It certainly seems that work such as that which you’re doing would also be greatly relevant to other parts of the world, such as Western Europe and the USA. How do you think the UK compares to these countries in terms of media diversity- both in terms of writers and in the people featured in the media?

 

If we look at TV shows such as Sex and the City, Friends, Frasier and How I Met your Mother the first thing to ask is where are the non- white main characters? Yes TV shows like Ugly Betty and Scandal have brought some change but for a country with a black president the lack of multiculturalism on TV is shocking.

 

In reference to the portrayal of ethnic groups, cases such as that of Trayvon Martin say a lot about the stereotypes which the media in that nation creates, and ultimately these stereotypes have an impact upon the opportunities available to minority groups.

 

The organisation Children Now did a study of TV shows which are aired during the American ‘family hour’ which is 8pm- 9pm. It found that only one in eight programmes had a mixed cast, this is shocking considering the impact it has upon young viewers.  Similarly, Hollywood actor Will Smith has candidly spoken about how the scene in the film Hitch where he was to kiss Caucasian actress Cameron Diaz was cancelled due to the continued stigma related to mixed race relationships.

 

In essence the lack of media diversity in the USA is perhaps less subtle than that in the UK, however it too cannot be ignored.

 

When you are working to change the status quo and making your voice heard publicly, a certain amount of criticism can always be expected, and it seems that in the digital age such criticism can be evermore fierce and even personal. When you are faced with negative reactions for the work you’re doing, be that the most ‘polite’ criticisms or the most hostile attacks, how do you deal with that?

 

Unfortunately, prejudice, criticism and personal attacks, can be particularly common when it comes to the issues which Media Diversity focuses on. Our founder is particularly good at responding to such negativity and in a respectful yet firm manner gets her point across through making it clear that although we disagree with what the other person is saying, they are welcome to their opinions. Although harsh comments, especially when they feel personal are not pleasant, they are a part of the job. People will have their opinions and our aim is to focus upon what we stand for and just continue to promote our work and interact with all those who do appreciate us.

 

What would be your advice to those who wish to put themselves out there to campaign on issues for which they may suffer a backlash?

 

Although it may sound clichéd and sentimental it is true that when you believe in something, ensure that your passion for it is so strong that no backlash can stop you from pushing on. We as an organisation are strongly against the continued discrimination and marginalisation of minority groups from the media and the way in which they are often portrayed. Yes, we get people criticising us for the stand we take, but ultimately it is easier to ignore this when you focus upon the change it can bring about.
 

Finally, for our readers who would like to support Media Diversity UK, what can they do to help?

 

We are a non profit transparent organisation and fully dependant on donations from our supporters to continue our work. Our founder, our writers and our staff are not paid and therefore one way in which you can support us is to donate via our website. As previously mentioned we are in the process of creating a database of writers which we will ask media houses to subscribe to as part of their commitment to media diversification. In order to do this we need to raise £5,000 and would greatly appreciate all contributions towards this no matter how big or small.

 

With such a huge number of supporters and visitors to our website we believe we have proven the need for our organisation, in order for us to grow and become more effective we need financial support.

 

Donations will ensure that the media do not get away with not recruiting people of colour, not get away with continuing to reinforce negative stereotypes. To help us in challenging racism, stereotyping, and tokenism and bring to the forefront all those issues which people are too scared to discuss.

 

 

 

Aside from this please follow us on Twitter, share our articles and visit our website.

 

On a final note, we have for auction a number of tickets to our exclusive invite only launch. Please partake in the auction for a chance to win.