Idris Elba Suggests TV Shows Shouldn’t Censor Racist Episodes
As many TV shows have recently addressed their dated racist episodes, by either removing scenes or deleting full episodes, Idris Elba is suggesting that shows shouldn’t censor the controversial scenes, instead they should be a part of the rating system. He claims, “I don’t believe in censorship. I believe that we should be allowed to say what we want to say. Because, after all, we’re story-makers.”
Speaking with Radio Times, Elba says, “I think viewers should know that people made shows like this. Yes, out of respect for the time and the [Black Lives Matter] movement, commissioners and archive-holders [are] pulling things they think are exceptionally tone-deaf at this time – fair enough and good for you. But I think, moving forward, people should know that freedom of speech is accepted, but the audience should know what they’re getting into.”
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He adds, “I’m very much a believer in freedom of speech, but the thing about freedom of speech is that it’s not suitable for everybody. That’s why we have a rating system: we tell you that this particular content is rated U, PG, 15, 18, X.” He disclaims, “To mock the truth, you have to know the truth. But to censor racist themes within a show, to pull it – wait a second, I think viewers should know that people made shows like this. Out of respect for the time and the movement, commissioners and archive-holders pulling things they think are exceptionally tone-deaf at this time – fair enough and good for you. But I think, moving forward, people should know that freedom of speech is accepted, but the audience should know what they’re getting into.”
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