[Closed] Diversity (the act) on BGT

Yeah best not show it when it can reach the most people, put it on at 11pm on some obscure channel so not to upset gammon snowflakes

1st reply, snowflake AND gammon. Well done

Gammon snowflakes sounds like the latest Mattessons offering.

No joke I had to google ‘BGT’. Britain’s Got Talent! So I googled the telly on the youtube thing. Found it:

Wow! That's the first time a dance has moved me to tears, it was so powerful and encapsulated the issues perfectly. Ashley Banjo is a genius and a hero for highlighting racial injustice and using his platform to good effect.
It was BGT which brought the dance troupe Diversity to the nations attention when they beat Susan Boyle in 2009, who raised the profile of issues surrounding autism. The background of the contestants is usually a consideration for viewers when voting, they love an underdog.
As long as they see the cause as worthy, relatable, and something that they could perhaps experience. Racial injustice is something that a minority of people in the UK can relate to and understand. Some might say that the BGT audience is the demographic which needs targeted to raise the awareness of the social injustice towards people who experience racism in our society. BLM is not about one man, George Floyd (Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor, Daniel Prude, Barry Gedeus, Ahmaud Arbery, Sheku Bayoh...) it's about the systemic racism present in our society which affects people every day in a harmful and discriminatory way. BLM is not a fashion statement that is fleeting, there's been centuries of campaigning for equality and it's about time we acknowledge the issues and recognise our participation in them.

I can't say it better than Faerie so I won't try, but to add:   this in a few moment utterly expose the capitalist, racist white establishment leadership that is so mocked in STW and other places in society.  Banjo is right with his routine, this has been exposed and we need to be very careful we don't revert to the old brainwashed ways as they are trying so hard to make us do.

This about BML of course, but its also about people and society not accepting the dictat.

Yep, very powerful. Art has always been a vehicle for statements, why change that because it's mainstream art? Or should we take 'To kill a mockingbird' out of mainstream libraries, and only let elite art critics view Guernica as well.

We talk a good talk on here mostly, but this op and some of the responses to the trans/wetherspoons thread do make me wonder how much is show from some.

You're objecting to something you didn't see?

Banjo has been using his platform for years to talk about equality, so this feels very fitting and was really well done.

I missed it, but the family saw it and unusually commented on how great it was.

As others have said, if a dance routine on a prime time "entertainment" show us the best way of getting the messages across, then I'm happy that at long last BGT has achieved something worthwhile.

Probably best to watch it before posting an opinion? Just a thought.

EDIT - meant in response to OP!

Robj20 seriously?
Are you trolling or completely ignorant to the difficulties that people who experience racism have?

I have the opposite view to the OP, it annoys me when actors and singers etc, make tabloid statements and pay lip service to the problems the world faces, but don't express those views through their art. I find it pathetic when they make vacuous statements about peace and equality while making films and music that promote greed and glorify war.

I want music that rails against the current political oligarchy, films that reflect a little reality (instead of justifying police violence as necessary for example).

So well done to diversity for using their stage and art to promote a political message, I wish more would.

And in your opinion those are the only two reasons. Or I just see it differently than you.

And in your opinion those are the only two reasons. Or I just see it differently than you.

That's because you're a racist.

Robj20, a bit of both then. My opinions are educated and informed rather than being based on my personal prejudices. Have a wee look at my profile, there's links to my experiences and thoughts.

*Edit, have a wee read of the George Floyd thread

Surely of you want to get rid of racial anything it should just be lives matter.

This thread will help you to have a better understanding https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/help-me-explain-why-all-lives-matter-is-not-the-same-as-blm/

gammon snowflakes

Snoutflake is the word you're looking for.

"Remember when we were kids and didn't see color?"
This is the song that Diversity danced to:- Black Lives Matter - Dax

Very talented people, the dedication needed is epic.
What was the question?

What was the question?

I think it was, why do all the blacks and gays and environmentalists have to go on about it so much? Almost every day they're kneeling down, or dancing, or complaining about the litter up Snowdon. I'm as progressive as the next man, but I don't need to hear about it while I'm eating my tea, thank you very much. There's a time and a place.

There will always be a racial divide if they keep doing things like this.

Yes, racism is only caused by people campaigning against racism, the bastards.

There will always be a racial divide if they keep doing things like this.
I don’t see a black person or a white person, it’s just a person.

If you don't see black people or white people, who do you mean by 'they' ?

if a dance routine on a prime time “entertainment” show us the best way of getting the messages across,

Then perhaps the level of education and awareness in society is far behind where it needs to be.

Can't stand BGT personally, but I watched the clip. Fair play to them for doing it, but it didn't certainly didn't bring me to tears.

The fact that inequality and racism needs pointing out makes me sad.

why do all the blacks and gays and environmentalists have to go on about it so much? Almost every day they’re kneeling down, or dancing, or complaining about the litter up Snowdon.

I'll bang on about environmental matters because it's my profession and it's the way i get the organisation i work for and the industry i'm in to change and improve.
I find it funny how the ones who seem more delicate and resistant to change are the obnoxious loudmouths. Even the ones who try to mask it with 'jokes' or trolling are attempting to hide their unease or complete lack of empathy. It's really quite sad

It’s like women still going on about equality and such forth however all lives do matter of course.

it is a sad state of affairs in DURRMerica more so than UK so yeah I see your point OP

The right result!

If you don't want to click on a sky news link:

Britain's Got Talent: Diversity's Black Lives Matter performance won't face Ofcom investigation
Complaints over over non-family friendly viewing, political bias and alleged racism towards white people have been dismissed.

Excellent! It's nice to see a rational and considered response from OFCOM.

Good stuff. 🙂

The simple fact it that the dance made Daily Mail readers absolutely furious. That must mean it was proper, decent, fair and topical.

I work on the basis that more something is hated by the Daily Mail readership, the more I approve of it.

I think it was, why do all the blacks and gays and environmentalists have to go on about it so much?

?? Because these issues are still issues, surely thats blatantly obvious to you.

I’m as progressive as the next man

Only if you are standing between Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage

The whole black lives matter is rubbish.
Surely of you want to get rid of racial anything it should just be lives matter.

Its “Black Lives Matter“, not “Only Black Lives Matter“.

And if things are ever going to really change, then it has to come from the mainstream. So well done Diversity for having a go.

And if that makes you feel uncomfortable then you really need to do a bit of self examination to ask yourself why that may be.

I’ve never been moved to comment on the underlying theme of a dance act before. OP caught the bait, hook, line and sinker. Well done for spreading the word, even if it was inadvertent and exposed you as a bit of a bigot.

?? Because these issues are still issues, surely thats blatantly obvious to you.

Let’s not assume what’s ‘blatantly obvious’ for you is blatantly obvious for someone else.

I mean, I thought it was ‘blatantly obvious’ that Doris’ post was satire.

Its “Black Lives Matter“, not “Only Black Lives Matter“.

Im coming to the conclusion that the only people who get upset by BLM are people who are just racist. See also: “All buildings matter” in relation to 9/11.

Anyway, with a name like ‘Diversity’ they probably have to do a bit for promoting, er, diversity.

Edit:

I don’t see the need for it politicising

This gets my goat a bit. Is racism a political issue now? I know it’s pretty obvious that a lot of our politics are entwined with race issues these days, but I thought we had to at least pretend that UKIP aren’t racist and that Brexit was nothing at all to do with immigration and xenophobia?

?? Because these issues are still issues, surely thats blatantly obvious to you.

I rather think that that post was intended to satirise bigots rather than it being the poster expressing their actual opinion. 's how it read to me anyway.

Im coming to the conclusion that the only people who get upset by BLM are people who are just racist.

Yep. Or just thick / greedy cos they think equality means they get a smaller slice of some fictional pie.

doris5000 - If your post was satire, then i apologise. I read it too literally.

Apparently 25k people have complained. Twenty. Five. Thousand. 🤦🏻‍♂️
I just watched it; I'm unsure what there is to complain about tbh. It's not like the depictions in the routine were gratuitous or anything. The few posts I've seen about being anti-BLM on my FB feed were posted by known bigots/gammon/DM readers, but I wouldn't want to slip into confirmation bias...
Anyway, I digress. What I meant to say was I'm amazed people can even be arsed complaining to Ofcom in the first place. There's a ton of crap to watch on TV, it's not like there's only 5 channels any more 🤷🏻‍♂️

How has this thread got this far without this being posted?

OP - are you a big fan of eggs by any chance?

wow, some of the comments... just lost for words. And people say cycling doesn't an issue with racism and diversity but clearly that isn't the case. If you take issue with blm or some people dancing simply to matter have a word with yourself.

Apparently 25k people have complained

You mean there are people who watch Britain's Got Talent who are racist and stupid enough to complain about this dance routine... I'm amazed.

You mean there are people who watch Britain’s Got Talent who are racist and stupid enough to complain about this dance routine… I’m amazed.

Absolutely not, a huge chunk of those won't have seen it and will have just complained as they'd heard about it.

There’s a ton of crap to watch on TV, it’s not like there’s only 5 channels any more

Showing your age there...I remember when there were only 3 (and I'm sure people will be thinking I'm a youngster with that statement!!!)

As this is on page 2 now i thought it was important to highlight two awful comments made my members of this forum. Yes I am calling them out again and in not really bothered.

TheArtistsFormerlyKnownAsATS
Some might say there is no issue with raising awareness of racial injustice, but I’m sure the whole world is aware of the George Floyd matter now I don’t see the need for it politicising on prime time Saturday night family TV.

Robj20

The whole black lives matter is rubbish.
Surely of you want to get rid of racial anything it should just be lives matter.

There will always be a racial divide if they keep doing things like this.
I don’t see a black person or a white person, it’s just a person.

I just don't even get how people can think like this. These opinions are shocking and should have no place on this forum.Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

What a sad, tragic little life you'd have to lead to actually take the time to complain to Ofcom about that.

That 25,000 people did tells you everything you need to know about how deeply unpleasant large parts of this country's 'culture' have become in the last few years

Some people really do need to have a serious word with themselves

Watch the video here https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zs9n2v4 and if you don't have the time the transcript is below.

"There's a big difference between being not-racist and being anti-racist. I know it doesn't seem like it. I know that both of these things seem equally good, but they're not. Think of an interaction. I'm afraid you've probably had one right? With somebody, maybe even somebody you respect, maybe even someone you love, who says something that's racist, does something that's racist, behaves in a way that's racist. Someone who's not-racist: they won't say or do anything in that moment. They want to not rock the boat. They don't want to be upstanding. Instead, not-racists: they tend to be bystanders. But afterwards, after the event, they'll find other people who are also not-racist and they'll talk to each other about, well, that was terrible, that thing that happened the other day. I would never say anything like that. Anti-racists are different and they come in all shapes and sizes. They come in all ages. Anti-racists are constantly looking around to say, what tools do I have available to make it clear that this is not acceptable? And this, this is what anti-racists do. It's not that they stand up at the dinner table when their uncle's a little bit racist and kick the turkey off. That's not it. But what they do is they say, I'm sorry uncle John. That's not acceptable. That's racist. Quietly and respectfully. What they do is they make sure that they never miss an opportunity to let the world know where they stand, even if they can t change everything. You're probably in a position where other people have a lot more power around you. I know how that feels. Sometimes, we sit and we look around us and we think, how can I possibly change all this? And sometimes you can't. But what you can do is make sure wherever you go, people know where you stand. They know that you're an anti-racist. You become a beacon of light that way. You become someone who makes other people want to be anti-racist too. You've got tools at your disposal. Learn. Read. And make everybody clear where you stand."

OFCOM made absolutely the right decision. And now we know exactly where some STWers stand, and some are clearly standing in the wrong place. Sad.

I don’t see the need for it politicising on prime time Saturday night family TV.

Can someone explain to me how being anti-racist is now political?

I smile with the reference to “family” tv. Not a single one of those complaints will have been made by a young person. Not a single young person will have been outraged. The family bit has nothing to do with it. The naively racists adults were offended and are stupidly hiding behind family tv line to promote their outrage

It's not political but what else can people have had as the issue they were complaining about.

Didn't like the dancing is hardly a thing that would be recorded is it?

You mean there are people who watch Britain’s Got Talent who are racist and stupid enough...

I'm visualising the Venn diagram here. So, uh, yes.

I just don’t even get how people can think like this.

I think - hope - that in the latter case it's simply ignorance.

An initial reaction to "black lives matter" of "wait, what about white lives?" is pretty understandable I think. They've inferred, incorrectly, that it's intended as an attack and reacted defensively.

If however it's then explained that what they are really saying is that black lives also matter, that "white lives matter" literally goes without saying because it was never under question in the first place, one can either revise their opinion based on new information or double down. And then we're into "arguing with brexies" territory again.

"I don't see colour" is a compelling argument but it is bogus because you aren't being non-judgemental you're being dismissive. You may not think there is a problem but the fact that I'm having to explain this shows QED that there is.

Is it time for this again?

View this post on Instagram

doris5000 – If your post was satire, then i apologise. I read it too literally.

Well to call it satire might be giving it a bit too much credit, but it was certainly not meant to be taken at face value! 😉

It was a bit of a snarky poke at the OP. Which probably didn't add an awful lot constructive to the discussion. But that's another matter...

There’s a big difference between being not-racist and being anti-racist. I know it doesn’t seem like it. I know that both of these things seem equally good, but they’re not. 

This is 100%

John Amaechi is a legend.

What a sad, tragic little life you’d have to lead to actually take the time to complain to Ofcom about that.

That 25,000 people did tells you everything you need to know about how deeply unpleasant large parts of this country’s ‘culture’ have become in the last few years

Some people really do need to have a serious word with themselves

That about sums it up for me

wow, some of the comments… just lost for words. And people say cycling doesn’t an issue with racism and diversity but clearly that isn’t the case. If you take issue with blm or some people dancing simply to matter have a word with yourself.

Can someone explain to me how being anti-racist is now political?

Slightly off topic - but there is a group on Facebook called look at my bike leaning against stuff - a lot of people posted in support of BLM & an awful lot of 'Murrycans got very angry as they viewed them as politcal posts, but they were more than happy to post about July 4th.
There is now an anti racist edition of that group, started by those who got booted out of the original group for being anti racist.

Does anyone else differentiate between the BLM organisation and the black lives matter cause?

A bit like being liberal and that not meaning you vote Liberal?

It’s not an organisation.

Wiki categorises it as a Decentralised Political and Social Movement. Which matches my perception.

Slightly off topic – but there is a group on Facebook called look at my bike leaning against stuff – a lot of people posted in support of BLM & an awful lot of ‘Murrycans got very angry as they viewed them as politcal posts,

There is something very wrong when a simple message on human rights gets constantly portrayed as political.

Apparently 25k people have complained. Twenty. Five. Thousand.

Ashley Banjo said himself*, thats very much a deliberate negative portrayal of the message because on the flip side they've received hundreds of thousands of messages in support, a number which has not made into mainstream media and exposes it for what it is.

As he also said he's glad 25,000 have complained, because now we know who 25,000 racists are.

*not his exact words

The 25,000 racists are just those that could be bothered to lodge a complaint. The other 25 million couldn't be bothered.

There is something very wrong when a simple message on human rights gets constantly portrayed as political.

That's nothing. 'Wear a Mask' is a highly-charged political statement in the US.

Interpretive dance or Britains Got Talent are not things I would normally choose to watch but that was actually quite good. 25,000 idiots waste a phone call to complain to OFCOM is how that should have been reported.

On a separate note, Ashley Banjo is a great name!

I wonder if any of those folk who complained stopped to think for a minute that they were complaining about dancing.

Idiots

Well done Ofcome.

To me it was perfectly obvious Doris was joking, I’ve no idea what the OP was thinking other than “This will get me some replies.”

Sweezus.

When shall we humans grow the **** up and get used to the fact that it’s actually a really nice thing that we all come in different shades of skin tones.

An initial reaction to “black lives matter” of “wait, what about white lives?” is pretty understandable

I would say, only if you're completely unaware of why it exists. Like somehow you missed the news about George Floyd (not to mention the historical events).

The word "reaction" was important there.

Enjoyed the dance routine and thought it was very well done with a strong message of love, peace and understanding. I would like to thank the OP for starting the thread as otherwise I wouldn't have ever seen it.

Shame about the OP's (and others) bigoted views though.

An initial reaction to “black lives matter” of “wait, what about white lives?” is pretty understandable

I don't think the concept of other white people comes into it, these morons just think oh does that mean i dont matter.

Isn't it a show to find entertainment for un-elected head of state? Maybe that's why and act with a message from the people is unwelcome. *

I found the performance quite moving and ultimately uplifting "sometimes you have to get sick, my boy, before you start feeling better" ofcom need a like button as well as a complaints procedure.

* I'm not negative about the show itself, I think it's a showcase of some great acts you wouldn't otherwise see, who have often dedicated their lives to perfecting their stagecraft.

Just wait till the likes of some in this thread realise that not only is a black!! woman!! who boxes for a living!! dancing in strictly, she is going to be dancing with another woman!!!!!!

Bgt gets 25k complaints. Strictly says hold my sparkly cocktail glass.

On this. Great dance, well executed and kudos to itv for showing it.

I don’t think the concept of other white people comes into it, these morons just think oh does that mean i dont matter.

You might well have a point there, sadly.

Strictly says hold my sparkly cocktail glass.

Strictly has been trolling the professionally outraged for a couple of years now. I don't watch the show but I take great delight in the Fury Erupting in the usual suspect red-tops over it. It's about time these douche-canoes were challenged.

^ 👍🏼

Slightly off topic – but there is a group on Facebook called look at my bike leaning against stuff – a lot of people posted in support of BLM & an awful lot of ‘Murrycans got very angry as they viewed them as politcal posts, but they were more than happy to post about July 4th.
There is now an anti racist edition of that group, started by those who got booted out of the original group for being anti racist.

The anti racist look at my bike leaning against stuff for those who got booted out of the original group for being anti racist group

Topical & current, we need more of this kind of thing...

I always thought the clenched fist logo would make for a great headtube badge.