Hey
For those who caught this week's "all black" episode of Eastenders, what did you think? The Sun argued that the producer's lack of promotion of this historic event somehow watered down the sincerity of the gesture to highlight race relations in the UK. My view is that by making a big song and dance about it, they might have turned this great moment into a gimmick, a novelty. Yes, it will go into the archives as a piece of television history and with the anniversary of the Macpherson Report, it was a great way to reinforce that the soap was in touch with the feelings of black people in the UK. Nevertheless, by treating this episode like any other Eastenders episode it guaranteed an audience that could do with hearing about black experiences in the UK. Some might say that it was a lesson in 'our history for our people', but it is important to highlight the programme's diverse audiences who may have actually switched off it if was proclaimed to be an "all black" episode, for fear of being lectured about something that they didn't really care or were concerned about. While Eastenders and television in general can serve well as a vehicle for educating people about social issues, it's primary objective is to entertain (despite Chelsea's painful acting) and provide some light relief at the end of a stressful day. I think the producer's remembered this in their aim not alienate its other audiences and at the same time ensured that we all learnt something together. My opinion, what's yours?
For those who caught this week's "all black" episode of Eastenders, what did you think? The Sun argued that the producer's lack of promotion of this historic event somehow watered down the sincerity of the gesture to highlight race relations in the UK. My view is that by making a big song and dance about it, they might have turned this great moment into a gimmick, a novelty. Yes, it will go into the archives as a piece of television history and with the anniversary of the Macpherson Report, it was a great way to reinforce that the soap was in touch with the feelings of black people in the UK. Nevertheless, by treating this episode like any other Eastenders episode it guaranteed an audience that could do with hearing about black experiences in the UK. Some might say that it was a lesson in 'our history for our people', but it is important to highlight the programme's diverse audiences who may have actually switched off it if was proclaimed to be an "all black" episode, for fear of being lectured about something that they didn't really care or were concerned about. While Eastenders and television in general can serve well as a vehicle for educating people about social issues, it's primary objective is to entertain (despite Chelsea's painful acting) and provide some light relief at the end of a stressful day. I think the producer's remembered this in their aim not alienate its other audiences and at the same time ensured that we all learnt something together. My opinion, what's yours?
Shantz, For once, I totally agree with you. Never thought I'd ever say that.
ReplyDeletePromotion of the all black theme would have acted as a warning to many regular viewers to steer clear of BBC1 at the time that episode was being aired.
I still think Eastenders is a load of tosh. I refuse to watch it unless they bring back Grant, Phil has gone soft.
Come on Mr Lewiboro, you know I'm always right - you just try and fight it! I'm glad you can see where I'm coming from. Eastenders...yeah I'm not as much of a fan as I used to be but just cannot leave it alone - its like Heinz beans, reminds me of my childhood, it's part of the family now.
ReplyDeleteWish I could say more on this subject but I didnt actually see the episode (might be on BBCi Player still..?) but Im glad that they were able to do an all black episode and keep it entertaining.
ReplyDeleteHowever from my observations on twitter alot of people weren't too thrilled with the episode which is worrying; because Im thinking that if the country's not able to take in 30 minutes from a national institution like Eastenders then how will that wade for future predominantly black programmes?
Broadband, I only caught bits and pieces of it and from what I saw, it was ok, not great but ok. But really, how much 'quality education and information' can you fit into thirty minutes? They had a storyline to follow, a storyline that is ongoing so maybe people shouldn't judge this episode too quickly. Let's see how it works out.
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