BROWN PEOPLE ON STAGE & SCREEN...

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 Brown/Black 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 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. 

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!

Charley - @charleyjaiuk