I Hope It’s Not a Black man (Digital Anarchy)

This is a multi-media performance piece that was devised in collaboration with Benji Reid, Michael Mannash-Daniels, and Ekundayo (Anthony Lennon) and scripted by McMillan. It explored the representation of Black men in mainstream British television media through a series of satirical dramatic vignettes. It was produced by Raw Material Music and Media as part of Digital Anarchy at Bagley’s Warehouse

Leaflets and fliers for Digital Anarchy. Artwork by Ronald Fraser-Munroe, 1995.

Sound bites you know:

You open your copy of the Radio Times and search for something stimulating on the box instead of an afternoon dose of Neighbours, and come across a chat show curiously called I Hope its Not a Black Man. The strap-line reads: a spoof in the chat show format parodying the familiar yet terrifying presence of the dark hued criminal, entertainer, athlete. As you press the remote control, switching to Channel X, a niggling fear comes over you. Its too late now, as you hear a voice from somewhere else in your front room say....

You know him well,

he’s a familiar sight.

He comes on your TV screen

each time there is a mugging.

You see him running for the flag,

you see him laughing at himself.

Some would say he’s typecast,

but then some say it’s his own fault

Well who he is then?

I just hope its not another Black man

Don't you?

Michael McMillan