X Factor, talent and race

Some weeks ago I wrestled with the idea of making comments about BBC's  The Apprentice, I am in that position again over another talent show -  This time it's the ITV's The X Factor - as the question of race again comes to the fore.

What was played out on one of TV’s most popular programmes last week is probably being played out time and time again in employment situations to the detriment of Black and minority ethnic individuals.

To recap the scenario that occurred last Saturday and Sunday that astonished viewers: Following the result of the public ballot, viewers saw Cheryl Cole decline to vote out either of her mentored acts – Treyc Cohen and Katie Waissel, resulting in a 2-1 judging panel decision to send Trey home.

Had the public vote been the ultimate decider, it would have been Katie who left the show.

A few days later presenter Dermot O’Leary let slip what the public suspected: It was a fix. It seemed Simon Cowell, Cheryl and the producers had decided how they should manage the situation to fall in their favour.

Outrage poured out across the nation. Why did the less talented Katie survive whilst the better singer Treyc Cohen get the boot?

Rumors were abound, but the elephant in the room for most Black people was obvious: The thinking is that Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and the produces believe that the nation’s favorite TV show needed to ensure that Black talent does not dominate the programme.

So in this case, regardless of who clearly had the most talent, in their wisdom they thought their customer base demanded that the programme should not be too Black.  The very same reason Cheryl’s original selection process resulted in public outrage.

I know some you might gulp at such a suggestion, but what other reasonable excuse could justify wanting someone who was demonstrably inferior?  If anyone can give offer up a more plausible explanation I will apologise unreservedly on this website.

Treyc has now had enough publicity to carve out a career for herself; But what worries me more than what occurred on the talent show is -  to what level are some workplace situations decided by employers about potential employees on a similar basis.

Imagine the scenario: two women seeking the same post, one white, one black. The recruitment panel feel that although the Black person has demonstrates better qualities for the job, they worry what their customer base might feel awkward dealing with a black person. As a result of their own prejudices they go for what they see as the safe option.

In fact two results could occur: first they ignored merit, and secondly they assume, we believe, as Cowell and co., have done, that their customer base would not like it.

Those making these important decisions must learn to see beyond their own prejudices. When they do, it will be good for business, good for society, and on talent shows good for TV too.

Simon Woolley