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Is Derek Branning not a racist anymore?


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Old 10-10-2012, 20:44
jimthepig
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Is Derek Branning no longer a racist because since he arrived he hasn't made any racist remarks.

Has the show bosses just forgot that he was a racist or was it mentioned that he isn't one anymore.
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Old 10-10-2012, 20:53
danyell
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Probably it's because racism is frowned upon nowadays. So programmes aren't allowed to have racist remarks anymore.
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Old 10-10-2012, 21:05
Lousiana
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There's a few things he has said to Patrick that have implied it but generally they have toned that side of the character down.

It's a shame because as twisted as it sounds I was hoping Derek would still be a racist berk and cause havoc in the show, rather than the comedy 50s-style gangster routine we have had from him instead.
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Old 10-10-2012, 21:09
maurice45
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He's probably racist deep down but he's managed to keep a lid on it. The way he said "black" when describing Connor to Carol implied that he's still racist. It also made me want to punch him in the face but what can you do?
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Old 10-10-2012, 21:11
felixrex
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Unfortunately, there are a fair few people nowadays who are unable to separate the sentiments of a character in a show from the sentiments of the show itself; thus I feel some TV shows tend to steer clear of certain sensitive issues simply to avoid the hassle of being branded 'racist' or 'homophobic' in essence; simply for portraying a character in that vein. It's fine if somebody wants to be a psychopathic, mentally manipulative rapist or murderer with virtually no redeeming features - as long as they're open-minded and tolerant psychopathic, mentally manipulative rapists or murderers with virtually no redeeming features.

Besides, where can they find the time to fit in important, relevant social issues that effect millions of people everyday around the live-burials and regular murders?
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Old 10-10-2012, 21:17
IanMandy
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I read that as dot Branning at first
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Old 10-10-2012, 21:26
Freeman000
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Probably it's because racism is frowned upon nowadays. So programmes aren't allowed to have racist remarks anymore.
That's not true. Of course racism can be portrayed. Just as murder or violence can, despite both being social unacceptable.

I think there are two reasons why Derek is no longer a racist: 1.) The producers want his character to be at least somewhat like-able. 2.) It's actually quite realistic. Lots of people of Derek's age were racists in the 70s and 80s, before changing their outlook.
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Old 10-10-2012, 21:56
maurice45
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That's not true. Of course racism can be portrayed. Just as murder or violence can, despite both being social unacceptable.

I think there are two reasons why Derek is no longer a racist: 1.) The producers want his character to be at least somewhat like-able. 2.) It's actually quite realistic. Lots of people of Derek's age were racists in the 70s and 80s, before changing their outlook.
Jim has changed. Derek? Not convinced he's totally changed.
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Old 10-10-2012, 22:20
Doctor Bench
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I sure hope so. I have no time for idiots in general and racism would just give me another reason to hate him more.
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Old 10-10-2012, 22:23
danyell
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That's not true. Of course racism can be portrayed. Just as murder or violence can, despite both being social unacceptable.

I think there are two reasons why Derek is no longer a racist: 1.) The producers want his character to be at least somewhat like-able. 2.) It's actually quite realistic. Lots of people of Derek's age were racists in the 70s and 80s, before changing their outlook.
So how come you never see love thy neighbour on uk gold. It's because nobody wants to watch a racist programme. When was the last racist thing you've seen in recent years.
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Old 10-10-2012, 22:28
felixrex
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So how come you never see love thy neighbour on uk gold. It's because nobody wants to watch a racist programme. When was the last racist thing you've seen in recent years.
There's a difference between a 'racist programme' and a programme which portrays a racist character.
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Old 10-10-2012, 22:32
Doctor Bench
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So how come you never see love thy neighbour on uk gold. It's because nobody wants to watch a racist programme. When was the last racist thing you've seen in recent years.
Racism's a real, serious issue and as such should be coverd. Racists unfortunately are everywhere, all over the country (perhaps not so much in London but it's there).

I was in the East End today (West Ham and Stratford) and there was a very multicultural mix. I imagine not everyone there is 100% happy about that so why should it not be reflected on the show? After all, the show is meant to contain some sort of realism to it.
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Old 10-10-2012, 22:33
danyell
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There's a difference between a 'racist programme' and a programme which portrays a racist character.
Yes but there would be to many complaints from people if there was racism anyway. So they probably don't want the hassle.
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Old 10-10-2012, 22:37
felixrex
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Yes but there would be to many complaints from people if there was racism anyway. So they probably don't want the hassle.
I know. I said that earlier.

However, I think TV bosses are largely jumping to conclusions about what people want to see and what they don't. I think a lot more people would be invested in stories about real social issues than sensationalist stories that are thrown at them left, right and center.

So what if they get a few complaints from stupid people who can't differentiate between the sentiments of a character and the sentiments of the show in general?
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Old 10-10-2012, 22:43
Doctor Bench
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Yes but there would be to many complaints from people if there was racism anyway. So they probably don't want the hassle.
Then they should just ignore complaints. If the bosses are planning to reflect realism in the show - one of its main reasons for existense - then I see no reasion to give in to annoying people who moan about anything.
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Old 10-10-2012, 22:53
Drifter
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It might be, perhaps, because such storylines might see the actors involved getting all kinds of stupid abuse thrown at them in the street etc. It's stupid of course and people are like that in real life so characters should be too, but from that point of view I sort of understand the logic...if that's even anything to do with it.
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Old 10-10-2012, 22:59
IssieA
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I think if they truely wanted to approach racism they would, because like people have said although it's socially unacceptable so is murder etc but they still approach those topics. However 2 things: 1) a lot of people have changed since the past and 2) if they don't need to include that flaw of his they're not going to, as they would have to be extremely careful the way they go about it otherwise they could lose viewers etc.
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Old 10-10-2012, 23:10
Morton100
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I think if they did a modern take on racism in the show, then any complaints ofcom would undoubtedly recieve would be complete unjustified. They're just plain scared to portray racism in a modern light. Maybe the character of Derek is not racist anymore, but what choice has the show got when it comes to this. I'd actually be quite interested to see how they would do a proper racist storyline nowadays in the show.
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Old 10-10-2012, 23:10
klendathu
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Maybe he shared a cell with a black guy or met one in prison and became friends ?
People CAN change you know
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Old 10-10-2012, 23:13
KieranDS
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Things like EastEnders have to keep it PC.
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Old 10-10-2012, 23:22
Louise32
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I think if they do a racist storyline maybe they could do it with a racist bullying plot. I mean it does happen so I don't see why people would complain. Although I guess it depends on how they handle it.
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Old 10-10-2012, 23:55
Sifter22
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Maybe he shared a cell with a black guy or met one in prison and became friends ?
People CAN change you know
This isn't American History X
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Old 11-10-2012, 01:01
big dan
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There's a few things he has said to Patrick that have implied it but generally they have toned that side of the character down.

It's a shame because as twisted as it sounds I was hoping Derek would still be a racist berk and cause havoc in the show, rather than the comedy 50s-style gangster routine we have had from him instead.
Completely agree. Before he joined I was expecting a truly gritty, dangerous nasty man who would give Phil a run for his money. And then look at what we got instead. It's a shame, because what Derek could have been is exactly what the show needs imo.
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Old 11-10-2012, 07:47
Scrabbler
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The racist comments have been a lot more subtle but they've still been there.

I still belive that Derek didn't say tacky when he was talking to Syed the other week.
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Old 11-10-2012, 11:03
los.kav
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This isn't American History X
No it isn't: American History X was good.
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