Random fact: I really do not like the words
Black (an association to evil, fear and aggression),
BAME (a patronising term used to describe certain people considered to be 'less than'), or
Urban (a racial stereotype which is a waste of a word). These words have always made me feel uncomfortable but, like so many, I became accustomed to using them, accepting their apparent ‘representation’. I much prefer the words *
Brown (referring to people whose skin/complexions are beautiful shades of brown) and
Underrepresented (those who are inadequately represented or supported).
Bigwigs have a duty to positively represent
all and that includes Black/Brown people. Pertaining to the entertainment industry in the UK, there
are opportunities (albeit with the world of struggles and barriers), however, we are less likely to be given a prime gig and more likely to be portrayed/treated negatively when booked!
Diversity, inclusion, and representation have always been amiss when it comes to Brown people. While, notably, there have been some improvements, featuring a few, or the odd 1, on a Talk Show, for example, does not represent diversity, inclusion, or representation any more than a
‘comedy’ show with an all-brown cast does. We need to see and hear relatable
content on every channel, every stage, in every magazine, billboards, radio, and
screens, etc., worldwide, and the ratio needs to be equal and frequent. We need for these representations
to be POSITIVE and UPLIFTING. There is more to Brown people than comedy and
tragedy!!
TV and Filmmaking Execs, etc., need to show
themselves to be actively anti-racist by employing and featuring more Brown people. Many say they're listening, however; they refuse to have us
in the room where they claim to be making decisions on how to 'better represent' who we are, our heritage, our stories, etc. This confuses me. How can I better represent whites, for example, with the content I create for my
blog if I do not
speak directly to white people about the views and feelings surrounding their needs, struggles, experiences,
etc.? The same applies to Brown people. It isn't as simple as
thinking you
know, or only speaking with well-known, or highly successful people from our community. You've
got to converse with all of us!
We cannot continue
to have white people 'flying the flag' for us, as it were. That is not the way. It has never
been the way. 400+ years and it is still the same responses from one
too many white Execs/bosses across all industries which results in the same devastation for Brown people followed by the inevitable protests. It's ridiculous that I am even
writing this! I shouldn't be. It's 2020 for goodness sake!!
The Media, Education, Corporate, Commercial and every other institution, requires serious reform. Brown people will be better represented when they are included in making the relevant decisions and changes towards achieving this goal. We need to have a say across ALL platforms and sectors. That is inclusion and
diversity!! Not keeping us at arm's length, continuing to exclude us, while at the same time displaying slogans, banners and messages throughout your websites and social media accounts which state - BLACK LIVES MATTER. Oh, and, the 'blackout' squares... Miss me with that!
It starts with just one of you TV bosses, Casting Directors, Filmmakers, Magazine Editors, Radio Execs, etc., extending an invitation to Brown people to join you in a very transparent conversation about the
issues the majority seem ready to discuss. Yes, it will be uncomfortable but, it
will also be the start of the change all of us need to see. There is
no quick fix but to begin the remedy, in my humble opinion, white led and
white driven organisations need to start employing Brown and underrepresented
people and also include us in certain decision-making especially where the
representation of us is concerned. Don't just say you support us, SHOW us that you do!
All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.
1) Revise your self-maintenance routine. Make sure you are taking great care of yourself, if you can, to be (and feel) at your best as often as possible. This will give you the energy and positive vibes you need to stay motivated and proactive in pursuit of your goals. When my skin feels silky soft and has a healthy glow I instantly feel a lot more confident and upbeat; somehow I am spurred on even further to achieve my goals!
5) Update your phone book. You may have contacts whom you never call/message, who don’t call/message you, that should no longer take up your storage. It might be time to develop new connections if you find that the current ones always ignore your efforts to communicate or vice versa. Or, you may realise you have numbers for those you've been missing! Give them that long-overdue call! Reconnect and get back on track with each other.
When lockdown began I felt a little concerned about the restrictions because they were not
entirely clear and there seemed to be (and still does seem to be, at the time
of publishing this post) no end in sight. I wasn’t worried about anything as
such, in terms of having to stay at home (despite having a neighbour who deliberately disturbs the peace every night and into the early hours of each morning), albeit I'm now at the point where I'm itching to get out and about without the need for social distancing and masks. But, I have had moments of wondering if I'd be able to carry on being productive and assertive. I also thought about how unruly my hair, eyebrows and general self-care would be by the end of it, lol! Have you felt like this? I mean, I'm laughing as I type, but, it's a serious matter. Real talk!
One thing that being in quarantine has done for me (and maybe for you too) is it has made me realise that I am capable of so much more than I think and give myself credit for. There's plenty I can do for
myself. In fact, I’ve realised there’s quite a bit I’d like to learn, get
better with, or start practising much more. I think my post quarantine life
will look quite different from the life I lived before.
