Wednesday 14th September I posted an article entitled Welcome to the UK, which revealed Kelis' racial abuse encounter which she expressed on Twitter. Yesterday she added clarification to the situation.
Just to clarify, because apparently there's been some confusion. I was in the uk (as always) this time for bestival (which was great) http://twitter.com/iamkelis/status/114366853278736384
I took a flight from gatwick back to spain so for those fact checkers that is approx 2 n a half to 3 hourflight.
I landed in spain. http://twitter.com/iamkelis/status/114367274458152961
And that's when fat pink faced british guy who was on the plane with me called me a slave and to call him sir. It was at passport control http://twitter.com/iamkelis/status/114367751811903488
I didn't think to make that clear at the time because I was shaken and furious. Now you know.
http://twitter.com/iamkelis/status/114367887086596097
This situation has highlighted two important things. Firstly due to the rise in social media the way in which we share information has changed. Twitter allows us all to share our expressions as they are happening and this is clearly what Kelis did. Twitter has become the new way to gain and share news instantly.With the information given we all, myself included had a reaction. Mine came in the form of an article highlighting her encounter with the knowledge present. The Metro and Evening Standard also reported the story. The angle I took and the points I raised in the previous article are valid and it is for this reason that I will leave the article posted.
However this incident raises important questions about how the media use information shared on Twitter. With the restriction of 140 characters and even with Twit Longer, expressions based on reactions will never give the whole story, it’s just not possible as in the heat of any moment you are not in the place of reasoning. As a result, I think the responsibility in using and sharing information gained from Twitter has to lie with both the tweeter and sharer.
Kelis’ encounter was news and without edit the media were right to reveal it to the masses. However Kelis has to take some responsibility also. She tweeted information, yes in a stressful situation, however not all the details were correct and people had and have the right to be upset. Her tone in clarifying the situation is slightly arrogant “for those fact checkers” which is unnecessary. The facts within news should be checked, it is important inspite of how we distribute news. After her comments Boris Johnson sent a tweet to the singer saying
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2038149/Kelis-racism-claims-Boris-Johnson-warns-UK-Border-Agency-stars-alleged-treatment-London-airport.html#ixzz1Y6ozfvM1
As we now know the incident took place on Spanish soil by a British person. Those offended have a right to be offended as the UK generalisation as her comments were misleading. Her observations in regards to how the UK and US deal with the issue of race is valid as it is her observations, however it is miss matched in relation to this direct experience. A difference there may well be, however Johnson's swift reply and promise to look into what occurred shows that the UK are likely to react in the right way when something wrong has occurred.
As I have said in the past, race is and has always been difficult to look at, predominately as I feel it involves
looking at our past, hurts, beliefs and views. Kelis has had time to reflect and clarify and I am intrigued by her choice of words “fat pink faced british guy”. Is this an acceptable description? Is this a racist term? Is this ok?
I know what I think, but what do you think and do you know why? I ask as a continuation to my ending questions in my last article.
Related Posts:
1.Welcome to the UK
2.Ying and Yang
3.Slave Earrings
© Lisa Bent 2011
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