Thank you for your reply to my previous letter to your colleague Lucia Fortucci.

I am disappointed with your reply on several counts.

Firstly you say: ‘we also have to reflect wider opinion – for example, Lewis Hamilton is widely described as ‘black’ when commentators reflect on the lack of diversity in Formula 1 and the sport of motor racing.’

It is just as important that Lewis Hamilton is a mixed-race racing driver as this shows that children of racially mixed unions do succeed and contribute to our society. It also shows that as yet there has not been a black racing driver. Why is that? Is there racism in Formula 1. The success of Lewis Hamilton will give those in the black community who aspire to get into racing hope that if a mixed-race driver can make it then maybe they can too but it does not equate to a black racing driver making it. When you say ‘reflect wider opinion’, who are you referring to? The media may be perpetuating racial assignation but the general public seem to know the difference between someone who is of mixed-race and someone who is black. Especially when the race of that person’s parents is common knowledge.

Secondly, you say: ‘Barack Obama is often similarly described in relation to American politics.’

Is this statement saying that we accept the one-drop-rule in this country? This policy is fiercely contested in America and is seen as racist. The fact that Barak Obama is mixed-race is an important factor in debates as to his ability to secure the black vote and the white one.

What I find most disappointing is the BBC’s inability to provide a balanced portrayal of mixedness. I have participated in many BBC radio shows on the subject of mixed-race and spoken to many researchers wanting to make programmes about the issues and the marginalisation of the mixed-race population and yet the BBC is still doing the very thing it aims to make programmes about. How come I can switch on the news and hear that a mixed-race male is wanted in connection with a crime yet the balancing story that a mixed-race male is making Formula 1 racing history or may be the next president of the USA has its racial classification changed to reflect wider opinion. What else is being changed to reflect wider opinion?

I wrote in to the BBC as a viewer but I am also the founder of Intermix.org.uk a website for mixed-race individuals and their families. The subject of the media’s racial assignation of mixed-race icons and celebrities is often discussed on our forums and was also discussed as part of the ‘Mixedness and Mixing conference held by the Commission for Racial Equality earlier this year. Whilst the BBC is only one media organisation, it is the UK’s most important broadcaster and is seen to be the market leader. Why then is it ignoring one of the largest growing parts of the UK population?

This matter is not only important to me as a personal viewer of the BBC it is also important to the mixed-race population, who need to see balanced portrayals in order to feel an acceptable part of UK society.

Please note that I intend to post your comments made so far and any I receive in the future on the Intermix.org.uk website for other mixed-race individuals and families to view.

I look forward to your reply.

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