Racist abuse of celebrities, as described by Meghan Markle, is more common than you think, writes a talent manager | Exclusive

[ad_1]

Like many people around the world, I tuned in to watch Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, the highly anticipated and high-profile documentary about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

It was six hours of bombshells, personal reflections and a couple determined to share their truth and lived experiences to lift the lid on their battle with the British media and the alleged transgenerational trauma within the royal family.

I felt a sense of empathy for Harry and Meghan watching the show. Not because of the real-life ‘soap opera’ they’re a part of, but because of the high level of racial hatred and discrimination Meghan has faced because she’s a woman of color with a high voice in the field. audience .

READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson’s daughter condemns his ugly Meghan column

The Duchess of Sussex explained that she was at the center of a maelstrom of racist abuse. (Netflix)

As a talent manager in the Australian entertainment industry, I have seen firsthand the huge impact of trolls, racist media reporting and social media commentary on mental health and safety issues many highly regarded Australian artists and media personalities from diverse cultures. backgrounds.

They are regularly the subject of derogatory and hurtful comments from people targeting their ethnicity, skin color and physical appearance. They (and their families) have also received death threats and other harmful threats to that extent I know the police and legal representatives have been contacted.

I have also read the increased misinformation about people of different ethnicities on social media and by some media, which has distorted the social perspective and further perpetuated misinformation, having a profound impact on the lives of media personalities affected by it. .

Like the narrative shared in Harry & Meghan, the racial attacks and trolling suffered by Australian entertainers was not limited to the ‘N-word’ or other derogatory remarks, but themselves or their children have been compared to apes, chimpanzees, and other types of racial stereotypes portrayed in sensational media articles and reports.

Is it okay to comment or share images of someone’s child portrayed as a chimpanzee? Is it okay to threaten to physically hurt a pregnant woman, hurt her toddler, or be told by someone they were going to kill you?

I was managing a highly regarded entertainer who was offered a job as a radio announcer on a nationally broadcast show. Although most of the responses were amazing, there was a backlash from some listeners and trolls, not because of the topics the announcer was talking about on the show, but just because they’re a person. of color.

The radio station received racial slurs about the artist on its website and on its chat line. At the time, radio was unprepared for the level of racism towards the announcer. However, they immediately took action to try to reduce the risk of harm to the advertiser.

I could write a book about the level of racism and racial stereotyping this artist has endured over the course of his career, but this is their story to share.

Talent manager Jason Williamson has seen firsthand the cruel impact racist abuse has on people in the public eye. (Provided)

I respect and admire their resilience to not only rise above abuse and discrimination, but to use their experiences to teach myself, those around them and the wider community about resilience. , understanding of different degrees of racism and the continued promotion of cultural awareness. Due to their sheer resilience and determination, we are still entertained by the talents of this award-winning artist today.

When Mitch Tambo appeared on the 2019 season of Australia’s Got Talent, his mere physical appearance as a biracial man proud to celebrate his First Nations culture sparked a flurry of negative comments online, with people around the world making comments. harmful and discriminatory comments about her complexion. , cultural hairstyle and its identity. Not to mention the bombardment of comments about a proud, light-skinned Aborigine singing in the Gamilaraay language.

As I stood on the sidelines watching, reading and listening to varying degrees of racism towards different talents over the years, I tried to equip and support Mitch on the level of racism and trolling that he might receive by appearing on the show. Producers were also supportive. However, none of us knew what was to follow.

The racism and bullying didn’t stop there. As Mitch recently shared, over the coming year, including during the Eurovision Australia Decides competition, he has received an avalanche of harmful and discriminatory comments about his ethnicity, appearance and family.

Mitch Tambo is one of many stars who has been abused by members of the public. (Provided)

The trolls were out in force. One took his obsession further and began contacting family, friends and business associates claiming to be a family member to establish where Mitch and his immediate family lived. Mitch has also received death threats.

As the manager, I contacted the police for advice on what Mitch should do to protect his family from ongoing threats and abuse. Unfortunately, the police did not take the concerns seriously and during the conversation the officer made comments such as: ‘Why did he put on the show then?’, ‘It doesn’t come- it not just with the territory?” and, “Mitch was a public figure”. You can only imagine my response.

Yes, when you become a person of public interest, you give up a level of confidentiality in order to maintain and increase the public interest in your professional activities. However, when death threats are made against you and your family, you have the same right as other members of society to feel safe. Knowing that you will be protected by law.

Threats and trolls are commonplace for artists, politicians, actors, journalists, radio announcers and champions of change. However, being told you or a loved one (especially a child) will die at the hands of a stranger is weaponizing anxiety, and as I have witnessed on several occasions, it has a psychological impact on the person .

As Meghan described it, the daily fear caused by harassment and abuse is “real”. (Netflix)

Even by association as a talent manager, I too have been threatened and trolled. Thanks to an incredible network of like-minded people and professionals, I have learned to accept it and treat it as just part of the job. However, when you see a threat being made against you, you naturally feel your heart rate increase and the internal dialogue begins, caring for your well-being and that of your family.

I can’t imagine how I would feel under such an all-encompassing lens as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex or anyone else in the public eye.

According to the article by Joanne Lewsley and Rosie Slater, “Racism, or discrimination based on race or ethnicity, is a key contributing factor to the onset of the disease. It is also responsible for increasing disparities in physical and mental health between Blacks, Indigenous peoples and people of color. (BIPOC).”

A long list of celebrities from diverse backgrounds have shared that they have experienced racism, including Michelle Obama, Meghan Markle, Idris Elba, Dev Patel, Leona Lewis and locally, Dami Im, Maria Thattil and Christine Anu, to name a few. to name a few. .

READ MORE: Elizabeth Hurley reflects on the deaths of two ‘great loves’

Racial discrimination can have adverse effects on mental health. (Getty)

While the effects of threats and racism can be passed from person to person, it’s clear from Harry and Meghan that the effects are devastating. What Mitch Tambo went through after entering a TV singing competition was devastating, and what the artist went through as a newly appointed radio announcer was devastating.

Our media and social media organizations must continue to take responsibility for eradicating the spread of the ideology that certain groups are inferior in language, values, media and symbols. For example, racist comments made about Meghan Markle by UK media or social commentators can influence how others view BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) people and their safety.

There are many incredible tools available online to help individuals and organizations take action to stop racism and misinformation from spreading, including media that counters misinformation with facts.

So the next time you’re debating the British Royal Family’s “soap” around the water cooler, maybe call out the offenders for their racist remarks about Meghan, or report any racist or threatening behavior you see on social networks. We all have to do our part. #DontParticipateReport.

If you or someone you know needs immediate or mental health-related support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

The Queen’s advice to Meghan that led to a huge legal battle

[ad_2]