Fired For Being White?

[mushroom25]

Joh Holmes finds his contract with the BBC is not renewed because the BBC needs to meet a diversity target...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/01/bbc-axe-award-winning-comedian-of-18-years-for-being-white-and-m/

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/bbc-presenter-jon-holmes-sparks-diversity-row-after-tweeting-should-i-be-fired-because-i-am-a-white-a3359071.html

although Jon himself says he didn't use the words used in the headline, the BBC did openly tell him why his contract wasn't being renewed. If employers are now openly giving jobs to people based on the colour of their skin (rather than their ability, or anything else), surely that only emphasises just the kind of social division that the equality society is urged to embrace strives to eliminate? or is that totally irrelevant when it comes to meeting diversity targets?

[THECORBYLOON]

ANOTHEOLDGIT, a minstrel need not be black and the fact that the word "White" appears in their name tell you that. What was the purpose of a white man wearing a wig and blacking-up?

[anotheoldgit]

THECORBYLOON

No a Minstrel can be white as the court minstrels mainly were in past times.

But a white man blacking-up is a tradition started in the 1840s.

It became a very popular type of entertainment, as was the Black & White Minstrel TV show, until those who like to be offended on behalf of others, put a stop to it.

[ummmm]

I don't have a memory of them in my life time so I doubt it has anything to do with people being offended on behalf of others.

[ummmm]

And anyway....how has this thread changed from a radio presenter not having his contract renewed to the subject of AOG's choice?

[naomi24]

ummmm, in fairness, the radio presenter's contract hasn't been renewed because he is not a woman or a member of an ethnic minority, so AOG's reference to ethnic minorities is not entirely misplaced.

[-Talbot-]

the Black & White Minstrels are an ethnic minority?

[anotheoldgit]

ummmm

/// And anyway....how has this thread changed from a radio presenter not having his contract renewed to the subject of AOG's choice? ///

I would not know, ask those who like to spend their time constantly questioning my every thread, subject, headline, word, and remark.

[naomi24]

-Talbot-, haha! Very good. :o)

[anotheoldgit]

I missed one out, 'choice of news source'.

[ummmm]

Errrr, AOG, you bought up the B&W Minstrels on page 1...unprompted.

[jno]

Talbot: not my business to be happy, but I have no problems whatever with the BBC deciding to retarget their programmes. They've acknowledged being "hideously white" for years and yes, that needs addressing. (Are you "happy" with them having too few non-whites? If not, what do you propose they do about it?)

Less hideously female but it's no secret that women presenters find their contracts run out many years younger than males do.

[Mamyalynne]

I still say this is the BBC's attempt to fulfil the targets they have been set and aren't handling it well - as in this case.

[jno]

I think they're handling it fine, Mamya. With budgets being slashed, they can't simply hire new people without shedding old ones. Nor can they sack people without good reason. What they can do is not renew contracts, and that's just what's happened.

Of course I'd be delighted to hear any alternatives from ABers that the BBC have somehow not thought of.

[naomi24]

//Of course I'd be delighted to hear any alternatives from ABers that the BBC have somehow not thought of. //

Hiring/retaining the best person for the job?

[ummmm]

And how are we suppose to know who is best for the job?

[Mamyalynne]

Jno, I wasn't (none of us were) in the room when he was told the reasons for the non renewal of contract.

If simply - the show is getting a revamp, that's fine.

If he was told it was because he wasn't the correct [insert choice of terms here] to fit in with the diversity requirements that's rather different.

Naomi is spot on, best person for the job is what's required.

The pressure is on them though from above and I'm sure it's causing unrest within.

[anotheoldgit]

"Bring back The Black & White Minstrels, can't get any more diverse than that".

My joke intervention to which Togo at least found funny.

/// Togo
Lol aog :)) ///

But once again the Racial raw nerve was unintentionally touched.

As they say on TV, "if anyone has been effected by such remarks"

Forgive me if I do not supply a Telephone number, so that some can get in touch for a spot of counselling.

[naomi24]

ummmm, WE are not supposed to know. They do the hiring and firing. Fact is, even though this man is, presumably, doing a good job they are replacing him - not because someone else will necessarily be better at it, but because he is the wrong gender and the wrong colour - and that's just wrong.

[jackthehat]

I can't see what problem there is in letting a different comedian fill the spot in The Now Show.

How many people have actually heard Jon Holmes work? If you haven't, how can you assert that he's "the best person for the job"?

[anotheoldgit]

jno

/// Of course I'd be delighted to hear any alternatives from ABers that the BBC have somehow not thought of. ///

Not seen many Chinese on BBC for starters.