Racism in the arts: calls for an industry-wide shift to overcome systemic issues

Following allegations of racism on the set of Neighbours, the peak national group for ethnocultural racial equality Diversity Arts Australia says urgent action is needed.

Left: Actor Shareena Clanton at a NAIDOC week march. Right: Actor Meyne Wyatt. The two Aboriginal actors have alleged racism on the Neighbours set.

Left: Actor Shareena Clanton at a NAIDOC week march. Right: Actor Meyne Wyatt. The two Aboriginal actors have alleged racism on the Neighbours set. Source: AAP

There is a push for cultural change within the entertainment industry to stamp out racist remarks made against First Nations actors and other performers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

"There is something systemic here, there is something fundamentally dangerous," Indigenous actor Shareena Clanton told ABC's '730' program. 

Other actors of colour also spoke out on Monday night about allegations of racism and mistreatment on 'Neighbours'.

Ms Clanton revealed she felt isolated for standing up against alleged racism on the set of the television series.

"Calling it out left me isolated, bullied, marginalised and I felt lonely," she said. 

Ms Clanton also alleged offensive slurs were used against actor Sharon Johal for raising concerns.

Ms Johal said in her own statement online she was called both 'blackie' and 'the black one.'
Ms Clanton has been campaigning for reform, strategies, policies and action against racism. 

Diversity Arts Australia has emphasised it will focus on "systemic change" into the future. 

"That starts with leadership, and we call for those in positions of power to urgently act to ensure their workplaces are safe and free from racism and other forms of discrimination and inequity," the group said. 

“Until people in positions of power prioritise systemic change, the kinds of incidents and harm that have been articulated by Sharon [Johal] and her First Nations colleagues will continue to impact on the well-being of individuals and the long-term sustainability of the screen industries," the organisation said.
Network 10 and production company, Fremantle, have made further comments in relation to claims the TV show, Neighbours, permeates a racist and misogynistic workplace.
Shareena Clanton isn't convinced by further statements made by Network 10 and Fremantle. Source: NITV
Production company Fremantle has previously said it was "committed to ensuring a respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees on the set of Neighbours."

It has launched an independent legal investigation and vowed to take "whatever next steps are appropriate."


Share
2 min read
Published 20 April 2021 11:49am
Updated 20 April 2021 11:52am
By Stephanie Corsetti
Source: NITV News


Share this with family and friends