Anti-racism campaigners criticise Cumberbatch
Anti-racism campaigners have criticised Benedict Cumberbatch after he used the word “coloured” on US television.
The Sherlock star joined the debate on the lack of diversity on British screens, saying Hollywood offered more opportunities to black actors than the UK.
He said on US talk show Tavis Smiley, in comments reported by The Independent: “I think as far as coloured actors go it gets really difficult in the UK, and a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here (in the US) than in the UK and that’s something that needs to change.”
He went on to say: “Something’s gone wrong, we’re not being representative enough in our culture of different races and that really does need to step up a pace.
“I don’t want to get into any debates about that, but it’s clear when you see certain migratory patterns that there are more opportunities here than in the UK.”
Cumberbatch also mentioned comedian Lenny Henry, who launched a campaign last year calling for a greater presence of people of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background in the British broadcasting industry. The 38-year-old actor described him as a “a real force for good”.
British anti-racism educational charity Show Racism the Red Card said the term “coloured” is now outdated and has the potential to cause offence.
It said in a statement: “Benedict Cumberbatch has highlighted a very important issue within the entertainment industry and within society.
“The lack of representation of people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds within certain industries in the UK is an issue which needs addressing, and we are pleased that Benedict has spoken out in support of more appropriate representation and of the views of actors and campaigners like Lenny Henry.
“In doing so, he has also inadvertently highlighted the issue of appropriate terminology and the evolution of language. Show Racism the Red Card feel that the term ’coloured’ is now outdated and has the potential to cause offence due to the connotations associated with the term and its historical usage.
“Appropriate terminology differs from country to country; for example, we know that in some countries the term ’coloured’ is still widely used, and that in the US the term ’people of colour’ is quite common.
“During our work with young people in schools throughout England, we discuss appropriate language to use when describing people of different skin colours and backgrounds and explain why the term ’coloured’ is no longer the best way to describe someone.”
ITV News broadcaster Charlene White drew attention on Twitter to Cumberbatch’s interview, posting: “Benedict Cumberbatch on lack of opps for black actors in UK. For me tho, undermined by him calling them ’coloured’...”
