http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/m ... p-gear-bbc
Lenny Henry campaigner condemns Jeremy Clarkson's use of the N-word
One of the leading figures behind Lenny Henry's campaign to boost the number of black, Asian and minority workers in television has condemned Jeremy Clarkson's "wholly inappropriate use of the N-word".
Simone Pennant, the founder of the The TV Collective, which helps run Henry's campaign, said such "incidents will keep happening" unless the BBC hires more black and Asian staff on Top Gear and its other shows.
"Clarkson's wholly inappropriate use of the N-word is an example of what happens when there are so few black and Asian people working in the industry," said Pennant, who has worked on shows for BBC3 and Channel 4.
Pennant believes that Clarkson's apology does not address the root of the problem at the corporation.
"I just don't think he would have used that word if there were a number of black and Asian producers or directors on Top Gear," she said. "What this reveals to TV Collective's members is that as long as the industry is not truly serious about diversity these incidents will keep happening."
Despite mounting pressure on the BBC to sack Clarkson, Pennant is unconvinced that such a "kneejerk" move is the right response.
"I don't know whether Jeremy Clarkson should be sacked or not," she said. "I am not a fan of kneejerk reactions. It's not about Danny Cohen sacking Jeremy Clarkson, it's about the BBC hiring black and Asian producers and decision-makers. That is what will reduce or stop these racist comments."
The furore has also sparked anger from black and Asian staff at the BBC.
Winston Phillips, the chair of the 400 strong BBC Black and Asian Forum, said: "We are very disappointed that a fellow colleague would resort to such offensive and outdated language. We are hoping the BBC deals with him accordingly."
(continued,
you never see a black Doctor Who....either, institutionally racialist?)