Last Week, A Black Woman’s Hair Was Compared To an Alpaca’s On British Prime Time TV
This is one of many indignities that Black women face on a daily basis in Britain
“This Morning” is a longstanding prime time show on British television. It has been on the airwaves since I was in short trousers. Originally presented by Richard Madely and his wife, Judy Finnegan. This syndicated show has to all intents and purposes become a national institution and not to mention a huge favourite with stay at home parents.
The summer holiday season is well and truly underway in England. And in what’s known as the “silly season”, there’s always the need to find compelling stories which capture the public interest and imagination.
And fortunately for the TV houses, there was one of such in the last few weeks, which has gripped the nation for a minute.
Enter Geronimo.
Geronimo is an alpaca, a very nice cuddly animal, that tested positive twice for bovine tuberculosis and was ordered to be destroyed by the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra). Not deterred by the decision, its owner — Helen McDonald — began campaigning online to raise awareness of the decision by the government and thus far, she has been quite successful in attracting attention and sympathy from the wider public…