Interesting thought for a discussion.

Jetfire · Post by **Jetfire** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 5:44 pm

Just listening to the BBC news Diane Abbot (Who I normally think as a populist, lying, hypocritical leach) has pointed out that ironically the G8 concert for Africa has no black artists booked in the Uk concert. The organisers claim they just booked artists with the widest appeal.
However in the charts these days there are probably more "multi cultural" artists than ever before and it was pointed out it was at the least "strange" that there are none.

Is this just a statistical blip in the booking order, proof of great ignorance in society still, proof people cover up prejudices with false acts of charity or something else?

Please discuss:

Darth Aux · Post by **Darth Aux** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 5:48 pm

I thought Jay-Z and Beyonce were on board?

Jetfire · Post by **Jetfire** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 5:56 pm

I'll make it clearer. The London concert (Which is also the main focus).

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:01 pm

Hoping I don't sound racist here, but why does someone always point out that there isn't a black etc person in an event? If there are, great, but if not, why is there always an uproar (normally by white people)? I hate it when there is a blatant 'token non-white' in a film or something.
That said, now that the point HAS been raised, it does seem odd about the lack of certain acts. Perhaps they have other commitments and it's just coincedence. If it's only just for only one of the events, it seems like being picky - like saying that a bus must be a racist whites-only bus 'cos there just doesn't happen to be a black person riding on it at one point.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:09 pm

I think it's a product of the powers that be saying, "We need acts that are widely popular and will bring in a lot of money," and then those acts being predominantly white.

It's not about the concert showing diversity. It's about the concert generating money to help a minority. IMHO, of course.

Señior's Covenant · Post by **Señior's Covenant** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:15 pm

Issues like this are hopeless. If you include a "black" act they're token, if not then you're being racist by not inluding a token black act.

*Sigh*

Racism sucks.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:23 pm

That was my point, long-winded as it was.

Señior's Covenant · Post by **Señior's Covenant** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:26 pm

Autobloke wrote:That was my point, long-winded as it was.

...and this is my point....

Accusing looking thing, isn't it. Makes me feel guilty just looking at it.

Sorry, just thought I'd point that out.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:28 pm

Point out what?

Señior's Covenant · Post by **Señior's Covenant** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:34 pm

Autobloke wrote:Point out what?

That it's an, "accusing looking thing, isn't it." and that it, "makes me feel guilty just looking at it."

Or am I staring at a giant accusing finger, and you, a red x?

Post by **Best First** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:01 pm

i sincerely doubt this is deliberate, and as long as it isn't i fail to see an issue.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:24 pm

Señior's Covenant wrote:
Autobloke wrote:Point out what?
That it's an, "accusing looking thing, isn't it." and that it, "makes me feel guilty just looking at it."

Or am I staring at a giant accusing finger, and you, a red x?

Okay, I thought you meant I was racist. I think my black brother-in-law (or perhaps the Welsh one) would have to disagree.
Scary finger though - hate to see that every time I close my eyes.

Señior's Covenant · Post by **Señior's Covenant** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:27 pm

Autobloke wrote:Okay, I thought you meant I was racist. I think my black brother-in-law (or perhaps the Welsh one) would have to disagree.
Scary finger though - hate to see that every time I close my eyes.

Whoa, sorry there Bloke. Didn't mean to imply anything. Wow, didn't even consider that. I guess that finger's more accusing than I thought initially. But no, wasn't implying anything. Racists are the biggest scumbags on Earth, other than George Bush, so I'd never imply something like that without solid reason.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:31 pm

No prob. That finger should be on a t-shirt.
It just goes to show that people are quick to jump to conclusions - just like with the 'no blacks' concert thing.
That and I'm a bit paranoid about possible badness these days.

Post by **Best First** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:44 pm

Autobloke wrote:
Señior's Covenant wrote:
Autobloke wrote:Point out what?
That it's an, "accusing looking thing, isn't it." and that it, "makes me feel guilty just looking at it."

Or am I staring at a giant accusing finger, and you, a red x?
Okay, I thought you meant I was racist. I think my black brother-in-law (or perhaps the Welsh one) would have to disagree.
Scary finger though - hate to see that every time I close my eyes.

While i am in no way suggesting you are racist i feel compelled to point trotting out the fact that you know a black person isn't ever a compelling rebuttal to the accusation.

Señior's Covenant · Post by **Señior's Covenant** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:49 pm

Autobloke wrote:Scary finger though - hate to see that every time I close my eyes.

Caption: "I'm not touching you, I'm not touching you, I'm not touching you..."

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:49 pm

True, but it is true (does that make sense?).
It sounds made up too, which it isn't - there are several other colours in my family. Whoops, did it again. I'm not helping myself here.
I was sort of pointing out that a racist would never say any of that stuff. Well, unless they were trying to cover their tracks (although those with strong views against other races state their position with pride).
I'm still not helping myself here, am I?

Post by **Best First** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:54 pm

its just a bit of a cliche 'one of my best friends are black'

and lots of people do try and dress up their attitudes as something more palatable, as the recent Ultimate Weapon debacle highlighted.

Again - not accusing you in any way shape for form, just stuff to be aware of.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:56 pm

I shall be more aware in the future. Didn't even notice I did it - a bit like Señior's Covenant earlier.

Getaway · Post by **Getaway** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 9:38 pm

Out of curiosity what black acts could play at this event, there are various rappers and solo artists who would be good. Someone like Miss Dynamite who does excellent work in the poor parts of London trying to convince kids to not play with guns etc. Or Beverley Knight, Jamelia, The Black Eyed Peas? They all seem to have the right attitude.

Autobloke · Post by **Autobloke** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 9:50 pm

I haven't followed the charts for ages, but the ones you mention would be a good start, especially Miss Dynamite because of her connection to the area and for the positive message she represents.
Who else is popular at the moment and does it have to be current acts?

Aaron Hong · Post by **Aaron Hong** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 12:40 am

Well, it's just as ironic that they don't have any Asian performers there. Like Malaysia's Siti Nurhaliza, or Singapore's Tanya, or Japan's Ayumi Hamasaki...

wideload · Post by **wideload** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 4:00 am

now there is a black performer.... sporty spice

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity/44002004.htm

I'm not sure what her actual ethnicity is (not that it really matters), but I think she still counts.

I know the spice girls suck, but don't blame me i'm not the british one

Post by **Denyer** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 4:27 am

wideload wrote:I'm not sure what her actual ethnicity is

Well, her father's Michael Aspel... http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/tv/sexlie ... spel.shtml

Post by **snarl** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:44 am

I think the Spice Girls got told to do one RE: Live8.

Good, they are *****.