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

[CoolCarrie]

“ 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.

I think he should adhere to the old adage, engage brain before activating mouth.

Ironic.

Vicky1990 why should David Lammy go then? Isn't he from Guyana? If so, not African himself, how is that any better?
Or do you mean "cos he is black?" If so, it's not about that! That's not the point at all, it's still being spectularly missed

What's your suggestion then that will raise millions?

£1 billion over 30 years is a crap turnover, happierever given that Britain is going to spend £40bn on HSB2.

We need to find a different model rather than giving African people our spare change. And celebrities like Stacey Dooley need to stop posing with children who clearly don't want to be in their Instagram to pretend that Comic Relief is working.

That's what David Lammy was saying

It makes me wonder what he really thinks about the white population of this country who send millions of pounds each year in aid to Africa.

It makes me wonder more about you than David Lammy Vicky1990

Limekiwi

Vicky1990 why should David Lammy go then? Isn't he from Guyana? If so, not African himself, how is that any better?
Or do you mean "cos he is black?" If so, it's not about that! That's not the point at all, it's still being spectularly missed

Hang on you can't have it both way. Why did he comment, is it cos he black?

Bicycle thief hang on you can't have it both ways

Say what? That's not even the point I made. Just... say what? Lol.
His point is a valid one. Regardless of his skin tone. That isn't the point he was making, I don't think it was anyway! As in, people from a Western, privileged position swooping in and painting as saviours.
There's nothing wrong with helping, course there isn't but Africa is massive, diverse and a bit of sensitivity wouldn't go amiss.

Could you provide a link to the article please Vicky?

Because I'm still struggling to see the hypocrisy in David Lammy's statements.

Lammy commented as the issue has been bought to his attention via some of his constituents who are of African origin.

This thread reminds me of a real life daughter of an arms dealer in the uk. She has devoted her life to helping those in war torn countries. Her work would never change the situation but she does it anyway. She knows the problem lies with people like her father. She is either morally different or just can't stand what her father is doing and constantly projecting.

'Some constituents brought it to his attention'. Is that like 'I'm asking for a friend'?
Even if they did, why would you complain to your MP, rather than to CR or SD directly?

Maybe you’d bring it to your MP in hope of change? Because they are supposed to represent their people?

Radi-Aid website is a good place to start if you’re still confused about why stereotypes like this harm dignity and why the whole white saviour in Africa is all actually a bit ridiculous.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=xbqA6o8_WC0

I think complaining to your MP about CR is ridiculous. It's not their job.

Why isn’t it their job? His job is to represent his constituents as he has here. Using his influence and profile to make their points to as wide an audience as possible is exactly his job.

I see his job wrt to his constituents as representing them to deal with housing, healthcare, education issues, etc when they can't get what they need by dealing directly with the organisations directly responsible for those things. Basically ensuring their legal rights are upheld. And in a wider sense, representing their wishes in Parliament (Brexit for example).

His job is to represent them in any way he and they consider appropriate.

DL should have approached either SD privately to discuss the matter, or approached CR with his concerns, not air them on Twitter, and make a scapegoat of SD. Her response was quite predictable when caught off guard, and she sounded quite defensive.

So no one should ever challenge a journalist publicly?

Aeroflotgirl No, he didn't make a scapegoat of SD - if you read his Twitter his fury is more targeted towards Comic Relief.

I disagree. He is there to represent them in parliament and to ensure their legal rights are upheld.

DL should have approached either SD privately to discuss the matter, or approached CR with his concerns, not air them on Twitter, and make a scapegoat of SD. Her response was quite predictable when caught off guard, and she sounded quite defensive

Agree.

Unfortunately making your point discreetly doesn't draw as much attention and receive as much praise as playing identity politics in public.

“L should have approached either SD privately to discuss the matter”

Does this apply to all interactions between politicians and journalists?

SD posted for attention on social media - no reason why people shouldn't respond there too.

Or should we only be allowed to post on social media if we agree with the position being taken?

Imagine if that happened on AIBU - wouldn't last very long!!!!

And yet I one as yet has come up with something that will raise as much money ....

Nope he directed it at SD, on her Twitter Feed. I agree with you KingHenry, it would be more discreet to have contacted her privately himself, and would put his point across better or Comic Relief, yet he shot himself in the foot by, singling her out publically and made an example of her. What did he think he would achieve by doing what he did!

Maybe he should have posted it on CR twitter, as SD is not the only white westerner they used in their charity, she was doing this on behalf of CR.