I pondered when writing my previous blog posting about describing the behaviour on Celebrity Big Brother as racist, rather than simply deeply unpleasant. Not violent racism, not overt name-calling racism – but constant dribbling racism. So – what do you think? Was it racist behaviour?
Lynne Featherstone
Lynne Featherstone 
Yes
From what I have seen I don’t believe that it is racism in force here. It is definitely bullying and gross stupidity by the perpetrators (so called celebrities). There is a very real feeling that there is an underlying racial tension caused by these morons but on the surface it’s little more than name calling. The sad thing is that these B list bullying no-bodies make up the majority of the English representation in the programme (since Leo Sayer left the the house and “this stupid f******g country”).I am also of the opinion that the term “white trash” used by Jermaine Jackson is on the face of it a racist comment but in reality it’s a widely used American term to describe, quite accurately what these people are.
With Jackiey Budden, when she was in the house, it was – I’ve seen a similar use of the term ‘the Indian’ as a dismissive way of referring to the racing driver Narain Karthikeyan. That’s racism based on contempt.What’s happening now, I think, is bullying using the easiest line of attack. As they’ve decided to pick on Shilpa, it’s her race they’re using. If they’d decided to attack Ian, it would have been digs about his sexuality. If Cleo or Carole or Dirk was the target, it would have been age. Danielle would probably be vulnerable to attacks based on her relationship with Teddy Sheringham. Bullies use whatever material is to hand.So is it racism? I’m actually tempted to say ‘no’ – I don’t think there’s racist intent behind it. In some ways, it’s worse – blind, stupid attacks combined with a casual lack of interest in the wider context or the effect. In that sense it’s a better illustration of the cultural divide in a day-to-day context than any high-profile, heavily-reported race-based prosecution or incident.
Those three individual women made me feel sick! I have written to Ofcom. Everyone write in and protest about the ongoing debate surrounding the deliberate targeting of contestant Shilpa Shetty, a notable Bollywood actress, who has been targetedby other housemates on the reality television show in what has been widely perceived as racist bullying. The BBC ought to clarify to housemates that racist behaviour in any form istotally unacceptable and ensure such behaviour should never be repeated in future. Furthermore, itwould be appropriate for the BBC to confirm its discriminatory policy and reportany hate crimes directly to the police for further investigation. Thank youMr Alam Copied: Ofcom
Those three individual women made me feel sick! I have written to Ofcom. Everyone write in and protest about the ongoing debate surrounding the deliberate targeting of contestant Shilpa Shetty, a notable Bollywood actress, who has been targetedby other housemates on the reality television show in what has been widely perceived as racist bullying. The BBC ought to clarify to housemates that racist behaviour in any form istotally unacceptable and ensure such behaviour should never be repeated in future. Furthermore, itwould be appropriate for the BBC to confirm its discriminatory policy and reportany hate crimes directly to the police for further investigation. Thank youMr Alam Copied: Ofcom
I think this is racism being presented as entertainment, and I think it is disgusting. At the moment the prisons are full, more soldiers are dying, inflation and bank rates are up, immigration system is crises. Is this a pre- planned diversion to burry the bad news? This has been done before. I think we should switch off the CH4 and watch other channels.
I think this is racism being presented as entertainment, and I think it is disgusting. At the moment the prisons are full, more soldiers are dying, inflation and bank rates are up, immigration system in crisis. Is this a pre- planned diversion to bury the bad news? This has been done before. I think we should switch off the CH4 and watch other channels.