Uprising against “Arena” broadcast “Now Black People Talk”

Since the violent death of George Floyd († 46) in Minneapolis (USA), the topic has heated people’s minds, and more and more “Black Lives Matter” protests are taking place around the world. Today the topic of racism is discussed in the “Arena” (10.25 p.m., SRF 1). The motto of the discussion show: “Now black people are talking”. But the fact that three out of four protagonists in the front row of discussions are white is angry with many.

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So also the artist and activist Brandy Butler (40). She posts an image on her Instagram profile that says “We don’t support today’s arena.” In relation to BLICK, she clarifies her statement: «The panel does not match the title of the program. Among the four main panelists are three white people, one is SVP National Councilor, one is Republican and elected Trump. The only black person in the group is a comedian. »

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Republicans and SVPs at the forefront

A look at the guests of the show shows: SVP national councilor and police officer Andrea Geissbühler (43), SP national councilor Samira Marti (26), Republican James Foley (54) and comedian Kiko (35) are discussing in close circles. Every now and then, discussions are brought in for Angela Addo, Juso member and co-organizer of the “Black Lives Matter” rally, and Gabriella Binkert (59), President SVP Val Müstair. Borussia Dortmund player Manuel Akanji (24) is added for an interview.

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Already during the «Club» discussion last Tuesday evening, Butler saw what happens when blacks are in the minority in discussions about racism. «They had to constantly defend their experience of racism. But nobody knows better what it’s like to be black than black people themselves. »

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Butler would have preferred a purely black panel

For today she would have liked a purely black discussion panel from SRF, especially with regard to the title of the program. «There are also different opinions there. It is not as if there is no spectrum of discussion here. » That is why she did not accept the invitation to the show – just like many of her friends. «The people I know don’t feel like discussing their own fundamental rights with the SVP. There is no question that racism exists. Rather, it should be discussed what can be done about it. »

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The left-wing activist Anna Rosenwasser (30) shares the same opinion. “If the show is advertised with this title, I expect another round of discussions,” she says. “We have to listen to black people and give them a platform to understand what they experience every day,” she says. “After all, it is not we whites who determine what is racist. Just as no heterosexual can judge what is homophobic and what is not. »

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The displeasure is also increasing on social media. Musician Knackeboul (38) says: «I think that’s a very bad idea and a disservice to the black community. Can you still cancel the exercise? »

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Twitter user Efya Langenegger is also outraged: «You can’t be serious that you are broadcasting the arena show this evening! ‘Now we’re talking blacks’ ?! The show should be called ‘Now let’s talk about the blacks’! ”She writes. “Because we have our own voice, you just have to let it speak.”

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