Black representation in the media at the moment

[Mookie81]

Hi all,

Maybe I'm being unreasonable, but I'm fed up with the black representation in the media at the moment- namely adverts on TV and radio.
It all seems to be people speaking with a 'ghettoised', grime style, no matter what is being advertised.
It's as if the powers that be have got the memo about more black representation but this is the only type of 'black' that's acceptable or being shown.
I know it's popular with the kids but to me it feels token and almost like a caricature; as if this is what 'black' is, as opposed to a range of accents that happen to have a black person behind them!

I'm not sure if I've expressed myself well (I'm mixed race before anyone jumps on me!).

YANBU at all. It's lazy and disappointing. There have been some improvements here and there (Michaela Cole - exception not the rule I know) but it would be lovely if writers didn't resort to lazy stereotypes all the time but that involves change in the writing room and behind the camera.

I'm particularly noticing it on the radio when I'm driving and any advert at the moment with black people in it. Its driving me potty!

@Veniemmanuel

YANBU at all. It's lazy and disappointing. There have been some improvements here and there (Michaela Cole - exception not the rule I know) but it would be lovely if writers didn't resort to lazy stereotypes all the time but that involves change in the writing room and behind the camera.

This.

The likes of Lenny Henry and David Olusoga have been complaining about this for years.

I suspect they want a reaction to their adverts like Sainsburys got hence the increase in black characters.

Completely agree. It’s just so lazy and disappointing. Do all black people hail from inner London? Where are all the Scouse, Manc, RP and Scottish black voices.

I’ve noticed that women’s health have used black cover models for the last two editions and have had more articles written by Black women. I think that is an example of inclusion done well - no stereotypes, no shoehorning in people of colour, but what feels like a genuine way to showcase some awesome women. There are some good examples out there too, don’t despair!

Traditionally if the black cover models aren't for the September edition or when the magazine sells the most copies it means SFA.

Grime is beautiful. This reeks of anti blackness.

@happybabyunit

Grime is beautiful. This reeks of anti blackness.

I dont have a problem with grime. But its only one facet of blackness. What annoys me is that the media, radio and TV advertisements in particular, only seem to use this aspect, which is token and seems as though they are sitting in a brainstorming meeting saying ' yes this is black, we are being diverse'. Its pushed as this is what black means as opposed to a range of accents that happen to have a black person behind them.

Advertising and tv appeals to its audience. If the audience is young then it will find characters that appeal. Street/Grime is the most popular type of music for young people.

I can't say I've noticed what you're talking about however. But then I don't consume a lot of tv.

Yanbu. This irritates me too, especially as there is now more of a black middle class. There are also established black communities outside of London and again this isn’t always picked up.