief trip. Why pick on her? Loads of celebrities over the years have gone to Africa to show how money is helping the poorest of the poor, and the huge difference it has made over the years.
What Africa does need is governments that are not corrupt and better leaders.

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Romanov · 28/02/2019 13:12

What was her response?

Greensleeves · 28/02/2019 13:14

I'm with David Lammy. The image was distasteful and outdated for the reasons he gave.

And we're fine ones to talk about corrupt government and poor leadership...

Sardonicsnape · 28/02/2019 13:14

Voluntourism and white saviours are a real problem. Last year they weren't used in sports relief because this was recognised.

HoppityFrog3 · 28/02/2019 13:16

She was perfectly right to respond as she did. He was rude and obnoxious and has embarrassed himself.

He needs to apologise. He is in the wrong 100%.

Barrenfieldoffucks · 28/02/2019 13:16

I don't know tbh.

I like her and don't necessarily disagree with her, but I don't disagree with him either. He wasn't making the point about her, but about the dated Comic Relief formula

www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/entertainment-arts-47400300

FissionChip5 · 28/02/2019 13:17

I agree with him 100%.

HoppityFrog3 · 28/02/2019 13:18

For those unaware.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-47400300

CoolCarrie · 28/02/2019 13:18

You can’t compere corruption in the UK to the whole scale corruption in South Africa for an example.

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ScreamingValenta · 28/02/2019 13:19

David Lammy did make the point that it wasn't personal to Stacey Dooley.

I agree with him that the Comic Relief formula is dated. It needs to move on from the 1980s.

PinkCrayon · 28/02/2019 13:20

I agree with her response.
Stacey dooley has filmed all over the world all sorts of documentries I wouldnt really class her as a "celebrity" she has made alot of different documentries reporting different things and I dont see any difference in this.
He has also previously before he kicked off about this been asked by comic relief if he would like to do what she did and he didnt even have the courtesey to respond...

BorisBogtrotter · 28/02/2019 13:21

I agree with David Lammy.

He explicitly said: "This isn't personal and I don't question your good motives."

She made it about her, not the other way around, he was talking about the formula in general.

CoolCarrie · 28/02/2019 13:23

He should put his money where his mouth is, and take up comic relief’s offer to go and see for himself!

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LivingDeadGirlUK · 28/02/2019 13:23

Isn't she a journalist? Have a strong suspicion a male journalist would not be getting the same comments.

BorisBogtrotter · 28/02/2019 13:24

But that is what he is saying they don't need to do be doing anymore, that the formula should change.

BorisBogtrotter · 28/02/2019 13:24

"Have a strong suspicion a male journalist would not be getting the same comments."

He said it wasn't aimed at her.

CoolCarrie · 28/02/2019 13:25

So what should the formula be then?

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MrsBertBibby · 28/02/2019 13:25

Her response was childish and chippy.

kateclarke · 28/02/2019 13:27

I agree with David Lammy too.

I really like Stacy, but what she’s doing is really outdated.

It is reinforcing harmful stereotypes of Africa and it’s people and is therefore racist.

I’m sure she is not racist as an individual, and just wants to help, it’s very ignorant and damaging.

Theknacktoflying · 28/02/2019 13:28

Agree with David Lammy ... I think there needs to be a big rethink about these sort of Charity initiatives.

It wasn’t personal attack.

Randomposter · 28/02/2019 13:29

I agree with him.

SleepDeprivedCabbageBrain · 28/02/2019 13:29

YABU. Lammy is right on the mark with his comments. Dooley should have known better given she is a journalist and not a random Hollywood A-lister.

(Rolling out corruption in any discussion about Africa is another tired sterortype...)

PlatypusLeague · 28/02/2019 13:29

I think David Lammy is right. I would rather see more fair trade to assist the economies in Africa, and celeb air fares to go directly to Oxfam. Apparently Lammy turned down an invitation from Comic Relief, saying they "wanted me to be part of their PR machine". He has written about his reservations before: Africa Deserves Better from Comic Relief

I have also gone off Stacey Dooley. I found her refreshing when I first saw her presenting, but she's a bit overdone now, and doesn't take criticism very well.

TheWaiting · 28/02/2019 13:30

I think if I was a mother being handed a mosquito net that would save the lives of my children then I wouldn’t give a fig who was helping or why.

Loughers · 28/02/2019 13:30

I wonder if the starving African children give a flying fuck about how the money that will save their life is raised ??

skippy67 · 28/02/2019 13:31

I agree with David Lammy 100%.