Fired For Being White?

[mushroom25]

Joh Holmes finds his contract with the BBC is not renewed because the BBC needs to meet a diversity target...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/01/bbc-axe-award-winning-comedian-of-18-years-for-being-white-and-m/

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/bbc-presenter-jon-holmes-sparks-diversity-row-after-tweeting-should-i-be-fired-because-i-am-a-white-a3359071.html

although Jon himself says he didn't use the words used in the headline, the BBC did openly tell him why his contract wasn't being renewed. If employers are now openly giving jobs to people based on the colour of their skin (rather than their ability, or anything else), surely that only emphasises just the kind of social division that the equality society is urged to embrace strives to eliminate? or is that totally irrelevant when it comes to meeting diversity targets?

[-Talbot-]

If employers are now openly giving jobs to people based on the colour of their skin (rather than their ability, or anything else)


colour of skin and gender?

[Islay]

He was not sacked was he - his contract was not renewed entirely different scenario.

[-Talbot-]

I thought you might defend this, Islay.

Hopefully you will be the first and last to do so.

[ummmm]

He's a radio presenter (never heard of him) so what would his colour have to do with anything?

[mushroom25]

Islay, I made the point that Jon Holmes never said he was sacked, and my question carries a "?" - that part was taken up by the press, that was quite clear.

my question is about the wisdom of positive discrimination - would you care to join the debate?

[-Talbot-]

Jon Holmes used the word 'axed' not 'sacked'

He was told
'we want to recast with more women and diversity'

[Islay]

OK Talbot

[jno]

as noted, he wasn't fired. These renewable contracts are intended for just this purpose: to allow the BBC (like other employers) to adapt to changing times as necessary. If they decide a programme isn't attracting enough listeners, and there's a substantial untapped market among non-whites or non-males, they're allowed to do this.

Firing him would be harsh, though I suspect it wouldnt have happened; they'd more likely have moved him to some other job. But he wasn't fired. He lost a temp job when his term was up.

[ummmm]

I just don't understand what diversity stands for in a radio position.

[jno]

possibly more women's voices, ummmm?

[Togo]

They could give the contract to Diane Abbot. She is hilarious and black, job done.

[ummmm]

Women I can understand because that can reflect what the listeners want it's just diversity I'm unsure about.

[anotheoldgit]

Bring back The Black & White Minstrels, can't get any more diverse than that.

[Togo]

Lol aog :))

[Prudie]

Whatever the reason, not renewing a contract is just a euphemism for firing. basically you don't want that person working for you anymore.

[-Talbot-]

How many actual black men were in the Black & White Minstrels?

[naomi24]

//"...what with all the pressure about being seen to ‘get it right’, we’re actually getting it a bit wrong."

'Being seen to get it right' is what this is all about, but I have to disagree with him on one point. It isn't 'a bit' wrong - it's a lot wrong.

[jackthehat]

I regularly listen to The Now Show.
For those who don't, he provides a comedy monologue based on news events occurring that week.

It will be interesting to see what is brought to the programme by the 'new' incumbent offering a new and different perspective.

[anotheoldgit]

-Talbot-

/// How many actual black men were in the Black & White Minstrels? ///

Nothing stopping them from adding one or two, they would blend in nicely.

[-Talbot-]

Is that 'none' then?

Where's the diversity in The Black & White Minstrels?