davidb

has anyone else noticed that over the last 5 or 6 years bbc2 has shown the good life in constant rotation ? much as i like it ,cant they show something else occasionally ? ,to the manor born would make a nice change .any other suggestions ? perhaps someone who works for the bbc might read this !

earlb

The Black and White Minsterels (not the sweets) that's if we don't get a kick back from that whiter than white P.C brigade.

I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous.

davidb

there was a good documentary on them a couple of years ago on bbc3

Gazza

There's a wonderful irony in that post

There would be a kick back Earl. Out of all the programmes in all the world, why on earth would we choose one that had white men portraying a historic stereotype of black men and being serious about it?

That's just being naughty

earlb

The point is they weren't being serious. It was good wholesome entertainment singa long music. It wasn't meant to insult anyone but just to relive the times of yesteryear when this was acceptable. You can't erase History no matter how much you try. I think I've just had my first Mary Whitehouse experience OR should I say Mary Whitehouse P.C?
And don't forget the reverse where Michael Jackson 'whited' up.

I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous.

jaycad

how about 'come dancing with the good life'? just think-richard briers could do a tango with penelope keith,then maybe swap and do the foxtrot with felicity kendal.......actually,someone from the bbc MIGHT read this so i'll stop!!

''no diggin'!!!!!!''

CaptainWaggett

The excellent documentary davidb mentioned made it clear that the show did cause a great deal of offence in the 1960s, something that is often denied now. There was footage of a demonstration outside a BBC studio and, IIRC, interviews with viewers who felt incredibly insulted at the revival of an art form that certainly wasn't intended as a celebration of black culture. Wholesome? I don't think so. Because, if they'd wanted to do that, they could have actually employed black singers. It continued at least 20 years after it should have done - it is shameful that the BBC were still spending money on it in the 1970s.

batman

Dr Who ..... it's on every other bloody channel!

I wish I had claws.

GRAEME

The Body in Question

All men leak.

johng

The Black and White Minstrel Show was harmless entertainment watched by millions.
For those who did not like the programme, be they black or white why not use the small switch on the TV labelled on/off instead of spoiling other peoples entertainment.

If the Beeb were to put the programmes on DVD right now, I could guarantee that they would sell like hot cakes.

This is what is wrong currently, the PC brigade who incidentally are only a very small section of the population take life too seriously.

earlb

Furthermore they claim to speak for everyone and are insulted on behalf of others whom they seem to believe haven't a voice.
I remake the point I made earlier "I wasn't insulted when Michael Jackson 'whited' up".

I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous.

davidb

much as i enjoyed the bbc documentary on the minstrels ,i think they belong in a different era .they cant complain at the time they were at the top ,20 years or so . times and tastes change thats all

CaptainWaggett

That would be the best!

batman

I wish I had claws.

Gazza

I'm not being pc about the Black and White Minstrels - as david says, times have changed. I remember enjoying them as a kid in the 60s but what did I know?

It's the same principle as using a white actor to black up as Othello - there's just no need now.

Best left in the past.