Channel 4/Endemol are getting what they wanted anyway - relentless publicity and a raise in viewing figures, which, let's be honest, were rubbish before this whole furore started.
although you can't deny that some of the bullying has racist undertones, it's more to do with plain jealousy and the fact that they are people from starkly different cultures whom the production team knew were never likely to get on.
Well, viewing figures up by a million last night - 4.5m, the best since the night Jade and co. moved in.
Apparantly, and unfortunately IMO, up to three further housemates (I won't assume they are celebs) will move in tonight.
Germaine Greer writes a good piece on Media Guardian tonight, and considering she quit the show two years ago citing an even milder form of bullying as her reasons, she's actually seems to be on the side of the producers this time around.
Also makes a very interesting point, not so much about the show, but about the word "paki", asking is it any more offensive than calling her an "Aussie" - and why is it deemed more offensive to refer to someone as being from Pakistan than it is to call them a "dog".
Also makes a very interesting point, not so much about the show, but about the word "paki", asking is it any more offensive than calling her an "Aussie" - and why is it deemed more offensive to refer to someone as being from Pakistan than it is to call them a "dog".
I've never understood that either - how on earth is it offensive to abbreviate the word Pakistani to its first four letters? By the same logic the terms 'Brit' and 'Scot' should be equally offensive. I think it's a case of some people reclassifying words as "offensive" because it suits their own agenda to continually moan about being offended.
On another note, are they ever going to use that slit on the wall by the lounge doors which was intended for viewers' messages to be fed into, or has the idea been abandoned?
They have been asking for questions on the website in the last couple of days, so I think they're still planning to use it - though it is a completly pointless exercise!
I bet they're having to filter alot of the questions too!
Also makes a very interesting point, not so much about the show, but about the word "paki", asking is it any more offensive than calling her an "Aussie" - and why is it deemed more offensive to refer to someone as being from Pakistan than it is to call them a "dog".
I've never understood that either - how on earth is it offensive to abbreviate the word Pakistani to its first four letters? By the same logic the terms 'Brit' and 'Scot' should be equally offensive. I think it's a case of some people reclassifying words as "offensive" because it suits their own agenda to continually moan about being offended.
It's offensive because it's traditionally been used as a term of abuse. Unlike Brit, or Scot.
Goodness gracious me! I've been watching big brother i can't say i've witnessed any racist comments towards Shilpa. What i do see from the dumb, dumber and dumbest gang is schoolgirl twofaced bitching. I have friends who're Indian, Muslim and Hindu and they have all said that what Shilpa is going through is nothing to what they suffered in the playground when they were growing up during the 70's and 80's in Britain. Admittedly they don't like whats happening to her. The media have blown this out of all proportion. Yesterday there was only 2,000 complaints and 24 hours later another 8,000 have jumped on the bandwagon. Most of whom i doubt had watched big brother until last night. Shilpa has not yet made any formal complaint about racism or bullying. When she does i might sit up and listen. At the moment i take my hat off to her for not lowering herself to their standards.
The Indian government is awaiting a report on the programme and could raise the matter with the UK.
Anand Sharma, India's junior minister for external affairs, said: "The government will take appropriate measures once it gets to know the full details. Racism has no place in civilised society."
perhaps tony could prepare a report on india's shameful stance on gay rights seeing as the indian government seem to have a sudden interest in discrimination
Apparently Sky News are saying that one of the housemates may be getting ejected from the house and Channel 4 will release a statement in the next hour or so. Complaints have now gone up to 19,300.
I can't believe this is getting so much attention (not that I think nothing should be done - the complete opposite actually). To be honest, I never expected to see it as the lead story on the BBC News at 1. Viewing figures will go through the roof.
London's major is now saying the treatment of Shilpa is "Completely unacceptable". Interesting stuff.
I can understand that people in India are upset but if an Irish person appeared on an Indian show and the housemates referred to them as a leprechaun, a drunk, etc, no one in Ireland would bat an eyelid!
This is just a political correctness thing gone too far.