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It’s no secret that last year opened up a pandora’s box to the anti-blackness that continues to plague the world. Rightly so, it also opened up a conversation about the elitism the UK Arts and Entertainment industries have perpetuated for many many years. The Arts sector has traditionally been perceived as a pinnacle of liberalism and inclusion, but in recent months the dialogue has changed and the vital structural changes that must occur to combat racism have been exposed

A recent survey from Channel 4 highlighted that a total of 51% of Black, Asian and other minority ethnic people feel that UK television advertising does not represent different cultures. In response to the recent resurgence of the black lives matter movement there was a stark increase in black and brown representation in the summer months of 2020 into the winter months. But how did the UK feel about this ‘change of pace.’ The Gravy Song was the title of Sainsburys’ 2020 Christmas advert.

In a nutshell, yes. While the origins of colourism date back to slavery, the television, theatre and film industries have certainly upheld its power and influence. Casting directors, producers, and directors are still being guided by their unconscious bias in opting for actors/ performers with eurocentric features over those with darker complexions. The Oxford dictionary describes Colourism as a “prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone.”