After the disgrace of this year’s Oscars pungent lack of diversity #OscarsSoWhite, the Academy announced it would be taking steps to diversify the voting body. It’s this positive momentum from BAME communities taking a stance – whether it’s celebrities boycotting “whitewashed” Award ceremonies, or members of the public refusing to watch it – that brings about change.
And the demand for change is similarly as potent on the other side of the pond when we witnessed the “whitewash” of the BRIT awards this year, which sparked a #BritsSoWhite campaign. Backed by at least 2,225 supporters on the online campaign platform change.org, and trending press interest, the Brits organisers eventually put out a statement promising to improve diversity in future. This result certainly isn’t enough to change the lack of diversity reflected from our society in institutions, however it is a victory non-the-less that when we’re united, our voices get heard! CLICK HERE to read more about Petitioning Brit Awards by Anant Naik.