My thoughts
Diversity is a huge part of Big Brother Canada. In a recent interview Arisa Cox (BBCAN host) also shared a similar sentiment stating “we do have a really unique country. It is very diverse. It is huge geographically. There are so many cultures within our Canadian culture. So, we have so much to showcase.”
Why market this show as having culturally diverse houseguests, if only to ignore and not acknowledge the ignorant, racist, damaging, negative comments and rhetoric that black houseguests receive. Is it simply a marketing strategy to distinguish yourself from other popular Big Brother editions like BBUS? Is it so we can continue the façade that racism doesn’t exist in Canada, that its only an American issue? Is it because were the nice, Tim-Horton drinking, winter-loving, overly polite neighbors to the North? If yes, what a terrible way to continue misleading and dismissing every negative and damaging incident that happens to a black person living in Canada and as a houseguest in BBCAN.
I’m concerned and upset by the fact that Global TV/ Big Brother Canada were not transparent with audiences. What’s with the censorship? There were no clips to show the incidents that would result in Jamar’s shocking exit. This is the first time in BBCAN history for a houseguest to be expelled and yet no specifics were given, and no clips were shown.
Insight Productions stated that Jamar was expelled “…as a result of behaviour which occurred that was a breach of the Big Brother house rules”. They also stated the importance of “protect[ing] the well-being of our houseguests and ensuring the integrity of this long-standing production.
In order to have integrity, you need to show some transparency. Both these terms complement each other. There was no transparency whatsoever regarding Jamar’s exit Thursday’s episode of BBCAN8. All the incidents that occurred prior to and the dramatic house meeting were not shown, instead we received a video message from Arisa confirming that Jamar was evicted from the BB house. With a house that boasts having loads of cameras, recording 24/7, with a theme/tagline of “we are always watching”, I do not understand why were not being shown any footage that showed Jamar exhibiting behaviour that was a breach of house rules. It can’t be because of any legal reasons as its sprawled across your website that “under 24/7 watch. At times, the houseguests may reveal opinions, prejudices and other beliefs that Corus and Insight Productions do not share or condone. Views or opinions expressed by the houseguests are those of the individuals speaking and do not represent the views or opinions of the house, Corus or Insight Productions.”
Why is it then that no footage is being shown? Was it easier to remove Jamar then to create an open, transparent dialogue about any indiscretions that occurred? Is it simpler to have him be victim to the angry black guy narrative that exists in society and in BBCAN? If Jamar did in fact break a house rule, then please why has his apparent remorse and numerous apologies on the live feeds remain unheard by production?
For a show that has been cancelled and then saved by your fans/audience it’s a shame that you’ve decided to ignore us. Is our voice only heard or important when it could make an impact on your stakeholders who would revive your cancelled series?
-Shay (iftimeismyvessel92)
