I'm at the point in the family BBQ where my dad is complaining about the amount of black people appearing in adverts, send help

I do not agree with his racist views, but I do understand where views like his stem from (minorities being overrepresented).

Black people make up around 3-4% of the population, yet in the past 5 years they represent a far higher percentage on TV (presenters, actors, adverts etc.).

Part of this reason I suppose is to encourage equality through promotion. Seeing minorities, on TV, on a regular basis, encourages acceptance. On the otherhand, I do also see why people get annoyed with this strategy; especially when it feels that white people are purposely being excluded for the cause.

Take the BBC for example. I've seen on multiple occasions where they appear to purposely exclude or minimise the showing of white kids when recording stories at schools. It's to the point where it has you asking if they preselect the kids in the form of a tick box exercise to appear like they are doing their part. On the other hand, it's so obvious that it leaves some people feeling annoyed. It's bordering on encouraging people to feel ashamed of their race simply because their race represents the majority.

I'm all for supporting equality and encouraging multiculturalism, but it should be done in a way that doesn't offend or divide others.

If one race is a minority, then represent them as a minority, instead of falsely presenting them making up a larger percentage of the population than they actually do. We should instead explain why minorities require extra support to ensure they are treated equally.

/r/britishproblems Thread Parent