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Original poster

Willing to be shot down in flames: Ghetto Kids on BGT

134 replies

SmugglersHaunt · 15/04/2023 23:08

I haven’t watched BGT in ages (the alarming changes in the faces of B. Tonioli and S. Cowell deserve a separate thread alone).

I watched tonight for the first time in years and saw Ghetto Kids, who were a very good dance act and have deservedly been given praise and have a moving backstory (as per) - but I found myself incredibly uncomfortable watching young kids twerking and dancing in what seemed at times quite an inappropriate way for their age. Have I morphed into Mary Whitehouse?

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Botw1 · 16/04/2023 01:24

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threeplusmum · 16/04/2023 01:36

I found it slightly uncomfortable but as an African, I know that dancing like this is perfectly acceptable in many African cultures. But no way would I let my children dance like this because of the connotations attached to this style of dance.

Furries · 16/04/2023 01:49

I think styling/clothing etc can have a huge effect on how some things are perceived.

I thought their clothing was entirely suitable and I thought the performance was bloody joyous. It left me smiling and feeling uplifted - at no point did I think “oof, that wasn’t a good look”.

As an aside, I’m envious of those that can find such joy from dancing. I’ve got, what often feels like, four left feet and have zero natural rhythm. I’d give anything to look good busting out even some simple moves!

TheObstinateHeadstrongGirl · 16/04/2023 02:37

I have actually stopped watching BGT because street dance and dance acts are soooooo dull and Sandy. There was ONE good act who stood out form the rest - Diversity. Anyone else is just boring arms flailing about. Not that I could do it - but there’s a lot of things I can’t do, doesn’t mean they’re entertaining.

Dilemma19 · 16/04/2023 04:40

cherry2727 · 16/04/2023 00:56

It's a cultural native dance move and not at any point was it sexualised ! Over the last few years this cultural dance move has been sexualised by the west and hence a negative connotation attached ! African dance moves all tell a story and dates back to cultural stories etc . Educate yourself before coming across soo heavily judgemental !

This, typical ignorance 🙄

BombasticSideEye · 16/04/2023 05:48

cherry2727 · 16/04/2023 00:56

It's a cultural native dance move and not at any point was it sexualised ! Over the last few years this cultural dance move has been sexualised by the west and hence a negative connotation attached ! African dance moves all tell a story and dates back to cultural stories etc . Educate yourself before coming across soo heavily judgemental !

All of this!

Newestname002 · 16/04/2023 07:53

Daffodilsandtuplips · 16/04/2023 00:45

I was more uncomfortable watching the farting man. Who on earth thought that that was prime time viewing material?
Ghetto kids were great, didn’t see anything wrong.

Yes I was surprised at this as, in an earlier series, there'd been a "farting man" and all the panel - especially Simon - had been disgusted, saying how could he possibly put an act like this in front of the Queen... 🌹

MeinKraft · 16/04/2023 08:25

@Newestname002 times have changed, maybe they think King Charles would enjoy a farting man? Grin

ZeroWorshipHere · 16/04/2023 08:25

i don’t watch bgt so I went to go watch based on your descriptions of twerking so I could be judgy too. That wasn’t twerking that was a joyful cultural dance. You knew saying children twerking would get lazy people who haven’t seen it going “oh god yes that sounds awful, yanbu”.

here’s a link for anyone who hasn’t seen it

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EGZC231euVs&pp=ygUPR2hldHRvIGtpZHMgYmd0

SO GOOD they got Bruno's Golden Buzzer MID-PERFORMANCE | Auditions | BGT 2023

Even a Golden Buzzer won't stop Ghetto Kids from dancing!Bruno Tonioli just couldn't resist pushing his Golden Buzzer for these inspirational kids.See more f...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EGZC231euVs&pp=ygUPR2hldHRvIGtpZHMgYmd0

AAAAABBBBBCCCCC · 16/04/2023 08:27

Aside from that, I’m not sure the word ‘ghetto’ was a great choice.

Why is that?

WordtoYoMumma · 16/04/2023 08:27

I just found the clip as I haven't watched BGT this year, didn't realise it was back! (have I missed many episodes?)

I can't see anything inappropriate at all?? They were excited lively kids doing some (I assume) traditional African dancing, they were full of energy and they were brilliant. I honestly don't know which bit was inappropriate, I've seen much "worse" (sexualised) acts on BGT before?!

Watching it made me smile and a bit teary, and now I am off to find BGT on catch up!

bellac11 · 16/04/2023 08:27

Vinniepolis · 15/04/2023 23:23

They’re African kids - the dance moves, the music - it’s how it is (and was, when I lived there 25 years ago). I don’t think it translates well in the West though as people are so quick to see something sexual in the moves.

The moves are sexual though, both in their home countries and elsewhere.

AAAAABBBBBCCCCC · 16/04/2023 08:32

I know this kind of dance/moves it's common in developing countries (think also about Samba in Brazil) but I don't like it. Children shouldn't dance like that. Like I said, it's common for them and they probably see no malice in that but it does make me feel uncomfortable

'Developing countries'..are you out of your mind? This is a dance that has been used throughout time by POC.

it's common for them and they probably see no malice in that but it does make me feel uncomfortable

This sounds so patronising. And who gives a shit if it makes you uncomfortable? People like you need to learn to button it. You sound ignorant and ill-informed. You have no clue what you are on about!

MeinKraft · 16/04/2023 08:36

Just watched it as I didn't see BGT last night. I loved it! It was innocent and full of joy. I actually welled up a bit at the sweet little girl dancing at the end Blush

AprilDecember · 16/04/2023 08:37

There is absolutely nothing sexualised in that performance.

TheFairyCaravan · 16/04/2023 08:39

They were absolutely bloody brilliant and I hope they win.

Coxspurplepippin · 16/04/2023 08:41

Just watched the clip. Apart from confirming why I don't watch BGT, I thought the kids were amazing - such joie de vivre. Every child should be dancing like that.

lipikar · 16/04/2023 08:43

AprilDecember · 16/04/2023 08:37

There is absolutely nothing sexualised in that performance.

Agree

SpringyAF · 16/04/2023 08:45

I couldn’t see anything sexualised at all. They were dressed appropriately and having a jolly good time. Just looked like standard African dance moves to me.

AAAAABBBBBCCCCC · 16/04/2023 08:46

Fair enough, it actually doesn’t bother me, but it might be contentious for them if their success continues, which would be a shame.

I really don't think that will be the case. Those in the know, just know.

Mars27 · 16/04/2023 08:47

AAAAABBBBBCCCCC · 16/04/2023 08:32

I know this kind of dance/moves it's common in developing countries (think also about Samba in Brazil) but I don't like it. Children shouldn't dance like that. Like I said, it's common for them and they probably see no malice in that but it does make me feel uncomfortable

'Developing countries'..are you out of your mind? This is a dance that has been used throughout time by POC.

it's common for them and they probably see no malice in that but it does make me feel uncomfortable

This sounds so patronising. And who gives a shit if it makes you uncomfortable? People like you need to learn to button it. You sound ignorant and ill-informed. You have no clue what you are on about!

You sound like a lovely person. Are you able to have a conversation without swearing and sticking to the point? 🙄

AAAAABBBBBCCCCC · 16/04/2023 08:47

Absolutely nothing sexual about it at all. It's kids dancing, being happy, in homage to their motherland.

I'm more cincer

Daffodilmorning · 16/04/2023 08:48

I didn’t see anything sexual. It was a group of children dancing in a typical way for where they are from (and they were brilliant!).

AAAAABBBBBCCCCC · 16/04/2023 08:49
  • I'm more concerned that you are trying to find something sinister in something so innocent.

That seems to be a recurring theme...if you know what I mean.

Just let kids be kids ffs and keep your bias opinion to yourself.

GCAcademic · 16/04/2023 08:50

AAAAABBBBBCCCCC · 16/04/2023 08:27

Aside from that, I’m not sure the word ‘ghetto’ was a great choice.

Why is that?

It’s very important that we teach poor Black African people to describe themselves in ways which are acceptable to the British middle classes.