Comments on: No Laughing Matter

By: Viv AKA Mervin

Viv AKA Mervin — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 20:44:11 +0000

Yes, I saw the comment made by Derek and thought that whereas amongst black people we can make comments about each other ( lets be honest we do!), to go on a national platform like Big Brother and say something like that can encourage bigots and racists alike.

I initially saw Derek as a one-off, with his witty comments (albeit as a poor man’s Oscar Wilde), entertaining & camp, and at times thought that when speaking to Science he was sincere and at times did try to give him sound advice ( though it could be perceived as patronising at times!), I think his efforts were genuine, as Science did need advice from a more mature person on his behaviour ( but he is young, so time will mellow him out, we have all been there!)

However, as Derek intrigued me even more, I decided to look up him on the internet. Yes, he is a Tory and fox hunts. No big deal, that’s his choice.He is well spoken, intelligent and articulate. Again, I have no problem with that, and furthermore don’t think as black people we should let that bother us. To think we cannot move in circles of our choice is denying ourself opportunities. We should be the last people to expect perceived sterotypes of ourselves.

However, I was disturbed to read that he was a member of the right-wing Conservative Monday Club, who alledgedly support repatriation. Now where does that leave Mr. Laud? As the token ‘black guy’ ( he seems to exemplify that anyway by all accounts!). Yes, maybe he does fit the ‘House Negro’analogy explained by Malcolm X (and to be called Golly too! Someone talk to him please!)

How can he stand shoulder to shoulder with people who would be prepared to kick him out the country and treat him like a 3rd or 4th class citizen ( he would be treated worse than the peasants he constantly derides!)?

And to think he wanted to stand as an MP to oppose the late Bernie Grant in Tottenham! Ha. Do me a favour!Derek Laud could not relate to the black community, because he is not black! Yes, by pigmentation, but being black is deeper than that.( And how could he relate to young black people, or old, by explaining why he feels it suitable to be called ‘Golly’ by his peers? Lets see him get out of that one!)

It is a conciousness within your heart and soul that makes you proud of your history,family, friends, culture and all the other nuances that make us so. The Irish, Italians, Jewish and all other immigrant communities would understand that unique thing that binds us together.

I too think that Derek’s upbringing shows that he was raised more than likely in a white middle class enviroment, which is no fault of his own let me digress.Adopted kids need a solid family enviroment first and foremost, and yes, cultural enviroment to which they come from should be considered( see Derek laud for a perfect example).

Sorry for going on, but I have so there! Later.

By: sally

sally — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 07:53:42 +0000

POOR DEREK? WHO IS HE REALLY? I REALLY DON’T THINK EVEN HE KNOWS. I DO BELIEVE HOWEVER THAT THIS MAN HAS SOLD OUT BIG TIME, TO BE ACCEPTED BY A SET OF PEOPLE WHO FONDLY REFER TO HIM AS GOLLY. I WONDER WHAT THEY CALL HIM BEHIND HIS BACK. YES SCIENCE MIGHT BE LOUD AND HE MIGHT HAVE A LOT TO SAY. BUT I SAY GO SCIENCE, BE TRUE TO YOURSELF AND NEVER BE ASHAMED OF WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU COME FROM. WE ARE A BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE AND PEOPLE LIKE DEREK WILL NOT MAKE ME THINK OTHERWISE.

By: Mambo

Mambo — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 12:28:43 +0000

I was astonished at the posh toff’s comment. But he does do it for shock value. That man has friends in high places… and he’s certainly not poor!

By: mshairi

mshairi — Wed, 29 Jun 2005 14:46:44 +0000

I agree with Bluegiraffe regarding Derek perhaps being adopted by a middle class family ( a white one I think). From what I have seen, Derek in some situations distances himself from black people, especially people like Science (poor, single parent homes) who he calls ‘peasant’ and does not see himself as black person.

By: Bluegiraffe

Bluegiraffe — Tue, 28 Jun 2005 11:40:51 +0000

does anyone know what his family background is? my sister and i were having a discussion about this. she thinks he was probably adopted into a middle class home, whereas i think everything about him is complete affectation and he’s chosen to reinvent himself.

By: nicholasgichu

nicholasgichu — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 18:23:54 +0000

since am not watchin BB-uk i shall not comment on Science et al…but i’d like to poin out y’all are as bad as i am when it comes to tv! ha -so there!

By: Wambui

Wambui — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 17:21:03 +0000

Hear hear MJY. I think the BNP is more sinister today than ever. Just looking at their website scares me. Last week I read an article they had on multicultural genocide perpertrated by immigrants into the UK. Yes genocide. There is no irony here. All Derek has done is confirm to the millions that watch BB that it is acceptable to endorse the thinking that persons of another colour other than pink are inferior and deserve sub human treatment. Whatever form it takes. Farmgal, you vote gal!

By: Guess

Guess — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 12:51:10 +0000

I think I heard this on Choicefm the other morning, and I was like What? I didnt know the circumstances surrounding it but at least you have explained it here.
Even when people ‘joke’ about things, there are limits, and I would think Derek would be ‘smart’ enough to know these. Good work MJY

By: Farmgal

Farmgal — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 12:10:17 +0000

No matter how annoying science is (and trust me he is annoying, the kind that will make you pull your hair out) derek had no right to say that, I hope he gets booted out!
Mama J did you see maxwell making a racist remark about Italians……thats his way of dealing with an argument I think he is a coward. and to think he is a fav to win, Ihave never voted lakini I will vote to have him kicked out. I cant believe I am watching B bro this much ..I blame makosi