An article in the UK’s Daily Mail blew me away this morning. Both the action reported and the reaction of both press and people around her have been instructive.
Will.i.am was left speechless on the Graham Norton show last night after Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes told the star that she was ‘fascinated’ to meet him because he is black.
The actress, 71, said: ‘Unfortunately, I don’t know many black people. We don’t get to meet across the colour line much except in show business and that’s what’s so nice.’
While the usually talkative rapper was left speechless, Inbetweeners actor Greg Davies tried to defuse the situation by joking ‘It’s exotic’, while Norton quipped: ‘It’s lovely Miriam, you’re right.’
The Daily Mail article largely outlined the shock and awe at Mariam’s remarks and how uncomfortable it made everyone present. That’s the wonderful part. The truth does make us uncomfortable. There has not been a coming together of races to the degree one could wish since the days of protest. Mixed marriage, mixed neighborhoods and mixed schools have not changed anything significantly.
The goal had been to learn about and appreciate one another; to make us comfortable in each other’s homes and other places and to foster unity. The opposite has been true. Miriam mentioned she did not know many rappers like Will.I.am host of the show on which his encounter with the actress produced her honest response to the event. Actually she was not speaking the truth as everyone sees it but as she sees it and hers is a shared vision with many who cannot or prefer not to express their take on the issue of race. She was genuine and kind about it. Others on the show at first thought her misguided; in the end they could see through her window.
We should be making ourselves even more uncomfortable about race. If we don’t, we will never move forward and will be trapped in the current morass, the legacy of the years of slavery and beyond. Life is not an iPad. No amount of engineering can make it easier for any of us. We need to create the program within that will allow us to go beyond our daily routine and grow toward something that with benefit both us and others. We need to find opportunities to meet new people in less familiar settings. To move beyond the segregating forces of 2012. It is humanly possible.
blackwatertown
June 24, 2012
Hilarious episode on the Graham Norton show. Thanks for prompting me to watch it. Will I Am comes over very well. We like him this side of the Atlantic.
(PS – Hey – how come you don’t come round me way any more?)
samhenry
June 24, 2012
I don’t get around to anyone else’s blog these days. I have a doctor’s appointment next Friday. I can hardly walk and am in pain. I have fallen twice on the same damnable hip and I am railing against the gods these days. I have a new iPad an that will make it better. I can sit more comfortably in bed and visit. I have orthopedic chairs and still it is tough. I have a triple curvature of the spine that also may be part of the problem. You have made me want to visit a tape of the Will I Am show. I am sure it was funny. Not funny is the fact that so many people like her have the access to other culture problem. Thanks for coming Roo. I will rally – that’s who I am.
blackwatertown
June 28, 2012
Sounds like you need and deserve much pampering.
Beware watching the clip – you may laugh – only do so if it’s good for you.
James Crawford
June 30, 2012
Ouch!!
Just did a half engine rebuild today on a trackhoe today and was glad I had my sons to help. My hands are killing me, but I can motate.
bydesign001
July 20, 2012
Excellent post SH. While I must admit that I have my moments with Will.I.am, I am pleased that Will was on his best behavior. He appears to have mellowed quite a bit. As for the actress, Miriam Margolyes, God bless that woman for daring to say that which others would not.
Btw, I am sorry to hear about your health issues. I hope that you are feeling much better these days.
Will say a prayer for you my friend.
D.
P.S.: Again, thanks for the post. It put a little sunshine into my day on this cool, wet summer morning.
samhenry
July 25, 2012
Thanks for your good comments and wishes, D. I am in a lot of pain and it is difficult to sit for long. I also am busy with getting ready for whatever happens. Not an easy task. I will post again soon. This is a weird election. I feel as if the world is now living in the Twilight Zone! Anything could happen.