BBC attacked over 'insulting' focus on white working class

BBC: Attacked for screening the controversial White Season of programmes

The BBC is facing a barrage of criticism over its season of programmes about the white working class.

Politicians, industry figures and campaigners have lambasted the corporation for airing racist views and portraying working class Britons as "obsessed with race".

Tomorrow's segment of the White season features Barking BNP member "Dave" who brands a Nigerian a "dog".

Parminder Vir, an award-winning TV producer and former BBC executive, said: "It's insulting to white workingclass people really as the season is based on the assumption that they are obsessed with race.

"I thought these programmes would give a balanced insight into the aspirations and challenges that people face every day - it doesn't and it is a missed opportunity. It certainly doesn't celebrate white working-class culture."

Dave is shown handing out leaflets and saying: "There's a difference between us and them. They are not interested in our culture and I am not interested in their culture."

He describes the Nigerian father of his daughter's child as a "dog" and tells her: "I'd prefer you to meet one of your own but you have a preference for sunburnt people." Cyriac Maprayil of the East London Human Rights Commission said: "The BBC are giving too much importance to the BNP for the sake of rousing controversy and appearing provocative.

"In reality, they appeal to very few people and a public service broadcaster should not give them a platform."

Kulveer Ranger, the Tory party's vicechairman for cities, said: "The BBC have got it wrong and seem stuck in the Seventies with this preoccupation with race. The concerns of white working-class people are the same as those of many Britons of all backgrounds and colours."

A BBC spokeswoman said: "If you are white working class you are at the sharp end of the effects of immigration and the subjects of these programmes have come about through surveying people in 2005. We found white workingclass British people felt disenfranchised and EastEnders characters or Vicky Pollard didn't accurately portray them."

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