"Wicked, this made me laugh and cry so much. So so so real in so many ways. ABOUT TIME. This should be shown in colleges and universities across the world to show the reality of black Britain. Big up for this. I want it on DVD so I can watch it again 100 times."
Michelle, London
"I found this show truly amazing and a tad bit irreverent, but that helped prove its point! It was blatant in its views and also said things that black people openly say. I truly loved it. Can't wait for it to be on DVD so all the black, white, Asian friends I have that missed the show can watch it."
Denzil, West London "This was just a lame excuse at airing racism. I didn't once hear the words honky or cracker, but couldn't go a minute without hearing the word nigger. And true to suit, the black guy died first, the jail was full of only blacks, as was the mental institution. In this drama, blacks were not once shown in a positive role, why is this?
I'll leave you to make your own decision, but I am not impressed."
Not Happy, London "Elements of this film touched so many old memories for me. They also highlighted some current issues, particularly those that highlight the fact that, as black people, we are a number of things, but certainly not homogeneous, so many shades to our characters, spirituality, lifestyles and perceptions.
It wasn't afraid to say things as they are perceived by more individuals than you would dare to believe.
It may may well hit on the odd nerve for a few people, there may be the odd complaint but, please, please, please give me more of this mind twisting, real, current, gritty stuff that takes you through so many emotions."
Jennifer Jones-Rigby, West Midlands| "I'm hoping that stuff like this will make things different by the time my daughter grows up." |
"Really well observed. It deals well with the identity problems which affect modern black communities. I'm hoping that stuff like this will make things different by the time my daughter grows up.
A difficult subject handled beautifully. Keep doing it."
Matt Bradley, Wakefield "Some of the major issues within the black community were highlighted in this programme. It was well written, directed and the actors were brilliant. The writer and director clearly understood black issues and perhaps have dealt with them on a personal level. I hope that the BBC will continue to show such programmes at a decent hour and with the same publicity and enthusiasm."
C. Robinson, London "Fan-smashing-tastic! And very insightful!
I am a black girl who has grown up in the UK, but am of Sierra Leonean origin. I totally identified with some of the issues raised. At the same time it was unrealistic in certain areas - for example, in terms of how he had virtually no support from the black community, especially his own family.
It did provide an insight into the school system in relation to black boys - a system that is challenging, but one that can be tackled to achieve positive results. The issues raised about religion were also very interesting, issues that are often overlooked. A stunning performance by
David Oyelowo, and beautifully filmed too."
Nadia Kamara, London "Fire burned inside me as I watched the portrayal of the black community in this drama. Although the issues tackled are being discussed within the black community, the approach adopted, was one that was negative and derogatory. To my mind this took away the very essence that the drama was attempting to capture. It's a shame and all I can do is shake my head in dismay."
Kay, London "As a black man I too have had similar views to Joe. I have not had them to such an extreme degree but I have felt saddened when I've heard black people use white people as an excuse for anything they can.
Charles Mnene was an ideal person to play Germal - he impressed me in The Bill and surpassed that in this. With such great black talent throughout the cast I hope the BBC carries on the good work. We need powerful and moving dramas involving young people, the British black community, and anything else that other channels are either too scared to explore, or just do not have the talent and vision to do so."
Marky B, Margate| "To all those who call this brilliant drama racist, I say hold a mirror to yourself and maybe your street." |
"Thank you for a very simple yet sophisticated narration of this amazing story. I'm glad the BBC had the conviction to air such a programme in this era of political correctness.
I know many black folks like myself would be demanding the head of the producers.
However, the issues touched on in this drama are very real and concerning ones that affect our community.
To all those who call this brilliant drama racist, I say hold a mirror to yourself and maybe your street."
Eddy, Enfield "Shoot The Messenger was hardly ground-breaking. David Oyelowo's slightly overacted Danny, is Holden Caulfield, straight out of Catcher in the Rye and equally as adolescent in behaviour and attitude.
The issues raised are nothing new to observations made by many black friends and acquaintances, who are also capable of discussing, reasoning and agreeing to differ with each other.
It's strange but in courting controversy with some views similar to Danny's, I've never come under physical threat but, I guess there's nothing like a black stereotype to liven up a tepid script. And the BBC will love the writer all the better for it!
The safeness of the topics covered together with the misogynist references aimed against black women made this an annoying and irritating viewing for me. "
Beverley, London "A very powerful drama. I read a review this afternoon accusing Foster of racial stereotyping, and had to see it for myself.
It's ironic that the piece is about defeating the ingrained racial stereotyping in a man's mind, and the reviewer accused the author of intending to do just the opposite. I believe that the reviewer was a victim of a strong desire to be politically correct, and I believe that the reviewer failed.
I found the acting not only believable, but when called upon, imaginative as well. I hope to see more work by
Sharon Foster, I believe she has something very special."
David Duchin, London "I thought the drama was amazing. I'm only 13, but even though I suppose the drama was aimed at adults. It really touched me and helped me understand the issues about the black community today. I loved it. I hope the BBC produce more dramas about issues that no-one dares to talk about in the world today, especially not to younger people."
Hannah, Northants| "It didn't inspire or educate so perhaps the writer should have kept her small-minded and negative views to herself." |
"I didn't really see the point of this drama. Was it intended as light entertainment? I personally didn't find it funny. It didn't inspire or educate so perhaps the writer should have kept her small-minded and negative views to herself. Perhaps the worst scene in the drama was the 'crabs in a barrel' analogy.
Maybe the writer should begin to understand that black people are not a homogeneous group and that many black people have success stories to inspire the youth of today and therefore do something she failed to do - move forward."
Claire, London "I found this very provocative and a refreshing alternative to a very sensitive debate in this country. It reinforces a strong message that there are always two sides to every story. No doubt those mindless liberal elites and other reactionaries will announce it as a recruiting broadcast on behalf of the BNP or other unfortunate comments but I felt it got an ambitious argument across never the less."
Arash Salimi, London "I watched this with my 15-year-old son, and afterwards was surprised that it led to the deepest discussion we have had in a very long time about what it means to be black.
Not just about being black, but the many facets of us and the difficulties we face recognising and accepting those differences amongst ourselves.
There were so many truths for us in this dramatisation, but different truths, and the impact of the film was tremendous for us both. We loved the film and we know we will be talking about it amongst friends and colleagues for a long time."
Veronica and Niall, Birmingham "It got into the open ever-more frequently heard mumblings from the chattering classes and laid a few opinions bare for all to see. It could have gone even further, but is a good starting point for debate. Very powerful. I shed a few tears of realisation at the end."
Shelley Draper, Nottingham| "It's just someone's personal views after all and is from their own experiences. Who can say they're wrong?" |
"I have mixed feelings about this programme. At first, I thought it was just an exploration of one man's views on his own community. His feelings are understandable because of the hurt he suffered and obviously most of his feelings stem from a huge mental breakdown.
However, I agree with what many have said: it stereotypes black people to a huge extent, portrays them completely negatively and it doesn't offer any type of solution. But then again, is it supposed to? It's just someone's personal views after all and is from their own experiences. Who can say they're wrong?
One other thing, contrary to what others believe, is that if this was about white people instead of black people, there would not be an outcry. White people hate themselves more than Joe does here."
Catherine, Southend "I'm a white person and I only watched this programme because of the publicity. I'm so glad I did. What a powerful drama. Very complex and thought provoking. Anyone who said this is a racist programme missed the point. It was about humanity and misunderstanding. I loved it."
Chris Davis, Ilford, Essex "One of the most honest and perceptive programmes I've ever seen on British television. David was FANTASTIC, such a good choice as lead. The rest of the cast were also amazing - some talented new faces amongst the younger cast. Congratulations to the Ms Osbourne.
Excellent story and the direction and production were faultless. Thank you for making us all take a good look at ourselves. Please repeat this on BBC THREE soon so I can tell everyone."
Laverne, London "I'm a white man of working class origins. I suffered the same sort of rubbish that Joe experienced, from (primarily but not exclusively) white idiots who weren't prepared to make any sort of effort at school, were naturally aggressive and myopic.
Somehow, despite the damage, I survived the bullying (and went on to 'better myself') which can't have been half as bad as it now is from (black/white) non-entities who demand 'respect' but deserve the reverse.
The race of these losers is irrelevant - they all have their own excuses - the prerogative is to expose their characteristics, highlight them and demonstrate how ultimately self-defeating they are. This is what Shoot The Messenger superbly achieves."
Neil, Kingston "It is about time the BBC put on a well written drama - it was bold, refreshing and obviously resonated from the heart. Can't quite see why such a fuss was made about it being 'controversial' - it raised a lot of issues that will take time to address within the black community and hopefully it will promote much needed dialogue. Well done to the film makers."
Charmaine Watkiss, London
