How come the mobos and black tv chanels are not racest

[Camber dave]

How come that there are black awards ie the MOBOs and now the launch of the black tv chanel and organisation like thae black policemans society and these are not classed in law as racist

[fredpuli47]

Because an organisation which by necessity of purpose is for only one race, sex or creed, is not held discriminatory under the law. That's why the Treorchy Male Voice Choir is not sexually discriminatory under the law ! The Society of Black Lawyers is not racially discriminatory: it exists, by definition and purpose, to protect or promote the interests of lawyers who are black and no others. 'Men only' clubs have the same protection. Where gentlemen's clubs fall foul of the law is when they admit women as members on special terms, under conditions which don't apply to men e.g refusing women the use of one of the bars, or not giving them equivalent membership rights.

If the organisations you name fall within that protected category then they are not racist under law.

[Buenchico]

An excellent answer (as usual) from Fred.

Additionally, 'black' is used, in the circumstances you describe, to refer to a 'cultural identity' rather than specifically to any race.

As I type this, I'm listening to the BBC Asian Network (Freeview Channel 709). It's existence has nothing to do with racism; it simply seeks to serve those with a particular cultural background.

Chris

[iheartruby]

Seems sensible Fred, but what about if the 'White Music Awards' or 'Society of White Lawyers' came into existance? There would be UPROAR!!!

[Hermia]

The MOBO awards have been won by white people as it is about music of black origin, not just music sung by people who are black.

I don't have a problem with societies/awards such as this if you are dealing with a group that may be neglected by the mainstream media. A friend of mine got really annoyed when the BBC Asian Network was set up, but where else can people hear that music on mainstream radio? And there is a business support group for women where I live. The reason it was set up is because I live in quite a traditional area of the countryside and businesswomen were being excluded from the local business network. I don't think they are therefore being sexist by being women-only (especially as there are many groups that men can join in the area).