So there we have it the culmination of a frenzied week in the Big Brother house. From a show that was dropping in the ratings to a global recognition. Am I the only one who feels sickened by the exploitation of a young woman by the show and its producers? Whilst you can’t deny that there were elements both of racism and bullying in what occurred over the last week, there must have been a point where ‘Big Brother’ could have stepped in sooner to ensure that it was brought to a close. Instead they chose to ignore it, claiming it wasn’t racism, while the viewing figures steadily rose to revive what up to that point had been a dying show. And to what depths must a show on British TV now reach before Ofcom will step in to do anything? After all a record 36,000 complaints failed to gain a significant response albeit a brief press conference from Ofcom – but no definite action.
So Channel 4 will claim it as a successful show because of the viewing figures, as well as claim that it wasn’t racism because Shilpa Shetty said herself she didn’t believe Jade was racist. Carphone Warehouse can be proud of themselves for withdrawing their sponsorship and not condoning racism. Ofcom can say that they responded to viewers concerns and will continue to vigilantly police our airwaves. So everyone’s a winner then?
Well no not really because one woman, who seems to have been made the scapegoat from a group of 3, will have had her life changed. The thing is I don’t believe she was deliberately racist, it came from ignorance and a much publicised lack of intelligence. While that doesn’t excuse her behaviour it does make it all the more sickening that no one intervened to stop this exploitation of her background etc. for the sake of entertainment. As far as I’m concerned Jade Goody isn’t the only person who needs to go away and evaluate their behaviour after this last week, Channel 4, Endemol and Ofcom should also be doing some much needed soul searching.
