The media must help ‘change the narrative’ around race as we strive to build a more equal society for future generations.
Those were just some of the messages discussed by a panel of experts at a webinar on racism and discrimination in sport, entertainment and media hosted by ICAEW recently.
Changing the narrative
The seminar was hosted by Dr Ian Manborde, Equality & Diversity Organiser at creative union Equity, with a panel that included former Newcastle United and Trinidad & Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop. There were also luminaries from the media, arts, theatre and charitable sectors, discussing the impact of organisations such as Show Racism the Red Card, as well as the need to get more authentic black and minority ethnic voices into the creative sector.
Asif Sadiq, Senior Vice President, Head of Equity and Inclusion at WarnerMedia International, told the panel the media plays a ‘critical role’ in helping to tell the stories of people from diverse backgrounds, but that it needed people from those backgrounds to make those stories truly authentic.
“It’s about changing the narrative so we’re not still telling stories where we’re profiting off the misery of a community, or we are stereotyping groups of people, and unfortunately that still happens very often when you look at that space.” He said.
“Unless the people who’re writing these stories, who are part of these conversations have lived experiences, have an understanding of what it’s like to be part of that community, it’s very difficult for the stories to reflect that group of people.”
Having conversations
Carol Russell, consultant, screenwriter, actress, teacher and founder of Fresh Voices UK, talked about the work of the Inc Arts Unlock programme – an accountability model for the sector which has so far had 1,000 arts organisations sign up.
She said: “It’s 100 actions that we think will help creative workplaces become more inclusive, they range from help on hiring to other ways of opening doors, to how to diversify your board.”
Justine King, Education Coordinator, at anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card, said there had been huge interest in her organisation's work since the murder of George Floyd.
“It means organisations are being held a bit more accountable.” She said.
“They’re getting us in and having conversations, and that’s what helps.
“So many people are so scared of having conversations around race and racism, that’s one of the reasons why people have got misconceptions, because they’re afraid to ask questions or afraid to talk about things because they think they will be offensive.”
One person can make a difference
Shaka Hislop, Honorary President of Show Racism the Red Card, conceded that the benefits of work to tackle bias and discrimination may not be felt by those involved in it today, but that even one person taking a stand could make a huge difference.
He recounted the story of how – after a mural to black Manchester United star Marcus Rashford was defaced with racist graffiti after the Euros last summer – one white woman began to paper over it with posters, which prompted others in her community to follow suit.
“Never underestimate the power of the individual, never underestimate the power that you possess just showing up.” He said.
He added that his ‘long term aim’ was to put himself out of a job at the charity, but added: “Humanity’s greatest calling is planting that tree for someone else to enjoy the shade, that’s what this movement we’ve been a part of has been asking of all of us, to shape a better world that we may never experience, I don’t think there’s anything more noble of us or of the time that we’re in.”
You can listen to the webinar in full on-demand by accessing the following link.